Howdy all,
Had the opportunity to visit this amazing Victorian mansion. If you are ever in the area, it's worth the 30 minutes and six bucks.
Built in 1886 for an estimated $250,000 by Colonel Walter Gresham, the castle was designed by noted architect, Nicholas Clayton. A curious mix of sandstone, granite and limestone, all native to Texas, the house also has wood paneling throughout. Award winning fireplaces are found in the ballroom and music room.
Here's where I think it gets really interesting. The house was designed and built with indoor plumbing, natural gas and electric lighting through out the house! One of the fireplaces is a natural gas, fake log setup (like the current offerings, but a bit larger and built into the staircase.) It was amazing to see these "modern" features in a house made before the turn of the last century. Just another reminder at how fluid inventions and technology are in time.
There doesn't seem to be a direct link, but this one has better pictures than most.
http://texaslesstraveled.com/bishopspalace.htmBut this is the coolest picture:
Adios,