Editor Pick
Scarlett O'Hardy's
- December 7, 2007
- Rated 5 of 5 by
carolynann831 from Jefferson, Texas
Scarlett O'Hardy's, a two story Greek Revival is the largest and newest home we visited on the annual Christmas Candlelight Tour of Homes in Jefferson, Texas. The cost to tour four historic homes is $15 for adults and $2 children under 10. You can get to this house by turning right onto Main Street from Hwy 49(just past Brookshires Grocery) and travelling south 6 blocks. Finished in 2001, the home was built and designed in an 1800's antebellum style.
After entering the home through double front doors, you are greeted by the owner, Bobby Hardy. Just inside the double doors, you'll see a long hallway flanked on either side by a formal dining room and a formal parlor. As we entered the house, flowing from the parlor into the hall was the sound of beautiful harp music. We were surprised to find, instead of a CD playing, a very talented young harpist entertaining the guests.
The home features 1800's antiques and decor with a few sentimental and whimsical touches adding personality. Family photos in black and white adorn the hallway walls. Inside the formal dining room, a very unique chandelier made from elk and deer antlers adds a touch of informality. For the Christmas season, the centerpiece on the dining table is a hand carved, hand painted nativity set. And one of the less formal sitting rooms in the back features a coffee table that had a former life as a butcher block in Mrs Hardy's grandfathers grocery store.
We were told to take a look at the leather walls in the study, except they weren't leather. A leather look was created using paper sacks. It really looked like the real thing and added a touch of masculinity to the room. (I'd try to do that on one of my walls, but I'm afraid my attempt would probably look like I put paper sacks on my wall.)
My favorite room in the house was actully not inside the house. After meandering through the rooms we exited out the back door onto the ultimate back porch. This was a two story screened in porch with a an overlooking 2nd floor balcony and a large brick fireplace. I know I'd really enjoy a good book on that porch.
In addition to a place on this years Christmas tour, you can tour the house anytime with advance reservations. Or enjoy a night of luxury in one of the bedrooms(Scarlett O'Hardys is also a bed and breakfast.)
Next to the house is the reason for the name and style of the home. Bobby O'Hardy is an avid collector of Gone With The Wind memoralbia, so her property is also the home of Scarlet O'Hardy's Gone With The Wind Museum, which is open Thurs-Sat 10AM-5PM and Sun-Wed by appointment. Adult admission is $3. Child admission(12 and under) is $1.
For more information on tours or a bed-and-breakfast stay visit www.scarlettohardy.com or call 903-665-1939
From journal Jefferson-Candles, Homes, and History