Editor Pick
J. H. Benefield Sr. House
- December 7, 2007
- Rated 5 of 5 by
carolynann831 from Jefferson, Texas
The J.H. Benefield Sr. House, circa 1895, is a Recorded Texas HIstoric Landmark labelled as a gay nineties house because of the lavish parties thrown in the front parlor during the 1890's. A Victorian home with a Queen Anne influence, this home is known as a painted lady, a victorian home painted in three or more contrasting colors that bring out the decorative features. To me, the home looks somewhat like a gingerbread house, which was very appropriate for our Christmas visit.
We visited this home during the Christmas Candlelight Tour of Homes in Jefferson, Texas. You can get to the house by turning right(south) from hwy 49 two blocks past Brookshires Grocery. Travel 8 blocks south and you are here. The cost of the tour is $15 Adults and $2 Children for this and three other homes featured on the tour. As we walked toward the home through a wrought iron gate we were greeted in front by a gentleman in turn of the century(1890-1900) attire. We entered through the ornate door where we were greeted by a lady also in period clothing. The house features original wallpaper that is in amazingly good condition, as well as the orignal drapes on the front parlor windows. There are stained glass windows throughout the home that are a major feature both inside and out. Also throughout the home are paintings that have been hanging here for a century. The back parlor, which is the gentlemens parlor, features a large mirror, an ornate fireplace, and a set of the stained glass windows. It has a less feminine feel than the rest of the house and I think this is my favorite room because it is very cozy and warm on a cold winter day. But the front parlor with its colorful wallpaper and very Victorian decor has an appeal of its own and with the windows open might be my favorite on a summer evening with a cool breeze blowing through.
We really enjoyed visiting this home. This is somewhere I would enjoy spending a night for a romantic evening. For a more intimate view of the home, you can stay a night in one of the bed and breakfast rooms. The Victorian atmosphere is very romantic and will make you feel as if you have stepped back in time. And for extra romance, I found out from their web site they are available for weddings.
You can check out their website at www.benefieldhouse.com or call them at 903-665-9366.
Find out more information about the Candlelight Tour of Homes at www.historicjeffersonfoundation.com or call at 903-665-7064.
From journal Jefferson-Candles, Homes, and History