Friday, October 11, 2013

HOUZZ Article

My Houzz: Step Inside a Grand 1800s Victorian

A 7,000-square-foot historic estate returns to glory, thanks to loving renovations by a tireless Texas couple

Sarah Greenman
Home tour contributor for Houzz, artist, freelance writer, photographer

Tom and Nancy Aldinger were happy homeowners living in Dallas with no intention of moving. Then one day in April 2006, a luxury real estate magazine crossed Nancy's desk that changed everything. "Once Tom saw the ad for this house, it was a done deal," Nancy says. "We took a look at the property and made an offer the next day." 

Eight weeks after seeing the ad, the Aldingers were the proud owners of the Cartwright House, a grand and historic 1883 Victorian residence in Terrell, Texas, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. They also bought the furniture inside, much of it original to the house.

The Aldingers then worked tirelessly to restore the house to its original charm — even hiring an interior designer to pick period-appropriate colors — and to ensure it's enjoyed by the community. "There isn't a day that goes by without someone stopping to take a photograph of the house," Nancy says. "It makes me feel so proud."

Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Tom and Nancy Aldinger
Location: Terrell, Texas
Size: 7,000 square feet; 6 bedrooms, 5 full baths, 3 half baths