BALL-EDDLEMAN-MCFARLAND HOUSE

This home was built in 1899 on the high bluff overlooking the Trinity River. It was part of a neighborhood known as Quality Hill which featured large Victorian homes, owned mainly by Fort Worth’s Cattle Baron Families. Only a small number of these homes remain today. The home was originally designed for Sarah Ball by Howard Messer of the firm Messer, Sanguinet, & Messer. William Eddleman purchased the house in 1904 shortly after Mrs. Ball passed away. Mr. Eddleman founded the Western National Bank in 1906 and it failed in 1913. Eddleman’s daughter, Carrie McFarland, lived in the home until her death in 1978 at the age of 99. In 1979, the home was purchased by the Junior League of Fort Worth. Historic Fort Worth, Inc.is now the owner of the home. The organization operates a house museum, the Preservation Resource Center, and their offices with the home. In 2006, the organization also became the owner of Thistle Hill, another Cattle Baron mansion.

This Victorian Home displays some Queen Anne styling with brick, sandstone, and marble used on the exterior of the house. The elaborate interior features mahogany and oak mantles, cornices, coffered ceilings, paneling and parquet floors. The home is situated on the bluff overlooking the Trinity River. Tours are available of this home. Contact Historic Fort Worth, Inc. for more information. The main floor is also available for rental for weddings, receptions, and meetings.