Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1538827
full-height porch and portico supported by Ionic columns, and detailed cornice and trim work. As the Barfields set about turning a family home into a commercial-grade property, they also began their role as faithful stewards of the home by seeking landmark designation. Neighbor and Houston Archaeological and Historical Commission member Charles Stava helped them with the process, and the property is now a City of Houston Protected Landmark — one of the last surviving residential examples of early-20th-century Neoclassical-style Houston homes. This process not only cemented the house's future but shed light on the home's history. The house was originally built in 1910 by architect George H. Fruehling for a businessman from New Orleans. Fruehling went on to design important Los Angeles properties, such as the Blair Estate (featured in Architectural Digest) and the DeWitt Mansion. The property later likely served as a rooming house. In the 1940s, the house was purchased and owned for decades by Captain Clavy Matthews and his wife, Jessie, who not only housed boarders but also owned a well-known antiques store, Caroline Antiques, which Jessie continued to operate after her husband's death, moving the shop into the home. Barfield will also be selling antiques at The Marlene, with a room in the front of the house dedicated as a showroom for Lily's Vintage Finds. As for the carefully curated antiques that decorate the rest of the inn? Not for sale. "It took us so long to make it perfect," Barfield says. "We're excited to carry on the legacy of hosting people in the house — it's rare that one gets to experience a residential masterpiece like this. Whether people come in and sit at Bar Madonna and just appreciate the gorgeous architecture and stained glass, or whether they're staying for a weekend, you get a little piece of the magic of this amazing Houston property." The Marlene and Bar Madonna, 109 Stratford St., themarlene.com. Clockwise from top: The mirrors in Bar Madonna were sourced from a decommissioned Eastern European church. The ceiling, inspired by the Church of Saint-Germain-des-Près in Paris, was hand-painted by Verdigris Finishes. Antique French chandelier. A vintage French tapestry hangs above the bed in the Mattingly room, one of the largest in The Marlene. Antique French slipper chairs skirted with bullion fringe. Many custom Full Spectrum Paint colors by Ellen Kennon were tested to find the perfect marigold hue for the lobby. Brunschwig & Fils Primavera Brocatelle drapery fabric. Maison Jansen coffee table.