Norton鈥揚olk鈥揗athis House, San Antonio
The Norton鈥揚olk鈥揗athis House, widely known as Villa Finale, stands as a historic treasure in San Antonio's King William Historical District. Constructed on one of the area's oldest sites, the property reflects a rich evolution of Texas architecture while embodying the vibrant history of its neighborhood.
The story began in 1869, when Russell C. Norton, a San Antonio merchant and Mayflower descendant, acquired three lots of land stretching from King William Street to the San Antonio River. In 1876, he began constructing the house, which underwent multiple remodels over the 19th century. These transformations included the addition of a second story, a Victorian gingerbread rear gallery, and eventually an Italian Renaissance Revival tower and porch, making the house a living timeline of architectural styles.
Through a succession of owners, the property fell into disrepair and was eventually used as a boarding residence until 1967. At that time, Walter Nold Mathis, a prominent civic leader, purchased the house. Mathis meticulously restored it to its original grandeur over two years, naming it Villa Finale as a testament to his intention to make it his final home. His efforts extended beyond his residence: Mathis acquired and stabilized 16 additional properties in the King William neighborhood, earning him the title of "father of the modern King William."
In 1971, the Norton鈥揚olk鈥揗athis House was recognized as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark and became a contributing property to the King William Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Upon Mathis鈥檚 death in 2005, he bequeathed the home to the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Today, the house operates as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into its layered history and the architectural heritage of Texas. Tours are available on a limited basis, preserving Mathis's legacy and the unique charm of Villa Finale.
The story began in 1869, when Russell C. Norton, a San Antonio merchant and Mayflower descendant, acquired three lots of land stretching from King William Street to the San Antonio River. In 1876, he began constructing the house, which underwent multiple remodels over the 19th century. These transformations included the addition of a second story, a Victorian gingerbread rear gallery, and eventually an Italian Renaissance Revival tower and porch, making the house a living timeline of architectural styles.
Through a succession of owners, the property fell into disrepair and was eventually used as a boarding residence until 1967. At that time, Walter Nold Mathis, a prominent civic leader, purchased the house. Mathis meticulously restored it to its original grandeur over two years, naming it Villa Finale as a testament to his intention to make it his final home. His efforts extended beyond his residence: Mathis acquired and stabilized 16 additional properties in the King William neighborhood, earning him the title of "father of the modern King William."
In 1971, the Norton鈥揚olk鈥揗athis House was recognized as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark and became a contributing property to the King William Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Upon Mathis鈥檚 death in 2005, he bequeathed the home to the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Today, the house operates as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into its layered history and the architectural heritage of Texas. Tours are available on a limited basis, preserving Mathis's legacy and the unique charm of Villa Finale.
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Norton鈥揚olk鈥揗athis House on Map
Sight Name: Norton鈥揚olk鈥揗athis House
Sight Location: San Antonio, USA (See walking tours in San Antonio)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: San Antonio, USA (See walking tours in San Antonio)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in San Antonio, Texas
Create Your Own Walk in San Antonio
Creating your own self-guided walk in San Antonio is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
River Walk Tour
The San Antonio River Walk (also known as Paseo del R铆o or simply The River Walk) is a network of walkways along the banks of the San Antonio River, one story beneath the streets of the city. A successful special-case pedestrian street, this walk winds and loops under bridges as two parallel sidewalks lined with restaurants and shops, connecting major tourist draws and attractions that add to its... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.9 Km or 1.2 Miles
King William Historical District Tour
San Antonio鈥檚 first 鈥渟uburb鈥� and the very first historical district in Texas, revitalized during the 1960s, the King William District encompasses 25 blocks south of downtown and east of the San Antonio River.
Back in the late 1800s, it was the most elegant residential area in the city. Settled by German immigrants, the neighborhood was named after Kaiser Wilhelm of Prussia and... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Back in the late 1800s, it was the most elegant residential area in the city. Settled by German immigrants, the neighborhood was named after Kaiser Wilhelm of Prussia and... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
San Antonio Introduction Walking Tour
San Antonio, one of Texas' major cities, boasts rich colonial heritage. The city was named by a 1691 Spanish expedition for Saint Anthony of Padua, whose feast day is June 13. At the time of European encounter, the area near the San Antonio River Valley was inhabited by Payaya Indians who called it Yanaguana, the "refreshing waters".
In 1709, Spanish Father Antonio de Olivares... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
In 1709, Spanish Father Antonio de Olivares... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles