THE WAGGONER MANSION

The Waggoner Mansion, located at the end of Main Street in the city of Decatur, was built by Dan Waggoner for a growing family. Sometimes called “El Castile”, this is a large home, situated on a hill east of town, sitting on thirteen and one-half acres. The house consists of two stories, sixteen rooms, with a full basement and eight fireplaces. It is constructed of old fossiliferous limestone and decorated with handcrafted wrought iron on the roof and balconies. Half-moon-shaped stained glass add an array of color to the tops of the windows and to the large massive hand-carved entrance door. At the peak of the house, an ornate cupola gives height to the stately home. The inviting first floor entrance hall has a winding stairway sweeping up to the second floor. A hand-carved Texas Star motif decorates the walnut and oak stairway. Massive doors with solid brass hardware, are sixteen feet tall, minifying the tall ceilings. Three of the huge doors enhanced with stained glass project dancing rays of colored light in the interior. Adding an air of elegance to the front parlor is a beautiful ornate chandelier. Wrought iron and handmade isinglass fixtures from Denver compliment the Victorian library, large dining room and two halls. Also on the first floor are five bedrooms, three marble baths, a keeping room, butler’s pantry, and a huge kitchen with a copper sink and accessories. The second floor contains a large game room, three bedrooms and two marble baths. The house is enclosed by a wrought iron fence with an archway bearing the name “El Castile.” The mansion is not open to the public.