^TM

IMAGINE THAT THIS IS YOUR GRACIOUS HOME

by Madelyn Miller

The Mansion on Turtle Creek takes its name from the former Sheppard W. King residence, which in 1925 brought the grandeur of sixteenth-century Italy to Dallas. King, a Texas oil and cotton baron, spared no expense in erecting his showplace. He spent years combing the Continent for the finest materials, the most gifted artisans, and a rare collection of Renaissance artifacts.

More than 50 years later, Rosewood Hotels purchased King's castle along with 4.63 acres of oak-studded land above Turtle Creek.

Rosewood followed King's lead and spared no expense in restoring the home to its original splendor. Today, at this classic hotel and restaurant, you'll experience the ultimate sensation of quality, style and elegance on a magnificent scale. And isn't that exactly the way you want to start your lives together?

Your welcome to the Mansion begins as you enter the 32-foot high marble rotunda with a dramatic floral arrangement lit from above.  In this magical place, grace, taste and manner are the mode. History and culture surround you. Artwork complements pieces found in the homes of internationally-traveled collectors. Fine accessories are all one-of-a kind.

Since there are more than two staff members per guest, service is subtle but impeccable. I once reserved a room for a relative who has an indoor swimming pool in his home. He wanted me to find out the pool temperature, to be sure it was warm enough for him. When I called the concierge to ask the water temperature, he replied,"What temperature would you like it to be?" I will never forget this "anything-you -want" attitude.

Few private residences are more complete than the hotel's 15 suites, providing ultimate comfort for each guest. Suites are decorated with an extraordinary selection of antique furnishings, accessories and original artwork. Completing this experience in luxury are a butler pantry, wet bar, marble and brass baths and powder room, 450 square foot sleeping room, separate living and dining areas, and dramatic balconies or garden terraces with breathtaking views of the city. Why would you ever want to leave your room?

Perhaps to feast on on Chef Dean Fearing's stylish, highly creative menus as he continually redefines American cuisine by weaving the foods and techniques of Asia, Mexico and the South into his signature Southwestern style. The menu is delightfully varied, from the Mansion's famous tortilla soup to pan-fried Louisiana crab cakes, from rack of lamb roasted with rosemary and two mustard sauces to the lobster taco.

Rosewood founder Caroline Hunt shares her private collection of hunt trophies, paintings, and lithographs on the cozy forest-green walls of The Bar. You can purchase other treasures in her nearby Lady Primrose's Shopping English Countryside Store. It is as simple as calling for the complimentary limo, which will escort you anywhere in a five-mile radius. Yet for most guests there is little reason to wander far from the hotel, which has its own outdoor pool, nearby parks and jogging trails, and the city's best antique shops and galleries, theater district and fine restaurants within walking distance. (Personally, I'd prefer to eat every meal at The Mansion, whether I was staying there or not.)

Don't miss the most romantic spot at the Mansion. Look for the intricately carved plaster ceiling in the library at the North end of the Dining room> Charming cherubs are carved on an imposing stone mantel, which was brought to Dallas from Germany.  The two carved columns at the entrance were brought fro Europe by the Kings; their entwined grapes, vines and leaves have become a welcoming signature of the restaurant.

Photos courtesy of The Mansion on Turtle Creek

Back to TravelLady Magazine