Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1884-1886, 1885-08-20
FINE RESIDENCES.
Beauty and comsor. Combined.

Our city is fast becoming noted for fine
homes: residences that combine beauty of
conception and design with comfortable ap-
pointments, There are many such in var
ious stages of completion in some OF the
most desirable locations at present, one of
which we will attempt to describe briefly
this mo rning; that of Mr.. Geo. E. Harris.
The Harris mansion. situated at No. 329
River street, on one ofthe most desirable
building sites in the city, is not sufficiently
advanced TO comprehend Just what its
beauty will be when completed. 1t gives
neither in its exterior nor interior more than
faint idea of the fully developed concep-
ton of its designer. 1t is at present in con-
fusion owing to the operations Of q large
force of workmen, but in few weeks it will
be fully completed mansion second to none
in the city, and it will be furnished orna-
mented and equipped with liberal hand.
Its situation is beautiful, browning a beauti-
full plat Of ground about an acre
in extent, fronting on River street
and running back to the rivers
edge where towering trees fringe the river,
interspersed with shrubbery and climbing
vines, wild grapes and plums. On the north
side is luxuriant vineyard which bears evi.
dence of great care. On one side of this
vineyard are several rows Of pear, apple and
plumb trees, the apple and pear trees being
laden with the choicest fruits of their kinds
At the other side is luxuriant row of rasp-
| berry vines, with clusters Of the same here
and there among the trees. At the south
side of the house is an arbor covered with
grape-laden vines and all round the remain
der of the sprcious plat are variety Of
| efuit and ornamental trees. The mansion
stands in the front center of these beautiful
| grounds, and is somewhat shut out from
view by dense growth of cottonwoods
naples and locusts that line the street. Thu
front view OF the fine structure is imposing
The general design is of the Queer
Anne style of architecture modified
on the American plan. 4 tai
tower looms up majestically over the mail
entrance on the northeast corner and thu
door is covered by an artistic little portieo
On the southeast corner is lesser tower sur
mounting double bay window looking ou
in three different directions and command
ing fine view to the front and the ground!
to the south of the structure. The hous'
stands upon a substantial stone foundation
that rises about four feet above the surface
thus making fine cellar. The main struct
ure is about thirty-six feet square and two
and half stories high. Passing in thu
main entrance you are in the ante room, :
coy little apartment of which, in its presen
unfinished state, but an imperfect idea o
what il will be can be obtained. At thu
left, Just inside the door is the recep
ton room and library, a commodiou
and beautifully appointed apartment winch
opens into spacious dining room by fold
ing doors. The dining room opens on th'
parlor, also by folding doors. A door slst
opens from the ante-room into the parlor
In both the dining room and parlor are fir
places with granite mantles and castings
The parlor has large double windows O
plste glass looking towards the north and
the dining room has a fine large window o.
q similar character commanding view o.
the lawn and grounds south and west TO thu
river, also door leading out onto portict
at the southwest corner. A door leads from
the dining room TO the kitchen. q spacious
apartment, beautiful and convenient in it
appointments.
A spiral stairway will lead up stairs from
the ante-room, but as it is not yet built w
can say nothing about it. The ceiling
below and above are high and the who'll
mansion is we'll ventilated. The upper stor.
is divided into five rooms corresponding il
size with the lower rooms and Furnished
with fire places and opening into hall
These are sleeping apartments and are sup
piled with clothes presses. On this floor j
also an elegant bath room. Altogether 1t j
a princely mansion and We understand
will be luxuriantly furnished. We hope tn
happy occupants will live long to enjoy j,