The Barr Mansion – Certified Organic
The Mansion
The seven acre Barr Mansion was built in 1898 for cotton merchant William Braxton Barr (1864-1902) and his wife Matilda (Tillie) Birdwell (1868-1951), and was designed by Austin architect Charles Page. The home remained in the Barr family until 1980, when Mark and Melanie McAfee fell in love with the mansion and purchased it. Young and full of energy, but cash poor and With three children, they borrowed money from family to buy the old home— which was in need of repairs.
After much love and hard work were put into the rehabilitation of the house, it became the perfect setting for a wedding. Mark’s sister, Nancy, was the first bride to celebrate her wedding there, and a business was born. Since that time, there have been over two thousand events at the seven-acre setting, from intimate garden parties to elaborate galas for as many as 800. In addition to being a stunning place to hold events, the Barr Mansion boasts an impressive array of sustainable practices.
The Garden
The Garden of Eden, as it is now called, has a tropical feel with bamboos, gingers, and hostas. Apple trees also addorn the property and all gardening is done organically. A life-sized Zen garden greets guests as they approach the entrance to the Artisan Ballroom on a path of massive flagstones.
The Artisan Ballroom
The front facade, which soars over 40 feet, is composed entirely of glass. Rough-hewn timbers from an ancient barn built in the 1770’s, comprise the building’s massive framework. Two master craftsmen from the Cotswolds of England thatched the roof a full 12 inches thick. The ballroom is organic, sustainable, and nourishing and to praise the earth, the creation story is depicted in vibrant colors on a 250 square foot movable mural painted by Austin artist Doug Jaques. An indoor waterfall and grotto accent an all glass wing of the ballroom, creating a stunning location for an indoor ceremony.
Organic and Sustainable
The Barr Mansion is USDA certified organic! At the Barr Mansion, they garden organically, serve all organic cuisine, recycle, compost, and use 100% post-consumer waste recycled paper for brochures/menus. The Mansion has a 75-year concrete roof and the ballroom has a 75-year thatched roof. Other organic and sustainable features include:
-Glasses and plates washed without bleach using very hot water from a tankless water heater
-Organic cotton fabric tablecloths and hemp napkins
-Candles locally made with non-petroleum, soy wax
-Rastra walls made recycled Styrofoam
-Locally made stucco
-Geothermal heating and cooling system
The McAfee family actively supports the community, from purchasing buffet platters made by local glass makers to purchasing produce from local farms. They will also donate the use of the facilities to local groups who are committed to making the world a sustainable place.
For more information or to book and event, visit: www.barrmansion.com