Donna Arp Home, Thornbury
One would never imagine what lies behind closed doors, and this is certainly the case with former Colleyville Mayor Donna Arp’s home. Her home is likened to a treasure chest of world travels and collecting; and a sharp-eyed collector at that. Donna and Bruce both have a penchant for life and it is reflected in their style. The 20 year old Thornbury home can be described as eclectic; being filled with fine antiques and incredible mementos while being full of character and elegance. Since her life has been so momentous it stands to reason that the things she has collected are so fascinating. The foyer holds portraits of her mother and father. The family is 5th generation rancher from Henrietta, Texas dating from the 1870’s. Upon entering the parlor you encounter a plethora of fascinating items. Almost too overwhelming for the eye and mind to take in; a collection of pears from places such as Tiffany’s, Italy, Russia, a Venetia original Fortuny Lamp, the famous iconic lighting from the oldest silk factory in the world, an original Sky Jones. Donna also has an extensive collection of only male Lladro’ figures representing stages of her two sons lives, infant through young men.
The Music Room displays a chandelier bought at auction from the Plaza Hotel, one of the oldest hotels on 5th Avenue when they remodeled and turned into condo’s. Because of her involvement with the American Film Institute you find photo’s of Spielberg, De Niro, Andy Garcia, Lance Armstrong, Goldie Hawn. Weaving her political ties you find Princess Fergie, Margaret Thatcher, Lord Mayor of London, Gavin Arthur and Colin Powell.
The formal Dining Room is a mix of refinement and whimsy. Adding to the visual appeal is a beautifully laden table with exquisite crystal and china and an eperegne’ filled with dried roses. Punctuating the scene is a Warhol-style portrait of Donna by Gorsky showing her whirl-wind personality that was featured in Trump Magazine. Artwork abounds in the home from original Picassos to Chagall lithographs, Sky Jones, Ann Hardy as well as emerging artists. Hands are another collection you will find throughout the house, including antique glove forms and hands are featured in another Picasso above the mantle in the Living room along with the coffee table that displays hands. There is another collection of pears in the kitchen from Paris, Florence, and Hawaii.
The Guest/Pool House is the epicenter for parties with slate floors and enticing palette is by no standard small with over 1,100 square feet and is exquisitely decorated and showcases a spectacular antique mirror collection. It would be a luxurious oasis for any lucky visitor. Entertaining is a snap with a full kitchen and windows and doors that open to the pool area making dining an alfresco delight. The bedroom with its French and Italian motif offers a gorgeous view of the private lake from it’s French doors. With offices here, San Francisco and Beverly Hills and homes here, Santa Monica, and a condo in Dallas at the Mansion on Turtle Creek its hard to imagine they find time to entertain.
Any woman would be envious of the house with over 1,000 sq ft of closet space. There are seasonal closets, cedar lined fur closet housing sables, chinchillas, links, minks, closets housing over 500 pair of shoes and a closet dedicated to “formal” attire as well as a separate dressing room where you find pictures from the Bush Inauguration, coffee table book where she was featured as Top 40 Women in Texas and numerous family pictures. Personal items are featured everywhere including a drawing her dad did in the 30’s. One of the bathrooms has an original gypsy closet from a wagon from the Czech Republic that Bruce uses for a shaving cabinet.
With this kind of variety and unorthodox style there is sure to be something of interest for everyone who tours the home including Greer Garson’s Day Bed and the painted shiny black stair railing when you enter the home; some of the owners positive mood and creative energy may just rub off on you!
P.O. Box 181 * Colleyville, Texas 76034 *
Hotline: 817-416-3000
info@c-w-c.org
webmaster: larkwebdesign.com
