An Introduction to Villa Finale: Museum & Gardens
The last home of San Antonio preservationist and collector, Walter Nold Mathis. Mathis was a ninth generation Texan who was passionate about art and saving historic buildings.
The Beginning
Villa Finale was built in 1876 by San Antonio hardware merchant, Russell Norton and his wife, Ellen in the mostly German King William neighborhood along the San Antonio River.
Cattlemen: Isaac Pryor (owner: 1896 - 1901) and Dillard Rucker Fant (owner: 1901 - 1908)
After the Nortons sold the house in 1881 to Edwin Polk, the property went through a succession of owners that included cattlemen, bar owners, and other colorful personalities.
By 1915, the once affluent German residents began to move to newer suburbs, away from the city's main core where King William was located.
During this time, the house survived several near foreclosures and even a devastating flood in 1921. During that tragedy, parts of downtown were under 10 feet of water and several people drowned.
The Mathis Era
As King William and San Antonio continued to change, World War II broke out. Many, including a new graduate from the University of Texas at Austin named Walter Mathis, rushed to enlist. Mathis was a 9th generation Texan.
Walter Mathis at his home in Monte VistaVilla Finale: Museum & Gardens
After the War, Mathis returned to San Antonio where he began a successful career as a business banker. Among his most notable ventures was the first public offering of Frito-Lay.
He also explored his love for collecting fine and decorative art as well becoming involved in historic preservation. He was active in saving several historic buildings throughout San Antonio and Texas.
After discovering his home would be razed for the construction Highway 281, Mathis came to King William to see the old "Norton -Polk" home at the urging of local preservation architect, O'Neil Ford.
Before and after Polaroids of Villa Finale's Kitchen
The house was has been used as a boarding home since the 1940s and wasn't for sale, but Mathis found a way to purchase it for $37,500. He immediately began restoring the home to its former glory. It was the first major preservation project in King William.
Before and after Polaroids of Villa Finale's Green Rooms located on the second floor
Mathis also carefully planned out where he would place his collection throughout his new home. The King William neighborhood was not an ideal place to live at the time. Many of its old homes had been subdivided into budget apartments and were slowly decaying.
The King William neighborhood was not an ideal place to live at the time. Many of its old homes had been subdivided into budget apartments and were slowly decaying.
Unfazed by critics, Mathis continued his project by restoring the home's gardens. He would eventually move beyond his own property to purchase and restore up to fourteen properties in the neighborhood which he sold to like-minded preservationists.
Formal gardenVilla Finale: Museum & Gardens
In 2003 Walter Mathis received the DuPont Crowninshield Award, the highest honor awarded by the National Trust to an individual involved in historic preservation.
In 2004, one year before his death, Mathis bequeathed the house and its collections to the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Exterior restoration of Villa FinaleVilla Finale: Museum & Gardens
The National Trust for Historic Preservation
The National Trust took over the property in December 2005, following Walter Mathis' death.
With a newly assembled staff for Villa Finale, the National Trust began to register and pack the over 12,000 piece collection in preparation for an extensive restoration. A plan for future programs and tour interpretation also got underway.
Villa Finale restorationVilla Finale: Museum & Gardens
The National Trust's restoration began in 2009 by repairing all windows and doors.
Villa Finale restoration of windowsVilla Finale: Museum & Gardens
This included all the stained glass windows found throughout the house.
Photographs of restoration work completed by the National Trust
Porches, drainage, and exterior woodwork were also repaired prior to opening. The home's interior chandeliers were completely rewired, as well.
Upon completion of the building's exterior, the rooms were cleaned and reassembled the same way Walter Mathis intended them to be viewed by his guests.
Villa Finale's Opening CelebrationVilla Finale: Museum & Gardens
On September 30, 2010, Villa Finale: Museum & Gardens hosted its opening celebration with Mathis family and friends in attendance.
The museum officially opened to the public a couple of days later days later on October 1, 2010.
Today Villa Finale hosts public tours, family programming, and private events. Whether someone is interested in art, historic preservation, or gardens, there is something for everyone at Villa Finale.
Villa Finale front facadeVilla Finale: Museum & Gardens
It was Walter Mathis' wish to share his home and collection with lovers of art and curious visitors alike. Villa Finale: Museum & Gardens has brought his dream to life!
"The Legacy of Walter Mathis" video presentation
Click here for "The Legacy of Walter Mathis" video to learn more about Villa Finale's last owner.
