Built around 1929, some of the home’s vintage touches include a sunny balcony over the front porch, a tiled entry whose pattern is similar to that found in the original Plaza Theatre and a beautiful, banistered stairway leading to the second floor. Typical of dwellings designed for gracious living, this one retains many interesting and exceptional features such as a butler’s pantry between the dining area and kitchen, and a “housekeeper’s stairway” that leads from the basement to the second floor. “The laundry chute to the basement was a handy feature, too,” Adair laughingly adds, “except for the fact that my two boys were always trying to stuff one another down it when they were little.”
Four bedrooms and three full bathrooms complete the second floor arrangement. “It’s very rare for a house of this period to have that many bathrooms, but I think this unique perk was because the first family to live here owned a plumbing company,” Adair explains. A later addition to the lower level extended the living space to allow for a gracious family room, generous hallway area and a decidedly masculine room with book cases, leather furniture and a small fireplace which Adair has dubbed, “Dee’s cave.” Both kitchen and den open onto separate patio areas which adjoin a cozy guest house that has accommodated a number of prestigious visitors. Topping the guest list is Adair’s friend Laura Bush, who overnighted there on several occasions while she was First Lady of Texas.
In keeping with the personality of its owners, the home and its furnishings reflect a tasteful combination of traditional elegance and the warm informality of the borderlands. Although a Mexican flavor predominates, eclectic is perhaps the best word to describe Adair’s preference in home décor. The formal living and dining areas contain a fascinating mixture of styles including Moroccan, Spanish, Mexican Colonial anda number of contemporary pieces purchased in nearby in Juarez. “What makes each item so special is that it emphasizes that life on the border is about the blending of cultures,” Adair confides.
Throughout, elaborate antique treasurers are juxtaposed with simple items fashioned of rustic wood, clay and even paper, as Adair has a special penchant for everyday works of art produced by local craftsmen. “Although each piece has a special meaning, most are very affordable. That way I don’t have to worry if things get broken when we entertain,” she jokes. “I can just go over to Mexico and replace it with something similar.”
As the owner of the Adair Margo Gallery, it goes without saying that the Margo home would not be complete without a diverse collection of paintings and sculpture. Ranging from a colorful floral by Annabel Livermore to pieces by Manuel Acosta, Luis Jimenez and Tom Lea, each work has a special significance to its owners. Because most were created by personal friends of the family, these works of art speak of love as well as technical skill. Each contributes its own intimate message to the ambience of hospitality and welcome that has become the Margo’s hallmark.
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