News from Ormond MainStreet

Anyone who's driven along south Halifax, below Granada, is fully aware of the beautiful house located at, 128 South Halifax. It is quite possibly one of the most architecturally notable homes in the whole of the Daytona/Ormond area.

Set back on the property, this Normandy-Style home is a real eye catcher.....bringing to mind thoughts of 'Hansel and Gretel', some Mother Goose fable, or maybe trolls and gnomes. The picturesque setting and nature of its design is something that sticks with the viewer. And I can only think that, like myself, (before I realized that the house belonged to one of my friends) others had their own fanciful imaginings as to the house and its history, as it is so atypical in style and so unlike any other house in the area as to make an impression on the viewer, which remains, and is re-awakened every time they drive by.

The house was originally built by the A.F.Wilson family, in 1928. The Wilsons owned the property/house directly behind on Riverside Dr, known as 'Riverway'; the house in mention, on Halifax, was built for their mother. The Wilsons were also the parents of Sloan Wilson, author of, 'THE MAN IN THE GRAY FLANNEL SUIT, and SUMMER PLACE. Both books were made into movies.

The Wilsons named the cottage, 'La Tourette', the 'little tower'. It was authentic in all respects...a cathedral ceiling done with hand hewn and pegged beams, internal balcony, stone fireplace, wood floors, and a wishing well out in the front yard. There was also a bay window looking out over the back yard.

When it was originally built, the house was much smaller than it is today.....more like a cottage. It was after the Mc Swains-Dr. George and Mary Jane and their two young sons-bought the house in 1952, that it was enlarged to its present size. With the aid of the original architectural firm from Orlando, they pretty much doubled the size of the house, adding as well, a very large carport, basement, entertainment room, formal dining room, another bedroom, the walled patio and much more. All was done in the original Normandy architectural tradition.....hand hewed beams, plank floors, vaulted ceilings, etc. they also added a nice screened porch on the north side of the house, off the kitchen.

Previously, there had been a circular driveway out front, but that was removed and entry to the house was moved to Bosarvey St. to the north.

In the early fifties, there was no North Halifax, just a few properties, including some horse stables. Mrs. Mc Swain used to ride horses up the 'halifax trail'. She recalled encountering herds of wild pigs, snakes, coons, foxes, as well, all the critters we're all familiar with. And although she personally never saw one, she said that black bears lived in the area. She also noted that you could follow the 'trail' all the way to the beach well north of Granada, where we know it today.

This incomparably beautiful and enchanting home has since passed to new owners, and for myself, I couldn't imagine it going to a more appreciative and loving family. They are naturally possessed of an appreciation for beautiful architecture, and lovingly attend this home's grounds and structure as no others could. The new owner even retained the grounds keeper who had cared for the property for many years, for the Mc Swains...imagine.

The owners, Dr. Alexander and Elizabeth White and their infant daughter, Isabella, are the wonderful and fortunate occupants of this incredible home. And love it, they do; inside it is beautifully decorated with period antique furnishings...the furnishings, along with early american paintings, are mostly family heirlooms, and bespeak of generations of culture and taste both by their ancestors, and, as well, dr. and mrs white. their taste in furnishings and art cross the gamut of antique to modern and just about everything in between. the atmosphere in their home is at one and the same time, entertaining and beautiful; each piece a testament to their love for the creative and unique. previously, the home was listed on the historic registry, but no longer. the registry plaque is still on the front of the home

It is clearly the most outstanding-visually-of Ormond's historic homes and quite possibly the most memorable of all the homes one might see here in the Daytona Beach, Ormond Beach area.
Every year, the City of Ormond hosts a tour of historic homes, and two years ago, La Tourette was on the tour. possibly, some time again in the future, the home will be featured and you, the public, will have an opportunity to see the home, inside and out. every year there are a number of local artists who sit in the yard and paint the house. Dr. and Mrs. White have managed to collect a number of beautiful oil and watercolor renderings of their home. these will no doubt be on display again if the house is on the open house tour.

Be kind to yourself and put the open house on your agenda; it will be an experience you'll cherish, and not soon forget.

d w martin