At the turn of the 20th century an area of land southwest of Fort Worth, Texas had become a fashionable residential district known as "Quality Hill."
With land purchased in 1903 by A.B. Wharton for $25,000, the original deed was for 6.5 acres, of which only 1.5 acres was for the estate. Built in "the old colonial style" at a cost of $38,000, Thistle Hill’s innovative features (including an indoor garden space and interroom communication system), open atmosphere, and European styling reflected the cultural trends of the time.