A brief history shows the original structure was built around 1859 from two old houses located side by side. J. G. Woldert, who moved to Texas in 1839 to escape military tyranny in Germany, and his wife, Alma, raised eight children in the home. The home was lived in by one family member or another until around 1965, at which time the home was leased for about 13+ years before being sold several times, eventually landing in the hands of the bankruptcy court.

Richard & Patricia, the most gracious, energetic and vivacious couple you could ever hope to meet, first set foot in the home in early 1991. “When we came up the steps the front door was standing open and you just can’t imagine the filth,” sighed Patricia. Amazingly, through all that filth, abuse and neglect, the two saw something else. “All we could see were the stained glass windows,” both said. Multi-colored glass filled windows in the dining room, parlor, and master bedroom area of the home, dating back to around 1884. “If it wasn’t for the stained glass we probably would not have purchased the house,” admits Richard.

The couple, both with well established, very profitable careers in Dallas, were living in Irving at the time and their only intention was to restore the house and eventually sell it for a profit. How does the saying go? “Men make plans and God laughs.” Well, the Heatons were soon to find out that God was directly involved in this project. “I just wanted to step in and save something, a piece of the past,” Patricia says enthusiastically. “But, I believe God had a plan for us to step back and look at our priorities. We probably make ten times less now, but we are by far ten times happier!” She continues, “We wouldn’t have purchased the house if we were not half visionaries and half crazy. You have to have a sense of humor or go insane. Our friends and family thought we had gone looney!”

The long, painstakingly difficult task of restoration began with Patricia and Richard doing most of the work themselves on weekends & some week nights, still maintaining their careers in Dallas and home in Irving during the week, and sleeping on an air mattress moved from room to room as the work progressed. Patricia tells the story of how Richard ceremoniously did away with the air mattress once it was no longer needed. “I’ll never sleep on another one,” vows Richard. Anyone who has done even a small remodeling project knows that problems arise and nothing goes according to schedule. “We’ve been involved in new home construction and remodeling and it’s nothing compared to restoration,” said Richard. Trying to keep the original details of the house were of utmost importance to the couple.

Taking one room at a time, Patricia planned her decorating theme mixing Victorian with a wide range of antiques and delightful collectibles. The Heatons were extremely lucky to have original photos of the home made available to them through family members. The dining room and parlor area are virtually like stepping back in time. “I credit Patricia with this and give her all the thanks because she insisted it be this way,” said Richard. He takes great pride in acknowledging his wife’s talents as a decorator and her imagination and skill as such shows in every corner of every room, right down to the smallest detail.

Finally, painting was done, bathrooms had been added, floors were refinished and glowing and the project was near completion. During this time the work was going on Patricia and Richard found it more and more difficult to return to their other lifestyle in Dallas. The two felt a strong pull, according to Patricia, that this house should be their home. Richard has family in the area and both Richard and Patricia have always loved Tyler and East Texas.

The Heatons were approached by someone who wanted to lease the home for commercial purposes. According to Richard, it would have been a very profitable deal, but the thought of holes being drilled to make way for phone and computer lines and other changes taking place made the couple cringe. Richard and Patricia have visited bed and breakfast establishments all over the United States and Canada, yet the possibility of running one had never been seriously considered - until now when Patricia’s good friend said they should give it a try.

The Woldert-Spence Manor welcomed its first guests on August 1, 1993 and the home is now a favorite of many with a regular and loyal clientele as well as new guests. "We love people and love to entertain," says Patricia with her warm, glowing smile. Together with Richard, who is equally as gracious and charming, the two are perfectly suited to the profession, welcoming guests and making them feel right at home. "People pick up on your feelings and they know if you really enjoy what you are doing or if you are being put out if they ask you for something," said Patricia. Guests of The Woldert-Spence Manor will never feel that way. In fact, they may never want to go back home after spending the night in one of eight (which includes The Rockway Carriage House and The Heaton Carriage House) elegantly decorated rooms, enjoying the gardens and backyard spa, and feasting the next morning on one of Patricia's famous home-cooked breakfasts. We're not talking corn flakes and sweet rolls. Try pecan waffles, several breads, (home-fried) potatoes, eggs, bacon, fruit salad and much more, all served on Blue Willow or antique Noritake china with cystal, silver and candles. Rooms, named after Woldert-Spence family members, range from $99-$149 per night, which includes very large full breakfast.

Richard and Patricia Heaton have done a marvelous job preserving a piece of Tyler's history and they are on numerous committees in the city to continue such work and promote Tyler. The city couldn't hope to find better ambassadors than these two who speak words of love and appreciation for the past in hopes of saving it for the future.

Indulge yourself. Plan a get-away weekend for you and that special someone in your life and go back to an easier, more romantic time. To plan your adventure call (903) 533-9057 or 1-800-WOLDERT. Enjoy the atmosphere and let your troubles slip away, to another time.