weddings-Cultural events-retreats
about
The Brite House in Marfa, Texas was established in 1917 by Lucas Charles Brite and his wife, Eddie. Lucas Brite was a pioneer Big Bend rancher, arriving in 1885 and camping on Capote Peak while he founded a ranch, which is still in the family. They lived on the ranch until 1902, when they moved to Marfa and purchased a one-story, L-shaped house from Eddie’s uncle, Robert Edward McMinn. In 1915 the Brites remodel the small 1800’s McMinn adobe into a 16-room mansion overlooking an expansive pasture. Lucas Brite’s great-great grandson, Leo Villareal III acquired the house from the Brite Family Trust in 2014 and he and his wife, Yvonne Force Villareal, began a restoration by engaging architect Louis Yoh and interior designer Fernando Santangelo to bring to fruition their idea of remaining a family home while becoming an artistically stimulating space they could share with creative visionaries from around the world.
The Brite house was a special opportunity since the history of the family is alive through the objects in the home, as recounted by Leo on the drive from El Paso to Marfa.
My approach to decorating has always been to create a cinematic feeling, a stage for people’s lives to unfold in. The light and landscape that I saw in the movie Giant kept playing in my head and guiding me in the decoration of the home. I envision this house as an open place that will bring others to that same sense of remoteness and discovery, which is so defining of Marfa’s history.
"
FERNANDO SANTANGELO / Interior Designer
My vision as architect is to protect the historic integrity of the house while updating its functionality. We are achieving this in a way that is both sensitive and glamorous, reflecting the unique and wonderful style of the Owners.
"
LOUIS YOH / Architect
exteriors
interiors
