Chandor Gardens —
History of Romance, Ambiance and Architecture
Designed in the 1930s by Douglas Chandor, a world-renowned portrait painter, Chandor
Gardens combines the beauty of 18 th century English gardens with the sculptural motifs of gardens
in China. The picturesque setting of this 3.5-acre garden makes it an ideal location for weddings.
Adjoining the gardens is the historic mansion, built in 1936. From the soaring great room ceiling
of what was once the art studio of Douglas Chandor to the lovely oak flooring and original light
fixtures throughout the home, the mansion is as much a work of art as the gardens themselves.
Couples and their guests will enjoy the ambiance and architecture of the mansion, as well as the
gardens.
The gardens are alive with water features, timeless sculpture and intricate pathways that open
up to reveal beautiful scenes wherever you turn. “It would be difficult to pick just one feature that
overshadows the others,” Karen Nantz, manager of Chandor Gardens, explained. “The history and
unique setting of this intimate estate garden are, to me, the most interesting aspects. Since it wasn’t
originally intended as a wedding venue, rather a private home, it’s remarkable how well it works as
a venue.”
Because they only hold one wedding at a time, allowing couples the use of the entire prop-
erty for their special day, it feels less like a regular wedding venue and more like a private home,
making the experience more intimate and stress-free. Nantz’s favorite thing?
“The romantic history,” she explained. “Douglas Chandor built this garden as a tribute to his
wife Ina. He even laid out an inscription in the brickwork of a long winding pathway that reads:
‘May this little garden flourish, consecrated to Ina, in the year of our lord Edward VIII, forever-
more.’’’
Painted Lakes —
Giving Your Big Day Old West Charm
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Located on 500 acres of gorgeous varying terrain, Painted Lakes hosts a unique venue setting for
your big day: the Texas Tumbleweed Barn. Built in 1927 by Republic Oil in Bryson, Texas, as an oil
field supply store during the big oil boom, the barn now sits at the top of a hill overlooking a duck
pond. At the foot of the hill, big oaks dot the landscape.
In the early 1930s, the oil field crashed and the barn was sold to Joe Clayton, who converted
the barn into the town’s feed store. The barn was located next to the Rock Island Railway Depot in
Bryson and served as a holding station for cattle. Local farmers would do cattle drives to the barn
for the cattle to be shipped to the Fort Worth Stockyards to sale. After closing in the ‘80s, the old
barn was passed down to Joe Lake, Clayton’s grandson, who passed the barn down to Painted Lakes
owners Wade and Susan Lake. In early 2017, the Lakes had Randy Martin, star on Texas Flip &
Move, relocate the entire barn in one piece to their home place 1.5 miles outside of Bryson to the
hill where if now rests. Once moved, a 3000-square-foot patio/dance floor was added, as well as a
huge porch.
“The venue hosts many historical attributes including an 1890 chuck wagon, an old iron wheel
tractor, an old road grader, an 1865 doctor’s buggy, the original Bryson switchboard and more,”
Susan explained. “Keeping with the era of the barn, the bridal suite and groom’s cabin are built in
an old west setting with sprawling porches and old relics. PLV also has cabins available for over-
night accommodations so guests can enjoy the wedding and stay onsite.”
Susan says the most beautiful features of the venue are the inside of the old barn, and the view.
“It is very peaceful, and wildlife can be seen regularly on the property. The view and the stunning
beauty of the whole place, as well as the versatility of having gorgeous outdoor weddings in the
barnyard, by a pond, on a gorgeous bluff that makes you feel like you are on a mountain setting, or
in a wooded area with big oaks make this venue very unique for weddings,” she explained.
Our favorite thing about the venue is its heritage, along with the beauty of the old barn and
modern comfort of climate control.