Historic Tyler on Tour, 2004
The Barrett Home, 401 W. Sixth
Regan J. Caraway, an oilman, purchased the lot on Sixth Street in 1935 from Carolina and C.E. Hightower. The home built for Maxine and Regan J. Caraway is Classical Greek Revival style. The house has a full facade porch supported by six square Doric columns. The style of the house is further enhanced by the front door topped with a rectangular line of transom lights and encased in a decorative surround of two fluted pilasters and a fluted crown.
In November 1943 the property was sold to Marguerite and Earl Bateman of Bateman Drilling Company. Mr. and Mrs. Bateman owned the home until 1945 when they sold it to Gordon Brelsford, an attorney, and his wife Virginia.
During the time Mr. and Mrs. Brelsford owned the house many changes were made. The kitchen was remodeled and an upstairs bedroom and bath were added in 1948. In 1955 a sunroom was added and the dining room enlarged, incorporating part of the old study and the porch. At the same time, the yard was landscaped a goldfish pond site was included. Virginia Brelsford loved to entertain and the house and gardens were the location of several Rose Festival teas including a tea with 300 guests given with her friend, Mrs. Wise.
In 1980 Jacqueline and Kenneth Goates purchased the house. A swimming pool was added in 1982. In 1986 the kitchen was completely redesigned, a broom closet was converted into a half bath, and the servant's quarters and store room were made into a pool side cabana.
Karen and Richard Barrett purchased the house in April of 1994. All the wood floors on the second story were refinished. The entry hall was plastered, the sunroom flooring was replaced with slate tile and wood plantation shutters were installed throughout the house.
The Barrett's home underwent a major renovation beginning in September of 2002. The old garage was razed and the swimming pool was filled in. A new garage was constructed and the servant's quarters were converted into a potting room. A covered porch supported by Doric columns was added to the rear of the garage. Brick-lined limestone walks and a sunken garden surrounded by azaleas with a formal fishpond replaced the old pool area. Brick replaced the two-lane concrete drive from the street to the back of the house. A greenhouse now occupies the small unused area at the rear of the driveway. The sunroom was remodeled to include insulated glass windows and doors and beaded pine paneling.
This home has a history of hospitality and we wish to thank the Barretts for sharing it with us.
