The Bildarth Mansion: A Hill Country Icon in Comfort, Texas
If you’ve ever driven through Comfort, Texas, you’ve likely spotted the Bildarth Mansion, sometimes referred to as the Worth Mansion, perched high atop the rolling hills. With its 32 striking white columns and grandiose architecture inspired by French mansions of the 1800s, this iconic estate is a true spectacle. It’s the kind of place that seems to whisper stories of grandeur, mystery, and a touch of Hollywood glamour.
Located just 3.5 miles south of Hotel Giles, it’s a perfect spot to explore during your next stay at our historic hotel.
A Mansion Steeped in History
The Bildarth Mansion was built in 1981 by Bill and Darolyn Worth, a couple who found great success with their Redland Worth Corporation gravel pits near San Antonio. They envisioned the property as their summer retreat along the Guadalupe River, crafting a home that reflected European grandeur. The mansion’s name, "Bildarth," combines their names—Bill and Darolyn—and captures the personal connection they had to the estate.
The 18,000-square-foot masterpiece, with its nine bathrooms, three bedrooms, and 27,000 square feet of porches, was designed for opulence and entertaining. From its hilltop perch, the mansion boasts 100-mile panoramic views of the Texas Hill Country. The 1.5-mile driveway, lined with crepe myrtle trees, winds through the estate before revealing the mansion in all its splendor. If that doesn’t impress you, the chandelier that once hung in Elvis Presley’s Graceland just might.
A Place of Folklore and Film
Over the years, the mansion has become a topic of local lore. Once a private haven for extravagant parties, it also found fame on the silver screen. The Bildarth Mansion made its Hollywood debut in the 1988 movie “Johnny Be Good,” starring Anthony Michael Hall and Robert Downy Jr., where it served as the fictional Olde Tex University during a key scene.
But the estate’s most audacious chapter might be its stint as the planned headquarters for the Timeship Project. In 2006, the Stasis Foundation purchased the property with the vision of transforming it into a cryonics facility where human bodies, organs, and DNA samples could be preserved for future medical breakthroughs. While the ambitious project eventually moved on, the mansion’s mystique only deepened.
A New Chapter with Singing Water Events
Today, the Bildarth Mansion has found new life thanks to Singing Water Vineyards. This family- and veteran-owned winery has partnered with the Stasis Foundation to host exclusive events and wine tastings at the estate, bringing the community together to celebrate its beauty.
Singing Water’s next event at the mansion is a Chocolate and Wine Pairing on February 1, 2025. Imagine sipping on a perfectly paired glass of wine while indulging in handmade chocolates, all to the backdrop of live piano music and those legendary Hill Country views. Guests will sample five artisanal chocolates from Love, Chocolate in Ingram, Texas, paired with five exquisite Singing Water wines. You are welcome to purchase glasses or bottles separately from your tasting and enjoy on premise or take home to go.
With its double-decker porches offering both shade and sun and 360-degree views, the mansion’s outdoor spaces are just as inviting as its extravagant interiors. Whether you’re there for the wine, the chocolate, or simply to soak in the scenery, the Bildarth Mansion delivers an unforgettable experience. Want a sneak peek? Check out this YouTube video.
While the Bildarth Mansion isn’t often open to the public, events like those hosted by Singing Water offer a rare chance to explore this piece of Comfort’s lure. Be sure to check the winery’s schedule for upcoming events and make time to visit this breathtaking estate during your stay at Hotel Giles in Comfort. Whether you’re drawn by the architecture, the history, or the promise of a perfect wine pairing, the mansion on Sky Line Drive is worth the trip. After all, treasures like this are what make the Texas Hill Country so unforgettable.
