An hour west of Fort Worth, there’s a town you’ve heard of a thousand times, but probably know nothing about — Mineral Wells. It’s a town full of cute homes, amazing natural springs, and — “home to crazy.”
Realtor Valarie Kerby, who you’ll typically find fluttering around in Historic Downtown McKinney, tipped us off to an adorable 800-square-foot home on SW 10th Street she has listed there in Mineral Wells. Of course, we couldn’t resist the chance to take a slight research sojourn into the history of the city that’s literally crazy town.
Mineral Wells gets its name quite literally from the mineral-rich water tapped from its natural springs and wells. Early settlers discovered there was something about the well water here that tasted strange but felt good. Less aches, less pains, perhaps? The allure of the curative mineral springs brought more settlers and eventually tourists to what would become Mineral Wells’ historic downtown, seeking this healing mineral water with purported medicinal properties. The medicine? Magnesium, calcium, and sulfates.
Legend has it that a crazy old lady demented elderly woman spent her days by a water well, drinking cup after cup of mineral water. One day “the crazy woman at the well” stood up, proclaimed she was healed, and walked off. It became known as the Crazy Well.
A man with an uncurable stomach disease flocked to the Crazy Well for comfort. He drank the well’s mineral water until his painful stomach condition ailed him no more. This stuff worked, so he founded his own mineral water company.
The turning point in Mineral Wells’ development came with the famous Crazy Water Hotel, which opened its doors in 1912. Shown above in a postcard touting, “Where American Drinks Its Way to Health,” this grand establishment, known for its elegant architecture and therapeutic waters, became a mecca for health seekers and tourists from across the nation. People flocked to the city, hoping to soak in the rejuvenating baths and enjoy the picturesque surroundings while they stayed for several days at one of 46 hotels and boarding houses in the city.
Mineral Wells was booming in the early 20th century as a wellness and spa resort town, so the city fared alright during the Depression era. It was World War II that slowed tourism to Mineral Wells as a destination, but left room for modest residential builds like this 1940 home at 616 SW 10th Street, listed by Valarie Kerby of RE/MAX Four Corners.
When this 1940 cottage in historic downtown Mineral Wells was last listed for sale in November 2017, the listing said only, “Great investment property. Need of work but make good rental house.” Thanks to its doting owners, this home has undergone a transformation not unlike those early Mineral Wells residents. Dose by dose, this home was restored to its former, full-health glory.
Situated within the historic overlay of Mineral Wells, this corner lot home at 616 SW 10th St. is adorned with mature trees, bluebonnets, and blooming crepe myrtles. A pair of dormers — added as part of a complete renovation — have the effect of friendly eyes and brows on this home.
As you step inside, you’ll feel as if you’re transported back in time, surrounded by the hallmarks of a well-restored older home. In the living room, you’ll find shiplap paneling that continues to the ceiling for an enveloping feeling. This large space is bathed in natural light and features a beautiful wood-burning tiled fireplace.
A shiplapped kitchen has undercabinet lighting, Cambria quartz countertops, and a farm-style sink that overlooks the large yard and other features.
Also notable, are the tin-tiled ceilings, original restored wood flooring, and decorative tile flooring that make this renovation feel period-appropriate. It’s not a wash of white, but a purposeful texture added to this home.
Just as important are the major structure updates, including a brand-new foundation, HVAC ductwork and mechanic, foam insulation in the walls and subfloor, and all-new electrical throughout. The meticulous renovation and preservation of this stunning gem are evident in the elaborate (and expensive) updates and renovations done inside and out.
Give Valarie Kerby a call at 214-718-5200 to see this Mineral Wells gem, and get some Crazy Water for yourself. There are three varieties of Crazy Water — No. 2, No. 3, and No. 4, and they correspond to the amount of minerals in them. Grab a No. 4 if you’re crazy.
Valarie Kerby of RE/MAX Four Corners has 616 SW 10th St. listed for $249,000.
