The Highlands Mansion
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Originally called "Highlands Acres" the history of Highlands goes back to the gay nineties when cotton was king and the fertile Brazos bottomlands were the basis of a strong and prosperous economy. Marlin's hot mineral baths brought visitors from everywhere to give this central Texas town a sophisticated and cosmopolitan atmosphere, including some of the finest hotels in the state. Basil Clark spent a whopping $30,000 to build Highlands for his lovely new bride Sally Clarkson.

When Construction was completed in 1900 the Clarks' Highlands was overwhelming, fabulous, glittering, dignified and regal. Marlin, Texas had a real incomparable mansion and the Clarks had one of the finest homes in the entire state of Texas.

In 1915 Highlands was the scene of Mr. Clark's suicide and Mrs. Clark moved to California about 8 years later. Highlands was sold to Frank Peacock who then in turn sold it to James and HIllary Barganier who lived there nearly 40 years. They hosted wonderful parties that are still remembered today by many people who were very young during the Barganiers early years at Highlands. The Barganier name still lives on in Marlin and Falls County with relatives and descendants remaining in the area.                                  
The home was opened in 1967 as a museum tour house that attracted visitors from all over the state of Texas. It was featured on "Eyes of Texas", A Houston television show as well as the February 1992 issue of Texas Highways Magazine.

On January 28th 1970, The Loefflers sold their museum house known as Highlands Mansion to Thomas and Naomi Michalsky who continued the tour operations of the property until 1995.

Highlands was sold to Don and Dianne Cline in 1996, The Clines opened Highlands as a bed and breakfast. In 2000 the Clines sold the property to Don Roberts in Houston Texas.
In May 2004 Ron and Maria Powers acquired Highlands and are the current deed holders.

 

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