Nestled in the lush tropical Tamaulipan thornscrub of deep South Texas, Quinta Mazatlan is a natural haven for a variety of birds and a prime destination for birders from all over the United States and Europe. But Quinta Mazatlan is more than just the World Birding Center. Its distinctive Spanish Revival-style architecture starts with a story rooted in world travel.
The Quinta Mazatlan legend begins with its visionary creator, Jason Chilton Matthews (1887–1964) and his wife, Marcia Jamieson (1891–1963). Matthews traveled extensively before finally settling in what he called the “Crossroads of the Western Hemisphere,” but particularly frequenting the city of Mazatlán in Mexico. McAllen, Texas, became home to Quinta (Spanish for country house, villa or estate) Mazatlan (from an ancient Indian translation in Mexico meaning “land of the deer”). At the time of its construction in 1935, it was the largest adobe structure in Texas, and today remains so with an impressive 10,000 square feet of unique architectural, historical, cultural and natural elements.
TOP LEFT Legend has it that the wood used for this room came from Lebanon, a gift from the king to Jason Chilton Matthews for his fight alongside Lawrence of Arabia. TOP RIGHT The main doors were carved by renowned Swiss carver Peter Mansbendel. The property is managed by the McAllen Parks and Recreation Department.
The doors on the main house are just one of the property’s many highlights. Renowned Swiss wood carver Peter Mansbendel was commissioned to recreate San Antonio’s Spanish Governor’s Palace doors, which feature gargoyles and cherubs. Another point of interest is the back corridor, known as Cedar Hall. Legend has it that the Lebanese cedar was gifted to Matthews by the King of Lebanon for his service alongside Lawrence of Arabia. The 20-acre estate includes the cottage, hootch and main house, as well as a greenhouse for the study of hydroponics and a draw and fill pool. The pool was filled from a freshwater well using a six-inch pipe fastened to a jet airplane engine that sent water 15 feet through the air, filling the pool in minutes.
The iconic property is managed today by the McAllen Parks and Recreation Department and offers a full line of events, programming, world class birding, history and culture. The Quinta Mazatlan is a singular South Texas experience in a natural setting that showcases true Texas pioneer spirit.
