Written by Megin Potter
Photos by Randall Perry Photography
Saratoga’s Quintessential Summer Home…
The Wedding Cake House
This tiered Italianate confection is aglow with fairytale grandeur along the historic tree-lined Union Avenue.
“To this day, it’s surreal to walk up to that house. It’s always been a dream of mine to have a house like this!”
Love at First Sight
Just when Zane Carruth thought she couldn’t love Saratoga more than she already did, her husband, Brady, surprised her with that house. Like with her marriage, she has loved the Wedding Cake House, and Saratoga, more since the wedding day.
“We had the perfect condo at Park Place and were not looking for a house,” recalls Zane. It was Sunday and they were leaving to go back to Houston, Texas on Monday.
Situated on a .5-acre double lot with a premier walkable address, the sprawling 5,120 sq. ft. icing-white, triple layered, 8-bedroom, 6 bath main house was breathtaking.
Fluted Ionic columns, like the supports of a wedding cake, add to the charm of the adorned two-story wrap around porch. Adjacent is an incredible 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath renovated carriage house.
Almost immediately after seeing the property, the Carruths made an offer.
“Brady is not one to make quick decisions, but he made this decision – like that – in no time!” said Zane.
After a whirlwind romance, Zane’s world was spinning with the responsibilities involved in owning a historic house, “It’s comical now,” she said. “We taped it together until we could get it into a condition where we were able to stay in it during track season.”
Deliciously Decadent Texture
The house took nine months to renovate.
The Carruths began accentuating the ornate circa 1870 home (which came completely furnished) in the Fall of 2018 by cleaning house.
Lined up to-go, were exactly 58 items (Zane counted) including at least 30 sisal rugs, but the bulk of the home’s impressive craftsmanship and original details remain intact.
The rich, dark columns and intricate scrollwork in the entry have been refreshed with contrasting pale blue wallpaper, chosen with the guidance of The Furniture House's Emily DiSiena.
Several ceiling medallions were repaired and adorned with new light fixtures. The home’s largest renovations include the transformation of a bedroom into a double ensuite bathroom and closet.
According to a 1911 Saratogian article, the "old gable was removed" and the Colonial Revival porch that you see today was added. The Carruths restored it in a divine mahogany. New electrical wiring was installed, the boiler replaced, and the staircase handrail raised to align with building code safety standards.
In the utilitarian kitchen, modern appliances and three colors of quartzite countertops are unified by new white subway tile on the walls lain within the original navy-blue tile border. A beautiful full-size elevator with a stained-glass door was also added to transport guests’ luggage upstairs to the Elevator Bedroom.
In the dining room, eyes feast on the dramatic built-in buffet, jazzy table, freshly painted ceiling (draped in garland carvings), and on the walls, another exquisite example of the home’s wealth of wallpaper.
The Wortham parlor, as Zane calls it, is her favorite space. The fireplace was rebuilt and a formal portrait of John L. Wortham hung. Brady’s grandfather, B.F. Carruth, and Mr. Gus Wortham started Wortham Insurance and American General Insurance Company. Beside it resides an impressionist painting of riding boots. Zane likes an eclectic mix.
“I love the traditional, but I needed to do something different. It’s nice and refreshing. I find the blue (on the walls) is so peaceful. There are so many pieces in here that are so meaningful to me.”
Wonderful Flavor
The three-story house is within walking distance to the Saratoga Race Course, which is what first attracted the Carruths to the city from the Houston area where they are major philanthropists. Mr. Carruth serves on numerous boards and is Chairman of the Board on the Wortham Foundation. He is also an investor in a wide range of projects. In addition to horse racing, he enjoys baseball, hunting, and spending time with friends and family.
Zane Carruth is an award-winning international children’s book author of the trademarked series, “The World’s First Tooth Fairy.” She divides her time between philanthropic work, writing, and their grandchildren.
Since purchasing the home, the Carruths have made many friends at places like the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame Gala, said Zane. And they are excited for their horses to be running here for the first time this summer.
Boarded at Stillwater’s Irish Hill Century Farm, is the Carruths’ mare GIANT BOXER (who appears with her in the large portrait above the bar). GIANT BOXER produced THATSMYBOXER who was sired by BIG BROWN. GIANT BOXER has since been bred to MIDSHIPMAN and back to WAR DANCER. That’s all the breeding for now, said Zane.
On Whitney weekend, the couple hosts a large catered party attended by friends from Houston, fellow horseman friends, and numerous locals. Typically, on Friday nights it’s hard to get restaurant reservations, so Brady likes to grill in their fully equipped outdoor kitchen and patio space. All summer long, morning coffee and evening cocktails are enjoyed on that spectacular porch.
“It’s just a nice way to end the day,” said Zane.
And Everyone Gets a Slice!
This year was also the first year 104 Union Avenue hosted the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation’s June Porch Party and was its first year on the May Historic Homes Tour since its renovation. (For history of the house, see Preserving Saratoga, page 30) Both events attract great throngs of people.
“We are huge believers in keeping the integrity of the city intact,” said Zane, adding that the house has a magical feeling worth preserving.
“The house has incredible karma. It just feels good. I don’t know why, but it’s just fabulous!”
