The Tower of Oaklea Mansion: A Crown Jewel of Victorian Elegance

The Tower at Oaklea

If you’ve driven past Oaklea Mansion lately, you’ve probably noticed something special. Carpenters and painters have been hard at work giving this grand old home a well-deserved facelift. And as you watched the gentle hum of restoration unfold, you might have found yourself looking a little closer—at the stately Roman columns, the sweeping Southern porches, the intricate Victorian trim… and that curious tower perched proudly on the northwest corner.

What’s the story behind that tower? Why do so many homes built around the turn of the 20th century have similar towers and turrets? To understand, we have to look back—far back—to the days of medieval castles and stone fortresses.

From Fortress to Finery: A Brief History of Towers

A Castle with both Turrets and Towers used for defense

Originally, towers and turrets weren’t about beauty. They were tools of defense, designed to offer a 360-degree view of the surrounding land, giving defenders precious time to spot approaching enemies. From these high vantage points, arrows could be fired through narrow slits in the walls. They were tall, strategic, and crucial to the protection of life and land—including livestock.

As military technology advanced, these defensive features became less necessary. But the architectural appeal remained.

There’s a distinction between a tower and a turret. A tower is built from the ground up and adds usable square footage to the structure, while a turret is a tower-like projection that doesn’t touch the ground. Often perched on corners, turrets were once supported by elaborate stone corbels or cantilevered wooden framing. Due to the labor-intensive process of crafting turrets from solid stone, builders eventually began framing them with wood and attaching stone or decorative elements later—cutting down on cost and effort.

In many cases, towers became the more economical choice. Though material costs were higher, the labor savings and added interior space made towers a practical—and elegant—alternative.

The Victorian Revival

Garland home built in the early 20th century with a stone tower.

Fast-forward to the 19th century and we arrive at the Victorian Era, spanning roughly from 1840 to 1902. During this time, there was a romantic revival of architectural styles—and towers and turrets returned, not as military necessities, but as symbols of elegance and status. They graced homes built in styles ranging from Victorian Gothic to Queen Anne to the grand Neo-Classical Revival—Oaklea’s own architectural heritage.

These towers were more than just aesthetic flourishes. In a time when building a large home already signaled success, adding a tower took it one step further. It was a statement of prominence, wealth, and artistic vision.

A Tower Worthy of a Mansion

Eastlake suite with sitting area in the tower

Oaklea Mansion’s builder, Marcus DeWitt Carlock, spared no expense in making his home the crown jewel of Winnsboro. Constructed in 1903, the mansion is a stunning example of Neo-Classical Victorian architecture—complete with a tower that reflects both the elegance of the era and the ambition of its builder.

The tower at Oaklea serves more than just curb appeal. On the first floor, it houses a cozy sitting nook where guests can read, converse, or simply watch the world of Winnsboro go by. Upstairs, the Eastlake Suite offers a luxurious retreat, complete with an antique Eastlake bedroom set and a settee perfectly positioned in the curve of the tower’s windows. It’s the kind of spot where time seems to slow down—where the elegance of the past meets the peace of the present.

Whether you’re passing by or stepping inside, Oaklea Mansion’s tower stands as a reminder of a time when homes were built not just for living, but for dreaming.

Come experience the magic for yourself. Book a stay at Oaklea Mansion and let history, elegance, and Southern charm welcome you. Visit www.oakleamansion.org or call us at 903-342-6051 to reserve your room today.