The Story of Heaven on Earth

The Story of Heaven on Earth

Unlike most beautiful show places of interest to the public built many years ago by the very wealthy, "Heaven on Earth" is a fledgling "step-child" of a Sophisticated middle-class lady, Susan Douglas-Sawyer, who has been carrying on a continuous love affair with her home for the past 39 years.

At first glance the imposing structure of the Southern Colonial architecture is awesome; sprawling majestically across 2 1/2 city blocks, rising three stories, containing 66 rooms and boasting in excess of 25,000 square feet of living space. Most rooms open to broad verandas overlooking the grounds and centuries old oak trees.

A Fairy Tale Romance

This fairy tale began unfolding in September 1970 when J. Herbert Douglas, a well known interior designer from Houston, TX purchased the "Big House" for his new bride Susan or his "Susie" as he so affectionately referred to her. Together they lovingly began the restoration and expansion of their grand home in the country to which they were so devoted, naming it appropriately "Heaven on Earth". In an effort to conform to the classic architecture of the main house (originally built in 1898), all new wings were built from old timbers, using doors, windows, fireplaces, staircases and flooring from old homes, schools, churches and buildings from that time period that were being demolished. Mr. Douglas and Susan loved personally sharing their spacious home. Tours, luncheons, weddings and receptions flourished from 1976 until Mr. Douglas' death in May 1983 at which time ground had just been broken on a final 7,000 square foot wing to their palatial dwelling.

In spite of depression and overwhelming grief over the loss of her beloved Mr. Douglas as she called him, she was determined not to lose their beloved home as well. Even through economic adversity Susan was able to find ways to keep "Heaven on Earth" alive when many other businesses were failing. In 1992, through her determination, sharp mind and undaunted faith in God she survived a tremendous monetary crisis and was able to complete what she and Mr. Douglas has started so long ago. Expanding their home from the original "Big House" of 3,000 square feet and 13 rooms to a truly palatial Southern Estate of 66 rooms and over 25,000 square feet of living space.

Susan, with her current husband Tom Sawyer, continues to love and nurture this elegant Southern Manor. As Mr. Douglas would have wanted, Susan has continued to share this very special home with others and has successfully seen over 7,000 couples married here in the past 35 years. Susan welcomes you to stop by and take a tour of her home. The Manor is available for weddings of up to 250 guests and works with the best vendor's in area to help facilitate your special day. www.heavenonearthweddings.com