By Rachael Lindley
Photography by Crystal Wise
The winding streets of the Colonial Hills neighborhood led us to the stately — and aptly named — Colonial-style home that graces this month’s cover. The home is owned by the Hernandez family who hosts a golf-themed party to tee off the tournament activities every year. Affectionately referred to as the “Azalea House,” the home is bursting at the seams with Southern charm.
The Hernandez family moved to the home in 2020. “We were really fortunate to find it,” Kelly Hernandez says. The family embarked on a complete renovation of the home, taking it down to studs to rebuild it to its present glory.
Kelly and her husband wanted to embrace the classic Southern style because it felt natural being in such close proximity to Colonial Country Club.
“Kelly wanted a Southern feel, and since I grew up in Louisiana, I was very comfortable delivering that look,” West Fork Landscaping owner Christine Figley says.
The Hernandezes host the social occasion of the summer with their yearly Colonial Golf Tournament party further solidifying the home as an entertainment mecca.
“My husband always chooses the theme, but men are often encouraged to wear seersucker, and women can wear big hats a la Kentucky Derby,” Kelly says.
Figley goes the extra mile for the Hernandezes’ annual Colonial soiree and wraps the home’s massive two-story columns in Colonial tartan, the very same as the iconic plaid jacket that the tournament’s winner wears.
When the white azaleas are in full bloom, they are the perfect contrast to the scarlet pattern. Ornate concrete planters runneth over with purple and pink petunias and expertly placed ivy. Sunshine yellow daffodils dot the flower beds announcing spring’s arrival. Every detail was considered, including the matching plaid cushions on the front porch.
Figley chose landscaping for the Colonial Hills home that blooms in phases, taking care to always have something blossoming.
“We planted daffodils and red buds that bloom in the very first part of spring,” she says. “Then the azaleas and spireas out front and the dogwoods next. Then we have oak leaf hydrangeas, spider lilies and Peggy Martin roses that bloom in the summer.”
Walking around to the backyard, guests will find a massive old oak tree, among the oldest in Fort Worth, boasting about 200-300 years. The Hernandezes also installed a putting green.
“My son is married to Kenny Perry’s [a professional golfer] daughter, so naturally, all three of their sons take golf lessons,” Kelly says. “So, my husband and grandsons use it all the time.”
The backyard features a covered back porch complete with plush cobalt blue couches, one stationary and one a porch swing, a TV and fireplace, whereas the open-air patio a few feet away features a fire pit and several swivel chairs.
A wrought iron spiral staircase leads up to a second-floor terrace with more seating.
“We love our backyard,” Kelly says. “Especially the big oak tree and the ivy. We love to sit out there and enjoy that space.”
Thoughtful landscaping ensures something is always in bloom, adding movement and color throughout the seasons.
