El Taarn
Photograph of El Taarn soon after it was constructed.
Soon after avant-garde painter Homer Ellertson returned from a trip to Europe in 1923, he bought a large lot for his new home and studio. El Taarn (“Taarn” is Norwegian for “tower” and “El” is a wordplay invoking both “Ellertson” and the Mediterranean) is a three story tower with a panoramic mountain view, designed by the artist himself and inspired by the strong form of an old donjon he had seen in Touraine. These period photographs, from the album that has descended with the house, portray its original synthesis of Mediterranean motifs and colorful Modern detailing. Ellertson designed its unusual iron gates and balcony railings, the built in furnishings and an arras-like hanging, seven by eleven feet, which covered one wall of his bedroom. Done in batik, Den Oprettelse af El-Taarn Aar 1923 depicts an avant-garde mélange of episodes during the construction. It is now at Asheville Art Museum. El Taarn was featured in national magazines, and curious cosmopolites visiting the polygonal top-floor studio often departed with paintings. In their remarkable house and its unusual gardens the Ellertsons entertained the likes of the George Gershwins and the DuBose Heywards.
Photo of 1931 bedroom with the batik displayed.
In the 1940s the place was acquired by New York art dealer Violet Erskine Parish-Watson who enlarged it and remodeled the interior in a Georgian style. A fine bronze figure sculpture incorporating a sundial, no longer there, by her brother Harold Perry Erskine was installed in the garden pool. Later El Taarn was owned by Karl Lohse, a painter born in Belgium who lived in Montreal before coming to North Carolina. In the studio Lohse taught younger artists who are still painting in Tryon today.
View from studio.
House Beautiful November, 1931
The third floor studio's view was breath-taking. Beyond the open French doors and balcony with its interesting iron railing of modern design, are seen the river and the Blue Mountains.
Studio with skylight and large north window.
Ellertson designed each room with one uninterrupted wall space and maximized sunlight, floor space, and storage compartments. He discovered that the shape of the ceiling created interesting acoustics.
Folding ironing board also used for hurried breakfasts.
House Beautiful December, 1931
Ellertson prided himself on making an efficient kitchen with folding counters, suspended cupboards, and the dual-use ironing board.
