The Thornton House is one of Arlington’s oldest homes. Originally constructed on its present site in 1906, The Thornton House is designated as an official Arlington Landmark by the City, and the home is a featured stop on the city’s “Tour of Historic Arlington.”

Arlington historical archives recognize the home as the first in Arlington to have gas lights.  The north 7 feet were added to the house when the city constructed water lines in Abram Street in 1924.

The classical revival architecture was home to the Thornton family until the 1960’s.  It was sold to Sigma Phi Beta, a local fraternity in the late 1960's.  When national fraternities were allowed at UTA, Sigma Phi Beta became the first local fraternity to affiliate with a national fraternity, Delta Upsilon. In 2005, the University required all Fraternities and Sororities to move on campus.

In 2006, and after a period of vacancy, the building and grounds were acquired by Zenaida “Sunny” Graham.  A six year renovation restored the facilities to their near-original architecture for use as a real estate office. 

In 2008, the home was the location for a short suspense-thriller film, The Brotherhood, released in 2010 about a frat prank that goes wrong.  In 2010, The Brotherhood won at SXSW Film Festival in Austin and the Dallas Film Festival.

The Thornton Inn opened its doors as a bed and breakfast to the first guests in April 2014.

Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, The Thornton Inn closed in 2021. But we are so excited to be reopening soon!

Enjoy our incredible history and enjoy your stay!

The Thornton House circa 1930

The Thornton home in 2006 before restoration work began

Award winning film - Brotherhood 2010