At the turn of the twentieth century the master of this house could look across the valley and know he was in control. Never mind that the nearest town of any substance was over a hundred miles away. You make your mark where you can.
He built this mansion so his wife and children would be comfortable. They never lived there or even visited for very long. Seems it was difficult to share a vision of privilege in the desert heat and dust. What good is wealth unless you enjoy what it brings to your life?