COTE DE TEXAS: A Guest House in Boerne, Texas

A Guest House in Boerne, Texas

 

This next entry in the Aidan Gray Catalogue contest is from the Texas Hill Country – considered by many to be the prettiest part of Texas.   This family bought a piece of property in Boerne, a small town near San Antonio, right in the middle of the state. 

 

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Boerne, a small city of just 10,000, close to San Antonio and Austin, Texas, was like many towns in Texas settled by German immigrants during the 1800s.

 

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Main Street, Boerne Texas 1890 – love the horses!!

 

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And Main Street today!! 

 

The property which the owners call "our dream spot” is located on a few acres near downtown Boerne.   The homeowner’s husband is a builder and the house is actually going to one day be the guest house where the grandparents will live.  In the mean time, until the main house is built, this family of five lives in a wonderful house that looks old but is brand new with all the mod cons.

The owner wrote that while she loves an old house, she wanted the convenience of a new one.  But, she wanted to recreate the feeling of romance found in a older property.  Hence, she made up a history to go with their new house:  

“Over a 100 years ago a successful, handsome German farmer fell in love with a girl from San Antonio.      The city girl would only marry the handsome farmer and move out to the country if the farmer agreed to add a master suite onto his farmhouse.  After a big harvest year, the farmer promised to add an indoor laundry room with black and white checkerboard flooring and soapstone countertops.”

Now, that’s a city girl with good taste!  And so long ago, too!!!

The homeowner told me that they built the master suite using stone walls to make it look like the house had actually been added onto at some point.  They also borrowed from early German Hill Country architecture by using 10’ deep wraparounds, rough hewn block limestone with sack joint (which means heavily smeared) mortar, painted pine paneling and a large farmhouse sink.  

The owner says that the minute she turns down their “dreamy, winding” driveway, with all the deer, her entire body peacefully exhales.  There is something “extremely nostalgic” about the property.  They enjoy sitting on rocking chairs on the porch, sipping on Pinot at sunset, while Lyle Lovett is singing in the background and the children and dogs play on the big green field out front. 

Makes me want to move there!!!

The homeowner was hoping to win the Aidan Gray contest so she could buy two of the Aidan Gray Joni sconces for the stairs and new furniture to replace her 10 year old sofa.  While she wasn’t the winner in the in the end, she was a finalist. 

I hope you enjoy this visit to the Hill Country as much as I did!!!

 

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The dreamy driveway to the property – where the deer play.  Love the two small American flags on each side!

 

 

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Built to resemble a typical German settler Hill Country house – with its metal seamed roof, deep overhangs, and limestone walls.   One day this will be the guest house for the grandparents to live in when the main house is built. 

 

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The children play in the green grass that surrounds the house.  At the time these photographs were taken, the landscaping had not been installed yet.

 

 

 

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Gray painted floors and blue painted roof is typical of houses found in the Hill Country.

 

 

 

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A table set on the porch for a party.

 

 

 

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Walking into the front door, the staircase is open to the foyer.

 

 

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  The stairs are covered with an antelope runner.  Love that!  And love the slide to the right – what a cute idea!!!  Notice the tall ceilings and the fabulous iron chandelier.

 

 

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The walls are wood – and under the stairs, there is a surprise behind the cabinet.  Love the white walls and dark hardwoods – so classic!!

 

 

 

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  Under the stairs is a hideaway computer station for the family.  Great idea!

 

 

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The great room is a living/dining/and kitchen all in one space.    A wall of French doors opens to the side porch.   Notice the tiny window up at the top of the ceiling. 

 

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Close up of the living area.

 

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  Across the front is this corner fireplace with limestone.  Love how she decorated the mantel.

 

 

 

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Close up of seating area.  Perfect for a farm house – love the white cushion on the velvet and leather sofa. 

 

 

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The dining chairs are slipped with a toile in aquas and greens.

 

 

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Past the dining table is the kitchen with an island.   Love the tall windows above the cabinets.

 

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The refrigerator hides behind wood doors.

 

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Subway tile backsplash – love the pig!  To the left is a farm sink. 

 

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Soapstone on the island – just like the city girl insisted her German farmer give her!!!

 

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Next to the refrigerator is this row of shelves  - so cute!!!

 

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The city girl made the German farmer promise to add on a master suite – and he did!  You can see the limestone walls that once used to be outside. Wink, wink.

 

 

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The master bath – wood floors and white wood walls. 

 

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Beautiful bath and shower – love the windows!!!

 

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Closeup of the bath with the white marble mixed with wood walls.  Love the combination.

 

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Bunk bed in the kids room is hidden behind striped gray and white fabric – so cute!!!  Notice the drawers and notice the shelves inside the bed.

 

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This bunk room has desks on each side – great lights above them!  Such a darling family.

 

 

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  And there’s nothing like swimming in the river on a hot day in Texas!!!

A HUGE thank you to this family for sharing your beautiful house with us!!!

 

 

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Looking to visit Boerne?  I found this darling guest house for rent in nearby Bulverde.  Built in 1872, it was completely renovated a few years ago.   Owned and operated by the descendants of original German settlers, the house has board and batten walls and pine floors. 

 

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The house was restored by NYC architect Matthew Bremer HERE.  Located on a 300 acre ranch, the guest house is on a knoll that gets breezes even in the dead of summer.

 

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Beautiful long leaf pine floors.

 

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Kitchen with all the amenities. 

 

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The bedroom – there are a total of five rooms in the guest house.

 

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Bathroom with wood ceiling.

 

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And romantic bath.

For more information – go HERE.

There are many B&Bs around Bourne, hotels & motels, and there are several upscale resorts.  One fun spot is the Serengeti Resort.

 

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If you have ever wanted to go on African safari, but can’t make it across the globe – visit the Serengeti Resort in Boerne Texas. 

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There are different places to stay – in the lodge or in a private bungalow, or you can stay in an authentic safari tent!  That looks like so much fun.

For more information on the Serengeti Resort in Boerne, go HERE.

54 comments :

  1. Another pretty house. No wonder the contest was so hard to judge!
    Karen

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  2. That safari tent is dreamy! Can you imagine how fun that would be?
    Thank you for sharing with us!

    xo

    Andie

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  3. So nice to look at another house tour. I love the white walls - it makes everything so bright and light. I can not wait for my white walls to finally be finished. Thanks for also taking us on a safari, Joni.

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  4. A lovely home. My favorite design element is the way they made the kitchen upper cabinets mimic the windows. Thank them for letting us visit.
    Best...Victoria

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  5. Thanks... Love the slide ... What a fun idea....and the bathroom too... I was wondering if she would share the bath sink faucet
    Source... That is exactly what I am looking for....Teresa...

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  6. This house would have been adorable with Aidan Gray decor. Such a beautiful family. I can see how this place is perfect for
    creating wonderful family memories.

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  7. Here's the Poverty Cycle again!

    New construction built to look like historic blue collar home......

    Ironic, yes?

    Been done for centuries. Italy to Texas.

    Garden & Be Well, XO Tara

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  8. My mouth is still hanging open. I so, so, so love the way they stuck with the past. And, that is the same old building in town from way back then?! The slide is so cool,but not sure I would want that there. : - ) Never thought about Germans moving that far south.

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  9. Sammy, There were Germans who specifically came to Texas. We have quite a few towns settled by mostly German immigrants. Another wonderful town is New Braunfels.

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  10. What a lovely home!! Do you think the owner would share the iron chandelier source? Absolutely love it and it is exactly what I envision for our lodge.

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    1. Carol Ann, I searched forever for the chandelier...found it online - made by 4th generation blacksmith Clayton J. Bryant in Thorndike, Maine. He's an artist & it's lovely quality. I have the large 6' double ring one. His website shows it hanging in a lodge as well, so that may help you. I think he should charge more, but who's complaining? aceiron.com

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  11. I love that Texas limestone and the kitchen. What a great setting for a home.

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  12. Nice house! I like the way she used old glass doorknobs on the interior doors. Looks like a happy place. I just wouldn't want to have to dust the tops of those kitchen cabinets - you'd need a tall ladder.

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  13. I love the limestone on the walls in the bedroom....they did a wonderful job on their home....Very charming!

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  14. Joni, great post! The owner put lovely touches to this home. I especially like the small bits of color like the Bosphorous pattern on the dining chairs and the combination of white slips and leather and velvet in the main area.

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  15. The guest house link wasn't active, can you fix that, would LOVE to visit!!

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    1. Just do a search for Serengeti Resort Boerne! It's gorgeous!

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    2. The guest house is not at Serengeti if I read correctly. The link is not active on the guest house.

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  16. So charming, and to think I have been to Boerne! Great Post. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com

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  17. I love that home and it's so different from most of the houses in that area, but completely my style. :)

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  18. What a thrill to see our home on my long-time favorite design blog, Joni! Thank you for the kind words about our home & our WONDERFUL town, Boerne (Bernie), Texas - you have a HUGE fan base here (my phone exploded with texts this morning!) Your readers would LOVE shopping/eating on our quaint/hip Main St., so come visit! I'm glad to share sources & better pics (now landscaped, non-iphone).

    I also wanted to mention that our family has a heart for adoption and our place in Boerne is always open for any type of gatherings/retreats/concerts/etc. that further that cause (or other great causes.)

    Joni, the unselfish way you share your sources and give credit to other designers has helped me and COUNTLESS readers navigate the waters of Calacatta Ora marble (to hone or not to hone - hone, always!), stair runners, symmetry & more (kudos to your friends at Urban Grace, Velvet & Linen, Pam Pierce, Bobby "the ultimate" McAlpine, Sally Wheat, and rising star Maria Beck, who bought our previous home). Thank you!

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  19. Put my incorrect contact info in my name above. Should be carrie@thesisterproject.org

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    Replies
    1. I'm in love with your house. We recently relocated back to the Hill Country. We live in Burnet and are looking to buy land and build on it. Your home has many of the elements that I want in my home. I believe the builder is your husband. Does he build in the Burnet area? What architect do you use? I would love to get the sources on your home and also would love to see more pics. You can email me at: marshaporter84@gmail.com

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  20. I am so sad that THIS house did not win the Aidan Grey Contest. It is probably the most representative of the size home that most people who read this blog are furnishing. In addition, it is not already decorated to the nines with Aidan Grey-like furnishings.

    I hope the Aidan Grey folks will reconsider this home. It would be a GREAT advertisement for what could be done with a more modest home. There have been lots of requests for that among your readers.

    Smiles from My Slice of Provence,

    Charlotte Des Fleurs

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  21. Beautiful home - I love how elegant it is, and how there's space for everyone to play. Absolutely stunning.

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  22. I love everything about this home. Thanks for sharing!

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  23. Such a beautiful home. I especially love the limestone, inside & out! We've visited Boerne and other surrounding towns many times and always hate to have to leave. It really is beautiful area with the friendliest people. My hubby and I hope to one day relocate to the hill country area. I can't wait to be able to say, "I may not be from Texas, but I got here as soon as I could!"

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  24. Joni,
    I started following your (and Velvet and Linen) while I was undergoing treatment and surgery for breast cancer and the drugs left me too groggy for solving the world's latest crisis. I'm good, cured, great now, but hooked on your blog. It is my stolen little "me time" pleasure. So, I gave up reading it for Lent, investing the time into picking up an additional Bible study or more prayer etc. Let me just say, I couldn't wait until the family I ADORE and LIVE to entertain and gather to me... LEFT MY HOUSE after Easter Sunday Brunch. I put on my favorite white sweats (lol) and curled up on my white linen slip covered sofa and logged in to your blog to take in all of the eye candy. Way less fattening than Reeses eggs or Godiva bunnies! Still catching up. I'ved missed my guilty pleasure! Thanks!

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  25. gave me up for lent???? i'm so flattered! don't you give up for lent what you love most? so glad you are feeling better and are on the road to recovery!!! thanks so much. you made my day!

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  26. Hi Joni,
    I have just subscribed to your blog which is fabulous. Recently I tried to access older posts ie the readers house series but found that the 'search' link does not respond if you click on it....it only lets you click on the Ligit search which is not what I want. HELP!
    Thanks,Libby

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  27. This house is scrumptious!!! I want to copy the slide idea. Also would like to know the source for the velvet, leather & cotton duck
    couch. Did bobby Mac Alpine design this house (top one)?? Everything is the pen-ultimate. Thanks for this!

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    1. I WISH Bobbly Mac Alpine designed something (anything) I owned! No, my talented husband, John Friesenhahn, designed it.
      That couch is SO old...had slip made for seat cushion & covered ugly maroon chenille pillows with linen. Thanks for your kind words, Carrie

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  28. Wow! If this is the guest house, I can't wait to see the main house when it's built! I have the same toile shown on the dining chairs for my bedding. Love it! I am intrigued by the "slide" along the stairway. Never seen anything like that. What is the purpose? I have a general observation, not directed specifically at this house, but I find it amusing that newly constructed homes endeavor to look old by purposely looking like they've been added on to overtime, and older homes that put on additions endeavor to make them seamless with the old construction so it doesn't look added on to. I see this time and again in shelter magazines. I really don't care, either way is fine--I just like beautiful spaces any which way. I just think it's kind of funny. Best, Beth C.

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    1. Beth, I'd love to see your bedding! The "new-looking-old" & "old-looking-new" homes/additions amuse me as well.

      About the slide: you asked what its purpose is...nothing but fun, fun, fun! We have 3 kids & the home is built to feel like a vacation home with a lot of whimsical touches (an antique wardrobe upstairs leads to a secret Narnia reading room!) Anyway, our kids saw a home with a slide (darn you, Pinterest) and begged for one. I thought it would be fun & it is. The kids love it, as do their friends, cousins, and the occasional daring adult attempting a party trick. It turns out to also be a laundry shoot, Hot Wheels racetrack, and stuffed animal circus area.

      Carrie

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  29. Beautiful home and I love the idea this will eventually house the grandparents. Isn't that marvelous?

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  30. Is there any way I could get the name of the builder and architect? I live in Burnet, TX, which is about an hour from Boerne. We just moved here and are looking at land to buy and build a house on. This house is very close to what I have in mind. I would love to speak to this builder. If you would prefer to email me his information, my email address is: marshaporter84@gmail.com.

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    1. Hi Marsha,

      Thanks for your kind words & welcome to the Hill Country! My husband designed/built the home. His firm, Imagine Homes based in San Antonio, is known for winning green building awards (just won Nat'l Assoc of Home Builders "Best Green Builder in the Nation" award for the 4th time.) Design-wise, Imagine covers a wide scope: from our "old" German farmhouse to much more modern design. They do both production and custom homes (I believe their website shows mostly production work, but they'll send custom photos if you like.) www.imaginehomessa.com

      You can email me for sources. I love talking houses! carrie@thesisterproject.org

      Carrie

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  31. So much to love, but I loved the Poodle the most...

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  32. Joni

    I adore this house! I love the stone, and the metal roof it is so that area of Texas! Loved this post!!

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  33. Excellent architecture.I will love to possess a home like this.

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  36. All are perfect! I am totally hooked up by the designs. From the dreamy driveway to the property up to the authentic safari tent! Wonderful!

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  40. I really like the stool chairs in the kitchen.

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