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.
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.
Main Street, Boerne Texas 1890 – love the horses!!
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!!!
The dreamy driveway to the property – where the deer play. Love the two small American flags on each side!
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.
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.
Gray painted floors and blue painted roof is typical of houses found in the Hill Country.
A table set on the porch for a party.
Walking into the front door, the staircase is open to the foyer.
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.
The walls are wood – and under the stairs, there is a surprise behind the cabinet. Love the white walls and dark hardwoods – so classic!!
Under the stairs is a hideaway computer station for the family. Great idea!
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.
Close up of the living area.
Across the front is this corner fireplace with limestone. Love how she decorated the mantel.
Close up of seating area. Perfect for a farm house – love the white cushion on the velvet and leather sofa.
The dining chairs are slipped with a toile in aquas and greens.
Past the dining table is the kitchen with an island. Love the tall windows above the cabinets.
The refrigerator hides behind wood doors.
Subway tile backsplash – love the pig! To the left is a farm sink.
Soapstone on the island – just like the city girl insisted her German farmer give her!!!
Next to the refrigerator is this row of shelves - so cute!!!
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.
The master bath – wood floors and white wood walls.
Beautiful bath and shower – love the windows!!!
Closeup of the bath with the white marble mixed with wood walls. Love the combination.
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.
This bunk room has desks on each side – great lights above them! Such a darling family.
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!!!
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.
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.
Beautiful long leaf pine floors.
Kitchen with all the amenities.
The bedroom – there are a total of five rooms in the guest house.
Bathroom with wood ceiling.
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.
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.
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.
