The Cottage Journey

For years, we dreamed of building our own rental cottages. Rick from Texas, and Sharon from New Jersey, enjoyed staying at Country Inns, Cabins, and Bed and Breakfasts. We always enjoyed our stays and based on these experiences decided it was time for a new adventure, owning and renting cottages of our own.

Weekends were spent driving to various properties in Rick’s ‘52 Ford truck. Countless nights were spent discussing ideas, dreams, and plans for this venture. We knew we wanted to stay in the Texas Hill Country, waiting to find that special place that would touch our hearts. We had many unanswered questions, such as: Can we really do this? Do we take this leap of faith?

In addition, we were in the midst of selling my New Jersey home, a process full of mixed emotions — memories of the kids growing up, soccer, karate, baseball, proms, graduations, a son off to the Marine Corps, another off to USF and family gatherings. The house was a good home, a precious home full of wonderful memories. Would I be able to leave family and friends? Friends I had made over so many years. However, there comes a time when we know that leaving is the best decision in order to begin that new chapter in our lives. We keep the memories tucked in our hearts and minds, often taking them out, to remember and not forget. 

As time went on, in late fall of 2017, Rick was given a lead on a new property listing with a spring-fed creek in Fredericksburg, Texas. The day we visited the property was also the day we signed the contract. In a few years we would begin following our dream!

The land was rural and untouched and in late 2019 backhoes were brought in, trees were cleared, electric lines were underway, drilling the water well had begun and foundations were poured. And just as soon as it started, it came to a sudden halt. COVID-19 came upon us and hit hard in 2020, it delayed construction. It pushed construction back to June and then until December when the two cottages were finally erected. In the meantime, Rick's Texas home was sold, and we began living full-time in a camper on the property.

In early 2021, roads were washed out by days of ceaseless rain followed by the devastating “Texas Freeze”. Like many, we did not have heat or electricity. Trees, plants, and wildlife fell victim to the freezing temperatures. The following months were spent cleaning out debris and chopping up fallen trees. (Those trees will now be put to good use as firewood for the communal cottage fire pit.)

The interior of the cottages are complete, each with their own unique decor.  Cottage #1, Adaline, has a warm feminine feel of a French Country Cottage while Cottage #2, Bucky, embodies a rustic feel. We hope you enjoy these special spaces just as much as we do.