TRAVEL TEXAS (Christmas Edition: The Farmhouse at Stoney Hill Ranch)

I discovered and enjoyed another airbnb gem, nestled in some farmland just outside of Waco!

After a three hour drive from Boerne, we pulled up to the gate to the property… and then up to the farmhouse.  We took a quick “Ooh!  Look at this!  Eek!  Look in here!” run-through of the house.  And then settled right in.

 

 

Through the french door entry, we walked straight into the foyer.  There were cubbies for our shoes, purse, and backpacks.  There was a vintage oven and decor.  And two large doors opened up to a laundry room.

 

 

 

Turning the corner led into the spacious, modern, and clean kitchen.  Concrete counters, oven, dishwasher, fridge, microwave, and cute eclectic touches.

 

 

 

 

The dining room was furnished with a huge farmhouse table, funky fixtures, and a big picture window.

 

 

 

 

Turning the corner, we found the large living room (with a surprise murphy bed), a great window seating area, and the main bathroom.

 

 

 

 

The master bedroom contained a comfy king bed, dresser, vanity, two closets, and the master bathroom.  So beautiful, warm, and cozy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The second bedroom contained a full bed, a full bunk bed, and an extra loft bed (complete with chalkboard walls!!!), plus a dresser and two closets.

 

 

 

And the back porch was a fantastic place for sitting and watching the sunset, watch the ducks in the pond, and visit with their dog Beau.

 

 

The whole house was covered in reclaimed wood, shiplap, and painted tin.  Modern and funky fixtures, old doors, and antique knobs were throughout.  But the up-to-date appliances and bathroom fixtures fit in perfectly… and certainly helped with the modern conveniences of home that we needed.

How cute is this chalkboard, with a message to greet us?!

 

 

I was able to cook a large enchilada dinner for Christmas evening and pull together a peppermint chocolate cake.  And the kids got to bake and decorate cookies.  There was certainly no shortage of food or space, as we all sat around the huge dining table!  The comfy-ness of the whole place welcomed us home after a very long day of activities in town.  The seclusion allowed for privacy, star-gazing, and great sleeping.  And the personal touches of having some snacks and drinks provided gave me less to worry about, after I realized I had left some things at home.

 

 

 

Between the gorgeous weather and beautiful home that our hosts provided for us… and the fun activities that I had brought for our group… we were able to create many wonderful memories!!!  (the teenager already gave this trip a 5-star rating)  😉

 

 

I can’t wait for a reason to head back that direction and stay again!  And if you’d like to stay…

Here is the direct link to the farmhouse on airbnb- https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/15805724

China Spring, just outside of Waco.  Turn of the century farmhouse.  $250 a night.  2 bedrooms, 2 baths.  5 beds.  Sleeps 9.  But PS- No TV or internet!  😉

And we didn’t have time to enjoy the activities at the farm.  But they do offer the following:

Educational Ranch Tour ($25 for the group)- A guided trip around the property with a close-up visit and education about chickens, cattle, goats, and pigs.

S’mores Around the Campfire ($25 for the group)- They will start the fire for you, provide all the ingredients, and return to extinguish the fire for you.

Fishing/Kayaking ($25 for the group)- Bring your own poles and tackle.  Use their two kayaks.  Enjoy a few hours of catch-and-release (large-mouth bass or bluegill) or just paddling around the lakes.

Doe Hunting ($100 per gun, per day)- As long as you are able to provide a copy of your hunting license and your hunter safety course certificate, you are able to hunt and harvest deer from their blinds.  And they will help with the logistics of getting your game to a local processor.

Horseback Riding (Contact for pricing and availability)- Get an introduction to horses and horseback riding…. and get to ride around the corral.

Straight from their activities menu: “Our ranch is family-run.  Our wish is to provide your group with some of the experiences of country living that we have learned about and enjoyed over the three years we have been on this property.  Our children will be helping out with the activities, and the proceeds they make will go towards funding the mission trips they take in the summer.”

Go!  Book now!!!  (and tell them I sent ya!)

And have a great time when you TRAVEL TEXAS!