Only 8 miles to Brenham and 27 miles to Round Top, The Cottage at Chappell Hill is a 125-year-old antique farmhouse perched above a small pond located in a tiny, Hallmark-type town (pop. 300). Formerly owned by artist Kiki Newmann, the cottage has been known as the “Healing House” for decades. It's the perfect spot to escape the city, celebrate a special occasion, and create cherished memories. Downtown is 1/2 mile away with unique shops, diners, historic landmarks. Book your stay today and let the magic unfold. You deserve a get away.
The Cottage at Chappell Hill, built in 1900, is located in the Birthplace of Texas, which has a rich history of German and Polish settlers. Built of European craftsmanship, this Victorian cottage is the epitome of old world charm blended with early American luxury. Modern amenities include Starlink Wi-Fi, king bed, sofa bed, stove/oven, vegan toiletries plus a stocked kitchen with complimentary coffee, tea, and snacks.
This is more than just a place to stay; it's an invitation to experience the true essence of a one-of-a-kind cottage that envelops you with peace, romance, and charm. Guests return time and again to unwind, explore the lovely countryside, and thrive in the small town vibes.
Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by cardinals and bluebirds. You'll likely spot deer and fireflies too. You may even spot the local fox and armadillos. The large front porch, adorned with gingerbread trim, is the perfect spot for coffee, tea, and/or wine while being surrounded by native pecan trees, grapes, and garlic. A sign from Germany welcomes (Willkommen) you as you as enter the stained glass front door, made in England.
Inside, you'll marvel at the original shiplap walls, victorian sash windows, tin ceiling, antiques furnishing, and more. A drawing the original owner, Mr. Charles Martin Meister, is on the shiplap in the living room closet. Born in Germany in 1865, he became a prominent local figure in interior architectural ornamentation. His contributions are documented in scholarly works on Texas decorative arts. The cottage was professionally decorated by "The Irish Lady", an interior designer.
The cottage faces Main Street (FM 1155) and is only a half mile from darling downtown Chappell Hill, which is known for its historic architecture and cultural heritage. The town is located inside Stephen F. Austin's (the Father of Texas) original colony. See below if you'd like to learn more about him and Chappell Hill.
We suggest that you to book early for all holidays, March-April Bluebonnet season, April Bluebonnet Festival, July 4th parade, October Scarecrow Festival, December Teddy Bear Parade, Round Top Antique Fairs (Jan, Mar, Oct), Texas A&M games, concerts, county festivals and events.
EXPLORE CHAPPELL HILL AND BEYOND:
Chappell Hill boasts 10 historic sites on the National Register of Historic Places and 25+ Texas Historical Markers. These include the Main Street Historic District, the Chappell Hill Museum, the Circulating Library, the Rock Store, Providence Baptist Church, Farmers State Bank. Further, there are many bird (and bike) trails. More history related to Chappell Hill can be found via the Texas State Historical Association site: Search for "Chappell Hill: A Historical Overview of the Texas Town". It's very interesting.
DESTINATIONS:
Within 1/2 Mile: Downtown Chappell Hill. Savor lemon berry pie at Beaver’s Kitchen, enjoy live music and charcuterie at Grapevine on Main, have a nightcap with the locals at Carol's Bar, wine taste at Texas Star Winery. Explore the circle library (birthplace of Texas), the historical museum, and step inside Texas’ oldest bank, which has remained in its original location for over 115 years. Music fans? Drake’s ranch is just 5 miles from the cottage - on FM 1155. If you'd like to know his hang out spots, please ask.
Within 10 miles: Blue Bell Creamery, Chappell Hill Lavender Farm, Chapelton Vineyards, Brazos Valley Brewery, Firemen Museum, Chappell Hill Sausage BBQ, Bakery, Barnhill Center Theatre plus many antique shops and famous BBQ places such as LJ's BBQ and Truth BBQ plus so much more.
With 20 miles: Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site, Circle P Antiques & Collectibles, Antique Rose Emporium, Saddlehorn Winery, Windy Winery, and several historical sites/landmarks.
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY:
Stephen F. Austin played a significant role in the colonization of Texas by bringing the first group of settlers to the region in 1821; He was appointed by the Mexican government as an empresario, or land agent, to bring 300 families to settle in Texas.
Most of the German settlers who arrived in Washington County were primarily farmers and craftsmen. They were attracted to the area by the fertile soil and the promise of land ownership. They brought with them their language, culture, and traditions. They established their own communities, built churches, and established schools that taught in the German language. They also introduced new crops to the area, such as grapes and peaches, which helped to diversify the local agriculture. The area saw an influx of Polish immigrants in the late 1880s, which helped revitalize the community after an economic disruption caused by the Civil War and a yellow fever epidemic.
Many German settlers in Texas had fled Germany due to the suppression of democratic movements in 1848, seeking freedom and equality in America. They had a strong belief in liberty and equality. Most were abolitionists who viewed slavery as an abomination. They were forced to fight in the Civil War for the Confederacy even though the Germans were anti-slavery and their Unionist views clashed with Confederate authorities. Some Germans rebelled and formed militia groups to resist the Confederate draft. The state government saw these acts of resistance as evidence of Union sympathies, creating a climate of suspicion and distrust. In 1862, Confederate authorities began drafting German settlers into the Confederate Army, but many refused. Confederate troops responded by confronting the resisters, leading to the deadly Nueces Massacre on 8/10/1862, where many German Texans attempting to flee to Mexico were killed by Confederate soldiers. The Germans were trying to escape forced conscription into the Confederate Army. Texas imposed martial law to suppress unionist sentiment and enforce the Confederate Conscription Act, which mandated military service for able-bodied men.
My German ancestors (surname Frank) arrived to the area in the mid-1800s and are buried at the Eben-Ezer Lutheran Church on South Berlin Road in Brenham and a homestead next to a Chappell family burial site.
We gladly donate a portion of proceeds to non-profit animal rescue and human charities. Please don’t hesitate to ask questions or seek recommendations about things to do and places to see. Feel free to ask questions directly here or by looking us up on other platforms. We at your service and thrilled to assist with your adventures and memory making :-)
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