The Prairie in Round Top, Texas

The Prairie in Round Top, Texas is one of our favorite places to go!

Since it is the week of fun in Round Top, Texas right now, I thought I would share our memories from our trip in January.  The highlight of our journey was staying at Rachel Ashwell’s Prairie, an amazing bed and breakfast in Round Top.  As you drive out into what seems to be the middle of nowhere, you come upon a dirt road with an American flag that beckons you down a path to a cluster of the cutest little buildings ever.

The Cottages at The Prairie

We stayed in a smaller cottage next to the main house where our associates were staying.  There are wonderful patios for conversation all over the property and wide open spaces to enjoy the true Texas prairie.

The Rangers Lounge at The Prairie

We woke early in the mornings to stroll through the grass, creep through the other cottages for some photos (of course before any other guests arrived). Breakfast is served in the main lounge by the resident chef.  Yum!  It was a treat for the eyes and our stomachs.  And the staff there is amazing and so friendly!

Rachel Ashwell and True Shabby Chic Style

In true Rachel Ashwell style, everything is beyond fabulous.  Every room is filled with her signature color palette on peely, chippy furniture coupled with the most amazing cushy upholstery and pillows you can just sink into.

In one room there was this fabulous chandelier that I seriously wondered if they would notice if I took it down and hid it in my suitcase.  Sadly I am honest, so I did not (plus I didn’t have any tools with me, hee, hee)  but it really is the most amazing place to gain inspiration.

Amazing Shabby Chic Furniture Everywhere

Everywhere we looked there was something fun, a feast for the eyes, or a small idea I could incorporate at home.  But my true obsession was this amazing teal velvet Chesterfield sofa that I truly MUST order for my next house!  The really ridiculous part was I never took a picture of it, duh!  I did, however, get a fabric sample and all the information to order it someday.  Let’s hope that is sooner rather than later.

Shopping for Rachel Ashwell’s Shabby Chic

When in Texas, you must shop.  Chantelle and I made our first stop to buy cowboy boots on our way from the airport before we even hit The Prairie.

While there, of course there is a fabulous little Shabby Chic Couture gift shop so you can legitimately bring some things home with you.

We also headed out to Texas Trash and Treasure to buy some things for our shop. Remember my large body bag duffle from the flea marketing/toy car shopping post? I brought that to check in luggage on the airplane.  

But of course, since we are piggies, we were all about the food as well.  The pie from the famous Royers Cafe was to die for not to mention the rack of lamb was ‘melt in your mouth’ delicious!  And we did end up getting invited to a barn dance!  LOVE!

UPDATE: We did go back years later for Jill’s daughters wedding held at The Prairie. Read about it here. 

By the end of the trip, I was ready to move to Texas, even though everyone described it as “hotter than hell” most of the year.  But actually on a day like today (April and still in the low 30’s) that sounds just about right!  Sign me up!  Be happy, Jill