Historic 1 BR Cottage with Mountain Views and Firepit

Summary:
Experience a romantic escape amid the breathtaking beauty of Texas Hill Country in this charming one-bedroom cottage. Once the historic Hastings Schoolhouse, this lovingly restored retreat blends timeless character with modern comfort.

Step inside to find elegant farmhouse décor, thoughtfully curated antiques, and cozy, luxurious accommodations. Outside, explore six peaceful acres shared with free-roaming sheep, chickens, and our friendly Nigerian dwarf goats and don’t forget to say hello to our photogenic rooster, Peewee!

The Space:
Escape to the tranquil beauty of the Kingsby Cottage in Boerne, TX, where a charming picturesque retreat among the mountains awaits you. Our pet-friendly cottage is designed for two guests seeking a peaceful getaway surrounded by nature.

As you enter, you'll discover a cozy haven with a one bedroom featuring a luxurious king-size bed. The bedroom is thoughtfully appointed to ensure your utmost comfort, providing a serene space to unwind after a day of exploration in Texas Hill Country. This living room holds a very special piece of Texas history as it was the first school house in Hastings. Please ensure to read through the history of the property and history of W. G. Hughes for more information. The living area invites relaxation with its comfortable leather furnishings and warm ambiance. The living room holds very special antiques the owner has found in Texas Hill Country. Please enjoy them at your leisure!

Whether you're curled up with a good book or enjoying the company of your loved one, this space is perfect for creating lasting memories. Prepare delicious meals in the fully equipped kitchen with cafe station, complete with modern amenities. The kitchen offers the convenience of home-cooked meals, allowing you to savor local flavors or whip up your favorite dishes. A dining area provides an intimate setting for meals.

Unwind in nature's serenity with our charming retreat, featuring a tranquil 1/3 mile walking trail to explore and refresh your senses. Enjoy al fresco dining at one of our four picnic areas, perfect for a romantic meal or a family gathering. Step outside into the expansive yard, where you and your pet can revel in the sights and sounds of nature. As the sun sets, gather around the fire pit for a cozy evening under the starlit Texas sky. Share stories, enjoy the warmth of the fire, and embrace the tranquility of your mountain and farmland surroundings. Stay connected with high-speed Wi-Fi service throughout the property, allowing you to share your adventures with friends or plan your next day's explorations.

Please note that our commitment to providing a smoke-free environment extends to the entire house. Kingsby Cottage in Boerne, TX, offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Escape to the countryside, create unforgettable memories, and enjoy the joy of sharing your retreat with beloved pets and delightful animals.

Guest Access:
Guests will have access to the entire cottage minus one outdoor closet. Guests do not have access to the farmhouse, barn, or play structure on the property.

If you bring your pets, please ensure they are either leashed or enclosed in the fenced in area at the front of the cottage with the firepit and grill area. This is for the safety of the owner's livestock on property (chickens and goats).

The Neighborhood:
Boerne, located in the picturesque Texas Hill Country, is known for its scenic beauty, charming downtown, and a mix of suburban and rural landscapes. Residents and visitors in this area often enjoy outdoor activities given the proximity to nature. The Kingsby Cottage is located 3 miles to the West of downtown Boerne and 21 miles to the East of Bandera, TX.

The Kingsby Cottage is part of a historic land marker placed in 2015 for W. G. Hughes. The Cottage was the original school house for Hastings and one of the main rooms in Farmhouse on property was the original structure of the Hastings Post Office.

"The community of Hastings was established in the late 19th century with the settlement of immigrants from England who came to farm and ranch in Texas. William George (Willy) Hughes, at the age of 19, moved from Kensington, London, to Texas in 1878 to learn about the business of managing and marketing sheep and wool. Willy took Oxfordshire Downs sheep from England and started building his herds on 160 acres southwest of Boerne. His two brothers, Harry and Gerard, joined him in 1879. In the same year, Willy purchased his second piece of land where the ranch headquarters would be built.

The Hughes Ranch engaged in breeding cattle, sheep, goats, and horses. The ranch expanded its operations to include U.S. mail delivery, stage line services, meals, tourism activities, and buying and selling real estate. By 1887, Willy transitioned from sheep wool production to Angora goat mohair production and became recognized as an authority on Angora goats. The ranch headquarters, constructed in 1888, still stands off HWY. 46.

Willy married Lucy Stephenson, and she took charge of her own operations on the ranch. She managed a dairy operation with 35 Jersey cows and ran a resort business at the ranch headquarters called "Mineral Springs Ranche." Willy proposed a post office for the community, named Hastings Post Office after his father. It opened in 1890 in a room inside the Hughes Ranch House. In the same year, Willy started the Boerne and Bandera Stage Line Company, inviting tourists from San Antonio and Boerne to visit the Hill Country in Bandera via the stage line. Willy provided land to Kendall County for the Hastings School and continued to support the community until his untimely death in 1902 from a train wreck in Belleville, Illinois" - Marker is property of the State of Texas (2015).

Getting Around:
Explore the close by Boerne downtown area with its historic architecture, boutique shops, art galleries, and local eateries. A scenic nature center with walking trails, gardens, and educational exhibits. Enjoy outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, and picnicking in this serene park. Step back in time at Old West-themed attraction with live entertainment and historical reenactments. Explore stunning underground formations in natural caves.

Nearby Cities:
Boerne: ~6-minute drive
San Antonio: ~34-minute drive
Comfort, TX: ~19-minute drive
Bandera, TX: ~26-minute drive

Restaurants in the nearby area:
The Creek Restaurant: A popular spot offering a diverse menu with American and Mediterranean influences.
The Dienger Trading Co.: A historic building housing a bookstore, bakery, and café, offering a delightful atmosphere.
Valeria Ristorante Italiano: Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine in a stylish setting.
Cypress Grille: A fine dining restaurant with a menu highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Dodging Duck Brewhaus: A brewpub with a relaxed atmosphere, offering craft beers and a varied menu.
Klein Smokehaus: Known for its delicious smoked meats and barbecue.

Parks nearby:
Joshua Springs Preserve - 15 minutes
Six Flags - 20 minutes
SeaWorld - 30 minutes
Guadalupe River State Park - 25 minutes
Hill Country State Natural Area - 30 minutes
Cinco Canyon Ranch - 35 minutes
Government Canyon State Natural Area - 40 minutes

Other attractions:
Boerne Lake – 12 minutes
Singing Water Vineyards – 30 minutes
Enchanted Spring Ranch – 4 minutes

Other Things to Note:
Important: We are committed to protecting our properties and staying compliant with short-term rental regulations. As part of our protection plan, included in your booking price, you will be required to complete an independent third-party verification through Truvi. Before your booking begins, you will be contacted via email and/or text to confirm your details and complete the verification process.

To ensure a smooth check-in experience, you'll also be asked to review and sign the house rules and FCM Homes terms & conditions via the Guest App Link sent in your reservation confirmation. Please make sure to complete both steps at least 24 hours before your arrival to receive your arrival instructions. Thank you!

House Rules:
- Occupancy [ 2 ]
- 2 pets are allowed with an additional fee of $50 per pet. Please ensure they are either leashed or enclosed in the fenced-in area. Please clean up after them.
- Smoking is NOT allowed.
- Fireworks are not allowed.
- Parties or events are NOT allowed.
- Quiet hours are from 10 PM - 7 AM.
- Primary guest must be at least 25 years old and present for the entire reservation.
- Please note there is an old concrete tank on property. Do not enter this area. It is a 30-foot tank that has not been reinforced. Safety is our number one concern for our guests.
- There is an additional historic house on the property that’s rented separately.
- Please no shooting of firearms or weaponry on property.
- There is a fire pit on site for guest use. We kindly ask bring your own supplies, extinguish any flames/coals after each use, and adhere to any county burn ban in effect.
- There is an exterior camera present to monitor the animals on the property. Please do not tamper with them.
- In the event that you need to use the hard key, please place it back in the lockbox before departing. Failure to return any keys used to the lockbox will result in a $50 replacement fee per key.

As you may know, Texas is home to a variety of insects, particularly in rural settings like the Hill Country. However, our property does not experience any bug activity beyond what’s typical for the region. We take proactive measures to maintain a comfortable environment and have not had any ongoing pest issues. To help ensure a pleasant stay, we simply ask that guests keep windows and doors closed when not in use.