hoffman haus | fredericksburg, tx

{Stella Alesi Photography}

Remember our trip to Fredericksburg, Texas a few months ago? It was such a great trip, we were there working with - and staying at - the incredible Hoffman Haus. It was one of our best trips this year because the vision behind Hoffman Haus is so unique, the staff is amazing, and everything about it takes a Hill Country getaway to a whole new level! (Christmas is a week away. If you're still looking for a last minute Christmas gift, a few nights at the Hoffman Haus would be a perfect gift!)

Hoffman Haus is Fredericksburg's premier Bed & Breakfast. The property is only a block from downtown. Yet, when you're in the garden, you feel like you're miles away from the rest of the world. Hoffman Haus is made up of several historic buildings including an incredible, German stone dogtrot from 1871, a Sunday House from the 1900's, and a Farmhouse from 1905. These structures have been lovingly restored by Hoffman Haus's owner and visionary, Leslie Washburne. Leslie has also added several beautiful, new cottages to the property.  No matter where you choose to stay, each room has it's own story and they've each been carefully designed to reflect that story.

The service at Hoffman Haus is outstanding. (Mr. H and I don't throw that word around lightly!) After training at Blackberry Farm, which was named No. 1 in Service in North America by Travel & Leisure, we take service seriously. All that to say, we can confidently recommend Hoffman Haus because the staff is always willing to go above and beyond. 

Breakfast at Hoffman Haus is a treat. It's delivered each morning to your room in a picnic basket so you can enjoy a cozy, delicious breakfast in bed! The kitchen staff are always happy to meet any dietary requests and they thrive on finding new, creative recipes to meet guests' needs. Breakfast and dinner are not served at Hoffman Haus, but not to worry Otto's (our favorite dining spot in Fredericksburg - see our review) is nearby.

{all images via Hoffman Haus unless otherwise noted}

The art of the Bed & Breakfast is one that many fall short of; however, Hoffman Haus captures it in every way. If you've always wanted the romantic, welcoming Bed & Breakfast experience paired with the luxuries of a boutique hotel, Hoffman Haus is just the place for you. We hope you enjoy Hoffman Haus and tell the team hi from Mr.&Mrs.H!

-mrs.h

the wheatsheaf inn | cotswolds

{view from our room}

Although, it's been awhile since we've mentioned our UK road-trip, it's not because we don't have some amazing hidden gems still up our sleeve. We simply like to spread the goodness out. And, you're in for a treat today because we're highlighting our favorite spot from our entire trip to England, Scotland, and France... The Wheatsheaf Inn. We loved it so much, we both have to get our two cents in...

Mr. H: I've never stayed somewhere that has such a clear sense of identity. I feel like The Wheatsheaf is an old friend with a quirky personality that you appreciate more and more over time. The staff are great, and not in that stoic, cold manner that is so common at hotels. They remember your name (again, more as a friend) and have genuine conversations. My favorite's were James, who checked us in, James (I think that was his name) behind the bar, and Angie behind the bar. I love that they all wear Converse's - it perfectly suites the place. The fact that you check in at a neighborhood bar is fun and inviting. I loved walking downstairs in the evening to be greeted by locals having a drink with their dogs in tow. The focus on art and design is clear at every turn, and the food does not disappoint. Mrs. H. and I are already dreaming about our next trip.

Mrs. H: The Wheatsheaf has an amazing history - which you know I'm always a sucker for - but it goes so much further than most historic inns. It pays an ode to the past yet is conceptually cutting edge. The decor, moody paint colors, art all have aspects that fit the region and history of the inn all the while mixing in components that make it current with a sort of rustic-chic juxstaposition (i.e. worn out antiques mixed with industrial coffee tables and staff dressed in jeans and white Converse sneakers). Our room was wonderful - amazing art, great technology (for you tech lovers), and an ahhh-may-zing soaking tub with the most delicious smelling bath products I've ever used (not exaggerating, I was obsessed). Although, if you're one of those people who has to have a shower, you'll want to specifically request it because most of the rooms only have tubs. Make sure you take time to explore the inn because the garden, the Game Bar, and private dining room can't be missed! 

After exploring The Wheatsheaf, stroll off property around the lovely town of Northleach. The medieval church and warm, Cotswold stone cottages feel as if the town was stopped in time. Give yourself a day to do nothing and enjoy The Wheatsheaf/Northleach, but be sure to schedule time for exploring the rest of The Cotswolds. The towns and villages of The Cotswolds are incredibly charming and tranquil. Plus, the drives between them feel like you've been transported into Pride & Predjudice (a plus for me, more than Mr. H since I wish I could be Elizabeth Bennet). Next time we go back, we'll defniitely stay at The Wheatsheaf. What better way to explore the English countryside than starting your morning with a Bloody Mary from The Wheatsheaf's complimentary Bloody Mary bar and the ending the day curled up infront of the fire with a hot buttered rum?

-mr.&mrs.h

{above images courtesy of The Wheatsheaf}

if walls could talk // historic hotels

FOUR SEASONS SULTANAHMET // ISTANBUL  

Although this brightly colored hotel looks as if it had a happy history, it was previously a Turkish prison. The lovely, landscaped courtyard was formerly the exercise yard and the elevators a re house in the old watchtowers. The hotel retains hints of its past, including an inmate’s inscription on a marble pillar. 

Hotel 500 // Campi bisenzio, Florence

Originally built in the years 1500 as the hospital’s (Degli Innocenti) orphanage, this hotel later became an elegant Villa. But, it was completely abandoned after the Second World War.

21C // LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY

The 21c has gained fame due to it's double nature as a hotel and a contemporary museum. Although it houses some of today's most cutting-edge work, it's roots run deep in KY history as it was once a tobacco and bourbon warehouse. 

PARADOR SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA // SANTIAGO

Located by the Catedral de Santiago, the Parador was originally built as a hostel and hospital for pilgrims by the Catholic Monarchs in 1499. Today pilgrims still use the hotel as a base station.

-mr.&mrs.h

tree hotels

Every little kid either builds a tree house or wishes they could. In my childhood neighborhood, we had a tree fort club. This tree house was legit - two stories. Our parents even let us spend the night out there one time. In order to enter the sacred grounds, you had to present your laminated membership card. Well, we never got around to printing/laminating the cards, but we had big plans because we couldn't allow just anybody to partake.

Although we were trespassing and stealing wood from a local construction site for materials, I now realize that a lucrative business should have been part of our strategy.

Hotels across the world are catching "tree fort fever." Here are a few we'd like to check out:

Treehotel // Harads, Sweden

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Out'n'About Treehouses Treesort // Takilma, Oregon

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Cedar Creek Treehouse // Mt. Ranier, Washington

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Chole Mjini // Mafia Island, Tanzania 

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-mr.h