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

Park House & La Locanda | Gisburn, England

{image courtesy of Park House}

As Mr. H mentioned in yesterday's post, our road trip in Ruby the Fiat was one the highlights of our trip. I would definitely reccommend renting a car and exploring the precious towns that dot the UK's countryside. However, a word to the wise: give yourself more than enough time to get to your destination. There are several reasons for this... one, it gives you to freedom to make a spontaneous detour to see one of the many castles, churches, and other attractions along the way; two, takes much longer to get places when you are driving on small, country roads (even with a GPS). We learned this the hard way on our trip to the Park House B&B in Gisburn. We left Edinburgh with more than enough time to arrive around 5:00 pm. However, we weren't prepared for the winding track roads and rain that met us on the way. We  ended up arriving in Gisburn at 7:00 pm. 

Park House's lovely drawing room

All the stress from our drive melted away when we were greeted by the wonderful Proprietor, Howard Williams. He showed us to our lovely room, Room 3, which was coated in Farrow & Ball's Lamp Room Gray and had a perfect view of the 12th century church across the street. B&B's can conjure up notions of dusty, garish Victorian furniture and creepy, porcelain dolls, but Park House is so far from that. Our room was immaculately clean, cozy, and well decorated. The common rooms downstairs were the same and the service is excellent.

our cozy room

view from Room 3

When we booked our room, we noticed several guests' reviews mentioned the Park House's Friday to Sunday Special, which includes dinner at the award-winning Italian Restaurant, La Locanda (a two-minute walk from Park House). We decided to follow the advice of these reviews, which was one of the best decisions we made in all of our trip planning. La Locanda is amazing! It was hands dow the most amazing Italian food I've ever had outside of Italy. The owners, Cinzia and Maurizio Bocchi, are dedicated to sourcing local ingredients to create authentic and excellent Italian cuisine. This strategy, coupled with their Italian hospitality, has led La Locanda to become England's most award winning Italian restaurant outside of London. It was a meal I'll never forget!

{images courtesy of La Locanda}

I would advise anyone who wants to plan a road trip through the UK to make sure to go through the Ribble Valley, stay at Park House, and eat at La Locanda (even if you are staying on a Saturday and can't do the Friday to Sunday Special... trust me it's more than worth it). Gisburn would be the perfect "base" from which to explore the stunning surrounding area. I'm already dreaming about our next visit!!
- mrs.h

mr.&mrs.h's Quick Guide to Gisburn:
EAT // La Locanda
Antipasta
➺ Pere al Gorgonzola
Pasta
➺ Tortelloni  di zucca con amaretti
Secondi Piatti
➺ Pollo mozzarella e speck
Dessert
➺ Tiramisu 
➺ Panna Cotta

SLEEP // Park House 
➺ Room 3