Our special stay in TEXAS! Website updates, too!

Well I have always been "quick out of the chute" but after visiting the great state of Texas I look back and wonder why I wasn't there sooner. Our destination was the bi-yearly antiques show in Round Top, Texas population 90. I was as "happy as a boarding house pup" combing field after field meeting the great people of Texas who were "sweeter than stolen honey" "Mister, you can insult me, you can insult my friends and as a matter or fact, you can even insult my mother and my horse; but Mister, don’t you ever insult the great State of Texas! "           -Pecos Bill, “Tall Tales” A truly proud group of Americans.....they welcomed us, entertained us, fed us and I am excited for my Texas size shipment to arrive soon. The closest hotel to the antique show fields is "two hoots and a holler away" but people rent their homes, have cottages, B&B's and a few folks even offered their RV's.  (would've done it, no lie) We lucked out as our "room" had just been finished and available the week we decided to go. We arrived after midnight and I was ready "to throw my hat over the windmill" when we pulled up to our little White Church Guesthouse on the Hill. Okay I will now abandon Texas quote speak in order to give this unique experience it's due. We were the first guests ever and as we rounded the "church "my first views yielded extreme delight. "Innkeepers" had seen an old chapel and wanted it moved to their property but their builder friend, Barney Reynolds, Round Top Home Builders, convinced them they could build one new and he would use old materials. LOVE THAT!!  (It was impossible to tell the little chapel was new) Please remember that when I'm hunting in the U.S. I am happy if the pillow doesn't smell of smoke.  (that happened once). You can imagine how lucky I felt entering this spectacular place. Rog gets in all the pictures. Owner, Linda O'Neal,  didn't overlook a single detail and she rushed the completion to accommodate us.  Linda, and her husband, Rob reside in Houston during the week and scoot out to their ranch every weekend. This couple is not your "possum and a six pack" kind of team.  They thought of EVERY detail. The headboard is mohair, the French bench, velvet, the linens, Italian. The bedside lamps were made from antique wallpaper rollers. Bedside chests, mirrored. Fresh Texas roses contrasted beautifully with the rusty iron and blush pink velvet. Spectacular view with the antique pine and iron doors and vaulted ceiling. The stained glass windows are from an old church in the St. Louis area. I fell in love with these brass and iron sconces, originally gas powered. See the little cross on top? Linda, an antiques dealer in the area, converted an antique server into a bar area complete with a sink. A bottle of wine was waiting when we arrived. XOXO The glasses, demitasse cups, plates, etc. were all antique and tastefully done. My caffeine addicted husband appreciated the espresso/ cappuccino machine and the ample amount of pods. The flooring is from an old warehouse near Houston. This antique cabinet, paint scraped and waxed,  fit perfectly between the 2 lace paneled windows. Two zone heat and air and even a flat screen TV added to their commitment to their guest's comfort. When I checked out the large bathroom I was awestruck....... primitive architectural window fitted with the mirror over another French server with the sink dropped in.  They had fine soaps, shampoos and conditioners and more fresh roses...swoon! Check out the hand hewn beam that can be appreciated from either room. BIG shower and charming claw foot tub underneath crystal chandeliers....Can you believe it????? The towels were Peacock Alley. Keeping with the church theme, the old frame contrasts with the fresh paint magically. They illuminated the cast cherub sconces and theses accent sconces in the bathroom and the bedroom added so very much to the mood.  Subtle details mean so much. Rob walked over with a breakfast basket with home baked goodies, fruits and yogurt! Out our front door was this beautiful setting complete with antique iron table and chairs, a stocked lake and, of course, the beautiful landscape. Cows grazed in the distance and to the right are many young olive trees Rob has planted to hopefully contribute to the Texas olive oil production. As the trees mature the olive orchard will add another appealing dimension to the property. After meeting on a blind date in 1999 they have been together ever since. In 2007 the couple took a drive to see the Texas wild flowers and fell in love with the people, the area and the house. (They waited over an hour for the realtor.)  After making an offer the very next day, the homestead became theirs. Linda is a decorator (not surprised) and the main house has been featured in Houston House and Home. The little White House is scheduled for other publications as well. They had seen an old chapel and wanted it moved to their property but their local builder friend, Barney Reynolds, convinced them they could build one new and he would use old materials. I LOVE that in a builder. (It was impossible to tell the little chapel was new) Even the key and stationary kept to the Texas rose theme.....so sweet. Construction is starting next month on an event barn which will have a 360 degree view of the surrounding countryside and additional lodging. I have no doubt this new venture will succeed having experienced the couple's careful planning. Rob took this picture the night we left....truly magical. Once word travels I know I will have a very hard time getting a reservation which made this stay all the more special. I am very grateful to Linda and Rob for creating this experience.  XOXO I will be doing another post about our Texas shopping which was an absolute ball!!! Thank you to those of you who followed me on Instagram, the BEST way to see items as soon as I found them.  Some customers have items on hold already and will be the first to check them out when they arrive. FOLLOW ME on INSTAGRAM....it's really easy. Warmest regards, Bonny PS Contact Linda about The White Church Guesthouse on the Hill at WhatsnextL@aol.com PPS FINALLY the HouseHunters feature that was filmed at my shop will air April 21st on HGTV at 10pm.  See if I ended up on the cutting room floor, HA!   Please note delivery and shipping is available on all items EMAIL ME with any questions. Bonny Neiman Antiques & Artisan  p.973-714-4541 www.bonnyneiman.com    Trouvaille 12 Beechwood Road  Summit, NJ Mondays 10-4, Tuesdays - Saturdays 10-5:30.