After a couple of nights out on the range in an "oh too rustic" cabin Susan and I were thrilled there was a cancellation at the famous Prairie by Rachel Ashwell. I have always wanted to stay here but guests are grandfathered in year after year during Round Top showtime.
The property is over 150 years old and Rachel, famous for developing the Shabby Chic craze over 20 years ago, has lovingly created a peaceful homestead for lodging and events. It is common for developers to acquire charming antique buildings from nearby properties and Rachel did just that and went further to decorate each cottage with "crusty painted" pieces and sumptuous bedding and towels from her Shabby Chic line.
The attention to detail was much appreciated.
Our cottage was the Bluebonnet Barn and, although charmingly rustic, the flanged bottomed door was sure to keep out the critters we were worried about in our previous nights stay.
Old brick floor contrasts beautifully with the sumptuous linens...
 
Notice the umbrellas are white. too!
    
Love the raised embroidery on the shower curtain ...
 
We entered the Rangers Lounge and met Danny, the chef de village!! He's an eye opener!! I have seen Danny over the years on the fields picking up Rachel's finds and had no idea he was a great cook too.
It was fun hearing where fellow guests were from and their stories of Round Top while sharing the breakfast table.
 
The Rangers Lounge is also the office and small shop.
Linen and velvet...rustic and refined! I just love the contrast.
Charming antique finds are perfectly at home here.
Of course this small antique tutu hanging was a personal favorite.
Even the dog was white aptly named Pearl....so sweet!
There is an event barn on the property which is an extremely popular spot for many weddings.
Barn weddings are all the rage and this space is beautiful.
The lovely Rachel Ashwell, pictured.
 The views are beautiful ... 
Well Susan looks happy! We bumped into Danny in town that night....hysterical pic !!
Real women pump gas! A "Thelma and Louise" trip I will never forget!
Join us for another fun evening at GreatHouse!! Our previous workshop was such a success we are hosting another one. Talented designer, Victoria Balson, will share with GreatHouse enthusiasts her "go to " decorating tips and trends.
Find out answers to all your decorating questions...
"How do I hang curtains to maximize window space and ceiling height?"
"What are the best paint colors....especially gray and white?"
"What size rug should I get?"
Let's pick that beautiful brain of hers!!
Thursday, October 22nd, 7 pm
Drinks, light bites and fun!
Call the store to reserve as space is limited. 908-522-8900.
Check out her website www.victoriabalson.com and then you will want to follow her on Instagram@victoriabalsoninteriors
It's a good time to follow on Instagram and Facebook as some of my finds and fun experiences are posted!
Talk to you soon,
Bonny
Please note delivery and shipping is available on all items
EMAIL ME with any questions.
GreatHouse Bonny Neiman
12 Beechwood Avenue | Summit, NJ
Monday-Saturday 10:30-5:30
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Monday, October 12, 2015
Our lucky stay at The Prairie
Thursday, October 8, 2015
Round Top Roundup!
Just returned from another fantastic trip to Round Top! It was a different one for me as my regular sidekick (husband Roger) couldn't make it.
I am blessed with having the most wonderful, fun loving women complete the picture at GreatHouse. They travel A LOT and are always game to try something new which is why I wasn't surprised when Susan said "I'll go!". She was back 2 nights from Nantucket and is heading to St.John this weekend but hit the ground running in hot Texas!
We were so happy with our ride....doesn't it scream TEXAS??
Where's our antler mount? 
So many beautiful pieces are on their way to NJ including a pair of these fantastic bookcases. Susan was thrilled to meet favorite artist Scott Kerr and we're excited to receive several of his latest paintings.
 
I swooned over these spectacular barn doors....the color, the hardware, the diagonal planks!! I could just picture them creating the right mood in a new farmhouse.
Taxidermy is every where you turn in Texas!
 
Junk gypsies had an outhouse photo booth set up....every bathroom should have a crystal chandelier!
Shelia is a real pro! Here we are discussing yardage for a project. I am always so excited with the luxurious high end fabrics I bring back. I always preorder pillows.
One of my favorite things is meeting new artists and artisans.
Lodging is hard to come by in Round Top and since I decided to go to Texas last minute, we were lucky this beauty was there for us. What we didn't know was the bathroom house was separate and a late night visit included shooing away about 20 lizards who were having fun at the entry light. When Susan reported this back to me I immediately started emailing some inns for cancellations and I will have another blog on our fortunate upgrade! While I was sleeping here there was a large animal munching at my headboard wall and I could see moonlight through the wall boards.....think snakes!
Now this is an interesting version of a media cabinet!
 This painting was from a Dallas bar :) 
Scored this bow front beauty!
 These are coming!   Making friends with Louis the Louis guy! 
One of the best parts is finding new handmade products...
These are coming to NJ and the seats are lambskin leather.
Industrial metal beams polished, mounted on lucite make stunning lamps!
Gail is our favorite waitress....the very best there is for southern hospitality and efficiency.
Steve is a former Florida police officer who is enjoying great success as a furniture designer and artisan.
 Next time I want to be behind the wheel of this! 
There is nothing like the people of Texas....spirited, sweet, creative and fun! Was so happy to share this experience with Susan, a real trooper and such great company.
Please follow on Instagram to find out about a new promotion and also the date of our next workshop featuring the super talented designer, Victoria Balson. Victoria will share design techniques, trends, and her "go to" paint colors. Our "styling your cocktail table" workshop was a huge success and we had such a fun night with raffles, wine and bites!
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