4 minute read
All Is Well Resort In Saint Jo Texas
Tucked away on the outskirts of the small North Texas town of Saint Jo, hides a very unique overnight get away that is sure to impress the most adventure seeking enthusiasts. Nestled amongst the trees sits All Is Well Resort, a breath taking 65 acre escape from reality owned by Howard and Cinda Smith. The Smith’s bought the 65 acre barren property three years ago and have spent countless hours creating and making it what it is today.
Howard, a retired software developer, bought the property during the pandemic with no real plan in place other than to have a legacy property they could leave to their three children and seven grandchildren. When he started looking for property to buy, he had never really thought about Saint Jo until a friend of his mentioned it to him. The friend told him he needed to look at land in the North Texas hill country and Howard, living in Dallas, was not sure what he was talking about until he and Cinda took a drive out to the area to do some exploring. The Smith’s have driven through Saint Jo numerous times over the last 45 years while traveling to Wichita Falls (where Cinda is originally from) to visit her father, but never ventured far off Highway 82 Once they drove down Highway 677, they instantly knew they had found the area they would buy land in and started actively looking and came upon this beautiful property. All it took for Howard to decide on this property was the view of the amazing creek that runs through it.
Once the land was purchased, Howard started speaking with the local wineries and realized that guests who visit the area have no place to stay and the idea of a resort was born. His original plan was to build ten Broken Bow style cabins, but as he was presenting his business plan to the bank, his banker asked him if he had ever thought of Bubble Huts. Howard was looking for something different and unique and had already thought of Yurts, therefore the Bubble Hut idea caught his attention He decided on building three Yurts and three Bubble Huts and so began his driving back and forth to Dallas where they were living until, he found a camper to stay in on the property. It took Howard right around two years of hard work to get the property ready for guests and Cinda coming out on the weekends to visit and stay. Cinda enjoyed coming to the property so much that she started spending more and more time out there While Howard was busy handling all the outdoor projects, Cinda and her daughter took on the responsibility of creating the beautiful interiors of each space. Each Bubble Hut and Yurt have a unique theme and they make sure every detail is carefully thought out.
January 1st, 2023, with four structures complete and it being 32 degrees outside, Howard decided it was time to make the property live on Airbnb. Much to their surprise, within a very short period of time, the property was fully booked for the following weekend and has remained fully booked every weekend since then. January 2024 will not only mark one year of the resort hosting guests but will also mark 44 years of marriage for Howard and Cinda.
The property features a walking trail that follows the creek which runs through the property. Along the wooded trail, you will find sign markers letting you know where you are, different cleared picnic areas and places to stop, rest and enjoy the view and quietness of nature. The Smith’s are almost always on site when guests are there or just a phone call away and Howard makes sure to have the firepits and grills ready.
All Is Well Resort is located minutes from local wineries and the Saint Jo Square and can be found on Airbnb, VRBO, Booking com and their website alliswellstjo.com.
