Lake Granbury Living Magazine VOL I 2022

COMPLIMENTARY VOL I 2022

Modern and traditional perspectives from homeowners and local designers

Lake Granbury Living Magazine

Design has the power to improve and amplify your everyday life.

&

Architecture Design

HISTORY AND CULTURE IN THE MOST BEAUTFUL WAY

Words are never enough to thank you for all that you do

Happy Mothers Day

Unique

FINDS FOR YOU R HOME

213 N Crockett Street | Downtown Granbury Monday - Saturday 9:00 - 5:30

@wagonyard

@wagonyard_granbury 817.573.5321

letter from the editor Our mission with Lake Granbury Living Magazine has always been to work toward the preservation and celebration of this beautiful place we get to call home.

Granbury has been voted one of the Top 10 Historic Towns in America for the second year in a row and we’re happy to say, Granbury was also voted the #1 Historic SmallTown in a USA Today Readers' Choice survey.

However, the rich history of this community is upheld primarily by its dedicated citizens. People are proud to call Granbury home and it shows.

The work they put forward makes all of it possible and keeps our legacy alive and relevant. Others are taking notice of the fruits of this labor. Just this past year, writer and actor, Taylor Sheridan, of "Yellowstone," and "1883" didn't miss his chance to take advantage of shooting on location in Granbury and in Fort Worth.

Scenes from the Wild West over a century ago were still at home here with little changes to the set. Days our internet is on the fritz makes this especially easy to believe, haha!

This issue of Lake Granbury Living Magazine is dedicated to the area's architecture and design, both historical and modern. As well, we explore food and the outdoors curated by design.

It's these daily reminders that help form our identity because it's these visible landmarks that shape where "we're from."

Us Granburians love where we live and many of us love to share this experience.

I hope you enjoy our very special edition of Lake Granbury Living Magazine dedicated to meaningful architecture and design in our community.

Melissa McGavock

4 LAKE GRANBURY LIVING VOL I 2022

MELISSA MCGAVOCK EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MELISSA@LGLMAG.COM

PART OF OUR COMMUNITY. PART OF YOUR LIFE.

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MARK WEBB EVP/CLO

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JAMES HODGES PRESIDENT/CEO

MATT BUFKIN SVP/CFO

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contents featured articles

22

10 FEATURE The Old Sheriff's House

by Cody Starr

18 HOMETOWN HAPPENING Goosebump Jump

22 LOCAL BUSINESS The Rylee Building: The N on the Square

by Kylee Peterson

36 ADVENTURE! Sky Box Cabins

by Melissa McGavock

46 SCENES Abandoned Texas photos by Robert Clemens

56 HOMETOWN HAPPENING GTC Presents The Odd Couple

46

36

58 FOOD + WINE Plated by Design: 50 Shades of Flavor

by Savannah Gates

70 LIFESTYLE Don't be Afraid to Go Bold

by Chelsea Hooper, Couto Homes

80 DESIGN + DECOR Designer Secrets to Add Character to a Cookie Cutter Home

by Jessica Starr, @This.Old.Barn

80 in every issue 4 LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

8 LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER

88 EVENT CALENDAR

ThedesignIssue

letter from the publisher It seems we all need a break right about now. A break from the weather, from wearing masks, and from the world’s trials. For many people, Granbury is that destination to take a much-needed break. We have made an art out of Texas hospitality. And for the locals, there is so much to do and see, that every weekend feels like a holiday.

Like so many others, we were called to Granbury and jumped into lake life with both feet. We love waking up to the lake and winding down to the beauty of our sunsets. But, what intrigued us most was the connection with history. So much so, that we purchased and renovated a piece of history on the square.

We appreciate that Granbury has not abandoned the buildings of our past.

In fact, they are an integral part of our identity. The tricky part is how to mix the reverence of tradition with current trends.

As you turn the pages of this edition you will marvel at how beautifully this is being accomplished.

This edition of Lake Granbury Living is dedicated to the architecture of our charming city. So, take a break, remember to slow down, and savor the moment.

Kevin and Eliza Knapp

KEVIN AND ELIZA KNAPP PUBLISHERS

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PUBLISHER LGL CEO KEVIN KNAPP EDITORIAL Executive Editor ELIZA KNAPP Editor-in-Chief MELISSA MCGAVOCK Copyeditor KELLY ROSSER ART Design and Production TREVO CREATIVE Staff Photographer ERIC KILLINGSWORTH Photo Editor ERIC KILLINGSWORTH MARKETING Sales CHRIS WARFORD WRITERS Cody Starr Kristin Jayne Kylee Peterson Jessica Starr Melissa McGavock Savannah Gates CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Austin Miller Hannah Midkiff Robert Chura

HOW TO REACH US 112 N Houston Street Granbury, TX 817-776-7858 lglmag.com

LET US KNOW HOW WE’RE DOING info@lglmag.com

ABOUT THE COVER Custom home built by local,

817-776-7858

award-winning home builder Couto homes. Feature Pg. 70.

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The Old Sheriff's House words by CODY STARR photography by ERIC KILLINGSWORTH

G

aze off to the right as you head south on Morgan Street just before crossing the US Highway 377 overpass on your way to Glen Rose, and you can’t help but notice what is clearly a piece of history sitting less than 100 yards from the bustling highway. Featured prominently on the front side of the two-acre corner property is a two-story German-style Texas farmhouse - windmill, water tank and all.

It’s the kind of structure that at first glance, you instantly know it’s been around a while, like 100 years a while. The WrightHenderson-Duncan House, known to many by its nickname, “The Sheriff ’s House,” is believed to be one of, if not the oldest existing home in Hood County.

The word “believed” we use with intention. With this home, its history and heritage are relatively well known, but there’s also a lot that can’t be confirmed. It’s that hazy place where records cease to exist, and oral tradition takes the wheel. As generations pass the history becomes lore, and sometimes crosses over into legend, where little fictions might break in to take root among the remaining facts. But the mystery is part of the fun. Any questionable stories that might stick usually do because they add color and pique peoples’ interests. As we toured the 19th century home, we found the new owners, James and Rhonda Cathey, would occasionally tack on disclaimers, “Well, don’t treat this as gospel, BUT…” or “We

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Martha had the entire house replumbed and rewired, the original tongue and groove pine floors refinished, and the ornate wood trim restored. She installed Victorianera light fixtures to illuminate the fine woodwork and added 19thcentury antique furnishings.

Current owners James and Rhonda have immersed themselves in understanding the details of its past.

“The Sheriff ’s House,” is believed to be one of, if not the oldest existing home in Hood County.

aren’t 100% sure, BUT…” I laugh, not because we are in under oath, but because when talking to the Amarillo couple who bought the place in 2020, it’s very clear they have a deep respect for the past.

“This is the ultimate antique,” the Cathey’s told us when asked how it felt to own the historic homestead. Despite their brief tenure as caretakers, James and Rhonda have immersed themselves in understanding the details of it’s past. It’s a responsibility they don’t take lightly.

A Rich Heritage and History It’s formal name, the Wright-Henderson-Duncan House, is derived from three of the previous owners, A.J. Wright, James F. Henderson, and Charles M. Duncan, all served one or more stints as sheriff of Hood County.

Constructed around 1873 by local builder William Trawick, the dogtrot style dwelling was built for Hood County’s first sheriff, Captain A.J. “Jack” Wright. Dogtrot homes consisted of two square rooms connected by an open breezeway, a very common western homestead in those days. The original one-story structure was built from locally quarried limestone with walls measuring 15 feet high and 18 inches thick. Each room had a fireplace for warmth in the winter. Wright was married into another famous Granbury name, the Nutt family, but his wife Elizabeth passed just prior to construction. It’s likely he occupied the home with his second wife, Miss Margaret Bond.

Before retiring, Wright sold the home to Missouri native, James F. Henderson in 1881. Henderson served as sheriff from 1898-1900 and upon purchase of the property, immediately expanded the

house to accommodate his wife, Mary, and their five children. A second story consisting of three rooms was added using the same hand-hewn Granbury limestone and the chimneys were extended to serve the upper floor. The dogtrot was enclosed, and a new front door on the north façade became the home’s main entrance. A double veranda welcomed visitors, adorned with jigsawed brackets, balustrade, and ornate trim. A jerkinhead gable roof with clipped ends capped the entire structure, turning what was once a frontier homestead into a Victorian style ranch house. A kitchen and dining room were added to the back side of the house making the footprint L-shaped to the west. The family accessed the new rooms via an open porch that ran the length of the addition. The interior also got an upgrade, featuring a beautiful oak-trimmed stairway, pine wood floors and beaded oak wainscoting throughout.

The family resided there for nearly 30 years before legal judgements resulted in Henderson losing the property in 1910. A string of short-term owners followed, including D.C. Parkes, the great grandson of Davey Crockett. In 1928 West Texas rancher Charles M. Duncan and his wife, Emma Wade Duncan, acquired the house and the surrounding 50 acres. Duncan, who was Hood County’s sheriff from 1936-1940, added plumbing and electricity to the residence. The double veranda was in disrepair and replaced with a triple-arched limestone façade on the first floor, and enclosed on the second floor to accommodate bathrooms. The rear portion of the house that comprised its L-shape was demolished and replaced by a lean-to addition featuring the kitchen and dining area. A windmill was added next to the well located at the southeast corner of the house and the shingled roof was replaced by a standing-seam metal roof.

Over the following decades, the home stayed within the Duncan family with Emma and Charles celebrating their 50th wedding

LAKE GRANBURY LIVING 13

anniversary there. After their passing, daughters Martha Ingerson and Mary Talley jointly inherited the place until Martha and her husband, Fred Earl Ingerson, bought sole ownership of the property in 1969.

The Ingersons sought to retire in the family home, and in the late 70’s began the process of restoring the residence to its prime Victorian state. The limestone-arched façade was torn down, the upstairs bathroom enclosures stripped away, and the double verandas were reconstructed to their full glory. Martha had the entire house re-plumbed and re-wired, the original tongue and groove pine floors refinished, and the ornate wood trim restored.

It was a labor of love for Martha, she installed Victorian-era light fixtures to illuminate the fine woodwork and added 19th-century antique furnishings throughout to accentuate the history of the house, Hood County, and Texas. The biggest addition was a carriage house that was erected on the west side of the dwelling.

After it was all complete, Martha successfully had the residence included into the National Register of Historic Places. It is now also an official Texas historical landmark.

Despite the monumental accomplishments, the Sheriff ’s House would soon fall on hard times. After the passing of Fred and Martha, the residence was inherited by their son, Fred Jr. After his divorce, Fred Jr. lived a reclusive life and the house fell into disrepair. Part of the structure collapsed, the house littered with both debris and the relics of its previous glory days. After Fred Jr.’s passing, local architect Brian Gaffin bought the property from the

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family estate. Gaffin told Lake Granbury Living, “As a kid, every time I drove by that piece of property… I was always interested in the architecture, just the style of it, the way it sat on the site. Every time I drove by, I said to myself that I if I ever had the resources and it were to become available, that I would purchase that property.”

Brian spent 4 years resurrecting the delapidated house - fixing the structure, replacing the roof, gutters, windows, mechanical, a countless to do list. During the restoration he ran his architecture business out of the carriage house. As part of the purchase, Gaffin also acquired almost all the contents. Some treasure, some junk, but it was an adventure to sift through a hundred years of history.

He recalls, “As I went through everything, I paid attention to every detail. I didn’t just carte blanche throw things out. I didn’t have anybody help me clean up, I wanted to touch everything that was there, more out of respect for the family than anything.”

Mission accomplished, Brian decided the home was ready for new ownership. Somebody with an appreciation of its history, somebody with a plan that would allow both locals and visitors to enjoy a piece of Granbury’s past.

Enter the Catheys, who purchased the home from Gaffin in 2020.

The carriage house is now an AirBnB, with the main home serving both as a second residence for James and Rhonda and a place to host small events and retreats. The Sheriff ’s House is alive and well.

A Tour of the Past Through the Lense of Today Even in such a short time, James and Rhonda Cathey have embraced all that there is to 703 Spring Street - the history, the heritage, the lore. As we got the tour of The Sheriff ’s House, the Cathey’s told us stories of each space with warmth and reverence, knowing that they’ve been permanently spliced in to a piece of local history.

The first thing you notice as you approach the home is the gingerbread style trim adorning the galleries, or porches, on the first and second floors. Walking around the outside, subtle differences in mortar color coupled with clear breaks in the stone pattern makes it apparent where the additions have occurred. One of the biggest tales passed down over the years can be found as you walk around the northeast corner of the house. Hardly noticeable, but firmly embedded in the mortar of the thick limestone walls, are two metal loops spread a few feet apart. Legend has it that the sheriff would temporarily chain prisoners to east wall of the house keep them situated. After telling us the story James Cathey chuckled, “Well, at least he was kind enough not to chain them to the west side of the house and let them cook in that Texas sun!”

As your eyes fixate on the various features of the house, you can’t help but try to date everything. Pegging certain changes to a particular renovation or time period plays out like a game.

Stepping through what looks to be the original front door and into the entry hall, the first thing that catches your eye is the beautiful

oak wainscoting and a glorious staircase taking you to the three rooms and two baths that compose the second floor. Paintings by Texas western artist Carl J. Smith mosaic the walls, perfectly adding to the frontier mystique that seems to hover in the air. A red plaid blanket drapes over what looks to be an old church pew, and a cowhide rug partial obscures the original 1890’s pine wood floors.

Both add warmth to the place, reminding you that this is still a home and not a museum. An entryway can really set the tone for a house, teasing its guest with what is to come, making them want to see more. It rings true here.

To the right is the door taking you into what is one of two original rooms in the Wright-Henderson-Duncan house. Today the room serves as a parlor with the original fireplace still functioning, beautifully decorated in Victorian style trim. An antique sofa with chairs flanking the fireplace invite guests to take a load off. The numerous artifacts spread throughout the room almost beg to have their stories told. Perhaps the couple’s favorite item is a lantern with the inscription “G.A.R. Meets Tonight.” G.A.R. is short for the Grand Army of The Republic, a fraternal organization consisting of Union soldier veterans who would occasionally meet at the old reunion grounds in town. The lantern’s origin is unknown, but it’s possible it has been passed from owner to owner going all the way back to the early 1900’s.

Exit the parlor and enter the formal dining room. While a small table, chairs, and old light fixture likely installed by Martha Ingerson anchor the space, the room acts more like an early 20th

LAKE GRANBURY LIVING 15

century exhibit. Old dishes and other antiques are housed within a beautiful hardwood hutch and display cabinet. A Russian Samovar, or tea maker, features prominently in the room along with an old 1920’s style radio. All were likely acquired by the Ingersons during their international travels.

Proceeding into the heart of the house, one enters a more modern living space. The open concept kitchen and living room was added years later, but still integrates well with the original dwelling.. Stained concrete floors and rustic furniture help ease the transition. Another treasure that came with the house, it’s origin unknown, is the antique Scandinavian folk art table and chairs that serve as the dining table. Flipping over a chair, one can admire the craftsmanship while noticing the repairs that allow the set to serve as an heirloom. It’s the antithesis of the Ikea mass-produced furniture we see today.

Also catching the eye of most visitors is what appears to be a limestone water well sitting right at the transition of the living room and the kitchen. It’s purely decoration, even though the capstone did come from the shallow well that once existed on the property. A closer look reveals several grooves around the interior perimeter of the rock, carved over years of pulling rope over its once refined edge.

Retreating to the front entry and across from the parlor is the other original dogtrot room. Today, it serves as the master bedroom. Again, antiquities adorn the room, the original hardwood floors remind you that you are standing within one of Hood County’s oldest remaining dwellings.

When asked how it feels waking up inside such a storied home, Rhonda told us, “It’s almost like waking up at my grandparents’ house. That old feel takes you back in time. It’s always an ‘in awe’ feeling.”

She snickered then concluded, “At the same time, I’m also thinking, ‘How do I make it to restroom without stepping on a creaky board and waking up my husband?”

Seeing that The Sheriff ’s House has sheltered families for almost 150 years, we suspect Mrs. Cathey isn’t the first lady of the house to ponder that question.

LAKE GRANBURY LIVING 17

HOMETOWN HAPPENING PHOTOS BY AUSTIN MILLER IMAGERY GOOSEBUMP JUMP Sponsored by the Granbury Area Lodging Association, Visit Granbury – City of Granbury, KHITS 95.5, and Hood County News. Goosebump Jump is a friendly competition with funds raised from the $10 registration fee along with a $1,000+ prize generously provided by the lodging association to be awarded to the 501C3 organization that signs up the largest number of participants.

THE BEACH AT LAKE GRANBURY JULY 2, 2021 HOSTED BY Visit Granbu

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LAKE GRANBURY LIVING 17

CONNECTION

LGLMAG.COM

PRINT

DIGITAL

EVENTS

10K copies are printed quarterly each year and distributed throughout Granbury and DFW.

Digital archives of the present and past issues (c. January 2014) of the magazine in print.

An updated event calendar is published in each issue of LGL. We urge advertisers to submit their events and fundraisers for the publication.

See lglmag.com Also find archives here: issuu.com/ lakegranburyliving

As well, we organize annual LGL Community Galas where we spotlight each of our advertisers in special ways as a way of showing appreciation.

CUSTOMIZED EXPERIENCE FOR OUR ADVERTISERS

We provide entrepreneurs and business owners in DFW with professional imagary and video for sharing their story in the marketplace. lglstudiosgranbury.com

BRANDING HEADSHOTS COMMERCIAL CONTENT VIDEOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY

EXPLORE CINEMATIC STORY TELLING LGLSTUDIOSGRANBURY.COM

Chic Design Special Craftmanship THE RYLEE BUILDING 122 NORTH CROCKETT STREET reserach by KYLEE PETERSON and provided by MARK AND PAULA MCDONALD photography by ERIC KILLINGSWORTH

The Rylee Building is a prominent limestone building that anchors the Northeast Corner of the Historic Granbury Square. After years of serving as a boarding stable, Jeff Rylee purchased the lot in 1898. Then in 1907 he completed the construction on the building that is still standing today. Upon completion, Rylee leased the building to the Gordon-Oxford Furniture Company and Undertakers. Ads could be found in The Granbury News newspaper promoting cabinets, chiffoniers, and undertaking supplies. A picture from 1916 shows an alleyway where carriages could drive fully around the building to deliver loved ones or pick up furniture. Edith Oxford Gordon was the firm’s licensed mortician and Hood County’s first female mortician.

In 1916, Rylee, who was in poor health, sold the building to John Conway, who was dedicated Catholic and a bachelor farmer. When Conway passed, the building was willed to the Catholic Diocese of Dallas. After being tied up in court from the estate, the building was purchased by O.P.

Leonard – one of the Leonard brothers from Fort Worth, Texas, in 1938. The papers rumored he was purchasing the property to begin a utility company in Granbury.

However, in May of 1939, the building was sold to the Granbury Masons Lodge No. 392. The upstairs portion of the building was used as their dedicated meeting space.

To cover the cost of the building, they rented out the bottom portion to various businesses over the years. In 1943, the Granbury Dress Manufacturing Company opened its factory in the downstairs portion. The dress factory was managed by Mr. & Mrs. James Diamond for many decades. As the peanut industry was dying in the county, they would train any woman that was willing to learn to become a seamstress. Patterns were cut in Dallas and brought to Granbury where they would complete over 80 garments a week. As manufacturing grew quickly, they constructed a building adjacent to the factory in 1948. The dress factory ultimately closed in 1980. article cont pg 28

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"Our dream is to restore this iconic building back to its glory. The retail spaces downstairs have been designed to incorporate the beautiful architecture of the building such as the windows, stone, and flooring. Upstairs, our idea of creating a stunning boutique hotel has almost come to completion. We wanted to create beautiful rooms interwoven with classy vintage furnishings along with hand-selected rich decor to compliment the country French flair. " - Paula McDonald

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One unique detail that has lived on since the original construction is an iron threshold that bears Rylee’s name and construction date that has welcome many guests over its 115 year old history.

Pictured above was a pass through constructed for the dress factory in the mid twentieth century.

LAKE GRANBURY LIVING 25

In May of 1939, the building was sold to the Granbury Masons Lodge No. 392. The upstairs portion of the building was used as their dedicated meeting space. To cover the cost of the building, they rented out the bottom portion to various businesses over the years.

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During the tenure from 1980 until 2001, the building housed many operations including The Lodge of Granbury sales office and the Granbury Convention and Visitors Bureau.

In 2001, The Granbury Masonic Lodge sold the building to Bill & Shirley Hooks. The Hooks turned the limestone giant into the home of Century 21 Shirley Hooks where they ran a very successful real estate agency. In February of 2021, Mark & Paula McDonald purchased the building and have been renovating the giant to become N on the Square – a quaint boutique and hotel continuing to anchor the Northeast corner of the Square.

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One unique detail that has lived on since the original construction is an iron threshold that bears Rylee’s name and construction date that has welcomed many guests over its 115 year old history. All one has to do is look down upon entering the building to see a testament to a cornerstone of our community that has stood the test of time.

RYLEE BUILDING DEED HISTORY

L.B. McGaughey purchases the lot. McGaughey owned the livery across the street which is now Richard Hattox’s Law Office.

1880

W.B. Rylee deeds property to J.D. Rylee

1898

Rylee begins construction of building

1907

Rylee deeds property to Jno. Conway

1916

Conway deceases – Deeds property in his estate to the Catholic Church of Dallas

1928

Property is tied up in the court (1928 - 1938) who really owns the property

1938

J.P. Leonard of the Leonard Brothers purchases the building

1939

Leonard sells to the Granbury Lodge No. 392 – the Granbury Masonic Lodge

1939

Bill & Shirley Hooks purchase from the Granbury Masons

The property hopped from owner to owner in the late 1800’s – former owners include the Nutt Brothers, S.M. Hopping, A.A. Garland, Henry Evans and B.W. Morris.

Mark & Paula McDonald purchase from Bill & Shirley Hooks

2001 2021

LAKE GRANBURY LIVING 29

Spring into all that is Unique in the Best Historic Small Town in America, Granbury, Texas. Just a short scenic drive from the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex is a small town bursting with rich history, art, music, outdoor adventures, lake life, and foodie fantasticness just waiting to be enjoyed!

The Historic Granbury Square was the first courthouse square in Texas to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Being the first of its kind in Texas, you won’t want to miss spending time on the square with its variety of restaurants, bars, thriving art scene, live music, hit shows, historic museums, and specialty shopping.

Historic Granbury Square

3

rd

YEAR in a row!

Granbury Opera House

Dates February

March

26

Event

26 27

Texas Independence Day Celebration Art in the Vines (Music & Food Trucks)

17-20 18-20

1st Annual Pub McDonough Paddy Fest Granbury Founder’s Day Celebrations & BBQ Cookoff Bulls on the Beach Hank FM Home and Garden Expo

19 19 April

8-9 22-24

1st Annual Granbury Jazz Fest

Oink! Oink! Festival An Authentic German Pig Roast Granbury Wine Walk

Ongoing Events Music, Massage, and Merlot at D’Vine Wine 2nd and Last Friday Each Month Revolver Brewing Tours Every Saturday (12pm - 3pm) Girl’s Night Out on the Square Every 2nd Saturday (Feb – Dec) Granbury Ghosts and Legends Tours Fridays and Saturdays (7pm, 9:15pm) Rise and Grind at Visit Granbury Friday mornings (9am) The New Granbury Live Live performances on the square Granbury Opera House 8-10 productions throughout the year Gallery Night Last Saturday of each month

All Events and Dates are Subject to Change To view complete list of events, go to: www.visitgranbury.com/events

Location

Hewlett Park, Langdon Grounds, Granbury Square Plaza Granbury Historic Square Pemberton Winery 529 Houston Street Langdon Grounds, Granbury Square Plaza City Beach Park Lake Granbury Conference Center Granbury Square Plaza & Langdon Grounds Granbury Historic Square

SHOP LOCAL. SHOP THE ORIGINAL. SHOP THE BEST.

ON THE HISTORIC GRANBURY SQUARE

135 East Pearl Street • 817-573-8388 Monday - Saturday 10am - “at least” 6pm •Sunday 12pm - 5pm www.sthelenstx.com

Wine Wednesdays: $5 house wines all day Steak and Potato Thursdays: Cold-Smoked Ribeyes with smashed potatoes, roasted veggies, and 20% off bottles of wine 5:30-8pm Happy Hour 5-6pm every Friday and Saturday with $1 Montucky and $5 House Wine followed by the weekly Dinner Special Sunday Brunch 10-2 with Weekly Specials and mimosas with fresh squeezed OJ

112 N. Houston Street Granbury, Texas 76048

scan to Browse Our Menu

(682) 205-1233 ozcoffeebar.com

LANDING

STAYCATION or VACATION

OzLandingGranbury.com Full Loft Apartment on the Square Welcome To OZ! If you’re seeking a luxurious space in a premier location, this loft apartment is hard to beat! Sitting pretty in the heart of the Historic Granbury Square, this stunning 2300 square foot loft makes an impact from the minute you lay eyes on it. Dining, shopping and nightlife in every direction. Book now and make memories that will last a lifetime.

ur o y r T RY !

BAK

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SKY BOX CABINS Glen Rose, Texas

Spend time with mother nature, she will lend you her power until you become aware of your own.

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LAKE GRANBURY LIVING 37

M I N DF UL PAC K ING LIST Binoculars

Journal/your favorite pen

Navigation tools

Yoga mat

Field guides (flowers, insects)

Thermos/Mug

Star chart/night-sky identifier

Pullover/knit jammies

Book/reading material

Bug spray/allergy meds (mindful)

INTERVIEW WITH OWN E R S YVA N A ND K RIST I N JAYN E My husband Yvan had been talking about buying property and beginning an Airbnb (before it really was a thing) for years. He wanted space for our family that could provide a getaway from the crazy and sometimes hectic American lifestyle. This property, in particular, reminds Yvan of the region in the South of France where he is from.

Together, we built each cabin, and each cabin is completely unique.

The Birdhouse This was our first build and is the most treehouse-esque of all the spaces. I think walking up to the platform in that big oak and then using a cable bridge to enter the second story is so cool.

LaTour Modeled after 1700 pigeoneers from southern France. LaTour translates as The Tower and the second story definitely gives way to some of the best views of any property.

The Nest This is our little boho bungalow. It is super cozy. The lyme walls and kitchen space were all done by Yvan again inspired by the work of his grandfather, who is a mason in France.

The Glamp This one started as an experiment. It can get so hot and cold in Texas that we didn’t know if people would actually rent the space. I was adamant that if we were doing “glamping” that we had to go all in. There is only one tent now but it has wood floors, is completely furnished and most importantly, has the same AC/Heating unit used in the cabins. It is also located on a deck next to the building containing a mini kitchen and full bathroom. So, even though not everything is inside, you never have to get your feet dirty.

The Hive This was our latest project and it was underway when the pandemic hit. Two of Yvan’s buddies from France had arrived just before the lockdown and were stuck here for months.

But, it gave Yvan some much needed help. The entire stone walkway is made from limestone slabs we dug up on our property and were placed using our tractor.

The Nest seems to be everyone’s favorite. I thought Yvan was insane when he was telling me his plan. But, in my defense, it’s hard to picture how you can take random pieces of cedar, bend them into a curve and actually create a human sized nest perched on a platform.

LAKE GRANBURY LIVING 39

Definition: Yurt /yərt/ noun a circular tent of felt or skins on a collapsible framework, used by nomads in Mongolia, Siberia, and Turkey

Located at the northern most point of the Texas Hill Country, the property is easily accessible from the DFW metroplex as well as Waco and Austin.

Skybox Cabins consists of 50 acres of native live oaks and cedars and a seasonal creek that feeds into the Paluxy River.

Three horses,

two cows, two dogs and one cat roam the property and love to visit with guests.

HOW TO FIND THE CABINS

LAKE GRANBURY LIVING 41

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BOOK IT With the Dinosaur Valley State Park boundary less than a mile away, views of nature are endless and the cabins' balconies provide the perfect spots for viewing sunrises, sunsets and countless stars in the night sky.

Interesting Fact Yvan is originally from southern France. He came to the US when he was 16 as a foreign exchange student determined to become a rodeo cowboy. Yvan was talented enough to earn a scholarship to Sam Houston State’s rodeo team. At the same time, Kristin was attending SHSU, but they never met. After some serious injuries and a change in mindset/training, Yvan qualified for his first NFR in the Bareback division in 2015 and earned his second qualification a year later.

Family is Everything "Our daughter, Sienna, was 4 when we bought the property. She had an unknown brain defect that caused a massive brain bleed and stroke. Because her recovery was unknown, when my teaching contract was up for renewal, Yvan and I made the decision to sell our home in Rockwall and move to Glen Rose. I could stay home with her and we could open the Birdhouse full time. So, rather than move out to Glen Rose five years (like we planned), we moved immediately and had five properties done and rented in less than five years. Sienna’s recovery is slower than we hoped but she is a miracle we are so grateful for. Back in 2018, her baby brother Preston was born." Kristin Jayne

SKYBOXCABINS .COM LAKE GRANBURY LIVING 43

Located in beautiful Granbury, Texas, just seven miles south of the Granbury square.

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Abandoned Texas photography by ROBERT CHURA " S CAT T E R E D A R O U N D T E XA S A R E T H E R E M A I N S , S O M E OVE R A C E N TU RY O L D, O F WH AT U S E D TO B E S O M E O N E ' S H O M E , WI T H C H I L D R E N R U N N I N G A N D PL AYI N G , A N D FA M I L I E S B E I N G R A I S E D. N OW T H E Y S I T LO N E LY A N D A B A N D O N E D." ( P R I VAT E FA C E B O O K G R O U P, "A B A N D O N E D T E XA S" )

46 SCENES VOL I 2022

Left:

Abandoned theatre

somewhere in Texas.

Right:

The famous Brazos

Motel, Granbury, Texas. This iconic sign now resides near the original location inside local Mesquite Pit restaurant.

919 East Pearl St.

A S I F I N A N E F F O RT TO PAY H O M AG E TO T H E S E S PE C I A L P L A C E S WH E R E T I M E H A S S E E M E D TO STO P, N E A R LY 8 0,0 0 0 M E M B E R S ST R O N G , T H E PR I VAT E FAC E B O O K G R O U P, "A B A N D O N E D T E XA S ," I S A C T I VE D A I LY, WI T H M E M B E R S P O ST I N G A B A N D O N E D P L A C E S I N C LU D I N G H O M E S , S C H O O L S , T H E AT E R S , AUTO M O B I L E S , G A S STAT I O N S , B A R N S , A N D D A N C E H A L L S .

LAKE GRANBURY LIVING 49

" O L D H O M E S A R E F U L L O F M E M O R I E S A N D T H AT ' S WH Y T H E Y R E S I S T T O CO L L A P S E ."

50 SCENES VOL I 2022

Left and Right:

An

abandoned home in Hood County, Texas.

LAKE GRANBURY LIVING 51

Artist and Photographer R o b e r t C h u r a re s i d e s i n n o r t h Te x a s .

Visit his website to b ro w s e h i s p o r t f o l i o o f b re a t h t a k i n g n a t u r a l a n d manmade landscapes.

r ob e r t c hu r a . c o m

52 SCENES VOL I 2022

" E AC H L I F E E XPE R I E N C E L E AVE S A L AYE R O F M E M O R Y, L I K E A DEPOSIT OF SEDIMENT: T H I N G S WE ' VE LOVE D A N D MOMENTS OF CO N T E N T M E N T WE ' VE CHERISHED T H AT WH E N R E CA L L E D, R EVE A L GLIMMERS OF OUR TRUE S E LVE S ."

- SARAH B R E AT H N AC H

LAKE GRANBURY LIVING 53

EDOM ART EMPORIUM

GRAND REOPENING APRIL 11, 2022

An art gallery is not a space for retail; it is an arena for culture. Becoming a venue would seem to summarize the aspirations of all involved because it is exclusively dedicated to supporting quality art while building on a foundation laid by J.Howard, Kerian Massey, and Sharon “Blu” Walker.

J.Howard is a Texas artist whose portfolio is often at the heart of the work presented with versatility, range, and passion that surely would provide visual pleasure to any visitor. She is recognized by institutions from all over the world for her singularity and consistency. Howard and her partners believe in the possibility of enthralling the world once more through art because that is what a true gallery owner should want.

Along with J.Howard is her long-time friend and partner, Kerian Massey, who is one of the best graphic muralist around. Massey’s work can be seen around the state, larger than life. Her work sets her apart from most in her genre as she uses three dimensional elements to create visuals that truly stand out in a crowd.

Singer/Songwriter Sharon “Blu” Walker comes onto the new combined creative landscape showcasing her original American Roots sound. Born from influences in classic country and 70’s folk, Blu’s new work brings her to the East Texas stage with an eclectic blend of song and verse, providing sound to the visual artistry exhibited in the gallery.

The doors will open with 15 of the best talent around, full of passion for their style and medium.

Nancy Beauchamp, Martha Boles, Gayle Bone, Debbi Elmer, Mary Geisler, Phyllis Gunderson, Dennis Howard, Stacey Watkins Martin, J. Holloway, Terri Jordan, Joy Pfefferkorn, Mike Tate, and Leslie Jo Wheaton, combined with the musical performances directed by Walker, will encourage a constant curiosity that will push the gallery forward. And by uniting live original music under the artist umbrella, Edom Art Emporium brings something that is long overdue to Edom.

Edom Art Emporium has set the bar high in its desire to become a driving force within the visual and performing arts movement. In a true collaboration, they have defined a set of criteria, in order, to ensure true loyalty to artists, commitment to shared success, solid ethics, real accessibility to the public, services to collectors and more. As a result, the venue will bring all the elements together at Edom Art Emporium to enhance every aspect of the experience. The real goal is to do it differently. In a market dominated by wild personalities and free spirits, the owners are steadfast in their conviction to make Edom Art Emporium stand out among the colorful crowd.

HOMETOWN HAPPENING PHOTOS BY HANNAH MIDKIFF PHOTOGRAPHY GRANBURY THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS THE ODD COUPLE Neil Simon's "The Odd Couple" was on the Granbury Opera House stage on January 28 February 13, 2022.

This classic comedy opens as a group of the guys assemble for cards in the apartment of divorced Oscar Madison. And if the mess is any indication, it's no wonder that his wife left him. Late to arrive is Felix Unger, who has just been separated from his wife. Fastidious, depressed, and none too tense, Felix seems suicidal, but as the action unfolds, Oscar becomes the one with murder on his mind when the clean freak and the slob ultimately decide to room together with hilarious results as The Odd Couple is born.

GRANBURY OPERA HOUSE JAN 28 - FEB 13, 2022

56 HOMETOWN HAPPENING VOL I 2022

LAKE GRANBURY LIVING 57

58 FOOD + WINE VOL I 2022

Plated by Design: 50 Shades of Flavor words by SAVANNAH GATES featuring CHEF GARY FOLGER AND CHEF ROSE PEBBLES photography by ERIC KILLINGSWORTH

S

weet, Sour, Salty, Bitter and Umami are the five primary elements that delicately balance around the hub of the Flavor Wheel. If you are from Texas, you add a sixth, Spicy! Whether it be food or beverage, The Flavor Wheel is a tool developed to provide common language when describing how one experiences a culinary component. It covers the entirety of the palate, from the initial notes tickling the nose to the lingering finish after it has gone down the hatch.

There are many specialized variations of The Wheel depending on the culinary category you are focused on including coffee, wine, cheese or even to describe an entire dish. Although our tastebuds often take credit, the olfactory system, or nose, is primarily responsible for determining what we consider “taste” beyond the five primary elements listed above.

Many consumers familiar with The Flavor Wheel find it intimidating, because they are under the false notion that there is a right or wrong way to describe what they are detecting. What you might not realize is that our perception of flavor is based on our personal past experiences rather than a textbook.

According to an article in the Harvard Gazette, “Smells are handled by the olfactory bulb, the structure in the front of the brain that sends information to the other areas of the body’s central command for further processing. Odors take a direct route to the limbic system, including the amygdala and the hippocampus, the regions related to emotion and memory.” Basically, scents are stored with emotion and memory. So, the more diverse memories you make, the more diverse your archive of aromas to reference when describing a flavor profile. An example of how this plays out would be happy hour with your attorney friend showing off his wealth of knowledge by throwing out taste notes like “cured tobacco, old law books, and ocean floor.”

Meanwhile, you are picking up a hint of “those little boxed raisins given out in kindergarten” and a case of eye-rolling. The truth is, your memory banks are full of different experiences to pull from, composed of layers of stories, scents, and tastes over the years. Although you should be concerned that your friend knows what the ocean floor tastes like, how could you possibly find notes of “old law books” without studying law?

If you look at the SCAA (Specialty Coffee Association of America) Coffee Taster’s Flavor Wheel shown below, you will find broad categories around the center of the wheel and see those sections progressively broken

down in more detail as you move toward the perimeter.

A familiar section to most people would be the breakdown of Citrus Fruit on the right side: Grapefruit, Orange, Lemon, Lime. You may not have applied this breakdown to your cup of coffee (commonly found in the bright African coffees), but I bet you have tasted the difference of citrus in your cocktails. Why does an orange go in an old fashioned rather than a lime? It may seem like the nuances are too subtle to detect.

However, there is clearly a reason classic pairings have endured the test of time. Another pairing to observe is why a chef may finish your piece of fish with a lemon rather than a grapefruit. It could be that their general clientele prefers lemons, or it could be that the lemon is what is available or most cost effective. But in a day and age when we have a variety of citrus available year-round, it is most likely that the lemon is what helps the fish express itself best and balance the dish. Take another look at The Flavor Wheel.

Notice that each profile has its own color, creating an image like a painter’s palette. Professionals within the food and beverage industry have spent years tasting

EVERYTHING to develop their palate to a level in which it registers in shades of flavor much like a painter learns the difference in color between morning light and afternoon sunshine. The more variety they are exposed to taste, the more colorful their repertoire. The more thoroughly they apply the discoveries from their latest ingredient exploration, the more in-tune they become with the subtle shifts in shades of flavor and how they mix or balance one another. For your home cooking or cocktailing, a general rule of thumb is to balance a minimum of three out of the five primary elements of The Flavor Wheel in any dish or drink. As you progress, work toward building that up to all five, or six.

A chef or mixologist designs with the intention of creating a multi-sensory work of art with layers of colors, structure, aromatics, textures, temperatures, and flavors all tied together in a circus balancing act. Beyond the refined skill and raw talent is the vulnerable snapshot of what that human has lived. If culinary art draws from our emotional memories, a completed dish is a vessel for the essence of the artist themself. This is where food becomes personal. This is where chef egos gain their reputation, now displayed all over Netflix.

This is why it is rare to find chefs with different backgrounds and styles collaborating. But it is also what makes a friendship like Chef Rose Pebbles at Oz Coffee Bar and Chef Gary Folger of Christina’s American Table beyond beautiful. The unlikely duo has found joy in the contrasting comradery as neighboring transplants on the square in this tiny Texas town. They both compliment and challenge each other with a common desire to offer broader horizons for the guests that frequent their establishments.

THE FLAVOR WHEEL is a tool developed to provide common language when describing how one experiences a culinary component.

01. SWEET 02. SOUR 03. BITTER 04. SALTY 05. UMAMI Texas Bonus:

02.

03.

01.

Spicy!

SPICY

04.

05.

Following time of casually chatting in the alley, borrowing ingredients, and fulfilling caffeine needs, a relationship formed between the two businesses. From

LAKE GRANBURY LIVING 61

there sparked the idea of joining forces for a special wine dinner. “Special” became an understatement.

Neither party could have predicted the chemistry in the kitchen that June evening. The Yin and Yang of their strengths and knowledge formed the perfect storm for a dazzling five-course meal that began with bacon chandeliers and closed with uncontainable smiles from everyone present. A second collaboration was scheduled for the following quarter before the two crews could come down from the clouds after their first shared spectacle.

Respect and communication developed over the next few months as the Chefs exchanged stories, ideas, and new dishes weekly through the now revolving alley

Yin and Yang The Yin and Yang of their strengths and knowledge formed the perfect storm for a dazzling five-course meal that began with bacon chandeliers and closed with uncontainable smiles from everyone present.

doors. A keynote of this growth is the communication factor. Both parties have a strong understanding of The Flavor Wheel, how to achieve balance in a dish, and how to use elements around it to highlight strengths on the plate. Beyond this, they maintain an open dialog with their beverage pairing counterparts to accomplish a holistic presentation of each course throughout the meal. This may sound simple, but egos often close ears amongst artists. It is more common than not to find conflict between the food and beverage sides of the business. Both parties often fight for the lead role, but that would not make for a fairytale such as this.

The Perfect Bite A chef or mixologist designs with the intention of creating a multisensory work of art with layers of colors, structure, aromatics, textures, temperatures, and flavors all tied together in a circus balancing act.

Having prioritized harmony, Chef Rose and Chef Gary were able to up the ante the second go around with a six-course performance featuring boutique Italian wines and local ingredients. Guests were greeted with prosecco at the driveway of a lakeside estate. Classical guitarist, Bryan Burns, filled the air with romantic notes around the two forty-foot community tables lined with burlap and fresh bouquets from nearby B.Blumen Flower Farm. Each course was presented by the Chefs and the Italian wine specialist of Serendipity Wines, who knows each of the winemakers personally. Perfect fall weather and a stunning sunset led to candlelight conversations and dancing. The single word of choice to summarize the second evening curated by the duo and their beverage partners was “magical”. As you may have guessed, a third collaborative event has been scheduled for February 14th, “Love Around the World”, and a fourth for May 16th. Tickets can be found on Eventbrite.

For many chefs, the industry feels less like art and more like a rat race up a cold ladder to nowhere, often ending in burnout. For Rose and Gary, there is no race or ladder.

There is only the dance, a constant state of discovery pursuing better ingredients, closer farmers, new techniques, and deeper understanding of flavor simply to turn around and share their humble joy with all of you. Their loving spouses work next to them, and their children are growing up right in the middle of the act.

It is a lifestyle of learning and teaching simultaneously, always seeking to unearth the next colorful moment of “awe”. There is no “crashing chord” to work toward for these two. Instead, only the love of the perpetual tango toward best practices for themselves, their families, and their ever-growing tribe where all are welcome who, too, hear the music.

There is only the dance, it is a constant state of discovery pursuing better ingredients, nearby farmers, new techniques, and a deeper understanding of flavor.

LAKE GRANBURY LIVING 65

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Veranda

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C u r at e d b y t h e D e s i g n P r o f e s s i o n a l s at C o u t o H o m e s G r a n b u r y, T e x a s

It's no secret that building a home can be a bit overwhelming. There are so many choices when it comes to every little detail, that often a homeowner wonders if their choices will flow properly throughout the home.

While it can often feel "safe" to stick with neutral colors when building, the team at Couto Homes wants you to know that you can absolutely bring pops of color and go bold while still holding onto an elegant appeal.

70 LIFESTYLE VOL I 2022

Don't Be Afraid to Go Bold!

bold is beautiful

"This is your home.

If you love green, there is a way to tastefully use deep and bold green, as an accent or even in your tilework.”

72 LIFESTYLE VOL I 2022

Pa n to n e 74 8 3 C A longtime secret weapon for interior designers. You can start small or splash an entire space in green as it compliments neutral palettes so easily.

Pa n to n e 5 3 3 C Deep blues and greens are instantly calming and have a restorative effect. Look for this trend in wallpapers and textiles.

Pa n to n e 769 9 C One of the most livable shades, this dusty blue makes a gentle, but bold and lasting impression. Perfect for large applications and textures.

Pa n to n e 5 49 3 C Earthy sea blue is not just for beach houses. Evoke joy and serenity with tones like this.

Get your creativity flowing, let it take over your home from accessories to furniture.

LAKE GRANBURY LIVING 73

74 LIFESTYLE VOL I 2022

If you want something wild, paint or wallpaper are a perfect way to do just that.

And yes, wallpaper is back!" Mariah

Design Specialists at Couto Homes. She works alongside Brittany Pruitt and Shawna Byers in the Design Department. "I love it when homeowners put all their trust in us, but it's so much fun when they come to us with a vision and we work together to bring it to life."

A few years ago, homeowners knew they wanted to incorporate their college colors into their home, so Shawna worked closely

"The goal with any home builder is that the homeowner moves into the home of their dreams, not someone else's dream."

with them to choose just the right places for the pops of blue. "We worked diligently to find just the right shade that matched the University of Illinois colors, which was important to them because that is where they met," Shawna says. "We found the right shade and decided to use it on one of

a n y t h i n g i s p o s s i b l e w i t h pa i n t a n d wa l l pa p e r

Sojourner says. Mariah is one of three

the kitchen islands and in the built-ins. It's bright, but it isn't overwhelming. It works perfectly with the other tones of the home, which is exactly what we want."

LAKE GRANBURY LIVING 75

HAVE A QUESTION? LEARN MORE AT GISD4FOR1.COM

This edition of Lake Granbury Living Magazine is dedicated to our dear friend, Shad Ramsey. As a photographer and philanthropist, Shad Ramsey's commitment to recording Granbury's daily life and special events is unparalleled.

P R O P A A ND P R O P B FOR GRANB URY SC H O O L S Shad Ramsey 3/10/1948 - 11/09/2021 You are missed and you are loved.

Rest in peace, friend.

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LUXURY DESIGN.FamilyAPPEAL. With floor plans varying from 2300 square feet to 4800 square feet, Couto Homes works hand in hand with you as a homeowner to build the home of your dreams. The staff consists of Home Specialists, Drafters, Design Specialists, Project Managers, and more, all there to help make the building process as stress free as possible for you. The interactive floor plans on the website have live pricing to be as transparent as possible so homeowners know a price before ever even picking up the phone. The standard features in every Couto Home include, but are not limited to, decorative ceilings, custom iron doors, crown molding, Moen plumbing fixtures, Whirlpool or KitchenAid appliances, a variety of flooring, tile, granite, and marble. The staff works with you from day one to make sure your vision comes to life, and the finished product is, indeed, the home of your dreams.

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the.old.barn

Jessica Starr DESIGNER G R A N B U R Y, T E X A S

Designer Secrets to Add Character to a Cookie Cutter Home

If there is one thing I love in design, it’s character. True story: I once chose not to buy a very lovely house that checked all the boxes simply because it was too perfect and lacked quirks and charm. Granbury has so many beautiful carefully preserved historic homes and buildings, one of the many reasons people love to visit or live in our “Best Historic Small Town in America”.

Unfortunately, we can’t all live in old homes with architectural details and stories the walls could tell. So, if you are building a house or live in a newer home that needs a touch more personality, I have some ideas for you.

LAKE GRANBURY LIVING 81

B

oth sets of my children’s grandparents live within 5 minutes of our house. We wanted our kids to grow up with deep roots, family values, and a village of love and support. There was no better place to do that than right here. My husband, Cody and I completed construction of our home in Granbury in October of 2019. I have a Master’s degree in Architecture and designed this house for my family. We did the general contracting and some of the work ourselves. It was a labor of love, and we poured our blood, sweat and tears into it. Even though our house is newly built, I wanted to make sure it looked classic and full of character. It was important to me to include architectural elements that would add texture, warmth, and reference the local historic vernacular.

During construction, I began to share the building progress on Instagram and found many others also interested in home design.

When the requests started to come in almost daily to sell my floor plans, I decided to go for it. We now have 3 house plans that share many common features of our own home. Helping others turn their dreams into plans has become my passion. I share all things related to home on YouTube and Instagram, from entertaining, to organizing, to decorating and home construction.

family

history

82 DESIGN + DECOR VOL I 2022

add

charm to

your

home

Firstly, this is not about changing a home’s inherent style. There are architectural elements that tell us what style a home is. They are part of its “bones” and built into the shape. If you can look at your house and can say, it’s Craftsman, Victorian, or Mid-century Modern, etc. then your house has an architectural style. Character is probably already built-in and defined for your home. If you have a home with this kind of intrinsic style, don’t try to change it to a different style. However, many other homes lack these cues and are blank slates with plenty of flexibility to take your ideas and run! Many new-builds, and most builder-grade tract homes fall into this latter category. If your home is builder basic, lacking inherent character, or if you’re building a new home, the following are some simple ways you can achieve that custom look with little to no demo, and add that missing charm to your house.

LAKE GRANBURY LIVING 83

WALL TREATMENTS

DOOR AND WINDOW TRIM

I firmly believe that wall treatments give a home timeless character and beauty. Even in a mostly white home, the texture created by these wall treatments render so much interest.

Board-and-batten, planking, shiplap, panel molding, plaster, and beadboard are some of my favorites. They all have historical uses which is why adding them, even in more modern applications, contributes to the overall atmosphere in the home.

Many homes these days are built without door and window casing, and even without baseboards. If you’re going for a clean, modern look, that works in your favor. However, if you want to add more historic detail, some well-designed door and window trim will give that extra touch. Observe the casings around doors and windows of historic homes you love for inspiration.

distinctive nods to

the past

VINTAGE AND VINTAGE-INSPIRED HARDWARE A simple hardware change can make a big difference. Glass or crystal doorknobs are eye-catching, sparkling, and send us back in time whenever we open a door. They are a distinctive nod to homes and buildings of the past and are a beautiful way to add character to a home. Additionally, turn latches and other vintage hardware on cabinets are an inexpensive and easy switch that is sure to enhance your home’s appeal.

B U I LT-I N S My very favorite thing to add to any home are built-ins. Old homes often have charming built-in nooks and crannies that are so often missing in builder-grade homes. They add so much character, individuality, and function. An important piece of advice for planning a built-in is to think about how you use the space. Function comes first when planning a built-in, and character is the welcome perk. Some ideas for built-ins include bookcases, a mudroom bench with cubbies, or a hutch where you can display and enjoy your favorite heirloom china.

LAKE GRANBURY LIVING 85

TEXTURE Comfy blankets, area rugs, window treatments and throw pillows can add texture and warmth to your home. Cozy blankets layered on a fluffy bed and draped over the arm of a chair make a space feel welcoming. Conversely, a room full of hard surfaces can feel cold and uninviting.

FRAMED MIRRORS A big wall-to-wall mirror is great for making a room appear larger and reflecting light, but not great for conveying historic charm.

The ability to make and transport large glass is a relatively recent development, so choosing smaller, framed mirrors in your bathrooms is an opportunity to give these spaces a decorative style. If you are building, you can ask to provide your own mirrors instead of having the builder install wall-to-wall ones. If you already have them and want to replace them, call a professional as they can be dangerous to remove yourself.

RECLAIMED WOOD You can bring a piece of history into your home by incorporating reclaimed wood. There are several local sources for reclaimed wood salvaged from old barns all over the country. It’s sad to see these structures disappearing from our landscape, but they can live on and be remembered as part of our homes. These pieces ooze American history, and the texture, color and durability are unmatched.

Reclaimed wood is perfect for mantels, shelves, and ceiling beams. Be sure to share the story of the wood every time someone compliments you on it, and they will. In our home, the reclaimed wood beams and columns are Hemlock Pine from a barn built in the 1800’s, and our outdoor fireplace mantel is from a threshing floor where they separated grain.

VINTAGE-INSPIRED LIGHTING FIXTURES Changing out bland light fixtures for some that are beautiful antiques, or even updated versions inspired by fixtures of the past, is a great way to add character. Our wagon wheel fixture in the living room is a nod to the candle-lit versions of the past. They were often used in churches and were lit by lowering with a rope and pulley.

86 DESIGN + DECOR VOL I 2022

A R C H I T E C T U R A L S A LV A G E Whether building new or looking to add a unique touch to an existing home, architectural salvage can be a great source.

Old doors, leaded glass windows, distinctive lighting, corbels, old mantels, and more, can all be found at architectural salvage stores. As a designer, I’d prefer to see these incorporated into your home functionally, rather than decoratively.

For example, if you fall in love with some chippy painted French doors, use them to replace your box store ones. The pantry door is a great place to use a beautiful well-worn door salvaged from an old home.

When I looked across the street from my car, through the opened doors of Old Home Supply in Fort Worth and saw this leaded glass window, I squealed and ran in to stake my claim. It now has a home above my foyer, letting in light and adding character.

MEANINGFUL ITEMS AND DÉCOR It’s tempting to want to rush and have every room perfectly furnished to complete your vision. However, half the fun is the thrill of the hunt. Take your time and allow your spaces to evolve. Search your attic, barn, local consignment, and resale shops for treasures. Use items that have meaning or that remind you of something you love, like a family member or a favorite vacation. Meaningful items slowly collected over time will bring you joy and make the home feel uniquely yours. Maybe you and your spouse work together to build or refinish a piece of furniture. Or perhaps repurpose an heirloom antique dresser from your grandmother as a bathroom vanity. I’ve taken so much joy in adding objects to our home that tell a story of some kind. Not only do they become interesting conversation pieces, but more importantly they add a sense of depth and sentimentality to our daily lives.

EMBRACE IMPERFECTION Distressed finishes, patina, wabi-sabi, and the occasional unexpected kitschy item all add comfort and unique personality to a space. Quirks make life interesting. I love quirks in people and in homes. It’s what makes them unique, fascinating, and approachable. Perfection in a home may make people feel like they can’t touch anything, or afraid to relax or get comfortable. Maybe your table has a scratch from the time your son tried to breakdance on it, and a paint spot from your daughter’s art project. Those imperfections are just charming reminders of a life well-lived. Find joy and contentment in the reminder of the storied past these blemishes signify. My one word of caution is that this should not apply to too many parts of your home. There should be a balance, as with anything, to ensure your home still feels maintained and cared for.

T H E A B S O L U T E B E S T WAY T O M A K E Y O U R H O M E M O R E CHARMING Charm is all about the heart and soul of a space. Your home can be perfect-looking inside and out, but if it’s not filled with love and shared with friends and family, then it’s just all stuff. Dolly Parton says,” Everything means nothin’ if you’ve got no one.” Fill your home with the things that truly matter like friends, family, love, and laughter. The best things in life cost nothing.

It’s your home so decorate it any way you please, but if you feel like your home is missing something, I hope you find these bite-sized tips and ideas helpful and inspiring. If you make your home a place you love, it will surely be beautiful.

Refer to www.oldbarncompany.com for product sources and links.

LAKE GRANBURY LIVING 87

Springtime in Granbury FESTIVE HAPPENINGS THIS SEASON

THE NEW GRANBURY LIVE!

Oh What a Night

WOW U2/With or Without You

Frankie Valli &

A Tribute to U2

The Four Seasons

JUNE 17 Time TBA

Granbury opera house

APRIL 30 3:00 and 7:00pm Texas Flood The Brazos River Strangers

ZZ Top Tribute & a

MAY 6 7:30 pm

little bit of Blues JUNE 18 7:00pm

JetBlacq For Updates and Tickets

DUETS

Lionel Richie Tribute

Visit

MAY 7 7:00pm

Gregory James as

granburytheatrecompany.

Lionel Richie

org for ticketing information.

thenewgranburylive. com/shows/

Shane Brooks and

JUNE 24 7:30pm

The Family Band

Granbury Theatre

Bob Wills’ Texas Playboys

80's & 90's Country Tribute

The Fabulous

Company at the Granbury

APRIL 1 7:30pm

MAY 13 7:30pm

Blackwood Quartet

Opera House

Blackwood Brothers

There is something for

JUNE 25 7:00pm

everyone at the Granbury

Marty Haggard

George Strait Tribute

APRIL 2 7:00pm

Derek Spence as

Opera House. The 2018

George Strait

season brings a diverse

MAY 14 3:00 and 7:00pm

collection of shows. Join

World Turning Band A Fleetwood Mac Tribute APRIL 8 7:30pm

Elton John Tribute Kenny Metcalf as Elton

World Turning Band

The Early Years

A Fleetwood Mac Tribute

MAY 20 7:30pm

12th annual

us for classics, rock bands,

granbury wine walk

to round out your theatre

APRIL 9 7:00pm

and little known shows season experience!

Little Women

Elton John Tribute Granbury Live Originals

Kenny Metcalf as Elton

All About Texas

The Early Years

APRIL 15 7:30

MAY 21 7:00pm

Granbury Live Originals

Moe Bandy

All About Texas

JUNE 3 7:30pm

APRIL 16 3:00 and 7:00 pm

APRIL 8 - MAY 1 Dogs of Society The Ultimate Elton For Updates and Tickets

Rock Tribute

granburywinewalk.com

APRIL 1 - APRIL 2

APRIL 23-24, 2022

Always Patsy Cline

Ray Reed & Gator

Open Saturday and Sunday

MAY 13 - MAY 30

Texas Flood

Tribute to Blues & Jazz

Historic Granbury Square

Stevie Ray Vaughan Tribute

JUNE 4 7:00pm

APRIL 23 7:00pm

West Side Story Both Saturday and Sunday’s

Texas Clearwater Revival

events will feature Live Music

Radney Foster

Creedence Clearwater Tribute

on the Square with a special

APRIL 28 7:30pm

JUNE 10 7:30pm

guest artist to be announced

Oh What a Night

Michael Hix

years event will have extended

Frankie Valli &

A Night of Soul

hours, extended wine, and

The Four Seasons

JUNE 11 3:00 and 7:00pm

extended entertainment.

at date of ticket sales! This

APRIL 29 7:30 pm

JUNE 10 - JULY 10

Buying? Building?

Expanding?

Mortgage Construction Investment Property Barndominium Home Equity Bridge Home Improvement To learn more, give us a call today or visit us online.

YOU FIRST | FFIN.com

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