Austin Street Retreat (All) in Fredericksburg

LOCATION - One block off Main Street in the Historic District 

HOST - No host on premises, 24 hr manager on call 

SLEEPS - 12 Persons - 4 King-sized beds and 2 Queens 

BATH - 5 baths with soaking tubs; Annie's also has a separate shower.

KITCHEN - Coffee bar with a microwave, small refrigerator, and sink in each suite 

BREAKFAST - Breakfast Certificates are provided at check-in plus coffee and teas in suite 

AMENITIES - Central heat/air, soaking tubs for two, 4 fireplaces, radio alarm/docks, HD flat-screened TVs, WIRELESS INTERNET, Brooklinen sheets & towels, Helix mattresses in Maria's & Kristin's Suites

DOGS - YES (Maria's and Annie's ONLY)

CHILDREN - YES (Maria's ONLY) 

SMOKING - OUTSIDE 

WIFI - YES 

It all began in 1867 when immigrants John and Maria Walter built a log cabin structure and began their new life in Texas. The heritage of these pioneers is preserved here with eighteen inch thick walls, original paint on the ceiling, wood floors and wavy glass in the windows. Added later as the family grew and prospered was a limestone room. Both rooms are now bedrooms each with a Queen size bed. In addition, there is a dressing room, powder room enclosed space with a jetted tub and handheld shower and a sitting room with a flat screen TV, DVD and Time Warner cable. The lovely private terrace has an outdoor table and chairs shaded by a pecan tree which is the perfect place to enjoy your morning coffee or evening wine. 

Kristin’s bath has a long and colorful history. In 1885, the Sheriff of Fredericksburg was the home’s original builder and owner, John Walter. An unfortunate fire destroyed the local jail and what better place to house the lawbreakers than the Sheriff’s stone barn. Iron bars were added over the windows to prevent early checkout and they remain today. This former barn and jail has limestone walls and a triangular jetted tub for two. 

Kristin’s large private terrace is anchored by an ancient ivy covered pecan tree and a softly bubbling fountain. Relaxing and inviting for two, it is the perfect space for convivial gatherings. Have your morning coffee or relax with an evening glass of wine here for a memorable and authentic Fredericksburg experience. 

There is a jewel resting among the large old pecan trees at the back of the German Immigration Company Townlot called Annie's Cabin. You might expect to come upon this little cabin out in the woods, while hiking through Europe, yet it is located in a private setting behind the Austin Street Retreat. Annie's Cabin is famous in Fredericksburg for a look and feel that is nouveau Victorian and sexy at the same time. This spacious cabin (with a bath as large as many bedrooms) conjures a sensuous evening of tranquility and romance. The look was achieved by giving total artistic control to the owners of the Homestead store. 

The stuccoed exterior and window boxes give you a hint of the charm waiting inside. The bedroom/sitting room you enter has a time worn look with smokey rose walls. The head and front of the king-size bed are made of an old iron fence embellished by a Fredericksburg craftsman to make it a "Cupid's arrow" bed. A fireplace and handpainted Victorian cottage chest add more touches of romance. Two cozy upholstered chairs offer a place to ponder the simplicity and beauty of this cottage. 

The bathroom includes walls that are the color and texture of parchment paper, and a soaking tub for two surrounded by native rock. Inspired ideas from the designers include a tree branch towel rack and a built in shadow box shelf filled with treasures from near and far 

The Spanish word el jefe (the boss) is a fine description of this suite. A stand alone two story suite, it is entered through a Moroccan gate into the private terrace with fountain. Downstairs is a combination bedroom/sitting room, kitchenette and powder room with wood burning fireplace. Upstairs is a bath “palace” with jetted tub for 2, dressing table and balconette overlooking the Retreat. 

Eli’s is a one bedroom suite which was added to the original historic structure by a family of preservationists. The original windmill and cypress water tank grace the private limestone terrace. Inside, architectural artifacts from around the world work to create a haven from the ordinary. The cast iron mantle from a Philadelphia mansion, antique carved wood sculpture bed frame and antler chandelier all grace the natural integrity of the limestone wall. Featured in the bath is a two person jetted tub which is set in a glass block wall allowing at the same time private and natural light.

- Observe the City of Fredericksburg Quiet Hours (10pm to 7am in residential zones). 

- The City of Fredericksburg is a Dark Sky Community with outdoor lighting restrictions. All outdoor lighting is encouraged to be turned off when no one is present to use the light. 

- Observe the designated on-site and off-site parking spaces. 

- Place all trash in designated containers.