Editor's Note: Houston and the surrounding areas are loaded with must-have houses for sale in all shapes, sizes and price ranges. In this continuing series, CultureMap snoops through some of the best and gives you the lowdown on what's hot on the market.
A country-chic, top-rated bed and breakfast is up for sale in Round Top, with options for a buyer to continue to run it as a business or make it a family vacation compound — or a combination of both — all the while enjoying a relaxed lifestyle in this antique haven. Let's take a visit to the renowned Round Top Inn.
A Bit of History
In the 1880s, German immigrant Charles H. Schiege constructed three of the six buildings on the site, now known as 407 S. White St. Here, Schiege operated the Schiege Cigar Factory until the 1930s, distributing his popular hand-rolled cigars — including the Texas Star and LaRosa Suprema — across Texas. The cigar master provided housing for his employees, and factory workers ate their meals with the Schiege family.
The inn has honored that tradition of Texas hospitality for 20 years by serving guests a home-cooked breakfast each morning in the Cigar Factory.
After three generations of Schiege family members, preservationist Hazel Ledbetter of Houston purchased and restored the Main House in 1965, which was then owned by philanthropist Faith Bybee and the Texas Pioneer Arts Foundation. In 1991, Ted and Sandy Reed of Houston carefully refashioned all of the accommodations.
David Athey, a Houston native, bought and updated the entire property in 2008, bringing his vision of a luxury countryside inn to life, while also staying true to the site’s history.
Walk Around
The inn pairs modern amenities with rustic charm, offering guests a cozy stay in picturesque surroundings within walking distance of town square. Beautifully restored guest rooms and cottages are nestled among majestic oak trees and manicured grounds on this one-acre compound.
Built in 1885, the two-story Main House is the largest residence on the property, featuring two individual guest suites upstairs and living quarters for the former innkeeper downstairs. The Farm House is complete with a sprawling front porch and plenty of rocking chairs. An adorable two-story, salt-box-style abode, the Gate House offers two bedrooms, while the Little Cottage is a private retreat on its own with a king-sized bed and full bathroom with a Jacuzzi/shower.
Located over the Cigar Factory, the Bunk Room is a loft with a queen-sized bed, twin bed and a full private bathroom. Appointed with antiques, artwork and distinctive personal touches, no two rooms are alike.
A spacious Retreat Center is perfect for reunions, birthdays, luncheons or private parties. Facilities are connected by hand-laid rock sidewalks, and designated parking makes for easy access to all structures.
Square footage: Five residences and a retreat center on about one acre
Asking price: $1,225,000
Listing agent: Walter Bering, Martha Turner Sotheby's International Realty
Welcome to Round Top Inn, just three blocks away from the unique boutiques, art galleries and restaurants in the town’s square. Pictured here is the front of the Main House, a portion of which was used as an office for the bed-and-breakfast business.
