How the couple behind High Hill Farm started a rural retreat for city-dwellers.
Driving through the rural wood of East Texas , High Hill Farmappears — practically out of nowhere — like a mirage amidst the pine . About two hours east of Dallas , “ farm ” is a bit of a misnomer in that you wo n’t detect farm animal or crops here , but rather pastel - hued bungalow , a shimmering syndicate , a wine maker , and a seasonally savvy restaurant doling out Texas - size pork chop . It ’s all part of the magic for owners Jason and Sharon Romano , who are steadily evolve their peaceful parcel of forested land into a luxe hideaway for city - dwellers , while borrowing inspiration from post card - perfect planned residential district like Seaside , Florida ( aka the twee township whereThe Truman Showwas filmed ) .
Consummate travelers , the Romanos were first drawn to the underrated realm by horses . Specifically , their daughter rides horses , and they chance upon the area when she was competing in East Texas . endure in Dallas , they were enamored by the natural beauty and peacefulness of it all , especially being so close to home .
“ Conceptually , the spawn of it follow from us living in Dallas , wanting to go and travel and do things with friends and family line , ” Jason Romano explains , citing position like California wine nation and the Florida glide as frequent fixtures and key inspiration . “ Dallas is an amazing urban center , but you ’ve got to really labor somewhere to receive that lifestyle we savor with friends , so we thought , ‘ permit ’s revivify this beach experience in a property that could do all the things we love , in under two hour from Dallas - Fort Worth . ’ ”
Pastel-hued bungalows nod to Seaside, Florida.|Courtesy of High Hill Farm
The Romanos buy 75 acres of ground in Arp , Texas , in 2012 , give it as a boutique refuge in 2015 with three bungalow - style guest rooms . steady , it ’s grown in subsequent year to encompass 175 Accho of trilled land , and a master plan for a Mediterranean - vogue property with ornate habitation , beaches , a lake , eating place , activities , and amusement . Garnering stirring from planned communities like Seaside , Romano enunciate it ’s all about channeling a lifestyle .
“ sound off your shoes off and be part of this relaxed , but elegant , higher - end atmospheric state where you may enjoy great food and cocktails and architecture and a beautiful environs , ” say Romano . Oh , it sound so effortless . Curating such a pastoral modus vivendi takes meticulous preparation , though . “ I drop unnumberable hour and time paying attention to every detail , and how the houses and commercial-grade while tissue within the environment , ” he add , highlighting everything from optimal airflow in homes to how the light hits at sunrise . “ At the end of the day , the goal is to produce this perfect Sion of architecture and environment combined . ”
The Seaside compare are apt , considering the Romanos ’ longtime affinity for the region . “ The Florida slide is nigh and dear to us , ” the possessor adds . “ We expend 40 years on those beaches . ”
(The Lifestyle.)|Courtesy of High Hill Farm
Coupled with a Mediterranean architectural aesthetic , the mates see a singular utopia that marries their love for traveling with an affinity for elan . They tap upcountry house decorator Yvette Leihgeber to create the through personal credit line — an ethos Romano describes as “ organic simpleness , ” with lot of bloodless and airy , open spaces , “ but not sterile . ”
presently , the principal place embrace six deluxe bungalows with individual courtyard , plus a bungalow suite and the Gatsby Grand Bungalow with four sleeping accommodation and two baths . There are also two dwelling available to pull , including the 5,000 - straightforward - foot Serenity Now Home with four king suites , four and a half bath , a hammock - lined syndicate , and private access to a military personnel - made beach . The Barn is useable to rent for event and ceremonies , and can also slumber up to 10 with on - situation accommodation , while extra conveniences admit aspaandCôte Restaurant , volunteer a meaty Texan spread of steaks , chop , and giant , ricotta - filled raviolo . Be sure to sample some of the vino from the on - website wine maker , viewable from the eating house ’s terrace .
irrespective of where or how you stay , a heavy part of the draw at High Hill , and something that goes back to the Romanos ’ initial allure , is the chance for metropolis - dwellers to go through a natural setting close to home . This includes Acre of peaceful pine tree forest , line with walking trails and sundown vistas , and starlit night skies , which are sure to come in ready to hand during the forthcoming eclipse . situate in the route of totality , High Hill Farm is capitalise on its background with anEclipse Overnight Packagethat includes a one - night stay on April 7 for two guests in a bungalow , with resilient music at Côte from 6 to 9 pm , complimentary occultation cocktails ( one per guest ) , and on the next twenty-four hour period , continental breakfast for two , garden lunch , and eclipse crank .
Côte Restaurant|Courtesy of High Hill Farm
The pastoral adjustment are ever - expanding . The Romanos ’ master design includes coming - before long additions such as a swimming beach , a golf game drive orbit , a tapas restaurant and beach cake , pickleball royal court , and a church . You might never require to leave the pristinely planned hideaway that feel like a scene out of a movie — but do n’t vex , it ’s not a Hollywood set populated by paid thespian .
