Texans have long been making smoked meat pilgrimages to Lockhart, the “Barbecue Capital of Texas,” for quick day trips. But these days, as new vintage shops, art galleries, and coffee shops pop up in and around the town square, there’s a growing number of reasons to make a weekend of it in the small Texas town — whether you’re a brisket-lover or not. And now there’s a dreamy new place to lay your head if you do decide the stay the night.
Ellison House, a new boutique boardinghouse in Lockhart, is housed in a historic 1860s farmhouse that was restored and renovated by J. and Sara Ewing.
Opened in 2017, the couple was inspired by a vision of “Lockhart meets LA,” the Ewings sourced art and furnishings from local vintage shops, Craigslist, and estate sales to create an eclectic vibe that’s somewhere between “dusty old Texas farmhouse and current design aesthetics,” J. says.
In addition to four private suites with their own full-size baths and showers (and names like “The Colonel’s Retreat” and “Proprietor’s Quarters”), Ellison House, much like a classic bed-and-breakfast, has shared communal spaces. The restored kitchen features a large custom wood and brass island, and the spacious living room includes a record player (with vinyl curated by the owners, of course) and “vintage board games” as a way of fostering community among guests.
Outside, guests can enjoy an expansive green lawn and back porch, a secluded outdoor shower and an upstairs balcony with — very importantly — huge hammocks for maximum relaxation.
“I think folks these days are looking for little escapes. Small adventures that break up their day-to-day routines. Lockhart offers that,” says Taylor Burge, who manages the property. “[Ellison House] is a place for people to unplug and focus on themselves,” she says.
Pricing for individual rooms starts at $125 per night; $400 per night for the entire property.
Former Austinites J. and Sara Ewing decided to open the boardinghouse.
