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Wimberley's Creekhaven InnA Place Where Nature and Luxury Co-ExistBy Autumn Rhea Carpenter
The couple’s quest to find a bed and breakfast location began in 2002, when they decided they needed a lifestyle change. “We’d lived in Fairfax, Virginia for over 20 years and were ready to slow down,” said Pat. “Bill was riding the high-tech roller coaster ride and I had 25 yeas of hotel experience and knew the intricacies that went into the industry. I felt confident that if we found the right place, we could really put our heart and professional skills into it.”
The couple purchased the facility in February of 2003 and immediately began renovations. “We had crew of at least 20 people working everyday,” said Bill. “The locals said that simply wasn’t the ‘Wimberley way,’ but it was vital that we got everything up and running as quickly as possible. We managed to collect the most interesting crowd of workers – mostly musicians and artists who were also skilled in stonework, carpentry and other trades. My brother designed all of the customized tile work and that makes it even more personal. In June of 2003, thanks to everyone’s perseverance, CreekHaven Inn was born.”
Among those rooms, is The Wild Honeysuckle (The Bridal Room), located in the main house. It’s a bright, glowing room that offers modern amenities, while still conveying a rich opportunity to experience the outdoors. The room is complete with a private balcony, a Jacuzzi tub for two and other special touches. Every room has been carefully decorated with mood enhancing colors and themes that continue throughout the facility. “Denice Calley, a Wimberley decorative artist specializing in murals, faux finishes, painted furniture and trompe l'oiel, was instrumental in creating each room’s special feeling,” said Pat. “Depending on the mood you want to set during your visit, we have it here. There’s exotic and golden, romantic and French, colorful and dramatic, shabby chic, luxurious and pampering….just make your request.”
The secluded banks of the Cypress Creek welcome the
CreekHaven Inn guests as well.
Deer, raccoons, birds, armadillos, squirrels, possums and Velcro the friendly neighborhood cat, are all creatures that call the Cypress Creek area home. The ancient Cypress trees that line the creek are another attraction to the CreekHaven Inn. Two magical trees co-exist among the critters and are royally named The Monarch and The Empress. It’s rumored that the trees have already celebrated their 2,000th birthdays.
CreekHaven Inn is available for family reunions,
wedding receptions, meetings and marriage retreats.
The Applemans explained why they are enjoying their
innkeeper roles. Bill agreed that he enjoyed meeting the different visitors and learning about their lives. “It’s fulfilling to make connections with such diverse people and to be able to share such beautiful property with them,” he said. To learn more about CreekHaven Inn, visit:
http://www.creekhaveninn.com Welcome to Wimberley:
http://www.wimberley.org/ Images by: Bill and Pat Appleman and Chris Carpenter Contact Autumn at: autumn@innerchicken,net and check out her online portfolio at: http://www.innerchicken.net/innerstrength.html |
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TM
The tech crash of the early 2000s was
a blessing in
disguise for many people. Some found new ways to redirect their creativity
while others returned to simpler lifestyles, realizing their true
‘callings.’ They succeeded in salvaging a nest egg from the experience and
placed the money in the right place and time. Pat and Bill Appleman fit into
these categories and are now leading enviable lives amongst nature and
elegance in a place they’ve properly named CreekHaven Inn.
One day, after a simple Internet search, the Applemans
found just the place. It was a dilapidated B&B, (formerly named The Singing
Cypress Gardens) built in 1983 and located in Wimberley, Texas. “Once I saw
the listing, I knew we had found the place,” said Pat. “Bill had attended
The University of Texas and always loved Texas,” she said. “I didn’t
understand the whole ‘Texas’ experience, but was ready to take a chance.”
The Inn offers 13 rooms, each named after a Texas
wildflower. “My mother-in-law had given us a wildflower book while we were
undergoing the renovation process and I decided that those names would be a
great match for each room.”
There are five rooms located in the main house and
eight others in the Garden House. Each Garden Room has a view of Cypress
Creek. In addition to unique furnishings, upscale amenities are also
available, including plush pillow-top mattresses, private access to the
Cypress Creek, romance packages and continental breakfasts.
“In the 1800s, this was a popular swimming hole,” said
Pat. “This area is supposed to be blessed ground and the previous owner was
an Episcopalian minister and conducted several baptisms here. It’s actually
the only area that didn’t flood earlier last year.”
The Applemans support local artists and proudly display
their works throughout The Meek Gallery at Creekhaven Inn. The work includes
Maxine Price and fine artists represented by Meek Gallery: Bill Meek, Lilli
Pell, Betty McGuire, Bob Fowler, JoRene Newton and Char Moreland. A young
rising artist, Nolan Shutler’s, unique teapot pottery is also available.
Wimberley is an artist’s haven and is filled with
talented people, working in paint, glass, tile, metal, fabric and more
mediums. There are numerous shops to plunder and art to admire, while
touring the Wimberley Village Square. Local artist, Lloyd Burns, displayed a
remarkable collection of metal animals (extinct and otherwise) in an outdoor
showing. The animals included giraffes, armadillos, dinosaurs, frogs,
alligators, among several other species. An impressive glass-making
demonstration can always be caught at Wimberley Glass Works.
The owner, Tim
de Jong, boasts over 20 years of experience and expertly answers questions
related to his trade.
Concierge services are
available upon request for booking tours, tee times, dinner out,
transportation, entertainment and spa services. (This service isn’t
available on the weekends.)
“When people come here, they are looking for relaxation and
are not usually in the business mindset,” said Pat. “I’m a nurturer by
nature, with years of hotel experience. I remember the types whose only goal
was to get from point A to point B. This is much more fun because my
ultimate goal is to make people smile.”