Summary:
Step back in time at the historic 1-bedroom Kingsby Farmhouse—a captivating retreat in the heart of Texas Hill Country. Once a bustling post office and stagecoach stop since 1878, this meticulously restored gem fuses rustic charm with modern luxury across six breathtaking acres. Whether you’re seeking a romantic escape or a serene family getaway, discover an unforgettable experience where history meets elegance amidst nature’s splendor.
*Please note this is not a shared home. Please review the guest access section for further details.
The Space:
A Cozy, Inviting Space
Step inside to an open, sunlit layout designed for up to four guests. The spacious living room, furnished with plush leather seating, warm lighting, and timeless ranch antiques, creates a relaxing ambiance that transports you back to simpler times. A fully equipped kitchen—with modern amenities and a café station—flows seamlessly into a welcoming dining area, perfect for sharing home-cooked meals or enjoying a casual breakfast.
The grand bedroom, featuring two luxurious queen-size beds, promises restful nights after your days of adventure. Whether you’re settling in for a quiet evening with a good book or catching up on work at a dedicated table space enhanced by a 75” SMART TV, every detail has been thoughtfully considered for your comfort.
Embrace the Outdoors
Step outside onto an expansive porch and let the beauty of nature captivate you. Wander along a scenic 1/3-mile walking trail, relax at one of three charming picnic areas, or gather around the fire pit as the Texas sky fills with stars. Enjoy the playful company of freely roaming sheep, chickens, and goats—including our friendly Nigerian dwarf goat—and don’t miss a chance to meet our photogenic rooster, Peewee!
A Rich Tapestry of History and Local Charm
Set just minutes from downtown Boerne and a short drive from San Antonio, Comfort, and Bandera, Kingsby Farmhouse is steeped in local heritage. Once a community hub established by pioneer W. G. Hughes, the property reflects the spirit of early Texas ranch life. Explore the historic narratives, visit nearby boutiques and art galleries, or indulge in local dining—from eclectic American fare to authentic Italian cuisine.
Guest Access:
Guests have exclusive access to the first floor of this peaceful farmhouse, except for one room. The second floor and the restricted room will remain unoccupied and are not rented to other guests. In the near future, the entire property, including these areas, will be available for rent. Please note that this is not a shared home.
Guests also do not have access to the cottage, barn, or play structure on the property. For those traveling with pets, please note that animals must be leashed or remain in the fenced rear area to ensure the safety of our resident livestock.
The Neighborhood:
Boerne, located in the picturesque Texas Hill Country, is known for its scenic beauty, charming downtown, and a mix of suburban and rural landscapes. Residents and visitors in this area often enjoy outdoor activities given the proximity to nature. The Kingsby Cottage is located 3 miles to the West of downtown Boerne and 21 miles to the East of Bandera, TX. The Kingsby Cottage is part of a historic land marker placed in 2015 for W. G. Hughes. The Cottage was the original school house for Hastings and the Farmhouse was the original structure of the Hastings Post Office.
"The community of Hastings was established in the late 19th century with the settlement of immigrants from England who came to farm and ranch in Texas. William George (Willy) Hughes, at the age of 19, moved from Kensington, London, to Texas in 1878 to learn about the business of managing and marketing sheep and wool.
Willy took Oxfordshire Downs sheep from England and started building his herds on 160 acres southwest of Boerne. His two brothers, Harry and Gerard, joined him in 1879. In the same year, Willy purchased his second piece of land where the ranch headquarters would be built. The Hughes Ranch engaged in breeding cattle, sheep, goats, and horses. The ranch expanded its operations to include U.S. mail delivery, stage line services, meals, tourism activities, and buying and selling real estate. By 1887, Willy transitioned from sheep wool production to Angora goat mohair production and became recognized as an authority on Angora goats.
The ranch headquarters, constructed in 1888, still stands off HWY. 46. Willy married Lucy Stephenson, and she took charge of her own operations on the ranch. She managed a dairy operation with 35 Jersey cows and ran a resort business at the ranch headquarters called "Mineral Springs Ranche." Willy proposed a post office for the community, named Hastings Post Office after his father. It opened in 1890 in a room inside the Hughes Ranch House. In the same year, Willy started the Boerne and Bandera Stage Line Company, inviting tourists from San Antonio and Boerne to visit the Hill Country in Bandera via the stage line. Willy provided land to Kendall County for the Hastings School and continued to support the community until his untimely death in 1902 from a train wreck in Belleville, Illinois" - Marker is property of the State of Texas (2015).
Getting Around:
Explore the close by Boerne downtown area with its historic architecture, boutique shops, art galleries, and local eateries. A scenic nature center with walking trails, gardens, and educational exhibits. Enjoy outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, and picnicking in this serene park. Step back in time at Old West-themed attraction with live entertainment and historical reenactments. Explore stunning underground formations in natural caves.
Restaurants in the nearby area:
The Creek Restaurant: A popular spot offering a diverse menu with American and Mediterranean influences.
The Dienger Trading Co.: A historic building housing a bookstore, bakery, and café, offering a delightful atmosphere.
Valeria Ristorante Italiano: Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine in a stylish setting.
Cypress Grille: A fine dining restaurant with a menu highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Dodging Duck Brewhaus: A brewpub with a relaxed atmosphere, offering craft beers and a varied menu.
Klein Smokehaus: Known for its delicious smoked meats and barbecue.
Parks nearby:
Joshua Springs Preserve - 15 minutes
Six Flags - 20 minutes
SeaWorld - 30 minutes
Guadalupe River State Park - 25 minutes
Hill Country State Natural Area - 30 minutes
Other attractions
Boerne Lake – 12 minutes
Singing Water Vineyards – 30 minutes
Enchanted Spring Ranch – 4 minutes
Other Things to Note:
Important: We are committed to protecting our properties and staying compliant with short-term rental regulations. As part of our protection plan, included in your booking price, you will be required to complete an independent third-party verification through Truvi. Before your booking begins, you will be contacted via email and/or text to confirm your details and complete the verification process.
To ensure a smooth check-in experience, you'll also be asked to review and sign the house rules and FCM Homes terms & conditions via the Guest App Link sent in your reservation confirmation. Please make sure to complete both steps at least 24 hours before your arrival to receive your arrival instructions. Thank you!
House Rules:
- Occupancy [ 4 ]
- The 2nd floor is not accessible to guests.
- 2 pets are allowed with a $50 additional fee per pet. Please ensure they are either leashed or enclosed in the fenced in area at the back of the farmhouse. Please clean up after them.
- Smoking is NOT allowed.
- Fireworks are not allowed.
- Parties or events are NOT allowed.
- Quiet hours are from 10 PM - 7 AM.
- Primary guest must be at least 25 years old and must be present for the entire reservation.
- Please note there is an old concrete tank on property. Do not enter this area. It is a 30 foot tank that has not been reinforced. Safety is our number one concern for our guests.
- Please do not use any firearms or weaponry on property.
- There is a fire pit on site for guest use. We kindly ask bring your own supplies, extinguish any flames/coals after each use, and adhere to any county burn ban in effect.
- Please note that the fireplaces are for aesthetic purposes only and not for guest use.
- In the event that you need to use the hard key, please place it back in the lockbox before departing. Failure to return any keys used to the lockbox will result in a $50 replacement fee per key.
- This is a dark sky community. Please be sure to shut off any lights when they are not in use. A Dark Sky Community is a designated area that takes measures to reduce light pollution, preserving the natural night sky for the benefit of both people and wildlife.
HVAC Rules: Please do not set the home's thermostat above 76 (heating) or below 68 (cooling). To avoid overloading the system, please adjust the thermostat by no more than 2 degrees per hour and keep the doors and windows closed as much as possible. If you encounter any issues, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Please note that this is a rural property out in the Texas Hill Country, where it's common to encounter wildlife such as birds, reptiles, deer, and other local fauna. Rural areas like ours may have limited or different services compared to urban settings, including cell phone and delivery services.
As you may know, Texas is known for its bug inhabitants. Rest assured, we take proactive measures to manage this, and it shouldn't pose a problem during your stay. To help us keep them outside, please keep all windows and doors closed. Please feel free to use the bug spray underneath the sink.
