Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1546677
ROUND ABOUT ROUND TOP J e w e l r y d e s i g n e r K a t h l e e n Weatherford, who has popped up at Drift & Holler and The 550 Market, has taken over the historic log cabin in Henkel Square between Bisou Bisou and The Little Cheese Shop with her new store, Grace by Kathleen Weatherford. Her bold designs include gold- filled, sterling-silver, rhodium, and vermeil generously sized hoop earrings and stackable necklaces with interchangeable pendants, and the ever-popular Round Top Tennis Necklace & Bracelet with turquoise beads cut and set as gemstones. This fall, Weatherford debuts a fine jewelry collection in gold and sterling silver with natural gems and diamonds. Grace by Kathleen Weatherford, 106 Schumann Lane in Henkel Square, Round Top, @gracebykw. B renham's historic Ant Street Inn is undergoing a gentle restoration under new stewards Trish and Connor Byer, who also own Hill & Hollow Vacation Rentals. The Byers are working to preserve and enhance the hotel's circa-1899 character while refreshing the interiors and adding modern elements. The building has served as everything from a grocery store to a saloon and has been the centerpiece of downtown Brenham since its inception. "We admired Ant Street Inn long before we ever imagined owning it," Connor says. "It's one of those buildings that feels inseparable from Downtown Brenham — grand, a little unexpected, and filled with s t o r i e s . " The Byers are using their combined experience in the hospitality and construction industries to develop Ant Street's next chapter, which includes rebranding it as the Ant Street Hotel. Extensive maintenance, mechanical, and technological improvements make up most of the renovation's first phase. "Some of the most significant work will never be obvious to a guest," says Connor, "but it's essential to preserving a 127-year-old building and ensuring it remains comfortable for generations to come. Some of the changes you'll notice immediately; some, you'll ANT STREET HOTEL'S NEW ERA never see." Visible renovations are happening in the ballroom, which has been updated with new wainscoting, fresh paint, and a new ceiling. Other updates to the inn's interior include refinishing the original wood floors throughout and updating the lobby bathrooms. The 15 guest rooms and bathrooms will also be zhuzhed with antique furnishings and new lighting, bedding, and rugs. The Brenham Grill is independently operated within the inn, and its team serves breakfast f o r o v e r n i g ht guests in addition to lunch and dinner for visitors. Outside, the signature red- brick Romanesque Revival façade is being carefully preserved, and the charming wedding garden has been relandscaped. A new outdoor seating area and fireplace are also being constructed in the garden. "The seating area is projected to be complete by the fall Round Top show," Connor says. "It will be a beautiful place for hotel guests to gather and relax with a glass of wine." The current slate of updates at Ant Street is only the beginning. Looking ahead, the Byers are considering the addition of a pool, a lobby bar, and more. The hotel remains open for booking during renovations. Ant Street Hotel, 107 W. Commerce St., Brenham, antstreetinn.com, @antstreetinn. HER GRACE Grace by Kathleen Weatherford S tardust Ranch owner Jessica Love, founder of Austin-based Urbane Design, has partnered with Kemo Sabe to produce a one- of-a-kind custom Western boot. Love STARDUST RANCH X KEMO SABE chose a snip toe with a 1 5/8-inch heel and 13-inch shaft, creating a classic Western profile. The boots are made with belly-cut navy-toned Nile crocodile and distressed navy goat leather with a sprinkling of four- and eight-point stars rendered in pale-gold goat leather. The design is reminiscent of the night skies over Fayetteville, home of Stardust Ranch's lodging and wellness retreat. The boots, set to debut this month, feature pull straps embroidered with the Stardust Ranch logo. The Stardust Ranch x Kemo Sabe boot design is available by custom order through Kemo Sabe. kemosabe.com, @kemosabe1990. Stardust Ranch x Kemo Sabe boot design Trish & Connor Byer Ant Street Hotel KOLTON KING 90