We are very experienced weekend travelers, and have stayed at many places in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee and points beyond. We are so happy to honestly report that The Cottage at Tell Story Walk is absoutely the best experience we have ever had in all our years of traveling. Mark and Mary are the penultimate hosts, not just providing an exquisite and perfect home away from home to relax and refresh, but also to offer themselves as delightul treasures that feel like family almost immediately. You will not feel like a stranger from the moment these lovely people welcome you to their home.
First, you are transported to a location that feels secluded and totally private, but you are only an easy 15 minute drive to downtown Waco.
Second, once you walk in, the space is immaculately clean, well appointed and beautifully decorated, so comfortable and yet high end in so many ways. The decor is New England coastal, and no detail is missed in any corner of the house. Yet you will never feel like you shouldn't touch anything. Antique photo albums, classic books, and historic items perfectly placed are wonderful touches that provide the warm and inviting place that feels like Mark and Mary live here, and they are sharing their home with you for the weekend.
Third, the grounds are beautiful. You must take the time to walk around the grounds and see all the gorgeous places to sit and sip, chat and refocus on what really is important in your life and your relationships. From the rooftop deck, the gardens off the cottage and the lush fields of green and live oaks, swings and seating areas, you will quickly feel the stresses of busy, hectic city life slip away.
You will be greeted by a refrigerator full of refreshing drinks, and your amazing breakfast for the morning. Plenty of water, including Perrier, a refereshing bottle of wine or beer (your choice...they ask you in advance!) juice, milk, fruit, yogurt and whipped cream. A tray of delicious scones and coffee cake, homemade granola, are awaiting you on the counter! Coffee and everything you need to make the perfect cup is already there.
The cottage has two beautifully appointed bathrooms, with plush towels and everything you need in case you forgot it at home. A large walk-in 2 shower head shower is downstairs, and a classic clawfoot tub is in the upstairs bathroom for the perfect soak. There are two tv's, one in the living area, and one in the downstairs bedroom. We enjoyed the space and talking to each other so much that we didn't spend a lot of time watching tv. The upstairs loft has 3 single beds, and the downstairs bedroom has a super comfy queen bed. It's perfect for couples, a family with children, or a girls' weekend.
In fact, we spent very little time in Waco, because we loved being at the Cottage so much. We have been to Waco before when it was more 'open' and we found a lot of Waco was still not yet 'open for business', so we enjoyed our time at the cottage.
Mary and Mark are updating a large home on the property for future use as a bed and breaksfast, and if it is anything like the cottage, we will want to visit as soon as they finish. The Tell Story Walk property is perfect for weddings and family gatherings, and I look forward to returning as soon as we have an opportunity. Mark and Mary feel like family.