Creating Wrenwood Ranch along the Texas Wine Trail in the Texas Hill Country
- Chad and Keisha Watkins
- Mar 25
- 3 min read
Creating Wrenwood: The Journey to Creating Wrenwood Ranch
The dream of Wrenwood Ranch began long before we ever set foot on our property in the Texas Hill Country. It was a vision shaped by our own wedding experience in 2011, where we had the opportunity to rent an entire property for the weekend, creating not just a one-day event but a full experience surrounded by our closest family and friends. That special weekend planted the seed for a dream to create a place where others could share the same unforgettable moments.
From Dream to Reality
Between 2011 and 2020, we ventured into the world of business and event planning, organizing various events—from nonprofit fundraisers to family gatherings—to see if this was truly the path we wanted to take. As we gained more experience, we felt more certain that creating a space like Wrenwood Ranch was where we were meant to be.
Timing played a pivotal role in our journey. Our daughter was set to graduate high school in 2020, and we knew once that milestone passed, it would be the perfect time to take the leap. In November of 2019, we listed our dream home for sale, setting the wheels in motion for what would become the biggest adventure of our lives.

A Leap of Faith
Selling our home happened quickly, and before we knew it, we were packing up everything we could fit into a 20-foot U-Haul trailer. What didn’t fit, we gave away. We left behind a comfortable 2,600-square-foot home and moved into a 26-foot travel trailer on an undeveloped piece of land—with no power, water, or septic. It was daunting, but we were all in.

Adapting to life in the Texas Hill Country was a crash course in patience and perseverance. Unlike in the city, where you can hire a contractor and have them show up within a week, we learned that out here, you might be waiting eight months or more for essential services. This meant rolling up our sleeves and doing much of the work ourselves, from clearing the land to building structures from the ground up.
Shifting Plans & Hard Work
Our initial plan was to build the event space first and then add accommodations later. But reality hit fast—we needed to generate income right away. So, we pivoted and began with the accommodations, focusing on building the cottages first. We are thrilled to say that now, after years of sweat and determination, our dream is becoming a reality.
We’re proud to offer our cottages in the Texas Hill Country between Fredericksburg, Texas and Johnson City, Texas. Our vacation rentals are great for those looking to experience the beauty of the Texas Hill Country and all that it has to offer. The cottages or as many call them, cabins, provide guests with a cozy and comfortable stay, perfect for a getaway. Whether you’re visiting for a family reunion, a wedding, coming to see the Texas Wild Flowers, a Winery or a peaceful retreat, our cottages are an ideal choice, offering the perfect blend of comfort and convenience for exploring the Johnson City Texas area and Fredericksburg area.
The first cottages are now welcoming guests, and in April 2025, Wrenwood Ranch will host its first wedding. As we look forward to offering more than just accommodations, we look to add space for connection, celebration, and unforgettable moments. We are excited for what’s to come.
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