I have an amazing treat for you all today! I caught wind of the fact that the talented Tarin of Tayhart Photography had gotten the opportunity to stay in Hillcrest Estate, Chip and Joanna Gaines’ renovated vacation rental. The spread of this gorgeous estate in the winter issue of Magnolia magazine left me yearning to see more of this place.
I reached out to Tarin, who I bump into occasionally in our small western South Dakota town, and asked if she’d be willing to share some of her beautiful photos on A HOUSE WITH CHARACTER. She graciously said YES! Warning: The images you are about to see are going to make you want to drop everything and hop on a plane to Texas immediately, just for those cupcakes alone.
“I love photography, but my next favorite love (besides Jesus, my hubby, and kiddos) is all things Fixer Upper, ” Tarin said. “I’ve watched every episode of every season and love everything Chip and Jo do!”
So imagine her excitement when she received a text from her mom asking if she would like to take a trip to Waco, Texas and stay at Hillcrest Estate, Chip and Joanna Gaines’ newest vacation rental.
Tarin’s mother went on to fill her in on the details of how her long-time friend from Spokane, Wash. won a three night stay, gift-card, and tour for herself and 11 of her friends. This awesome lady invited Tarin, her mother, and sister to be part of that lucky group.
“Our first glimpse of Hillcrest Estate did not disappoint,” Tarin said. “It’s a stately historic home situated in the middle of a beautifully manicured lawn, complete with a garden area, gorgeous fire pit surrounded by rocking chairs, amazing porches, and a sweet little playhouse.”
“The inside of the home is decorated to fit the historic charm of the house with some of Joanna’s classic touches of antiques, beautiful wood tones, perfect paint colors, gorgeous textiles, and, of course, shiplap,” Tarin said.
Not only did Tarin and her mother get to stay at Hillcrest Estate, but they also were treated to a tour of Magnolia Market.
“My favorite part of the tour was that everywhere you looked you could see glimpses of Chip and Joanna’s faith and their love and appreciation for their employees,” Tarin said.
Tarin said Silo’s Baking Co. was worth every minute spent in line.
“That line was pretty long, but the way they work it is like a fine-tuned machine,” she said.
Tarin found time for shopping, too. Some of her favorite spots were The Findery, The Warehouse, Spice Village, and Laverty’s Antiques and Furnishings.
Thank you Tarin for sharing this beautiful tour with us!
A HOUSE WITH CHARACTER 