Rachel Ashwell’s Prairie | A Shabby Chic Paradise

Rachel Ashwell, creator of the Shabby Chic movement, writer and entrepreneur

About ten years ago Rachel Ashwell, entrepreneur and creator of the Shabby Chic movement, purchased what would become The Prairie in Round Top, Texas. Having always wanted to own a hotel and live on a farm, Ashwell had found her dream come true. “[The Prairie] felt very soulful. It’s holistic and there’s a very romantic spirit out there,” she said. “What we’ve managed to do is give that real, authentic ‘mom and pop’ bed and breakfast experience with added luxury.”

The Prairie – Lilliput Lounge

“When I was a little girl I used to love Little House [on the Prairie],” mused Ashwell. Much like Laura Ingalls Wilder’s classic tales, Rachel told us that, “All of the rooms have a story and a good meaning. I pick up on the energy of prior experiences.”

The Prairie – Rangers Lounge

Talking about one of the eight buildings on the property, the Liliput Lodge, “There’s just something about it. I feel that everything’s going to be OK,” she said. “Standing on the balcony brings tears and laughter to my eyes. I look down the gravel path at flying flags of Texas, USA and England and think, ‘Wow… this is not bad for a London girl.”

The Prairie – Lilliput Lounge

Each more meticulous and organic than the next, all of the buildings on the Prairie homestead offer the utmost in the Shabby Chic experience. While harboring the private beauty of a farm bed and breakfast, the property is in the vicinity of great restaurants and the social and cultural hotspot of Austin. “This could become the Hamptons of Texas,” said Rachel.

The Prairie – Lilliput Lounge

Outside of the guests seeking the brand of tranquility offered by the Prairie, regular flea markets, seminars and weddings are common on the grounds. The Pearl Barn is perfect for weddings and offers a unique and highly stylized space for an unforgettable event.

The Prairie – Pearl Barn

“We all want to go back in time,” says Rick Kuper, Owner of Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty. “The world is moving so fast, but a place like The Prairie really takes us back. This experience is made possible by introducing Shabby Chic culture into this time and space.”

The Prairie – Meadow Manor

“[The Prairie] utilizes the iconic brand of Shabby Chic products by its founder, Rachel Ashwell, and creates an irresistible destination for it’s patrons,” says Margaret Parma, Real Estate Professional at Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty.  “It’s an extremely rare opportunity to own a piece of a timeless vision.”

The Prairie – Blue Bonnet Barn

Ultimately, the Prairie encompasses the spirit of Ashwell’s Shabby Chic culture and builds on the atmosphere and history of the property. Rachel likes to sum it up with a quote from the property’s guest book, “[The Prairie] must have the same zip code as heaven.” See more of The Prairie below:

Discover more about The Prairie on their official website

All photos were provided from Prairie Couture by Cico Books