Cardinal’s Call (formerly the BlackBerry Cottage) exudes warmth and comfort in a 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom package that can comfortably sleep up to 4. Stay inside or venture out onto the covered deck to cook some steaks on the gas grill or sip your favorite beverage. You're within 10 to 15 minutes of Magnolia and Baylor or, you are less than two minutes from Waco's number-one-rated eatery, Cafe Homestead. Your bed has the perfect view of the giant screen so bring your your Netflix account for an immersive experience.
THE HOUSE
Cardinal’s Call is the backdrop for our small garden and where our 15 hens enjoy foraging from their “chicken tractor”. We built this cottage to be everything a hotel isn't.
Sometimes what you DON'T have is good. We have WiFi and a giant screen projector but we do not have a TV. If you have an account with Netflix or Starz, etc, you’re good to go.
HEATING AND COOLING
...all handled with a quiet central mini-split A/C and heat pump that you control. It can get pretty hot here in the summer but your cottage is foam insulated and the air conditioner is sized to overcome whatever is going on outside.
THE DECK
Cardinal’s Call has a large deck that looks out over the garden and our chickens. The propane grill is great for cooking out and there is a table and chairs for four. It seems there is always something going on on the deck--hummingbirds, squirrels, painted buntings, chickadees, cardinals--depending on when you come. We'll put a "Birds of Texas" book in the cottage so you can identify everything if you're interested.
THE KITCHEN
A "kitchenette,” with a microwave, coffee maker, and double sinks to support the grill on the deck.
THE BATHROOM
Behind the barn door is a huge shower that's powered by a water heater that never runs out of hot water. So, if a long shower is your way of pampering yourself, this is your dream space. We hope you'll love the antique lavatory and the copper vessel sink. Look inside. If you forgot your toothbrush, we have a replacement for you.
THE VIEW
Whether you are sitting on the sofa or lying on the bed, you can open (or raise) the blinds to look out on the ever-present wildlife on the deck or look past that to the fading sun. Or, close the blinds and go to sleep.
THINGS TO DO/SEE
Most of our guests come for Magnolia or Baylor. But, because you are so close to Homestead Heritage, most guests "discover" a place they love but didn't know was here. If you go to Homestead Heritage to eat, be sure to allow time to walk around their craft shops. You can watch craftsmen make baskets, throw pottery, forge architectural pieces, make heirloom furniture with hand tools or make a dress from cotton they have planted, raised, carded, spun and woven (seriously!). One of my favorite shops is the Leather Shop where you can buy hand-made leather stuff and, if you want to learn how they do it, they'll teach you.
