Hey oh, we’re back in Abilene for today’s feature. It’s a killer cluster of homes – a LEGENDARY set of short- and mid-term rentals called Sayles Ranch. It’s not a real ranch, but there’s no reason for me to explain that when the owner, creator, and visionary Terry Browder is a bit of a poet.
“As you have figured out by now, the Sayles Ranch is not really a ranch at all, but it is a concept — a virtual reality. Oh yes, it is an enclave of beautiful houses — a place the stay while you are in Abilene, but, hopefully, it is more,” Browder told daltxrealestate.com. “It is a special place that was born of my love of West Texas, my love of Abilene, and my desire to share so much of the beauty, aesthetics, and history of this great part of Texas with people like you!”
Sayles is a collection of eight homes, each with a different theme and each filled with appropriate furniture, high-end finishing touches, and honestly some of the most creative design elements I’ve seen lately. I think the best way to do this is just to call out each home and what makes it so freaking cool.
Also, this isn’t an invitation to book one of these conversation pieces. It’s an invitation to buy them all. They’re currently listed for sale with John Hill of Barnett & Hill for an easy breezy $1.9 million. Keep in mind you’re buying eight homes — each fully furnished — and you’re also inheriting the Sayles Ranch name, brand, and URL. Seems like a steal.
Let’s go halfsies and pick where we live. Dibs on Dance Hall.
Downton Abbey, 1511 Yeomans Road
This two-bedroom, two-bathroom property has the real feel of an Edwardian English library. It’s filled with antique furniture, elegant chandeliers, an upholstered King-sized bed upstairs, and a classic Queen-sized iron bed downstairs.
In the pictures, you’re like “what the heck is on the walls?” Is that wallpaper? No, my people, those are book covers. Every inch of wall in Downton Abbey is “covered with the backs of 3,000 vintage law books from the law library of a local, 100-year-old law firm.”
Where’s the open-mouth emoji when you need it?
Mad Men, 1509 Yeomans Road
Not a shocker, this two-bedroom, two-bathroom property is a clever take on Midcentury Modern style. It’s filled with furniture and décor from the 1950s to the 1970s, but it’s not the expected classic, clean lines you’re thinking of.
There’s a four-poster bed, a weathered chest of drawers, marble-look tile, and Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith from Men in Black.
Hey, whatever floats your MCM boat.
Cottage Clare, 942 Amarillo
This three-bedroom, two-bathroom home is one of the larger ones in the Sayles Ranch portfolio. It’s a charmer and named after the owner’s daughter, Clare.
The finish-out is a little softer, and the furniture is a little more ornate. It definitely skews feminine and that’s why it’s the perfect rental for any and all girlfriend weekends.
Dance Hall, 1918 S. 9th Street
This two-bedroom, one-bathroom, ground-floor rental was Dottie Botkin’s Ballet Studio in the 1950s. How freaking cute is that? It might also have my MOST favorite finishing touches — a headboard made out from the turquoise doors of a 1957 Chevy pickup truck, a 30-foot wall covered in blue and turquoise book covers, and a kitchen backsplash made out of 2,700 pennies. SO FUN.
Falling Star Lodge, 1002 Amarillo
She’s a cute little three-bedroom, two-bathroom Craftsman cottage with the best name origin stories. In 2006, right before purchase, a meteorite fell in the backyard. So now Falling Star Lodge is not only a rental but also a local legend.
Inside, the décor is rustic, but the furnishings are high-end — extra comfy mattresses and plush towels. Whee. It’s the best of both.
Sayles Ranch, 1001 Sayles Street
The OG and original — the one that started it all — a four-bedroom, two-bathroom home with a private pool out back. Bowers describes this one as “John Wayne at Starbucks.” It’s giving antique, Wild West furnishings set against limestone walls and an earthy color palette.
The Hayloft, 1918 S. 9th
This two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment is upstairs at the aforementioned Dance Hall property. It’s rustic, it’s barn-like, there are plank floors, and the “patina of the original, yellow pine walls and ceilings are complemented by a persimmon-colored leather soft …” I told you Browder was a poet.
This one is a cozy little cutie that I’d want all to myself, though it technically sleeps four.
The Hideout, 1002 1/2 Amarillo
Wait, where’s the address? Ain’t none.
“The Hideout is located on the alley between The Sayles Ranch and The Falling Star Lodge.” It has a private courtyard defined by antique doors imported from Old Mexico. Inside the walls are lined with knotty pine paneling, the flooring is stained concrete and Navaho rugs are casually tossed about.
Thus concludes our tour of the eight homes that comprise the Sayles Ranch portfolio. If you want to know even more – like what each rents for, average bills, expenses, and more, you can head here or saylesranch.com.
