Introduction to Hideaway Round Top
When designer Emily Seiders, founder and creative director of Studio Seiders, along with husband and business partner Rick, decided to take a leisurely, lockdown-induced, drive to Round Top in 2020, they had no idea that what they were embarking on would truly be an adventure. A serendipitous for sale sign sighting off of famed Highway 237 led the Seiders to rescue the 21-acre property — previously sold and permitted for a 100 townhome development — and create an environmentally-sensitive boutique hotel and retreat for guests to relax, unwind, explore, and “go get lost.”
The Concept and Design
Enlisting the expertise of architect Sam Burch, the Seiders are nearing the conclusion of phase one of the project and expect to receive guests beginning in January 2026. Hideaway is currently comprised of three buildings: one 3,321-square foot main house and two 692-square foot cottages — aptly named “Prairie Cottage” and “Woodlands Cottage.” Tying these guest accommodations together are winding paths, an organic, spring-inspired pool, a rustic stone fire pit enclave, curated recreation spaces, plus a large pond with yoga decks and a fishing pier.
Texas Roots and Heritage
Both Emily and Rick have deep Texas roots, with their families arriving in the 1850s and 1836, respectively. Leaning heavily into that longstanding heritage, Seiders has designed every aspect of Hideaway to share a unique Texas experience with her guests. “I was always struck by the kind of confluence of this creative community, with Round Top’s rich history and culture,” Seiders tells CultureMap. “When we decided to put down roots here, I just wanted to really honor the time and place, and the land and the people who have been here before us.”
Design and Materials
The design and materials all focus on the original German architecture in the area. Limestone set with a traditional mortar shmear, natural-faced, white oak cladding for both the interior and exterior, plus a glass-enclosed dogtrot in the main house pay homage to generations past, with each cottage reflecting a similar style — minus the dogtrot. Tiles set in playful, checkered patterns and others custom made to showcase native flora and fauna all blend seamlessly with antique textiles and quilts framed and reimagined as modern art installations.
Main House and Cottages
In the main house, three en suite bedrooms and a powder bath are divided from a generously-appointed chef’s kitchen, full bar, and open concept living and dining room by the aforementioned glassed dogtrot that serves as an additional seating area and gallery space. Expansive porches offer views of native-only plantings and landscapes, while an outdoor kitchen, dining area, and lounge spaces provide every opportunity for guests to embrace the outdoors while enjoying the creature comforts of home.
Artisans and Collaborations
Nearly every element of the interiors has been crafted and outfitted by over 100 independent artisans from across the country — all the way down to traditional upholstery techniques from a maker in Pennsylvania. “One of the things I want to do here is pull back the veil a little bit, because, honestly, they put their hearts and souls into these pieces, too,” says Seiders. One thing sure to get guests swooning is the product of a collaboration with luxe linen company Morrow. While linens chosen for Hideaway are all from Morrow collections that are available online, the cozy robes are custom exclusives.
Accommodations and Bookings
As it stands, the main house and two cottages comfortably sleep a total of 19 guests. Hideaway’s website will redirect to local bookings through Hostie beginning in mid-November, with guest stays beginning January 1st. Guests are able to book the main house and the cottages separately, but during the high seasons (like during Round Top’s famous Fall Antiques Show) Hideaway will likely only be available for buyouts — that’s still being decided.
Future Plans
Those looking for larger events and accommodations will be pleased to learn that phase two (2027) includes the addition of two, 284-square-foot tiny homes, plus a gorgeous 3,409-square-foot event space. The space, with expansive steel and glass windows, will overlook the pond and offer a catering kitchen, full bar, and private back-of-house access.
Conclusion
Seiders hopes that guests will heed the advice of the theme of Hideaway and “go get lost.” Growing up in Houston, Seiders would go with her family to their Schulenburg farm every Sunday after church, where Seiders and her siblings would be encouraged by their mother to play outside, and “go get lost.” A taste of that “go get lost” spirit was in full swing during Round Top’s recent Fall Antiques Show, and it is this sense of freedom and retreat that Hideaway aims to offer its guests, making it a unique and authentic Texas experience.
