Introduction to Hideaway Round Top
When designer Emily Seiders, founder and creative director of Studio Seiders, along with her husband and business partner Rick, decided to take a leisurely drive to Round Top in 2020, they stumbled upon an unexpected adventure. A serendipitous "for sale" sign sighting off Highway 237 led them to rescue a 21-acre property, previously sold and permitted for a 100-townhome development, and create an environmentally sensitive boutique hotel and retreat.
The Concept and Design
The Seiders enlisted the expertise of architect Sam Burch and are nearing the conclusion of phase one of the project, expected to receive guests beginning in January 2026. Hideaway is currently comprised of three buildings: a 3,321-square-foot main house and two 692-square-foot cottages, aptly named "Prairie Cottage" and "Woodlands Cottage." The design and materials focus on the original German architecture in the area, with limestone, natural-faced white oak cladding, and a glass-enclosed dogtrot in the main house paying homage to generations past.
Amenities and Accommodations
The main house features three en suite bedrooms, a powder bath, a generously appointed chef’s kitchen, full bar, and open concept living and dining room. 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. The two cottages reflect a similar style, minus the dogtrot, and are tied together by winding paths, an organic spring-inspired pool, a rustic stone fire pit enclave, and curated recreation spaces.
Texas Heritage and Artisanal Touches
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. Nearly every element of the interiors has been crafted and outfitted by over 100 independent artisans from across the country, including traditional upholstery techniques from a maker in Pennsylvania.
Upcoming Phases and Events
Phase two, expected to be completed in 2027, includes the addition of two 284-square-foot tiny homes and a 3,409-square-foot event space with expansive steel and glass windows overlooking the pond. The event space will offer a catering kitchen, full bar, and private back-of-house access, perfect for small, private dinners, music venue space, and intimate weddings.
The "Go Get Lost" Spirit
Seiders hopes that guests will heed the advice of the theme of Hideaway and "go get lost." Growing up in Houston, Seiders would spend Sundays at her family’s Schulenburg farm, where she and her siblings would be encouraged to play outside and explore. This sense of freedom and creativity is what Seiders aims to recreate for her guests at Hideaway.
Conclusion
Hideaway Round Top is a unique boutique hotel and retreat that offers a chance to disconnect from the grid and reconnect with nature and oneself. With its environmentally sensitive design, artisanal touches, and deep Texas roots, Hideaway is set to become a beloved destination for those seeking a truly immersive and authentic experience. As Seiders notes, "Round Top has grown a lot in the last several years, and that’s exciting, but we also saw it as an opportunity to create a place that felt like a pause for a bit on the grid, and it gives us the opportunity to tell the story of the people, the cultures, the land, and to be a place that your neighbors can be proud of — that felt authentic and appropriate to time and place."
