We live in the Historic house, which sits on just over a one acre parcel with Shoal Creek running through the back yard.  Through the years we've pursued a vision for the property, which has had a life of it's own.  In 2016 we completed The Inn, and began letting the property out for weddings, photo-shoots, and small events.

Nestled into the banks of Shoal Creek, the Seekatz-Gardner house at 1101 West 31st Street was built in 1879 for Henry E. Seekatz, a local sausage maker.  At a cost of $600 with Horace Burnham as the builder and Henry Pfannkuche as the masonry contractor, the house was built from handcut limestone.  It was originally constructed as a single story residence with a basement.  It received its historic designation in 1978.

The house was owned and occupied by the Seekatz family until 1926 when it was sold to Louis and Sadie Hill.  After 5 years the Hills sold it on January 1st, 1931 to Fred and Bernice Gardner, who closed on it immediately after their wedding ceremony.

In the 1930’s and 40’s the Gardners did a then-historic renovation to the house with the installation of the front doorway (taken from the Hancock Estate), the cast iron fence (taken from the Zilker Estate), and the paneled ceiling.  Fred Gardner was a popular Big Band leader in Austin.  He died in the early ‘70s and Bernice resided in the house until her death in 1989.

Jennifer Staub Myers, a granddaughter of Houston architect, John F. Staub, purchased and renovated the house from the Gardner’s descendants in 1992.  She and her husband, Fred have lived in the historic house since 1994, and have extensively landscaped their one acre with gardens and an amphitheater.  In 2014 they completed Jennifer’s studio, and in 2015 they completed the construction of a new guest house. In 2018.

One of Austin’s hike-and-bike trails passes directly in front of the house, and their house and gardens are a source of enjoyment for thousands of Austin’s citizens and visitors.

Looking forward to meeting you.

Jennifer & Fred Myers

Austin, Texas