Two years ago in the middle of the hottest summer of the hottest year on record, Darla Grazdan decided to come to Wimberley in search of a weekend retreat. Instead of being deterred by the scorched earth, the withering grasses, the drooping oaks and the stocked private lake at an all time low, Darla embraced the possibilities, falling in love with the first place she saw. She saw others, but in the end she came back to the now, one-hundred-and-twenty acre Double N Ranch.
There is something to be said for life in Spoke Hollow, especially when the hollow contains — along with a lake — a pool, lighted tennis courts, stables, and a private putting green—some of them tucked away, out of sight; all of them surrounded by Wimberley's hills, glorious spreading oaks and rolling green grasses in a manicured park like setting. It is paradise found. Found and embraced—Darla and Greg loved their weekend retreat so much that they now call it their permanent home. Darla's children have followed suit, moving from Houston to Wimberley, building homes on various corners of the ranch that has become a true family compound.
Entering the main dwelling the word grand comes to mind; the house being everyman's dream of what a Texas ranch should be—vaulted ceilings, exposed wooden beams, hunting trophies, leather, luxurious fabrics, striking chandeliers, an abundance of stone walls and rich woods throughout. The colors of the interior are those of Tuscany; burnt sienna, soft gold and warm browns. Hardwoods in the main living portion of the home give way to naturally cushioned, easy care cork flooring in the bedrooms.
Purchased with furniture included, Darla has been slowly working her magic, replacing many pieces with gorgeous antiques, while custom designing upholstered furniture built to her specifications. The towering twenty-five foot fireplace in the great room is balanced by a fifteen foot camelback style sofa with exquisite hand-tooled leather sides. When commenting on the size of the sofa Darla said, "You wouldn't believe how many people fit on it." Sitting on the multi textured couch is like a soft warm hug for family members, including the six grandchildren.
The kitchen is filled with antiqued ivory bead board cabinets, double ovens, and a custom sized refrigerator. The impressive copper hood over the range alcove mirrors the copper in the hammered tabletop in the breakfast room. A profusion of windows along the back wall invites the spectacular hill country views indoors. Hours can be wiled away playing pool, reading by the fireplace in the family room or watching the exotic living coral collection and other colorful sea creatures displayed in the newly installed aquarium.
Paintings in the house reflect a love of the old west as well as the flora and fauna from the natural world. Not to be missed, but easily overlooked, is a striking painting of cooling glacial peaks tucked away in the hallway separating the master suite from the great room. The master bath is large enough to qualify for ballroom status, while the shower could handle all six grandkids at once…and have room left over.
Walking through this exquisite home, and around the lush grounds, it is easy to understand why Darla fell in love with the Double N Ranch in 2011, and embraced the possibilities.
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