It was fate. It was an accident. It was a plan gone awry. It is now the warm, comfortable Mt. Gainor Inn, in the beautiful Texas Hill Country between Dripping Springs and Wimberley.

When Laurie and Jerry Pinnix found themselves the recipients of an old farmhouse scheduled for demolition, they thought they would use the fine old lumber to add on to their home. But, when they found the house in better condition than it appeared, they decided to restore it. After nearly four years of painstaking work, with Laurie and Jerry doing most of the restoration themselves, Mt. Gainor Inn was born.

What to do with a lovely, restored house? Open a B&B, of course! So they began their homework, studying and learning about the innkeeping business, and attending conferences and workshops presented by Historic Accommodations of Texas. Mt. Gainor Inn is now one of "The Great Stays of Texas," inspected and approved by HAT.

The Inn sits amid 23 acres of lush, rolling hills with panoramic 360° views of the Hill Country from each guest room. Originally built circa 1911, the home showcases the fine craftsmanship of the early 1900’s, with lovely hardwoods throughout. The name comes from the highest point in the area, near an early "school and church" community on the land of pioneer rancher, Joseph P. Gainer.

The Mt. Gainor Suite and the Garden Room occupy the downstairs; the upstairs Attic Suite has its own private entrance. The inn offers upscale amenities, fine furnishings, kitchens, and modern conveniences including TV/DVD players, in-house movies, comfortable beds with luxurious linens, and a variety of artwork. The outdoor spa goes "topless" to allow an unobstructed view of the heavens. Then there are the spectacular sunsets viewed from the porch. . . and the hammock. . . and the peace and quiet. . .

When the Pinnixes, who live on the hillside above the Inn, noticed dozens of bicycle riders going by on weekends, they began talking to folks. It seems the area, already noted for ...

Read the entirety of this article in the print edition.

Subscribe online — it's quick and easy