Pool is open!
M’walimu (“Teacher” in Swahili) is a remote and secluded house in the hill country with multiple expansive libraries. Located at High Hope Ranch, this space is ideal for those seeking retreat from busy city life, to host large family gatherings, or to unwind and reconnect with nature. M’walimu consists of two dwellings connected by a covered walkway, each with two bedrooms and en-suite bathrooms, includes a private deck and pool.
The space
Mwalimu consists of two separate houses connected by an outdoor breezeway. In between them sits a pool and extensive outdoor deck with propane grill, seating, and hill country views.
The main house has a full-sized, well-equipped kitchen and a dining table for 10. The deck offers plenty of outdoor seating and a propane grill for guests to use.
The living room is filled with art, books, roku TV, and a wood-burning stove.
Bedroom 1: The primary suite has its own sunny library, private desk area, king-sized bed, and a large bathroom with a walk-in shower and meditation bay.
Bedroom 2: The second bedroom is located upstairs, with 2 double beds, a private work nook, and a full bathroom.
Laundry room with a washer and dryer downstairs.
The second house, known as the "Sanctuary", has 2 bedrooms, each with a queen bed, spacious closet, and private bath with a walk-in shower. The bedrooms are separated by sliding Japanese-style wood and opaque glass sliding doors. Please note they provide visual privacy but are not entirely soundproof.
The all-glass, west-facing wall of the sanctuary offers a sweeping view of the pool and valley beyond. The gathering area in the Sanctuary has a small kitchenette-two mini-fridges, sink, microwave, tea kettle, small blender, a toaster oven, a coffee cart with a drip coffee maker, and a comfortable living room.
The upstairs loft is yet another library/reading area and can be used for extra sleeping space (single pallets/pads provided). There is also space for queen airbeds (if requested) downstairs. We have had guests host up to 75 people in the living area for dinners and other special gatherings-please inquire for special events!
The pool can be accessed from both Mwalimu and the Sanctuary. Ranch staff make unobtrusive visits for daily maintenance during swimming season, the pool is covered during the winter.
The rates are for 8 people, extra overnight guests are $50 per person, per night plus tax. Please let us know how many extra guests you would like to join you so we can accommodate sleeping arrangements!
Mwalimu is just one of four guest house rentals available at High Hope Ranch. Check out our other listings!
Guest access
Guests have both houses and swimming pool to themselves. The house sits at the end of private driveway on our 900-acre ranch.
Guests have access to our on site Farm Store where they can stock up on essentials like ranch raised meat, drinks, canned food items like jellies, jams, pickles, salsa, and other snacks. All food is grown or made on site with organic practices and values. Store Hours are Friday 3:30pm-5:00pm and Sunday 10:00am- 3:00pm. Every purchase goes towards supporting young farmers and land conservation.
Guests have access to all 900 acres with 20+ miles of hiking trails and landmarks like the Stone Circle, Star Pad, Goat Cave, Sunset Cliff, and are of course welcome to arrange a tour to visit the working Farm on property.
Guests are welcome to rent our studio or other houses for their private use such as weddings, retreats, and other special events.
Other things to note
Livestock (including cattle, chickens, pigs, goats, ranch dogs Rosie and Popeye, and the guard donkey, Zoey) roam the ranch. We ask kindly that you not approach the cattle or chickens, but the rest are all very keen on head scratches and pets! The dogs may jump or bark at first but are friendly and will return to their duties after brief hello.
Chances are you'll see deer, armadillos, and lots of wild birds. We sometimes see other native wildlife like such as quail, turkey, coyote, feral hogs, foxes, and bobcats. There have been some rare sightings of mountain lions in the past but as long as you are aware and prepared it’s nothing to worry about.
Lastly, we are in the Texas hill country where rattle snakes and copperheads live. They are easy to avoid as long as you are aware. If spotted up by a house, please contact the host so that we can safely remove them for you!
