Nestled in the shadow of Enchanted Rock, The Trois Estate is a magical European style village less than twenty miles from Fredericksburg. This architectural wonder was imagined, designed and created by owners Rebecca and Charles Trois. Rebecca is a gourmet cook, gracious hostess and event coordinator. Charles is an avid historian, artist, imaginative architect, musician and collector. Visit Trois Estate and witness the result of their combined talents, which are just the right catalyst for Trois Estate’s ongoing expansion. Rebecca recently stated, “When we found this property with its view of Enchanted Rock, we knew it would be the perfect place to realize our dream. I love living here, meeting all of our guests from around the world, and raising our three boys in the fresh air.” The old world design of the buildings complements the landscape, and as you walk along stone paths you will find gorgeous Hill Country views. You may also be greeted by Trois family members, perhaps a young knight wielding a toy sword and garbage can lid or Rebecca’s mother Mary Jane enjoying her favorite pastime, trimming and overseeing the Trois gardens.
Come for dinner at the Troisi Italian Ristorante, plan a fairy tale wedding with up to 300 guests, or stay at Casa de Leon bed and breakfast and enjoy a gourmet breakfast served either in your suite or on the scenic rooftop. Climb the nearby 425 foot high granite batholith the Tonkawa Indians named Enchanted Rock, then come back to your luxurious bed and breakfast hideaway for a massage and a swim in the mystical underground grotto, which is kept at a comfortable 87 degrees. Next have a glass of wine on the balcony overlooking Enchanted Rock before your dinner, followed by a fireside chat in the cozy lounge or a stroll under the starry Hill Country sky. Romantic carriage rides are also available by advance reservation.
In addition to its five luxury bed and breakfast suites, the estate includes a wedding chapel, the world’s largest cap gun museum, a European spa, a safari exhibit and event hall, a boutique, dinner theater for music and plays, and an antique store. The Trois Estate has become highly popular as a destination wedding site and has complete bridal services available, including a highly skilled photographer, and hair and makeup by a nationally known artist. Bridal parties can be pampered at the onsite European Day Spa, featured in Vogue magazine for the past three years.
The Troisi Italian restaurant is open Wednesday through Sunday for dinner from six to nine o’clock, and Sunday brunch is served from 10 to 2. Private parties are welcome. The gourmet dishes served by Chef Charles Clark are beautifully presented. The $18 Sunday brunch includes a variety of dishes. The New York strip and eggs dish is a popular choice, as are the fresh fruit mimosas. If you stay overnight, you may find Rebecca Trois herself in the kitchen cooking your multi-course breakfast.
Guests describing Trois Estate’s architecture and furnishings often say they feel as if they have gone back in time when viewing the hand carvings and old world look. Charles Trois spent three months in San Miguel de Allende learning stone and stucco craftsmanship before designing and supervising the unique building complex. On any given day you may find him varnishing a newly built floor himself or completing a barrel vaulted brick ceiling. He also designs and makes furniture. Rebecca recently commented, “Charles is a genius on many levels and considered a photographic surrealist. He hasn’t painted on a traditional canvas in some time, but fortunately for us we can all wander through and enjoy his latest work of art... The Trois Estate, using the breathtaking batholith as his backdrop.” Charles once played lead guitar with the group Soul Survivor, and one of their recordings, “Expressway to Your Heart,” reached platinum album status. He sometimes plays for guests at special occasions like the Trois Estate New Years Eve celebration. He has learned to design buildings and furniture by combining the old with the new.
Charles’ collections are artfully displayed throughout the village and the Trois home. He made or designed all of the wood and glass display cases that house his collections. The dining room tabletops are shadow boxes containing samples of the larger collections displayed throughout the house. Collecting and bargaining has been a lifelong hobby for Charles. By age twelve he owned 100 antique guns and 75 swords and knives. He would often go to trade shows and buy items from one booth, then sell them to another. When you visit Trois Estate you will find an amazing variety of antique items, including the largest German toy collection known to exist, and fun to view items like antique tip trays, hand painted advertising tins, a knife owned by Napoleon, hand carved Meerschaun pipes, an extensive collection of civil war items, chairs from Thomas Jefferson’s hunting lodge and much more. Charles often attends auctions, and Rebecca says he can spot a fake in a heartbeat. Don’t miss the 5000 square foot cap gun museum with its beautifully displayed complete cowboy and cowgirl outfits. As guests view this artfully appointed room dedicated to the Old West, it would not be surprising to see Roy Rogers and Dale Evans ride in singing “Happy Trails.”
Charles and Rebecca have limitless energy and enthusiasm for this ongoing project, now in its third year of operation. Soon to come at Trois Estate are a twenty room lodge with an adjoining outdoor pool and waterfall and five more bed and breakfast suites. Also in the near future, The Trois Estate will add a book shop and library, an art gallery featuring local artists, a cigar shop, two wine tasting rooms, and an “old timey” general store.
An Austin couple recently wrote the following in their guestbook: “Every single person we’ve encountered here has been friendly and warm, and has made us feel completely at home. This place is truly unique, and it was exactly what we were looking for…romantic, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, with good food and beautiful scenery.” Another entry recently written in the bridal suite guestbook says, “Our sunset ceremony on the veranda overlooking Enchanted Rock was every bit as romantic as we envisioned. What memories we have to cherish of this moment…”
Call in advance for reservations at the Troisi restaurant or Casa de Leon bed and breakfast suites. Be certain to request a tour of the grounds. [http://www.troisestate.net/|www.troisestate.net], 830-685-3415, or 830-685-3090.