Bowie House, Auberge Resorts Collection, the luxury, urban retreat embodying Fort Worth’s unique character, opened its doors on Friday 1st December – a hotel destined to become the city’s social nexus.
Merging the classic Western personality of Texas with a decidedly modern feel, the hotel captures the approachable sophistication, cultural vibrancy and equestrian spirit of FortWorth, further establishing the city as an exciting urban destination for discerning travellers from around the world. The first of its kind, set on Camp Bowie Boulevard in one of the city’s most iconic neighbourhoods, the hotel is also a love letter to the community – a living room for visitors and locals alike. The hotel’s supper club style spin on Texan cuisine in three dining and drinking venues, luxurious day spa and unique experiences with a Texan soul – from private dining at The Modern Art Museum to donning a custom Nick Fouquet hat – now offer kindred spirits the chance to revel in and appreciate every facet of this burgeoning metropolis.
“It’s with great excitement that we open our second hotel in Texas and expand the urban footprint of Auberge Resorts Collection in such a special city,” said Craig Reid, President and CEO, Auberge Resorts Collection. “Following the success of Commodore Perry Estate in Austin and with a new property in Dallas on the horizon, we are thrilled to be leaders in introducing this booming state’s lauded Western lifestyle and flourishing art, dining and music scenes to the world.”
Located 35 minutes from Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport in the heart of Fort Worth’s Cultural District, Bowie House, Auberge Resorts Collection anchors a 30-block promenade of acclaimed museums and restaurants just moments from the legendary Will Rogers Memorial Centre.
Renowned architectural and interiors firm BOKA Powell has achieved a masterful union of time-honoured and contemporary design, combining brick and cast stone with gravity-defying glass features, a verdant pool terrace and convivial gathering spaces. Celebrating past, present and future with owner Jo Ellard’s signature, art-savvy style, interiors capture the unique identity and generous welcome of a quintessential Fort Worth home. The wood vaulted foyer lobby sets the stage stylistically with weathered limestone floors, plaster walls and arched openings paired with unexpected art and furnishings. Works by artists including Ashley Collins, Max Zorn, Don Drumm and David Yarrow define spaces throughout the hotel, while guestrooms feature original black and white photography by Constance Jaeggi, artfully capturing Texan ranch culture.
“Collected from all over the world over 15 years, the art collection includes over 400 pieces of fresh, interesting, conversation-starting pieces chosen specifically for Bowie House,” explained Jo Ellard, Owner, Bowie House. “People ask me all the time what the style of Bowie House is, but like the art collection, it’s not any one style, it’s an expression of different elements coming together to create something truly unique. Sophisticated and comfortable, reflecting its distinctly Texan setting in an entirely original way, Bowie House welcomes everyone who steps inside not as a hotel, but as a wonderful, one-of-a-kind Western home – that was the goal.”
Claiming beautiful views over the Cultural District or lush courtyard gardens, each of the resort’s 88 Studios, 12 Lofts and 6 Suites – several with open-air balconies – are imbued with the warm spirit of the West. Hat racks and boot benches create a true sense of place, and customisable boot shines and bath rituals leave guests feeling utterly at home. White oak floors are complemented by woven rugs and textured strié wallcovering, while striking features include linear headboards upholstered in woven leather with stitched belt straps and curved bar cabinets with sliding tambour doors revealing lacquered aubergine interiors. Spacious Lofts feature distinct lounge areas and naturally accented bathrooms with green marble vanities and soaking tubs. Expansive Suites offer abundant space with dedicated sleeping, living and dining spaces. The magnificent three-room Goodnight Suite with its dining room for 8 and bird’s eye views of the Cultural District is the property’s signature accommodation.
“We are delighted to welcome our first guests to Bowie House and introduce our unique style of one-of-a-kind luxury to this already vibrant city,” said Gaylord Lamy, General Manager, Bowie House, Auberge Resorts Collection. “Fort Worth is a culturally rich gem with some of the best parks, gardens, museums, restaurants and entertainment in Texas, and we are excited to help open up this city to global travellers while providing a new and exciting home base for our beloved community.”
A new epicurean institution in Fort Worth and one of Texas’ most exciting dining destinations, Bowie House, Auberge Resorts Collection offers a taste of modern Texan cuisine across its dining venues and through unique culinary experiences – from garden cookouts to multi-sensory food and spirit tastings.
Bricks and Horses is the hotel’s highly-anticipated signature restaurant – a contemporary chophouse specialising in dry-aged local beef. A spirited new community hub coming to life under the seasoned direction of Executive Chef Antonio Votta, the restaurant is an elegant, all-embracing space inspired by Texan horse culture. Suede wall panelling, rustic chevron wooden floors, leather banquettes and extraordinary art celebrate the city’s unique blend of Western heritage and sophisticated culture. A Las Vegas native, Chef Votta brings years of experience under Michelin-starred culinary visionaries and an ethos of simple yet imaginative, handcrafted cuisine to Bricks and Horses’ supper club style menus that draw on the region’s ranching legacy and the Lone Star State’s cornucopia of produce. Deep partnerships with local ranchers such as Taylor Sheridan’s 6666 Ranch, farmers and artisan cheesemakers ensure the finest ingredients available in dishes epitomising modern American cuisine. “Guests can expect a localised menu with an elevated spin on cult Americana classics,” says Chef Votta, “Think Wild Boar Ribs, Lobster Thermidor and Big Eye Tuna Crudo with Blood Orange Citronette.”
Outdoor dining at Bricks and Horses takes place in The Garden, the hotel’s nature-ensconced urban courtyard also featuring large and small social spaces to enjoy shareable bites and lively entertainment. Chef Votta’s culinary offerings can also be enjoyed in The Billet Room, the hotel’s inviting game room and convivial social club, as well as in The Mulberry Room. The latter is a library space and intimate venue for discovery, whether sipping bourbon as you read or privatised for intimate social events. The beating heart of the hotel is The Bar, where friends will come to linger and share stories from the day over artful cocktails, a vast range of whiskeys and all-day bites. This vibrant space features a double-sided fireplace, series of intimate lounge seating vignettes, an impeccable curation of art and a meticulously restored saloon bar. The hotel’s tree-lined pool terrace will be home to Whinny’s from spring 2024, serving a refreshing Middle Eastern-inspired, Texas BBQ menu of light bites, salads, ice cream sandwiches and frozen drinks perfect for warm-weather grazing.
A haven for self-care and rejuvenation, Ash is the hotel’s serene spa, offering a luxurious and cutting-edge wellness experience that has never before existed in Fort Worth. Inspired by the outdoors and all things wild and free, this new wellness destination offers sanctuary and transformation in a space exuding all the comfort and steadiness of the barns so ubiquitous across Texas. Enjoying private access to
the sprawling second floor terrace, it encompasses 5 treatment rooms, a sauna and steam room, a fitness centre, nail studio, boutique and relaxation lounge. Thoughtful experiences include water dancing, synergistic skin treatments, infrared therapy, non-sleep deep rest massage and a made to measure apothecary, while visiting wellness specialists and fitness instructors ensure guests and locals alike have every opportunity to optimise their wellbeing. From December 1st through 5th, join Manjit Devgun, a world renowned mindfulness instructor, and Rosa Green for a diverse offering of group experiences and private wellness sessions centred around energy healing, self-awareness and mind-body connection.
Simultaneously a modern retreat and a gathering space for those passionate about life, Bowie House, Auberge Resorts Collection connects family, friends and colleagues through experiences embracing the cultural sophistication of Fort Worth today and its wealth of Western traditions. The city’s cultural landscape is extraordinarily diverse, with five revered museums – including the Tadao Ando-designed Modern Art and the Louis Kahn-designed Kimbell Art Museums – easily accessed on foot. The storied halls of the National Cowgirl Museum and the Fort Worth Stockyards enable time travel, while nearby Fort Worth Botanical Gardens, the Botanical Research Institute and Trinity Park reveal the city’s natural beauty. Within this multifaceted urban setting, Bowie House, Auberge Resorts Collection has curated an abundance of one-of-a-kind experiences.
Guests will have the opportunity to expand their creative horizons with A Night at The Modern, enjoying a six-course, open-air dinner by Chef Jett Mora and a private tour at The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. Join local embroiderer Fowl & Maker for a hands-on Craft of the Texas Rag Tie workshop, personalising your own wild rag with Robin Smith’s lauded chain stitches. Learn more about the Spirits of the West with The Bar’s agave and whiskey tasting events and try Heel-Toe-Split, getting the hang of the two step to country rhythms. From December 1st through mid February, browse the hotel’s Nick Fouquet Shop, adding an iconic handcrafted hat to your wardrobe. Renowned for reinventing a timeless accessory with superior raw materials and expert craft, the French-American designer will debut a custom hat collection inspired by Bowie House, while also offering custom fittings and finishes.
Conversations in the Library is a monthly speaker series kicking off with Steve Wrubel on December 12th sharing the stories behind Ride & Ridden’s limited edition wine label designs as you taste. Heather Morgan, writer of over ten #1 country hits, will divulge the meaning behind her lyrics in The Mulberry Room’s very first Songwriter Sessions on December 5th, while The Billet Room will welcome Frankie Leonie and Jake Palescic on December 7thin the first of regular Thursday Bowie House Records. Whether playing mahjong with The Mahj Girls or getting up close with The Cowboys on a stadium tour, Bowie House embraces an all-new Western frontier to ensure that adventures with Texan generosity abound.
The perfect destination to convene a crowd – be it an intimate gathering for a milestone celebration, a corporate retreat or a grand affair for up to 300 guests – Bowie House, Auberge Resorts Collection boasts over 10,000 square feet of extraordinary indoor and outdoor event space over seven elaborate venues. Customisable amenities, a committed team and personalised, chef-driven menus ensure unforgettable events whether private dining on the breathtaking terrace of Laney’s Room, a wedding reception in the Silverton Room – the property’s light-filled ballroom – with welcome drinks in the lofty Arcade or a birthday party in The Billet Room. No matter the occasion, Texan soul infuses every corner of this singular destination, ensuring every event exudes individuality and signature Western flair.
