It all started when Keith and Cindy attended a wedding at Branded T Ranch near Kendalia, Texas, just a hop, skip and jump from Cordillera Ranch. “They had dismantled a circa 1870 English hay barn from upstate New York and turned it into an exquisite wedding and event venue, and we were in awe of the details of the reconstruction. We knew we would love to incorporate some reclaimed features into our own build,” explained Cindy.

It just so happened that when they researched the Preferred Builders for the Cordillera Ranch community, they discovered that the Party Barn was one of Todd Glowka’s projects. It seemed like the fates had indeed aligned.

The Romeres met Todd at one of the homes he had built and they hit it off immediately. “He said, ‘I try to build your house as if I’m going to live in it myself,’ but what really caught my attention was learning he had travelled across the country with his client to look at the old barn prior to beginning that project,” shared Keith.

Todd also took the time to walk numerous lots with them in order to find the perfect one. “This being our first build, we didn’t know the nuances of building in the Texas Hill Country. Based on our budget and type of build, Todd provided great guidance in making that selection,” added Keith.

Todd remembers walking the lots with them. “As a certified green builder, we look at shade trees on the lots, the east/west sun configuration… you don’t want the rear of the house facing due west. That Texas sun will eat you alive,” he said. “I really enjoyed the process of working with the Romeres. They’re sweet people, and Cindy worked very diligently with Cheryl and Theresa of Twin Sisters Interiors, as well as with Mike Jones, the project manager.”

Todd grew up in the industry, as his father worked in outside lumber sales, so he was able to travel with him as he drove from job to job. After putting in 12 years with corporate America, Todd decided he wanted to build homes, which he’s been doing now for 23 years. “It’s a passion for us. I like being outside with the trades and dealing with different challenges every day. With my clients I like to take a personal, hands-on approach,” said Todd.

Todd and his team are known for building a plethora of different architectural styles, such as Hill Country, modern, transitional and Mediterranean. “We don’t want to be known for just one genre — we like to mix it up, but my favorite style to build is that heavy Texas Hill Country with reclaimed materials or transitional,” he shared, which is the reason why he was an ideal match for the Romeres.

The peace and serenity of Cordillera Ranch inspired the lovely couple to create a light-filled home with large windows that would elegantly frame the landscape. “We wanted a slightly different version of Texas Hill Country design for the interior — a European farmhouse feel using reclaimed wood beams, barnwood and antique doors as accents. Our desire was to create a comfortable home with a timeless design that is casual and understated, somewhere between rustic and refined,” explained Cindy.

Although budget did not permit an extensive use of reclaimed wood and timbers, they were still able to thoughtfully integrate these features into the house to create a one-story dream home that they adore.

“The ceiling beams, lintels and mantles have great character. They came from a century-old barn in Ohio,” noted Cindy. “The great room built-ins and foyer ceiling are made of barnwood, the custom double front doors are reclaimed white oak, and the kitchen vent hood is reclaimed with antiqued zinc trim,” said Cindy.

The master suite is a gem, with its large arched window and ceiling which mirrors the arch, along with antique doors leading into the bath. A custom fixture hangs over the soaking tub and the walk-through shower features a window that frames a beautiful old live oak. “Our bedroom was quite a challenge for the carpenters with the unique over-sized arched window, but it turned out beautifully,” said Cindy. 

In the kitchen, quartzite countertops complement the light wood cabinetry with contrasting darker wood for the island and vent hood. Additional custom touches include a pantry door and cabinet doors with seeded glass, barn doors on the den and reclaimed beams for the mantels to showcase the indoor and outdoor fireplaces.              

The four-bedroom, four-bath layout (with the den doubling as a bedroom) also includes a study and a spacious covered veranda with an outdoor grill and fireplace facing the pool.

“The house looks unreal. I was over there last week. It’s one thing to see it when it’s finished, but it’s another thing to see it when it’s furnished. It looks like a model home,” Todd said proudly. “Cordillera Ranch is a very unique subdivision. I haven’t seen another like it, which is why there’s so much demand. The way they maintain the community and level of houses going in is mind blowing!”

Todd Glowka Builder, Inc. 
830.229.5565
tgbuilder.com