More than a place to stay, this is a retreat shaped by family, art, and time.
Cozy and full of artistic charm, The Palette Pad is perfect for couples, writers, and guests seeking a boutique, one-of-a-kind farm experience. Enjoy history, art, gardens, and inspiration while feeling completely at home. Many guests return year after year.
The Palette Pad has been part of my family’s story for generations. When my parents purchased this land, they offered each of their five children the chance to build a home here. My husband Dan and I were the only ones who did, moving to the farm in 1971 and building our home in 1977.
After my father passed in 1986, Dan and I began purchasing the farm, and when my mother died in 2010, she left her home and art studio to us. We raised our family here, and our youngest son later built a home on the property, keeping the family close. Our oldest son, after building a successful IT business in Dallas, returned with his wife to make the farm home again.
The Palette Pad is the heart of creativity on the farm. Its artistic charm, cozy interiors, and peaceful surroundings make it perfect for couples celebrating special moments, writers seeking inspiration, and guests looking for a boutique, one-of-a-kind experience. With the help of my sisters, we lovingly remodeled the interiors, blending comfort and style while honoring my parents’ legacy.
Hosting guests allows me to share my parents’ dream, the history of the land, and my mother—artist C. P. Montague’s legacy. Each home includes a notebook telling the story of how my parents discovered the property, built the homes, and how my mother became a favorite of President Lyndon B. Johnson. Her artwork is displayed throughout, adding beauty and meaning to every stay.
Many guests return year after year, which is the highest compliment. It is an honor to welcome you to The Palette Pad—a place of history, creativity, and cozy inspiration—and we hope you feel right at home.