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When the current owners of this "pinch-me-it's-so-cute" bed & breakfast for sale in Comfort, TX first laid eyes on the place, they knew instantly that it was meant to be. The former 1860s social hall and bowling alley was set among centuries-old cypress trees and bordered by a flowing creek that had its own swimming hole—the perfect setting in which to create a magical respite for weekenders and weary travelers alike. A bed & breakfast would be, after all, in the same spirit of friendship and fellowship for which the property had always been used. The stars were aligned.
The property has a fascinating past as home to the Comfort Turn Verein, which was established to assist in preserving and protecting the heritage of Comfort’s rich German-American community in the mid- to late- 19th century. Centered around athletics, it allowed for both physical fitness and social interaction amongst the men of the village. Much of this history was evident in the space when the current owners purchased it in 2005—the gymnastics equipment was all there (it’s now in the hands of the Comfort Heritage Society), as were the bowling lanes (they were repurposed into desks for the rooms).
To expand the property, the owners added five cabins, an Airstream (yes, you can stay inside!) and a stage for showcasing Texas musicians. According to their website, “all house concerts begin with a old fashioned potluck.” Naturally.
Camp Comfort was designed to be a stress-free, laid-back environment with a “come-as-you-are” kind of spirit. Guests are free to use the fire pits and swimming hole at their leisure. The owners opted for a self check-in process, but can often be seen on the grounds tidying up, cooking or mingling with guests. The social hall building still operates as one—it’s a place for guests to meet and mingle, with communal tables, a coffee bar and fresh cookies daily.
“We had a vision of summer camp in mind during the renovations, but we wanted a luxury B&B. So we married the two,” say the owners. As far as design is concerned, the place is awash in all the best things: plaid throws, vintage-inspired quilts, reclaimed wood. It’s clean and minimal with a splash of mid-century kitsch.
After a long and successful run, Camp Comfort is now on the market for $2,249,900. It’s a bittersweet goodbye; the owners have loved meeting travelers from far and wide and introducing them to the beauty of Texas Hill Country.
Nonetheless, they are hopeful for its future. “We hope the new owners will take what we have created and continue in the German spirit of friendship and fellowship providing a place of refuge to travelers.”
For more information, contact Tammy Pack with Absolute Charm Real Estate at (830) 992-9659.
Writer Elizabeth Finkelstein is a self-proclaimed old house addict on a lifelong hunt for her perfect historic home. From big Victorian fixer-uppers to tiny colonials to mid-century modern masterpieces, Elizabeth believes that the best homes show the charm of having been loved over time. She chronicles it all on her website CIRCA Old Houses, which showcases beautiful old houses for sale across the country. See more at CircaOldHouses.com.
