I am, by no means, a travel blogger. In fact, I don’t even travel a lot. These pesky kids and their weekend activities and sports and things always seem to keep us tethered to home like an anchor. BUT, after our tremendous summer of boredom and my pity party over not having a vacation to look forward to (while Jeff and Connor got to live their best lives on a European tour), I decided to become one.
Well, not really. What I decided to do was book a weekend getaway for Jeff and me.
Now, there were stipulations, of course. Being the last-minute lady that I am, we only had one weekend available to get away before the chaos of school and football/gymnastics/cross country season began, and that weekend just happened to be one weekend from when I was attempting to book. This last minute-ness really cut our options down to a narrow few. We also didn’t want to drive three or four hours away, knowing how precious time away is, we wanted to enjoy as much of it outside of the car as possible. And, finally, we also wanted something unique and out of the ordinary, preferring charm and intimacy to big, over-the-top resorts.
Friends, all of my google-sleuthing paid off because High Hill Farm checked all of these boxes (and then some) and we had the most amazing weekend away.
Our Weekend At High Hill Farm–A Review
Before I can tell you about our experience at High Hill Farm, I think it works best to explain exactly what High Hill Farm is so you have a little context.
Located in Arp, Texas, a tiny little speck of a town in East Texas about 15 minutes outside of Tyler, High Hill Farm is a luxury retreat perfect for corporate getaways, girls’ weekends, and romantic couple retreats. Situated in the Piney Woods of East Texas, it is secluded, intimate, and absolutely stinking adorable.
What High Hill Farm is NOT, though, is a big box all-inclusive resort with 1 million different activities to keep you entertained the entire weekend. Yes, they do have a few extra special options like Clay Pigeon Shooting (next time, y’all), picnic lunches, and massages (also next time). But, when you book your stay at High Hill, you’re going there for a retreat. It is truly an experience of relaxation and rest.
And one I won’t be forgetting any time soon.
The Booking Process
In my search for the perfect space for a Jeff and Meaghan retreat, I reached out to High Hill via Instagram. Sharon, the owner, immediately responded and helped me book. Which, is easy and I 100% could have done it on my own right on the website, except I’m blind as a bat and trying to book anything on my phone is a big no-no. Now I know.
We booked a two-night stay in the Mimosa Cabing (fitting, don’t you think), arriving late on a Friday because of Jeff’s crazy work schedule and leaving Sunday afternoon. A few days after booking the resort called me to set up our food and dining preferences, a special touch that felt personal and made me feel a little bit like a travel blogger VIP. Which I am, of course, NOT. Also, I’m pretty sure they do this for everyone because their service is just top-notch.
We chose to have breakfast in bed which is complimentary with your stay on Saturday morning but made reservations for the brunch at Cote (their on-site restaurant–more on that later) for Sunday. We really wanted to experience both options. We also made reservations for dinner on-site for both nights. Had I been thinking clearly and not in a full-blown panic to get the heck out of dodge to save my sanity for a few days, I would have booked massages for both of us ahead of time during that call as well. Alas, I didn’t and by the time we arrived and tried to do so, they were all booked up.
Next time, High Hill.
Check-In And Accommodations
High Hill is about a 2-hour drive from Dallas, and as per our usual, we got a much later start than expected, so we didn’t arrive until 6:15 or so. Check-in was a breeze and we were warmly greeted by both the front desk and Sharon herself, who welcomed us with a bottle of champagne and an adorable (and much-needed) cheese tray in our bungalow. After a brief review of our reservations and dining choices, we took the short drive down to the Bungalows and got ourselves situated in Mimosa.
Which, let me tell you, is the cutest thing I have ever stayed in. If you follow me over on Insta, you probably watched my less-than-professional Bungalow tour, but even that did not do it justice.
There are eight bungalows at High Hill. They have options to suit couples (King Beds), girls on a girl’s trip (Double Queens), and have one larger cabin, The Great Gatsby, with four bedrooms to accommodate families and larger groups. With the exception of Gatsby, which is tucked behind the others, all of the bungalows are situated around a greenspace, close enough if you’re traveling with a group but also private enough that you have your own space without feeling like you’re right on top of your neighbor. Every bungalow has its own private patio and is decorated in muted, restful colors with in-room coffee, a mini fridge, and perfectly appointed bathrooms. Our little bungalow felt peaceful and gave a “come on in and stay a while” vibe, which we appreciated greatly. Also, it should be noted that the bed was one of the most comfortable things I’ve ever slept on and I had the BEST night’s sleep both nights we were there.
My insomnia thanks you, High Hill.
COTE Restaurant
Cote is the on-site restaurant at High Hill Farm and one that cannot be missed. It is open to both resort guests and local diners, with reservations available through Open Table or by calling the resort. Walking into Cote feels remarkably similar to walking into any fine dining establishment in Dallas, Austin, Houston, or any other large metropolitan city. It is open and airy, with a gorgeous bar in front, a sweeping patio across the back, and floor-to-ceiling windows which provide diners with a panoramic view of the vineyards and hills of East Texas.
It is, in one word, GORGEOUS.
But beyond the atmosphere, the food and service are impeccable. We were served by Cherish both nights and she was amazing. Friendly without being intrusive and attentive without hovering. She was fun as well, laughing at my jokes like a true trooper who never once rolled her eyes at how bad they are. Now that’s what I call service.
The food, though, oh the food…
Cote is a seasonal restaurant with a small menu filled with the best and freshest available, expertly curated and executed. The cocktail menu is fun and unique and the wine list is extensive. Throughout our stay, we sampled quite a few options from the bar–an Old Fashioned, A Rose Cocktail (rose vodka, lemon, rose), Margaritas (by the pool), and a Peanut Butter Old Fashioned, which I am still dreaming about. No lie.
We ate all of our meals with the exception of our continental breakfast in bed on premises at Cote. Every single thing we tasted was exquisite. Jeff’s personal favorite was the Wedge Salad. I know it seems basic, but it is one of his all-time favorite foods and according to him, it’s surprisingly easy to mess up. He also thoroughly enjoyed the pork quesadillas he had for lunch on Saturday. My stand-alone favorite was the shrimp and grits. Seasoned perfectly with an incredible balance of richness and depth, I was a little frustrated with myself for not being able to finish them because I ate a whole plate of truffle fries as an appetizer. Every other menu item, however, was note-worthy as well, from the Ceasar Salad with crispy capers (yum) to the Eggs Benedict at Sunday’s brunch.
This little gem of a restaurant is a first-class dining experience tucked away in the Piney Woods of East Texas. The surroundings are gorgeous and the entire experience is restful, delicious, and memorable. I even saw my first non-roadkill armadillo rooting around right outside the window.
So look at that, it’s like dining in nature.
The Resort and Grounds
High Hill Farm is nestled on 75 acres of East Texas woodlands. It has rolling hills, hiking trails, and gorgeous vistas. It is a hideaway unlike any other.
On Saturday morning I cajoled Jeff out of his High Hill Robe (seriously, they’re dreamy) and we took a stroll around the grounds, as much as our legs would allow us. We walked through the on-site garden which was brimming with Okra, Kale, Peppers, and one million butterflies. We hung out with the chickens and the ducks in the coop, restraining ourselves from trying to kidnap one to take home. We walked through the vineyards and took a short hike up through the woods.
Every inch is a nature adventure.
The pool is right outside of the restaurant with sweeping views of the vineyards, a wide open lawn (perfect for weddings), and an outdoor fireplace and sitting area. In the front of the resort, there is a Bocce Ball pit tucked away under string lights. This also happened to be the site of a massacre where jeff beat me 12-0. But we won’t get into that.
High Hill is definitely a retreat. It’s gorgeous and restful and secluded enough for you to experience the relaxation and connection that only comes with wide open spaces and the natural world, but with a luxurious edge. And that’s exactly what the doctor ordered for us.
Our Overall Experience at High Hill Farm
High Hill Farm is the best-kept secret in Texas, I’m convinced of it. I have no idea how this absolutely stunning luxury retreat isn’t frequented by every single person I know. When we were there, there were only two other couples who were staying on site along with us, making the entire experience seem as if it were ours alone. For most of the day on Saturday, we had the pool area to ourselves and basked in the quiet solitude and beauty of the surroundings.
The service from the staff, as well as the owners, toes the line perfectly between attentive yet unobtrusive and allows you to enjoy your privacy while still feeling accommodated and cared for. By design, the grounds are reminiscent of Napa with just a touch of 30A, right in our own backyard. And they’re the perfect backdrop for both private getaways like ours, corporate retreats, or wedding parties (they do have space in the main building to host a reception as well).
Jeff and I both lavished our time there, getting the much-needed rest and connection time we miss in our daily hustle and bustle. We took naps, we laughed, and we dreamed about our future together (which hopefully includes a home in High Hill Development–hint, hint Jeffery). We left refreshed, wishing we had just a few more days in our little hidden Texas gem.
And we can’t wait to go back.
If you’re interested in learning more about High Hill, please visit their website HERE. You can book your stay and customize your getaway directly on the site. Please also follow them on Insta AND check out their latest venture, High Hill Development as well (and help me convince Jeff to move there, please, and thank you).
I am definitely not a travel blogger, but if I were, I would be shouting about this place from the rooftops and I can’t wait to go back. In fact, I’m seriously considering hosting a little girl’s retreat there this fall if I can get my act together to plan it. Drop me a line if you’d be interested in joining. I think it would be an amazing time.
So go ahead. Book your stay. Connect with your husband or your girls. And tell Sharon and Jason I sent you because they are truly the best as well.
Peace, love, and getaways,
Meg
Welcome to BurntToast! My name is Meaghan, and this is my safe space, a place where we can share stories, share recipes and share life. It’s my dream that you can come here, kick your shoes off and pour yourself a glass of wine while you read, laugh, and maybe even hop into the kitchen. This is my heart, for all of you to see. And ALL are welcome here.
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