The Nance Room: Guest Directory
The Blanco Community, sometimes called the Nance community, began in 1852 when Major Ezekiel Edward Nance arrived. His cotton mill and meat-packing establishments provided coarse cotton cloth and meat to the Confederacy, noted on a Texas Historical Commission marker erected in 1965 in Hays County.
Ezekiel was the son of Lewis Nance and Lucy Kepler of Hempstead County, Arkansas. On April 7, 1853, Ezekiel married Martha Jane Alexander and moved to Hays County, Texas, settling on a government grant of ten thousand acres located along the Blanco River.
That same year on what is now County Road 225 in Kyle, the Nance’s slaves constructed a typical log house — two large rooms connected by a “dogtrot.” It was later added on to and the logs covered, about 1886. Today, all that is currently recognizable are the two formidable stone fireplaces, as it recently burned on March 18, 1999, with arson suspected. Nance farmed his river land, and five years after arriving erected a small, primitive cotton gin and gristmill to serve his needs and those of other farmers in the area. A settlement grew rapidly around the Nance establishments, and business increased until 1857, when a flood destroyed both gin and mill.
The Blanco community did provide a school, a small log building serving as the schoolhouse until 1865, when Major Nance built a masonry structure of native limestone to serve both as a school and church. Inside the building (now restored and owned by Emmett McCoy) carved in rock over the opening of the fireplace is a star and the word “Wisdom.” This building is located not far from the Claiborne-Kyle Log House.
Maximum Occupancy: 2 people
Standard Amenities
- Two satellite televisions, DVD, CD Player
- Limestone Propane Fireplace (seasonal)
- Wireless internet access
- Small Refrigerator
- Coffee maker and Nespresso machine
Room Overview
- 2nd story entrance onto stairs — room occupies entire 3rd floor
- Kitchenette with mini fridge, microwave, sink and Nespresso
- Large living area with television
- King-sized wooden bed with faux-down mattress
Bathroom Details
- Large shower with glass doors
- Oversized whirlpool bath overlooking windowed wall showcasing the North Hills
- Two separate pedestal sinks
Porch Details
- Third story entrance with private back porch and view of North Hills and East gardens
Frequently Asked Questions
Check Out
Check out time is by 11:00 a.m. A late check-out may be accommodated depending on the capacity of the hotel — please contact the front desk. There is a fee of $75/hour for undeclared late check-outs.
Meals
Breakfast is served between 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. in the dining room. Coffee is available in the dining room at 7:30 a.m. for early risers, as well as in the library at any time of day.
Lunch is served in the dining room from 12:00pm–2:00pm daily. Please seat yourself and a server will be with you shortly.
Dinner seats between 6:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Please notify the front desk of any dietary considerations prior to dinner service.
Housekeeping Service
Housekeepers attend to your room daily to clean up and replenish amenities by request only. For “stay over service,” inform the front desk no later than 11:00am.
Smoking
We ask that you not smoke indoors and would prefer guests abstain from smoking on the grounds. If you must, please smoke away from other guests and dispose of cigarette butts in the ash tray nearest your room.
Pool & Hot Tub
Open until 10:00 pm. No lifeguard on duty. Drinks are allowed, but please refrain from glass by the pool. Plastic cups, towels, sunscreen, and bug spray are available poolside.
Free Wireless Internet
Complimentary Wi-Fi is provided. Connection can be sparse at times in the Hill Country — we appreciate your understanding.
SSID: Sage Hill Guest
Password: n/a
Whirlpool Operation
Fill the tub more than halfway to use the whirlpool jets. Once jets are submerged, press the circular button (pictured above) to activate — press once for full jets, twice to slow them, a third time to deactivate. Jets deactivate automatically if water gets too low. Please don’t peel the waterproofing plastic off the button’s face.
TV & Remote
[Insert photo: Dish Network remote for this room — not yet captured, none of the appliance photos from Toalson match this remote type]
Your Cable input is HDMI-1, and the DVD Player input is HDMI-2. To turn on your TV, press “TV” at the top of the Dish Network remote, then press the power button to power on the TV. To watch TV, press “SAT” and then “Select” to turn on the cable box. To use the DVD player, press “TV” and then “Input” to change to HDMI-2. Use the DVD player remote located next to the device to play DVDs. If you have any problems, contact the front desk for assistance.
Nespresso Machine
- Pull up the water tank, fill, and re-attach.
- Switch the machine on and let it warm up.
- Lift the lever, insert a capsule (seal facing you), and pull the lever back down.
- Fold the cup base up and place your cup under the spout.
- Press small or large cup.
- Remove your cup, then lift and close the lever to eject the capsule.
Fireplace Remote
Your room is equipped with a propane fireplace. The remote will be located on the mantle. Point the remote at the fireplace and press “on” to activate, “off” when done. Contact the front desk with any issues.
Relax & Play
The Garden Spa
Our appointment-only spa offers massages, facials, body treatments, and packages — a short walk from the Main Inn. Call 512-268-1617 to book (60-minute minimum, 24-hour cancellation policy).
Pickleball
Four courts and a covered pavilion are included in your stay. Private lessons, clinics, and camps are available through our Director of Pickleball. Courts open daily 8am–10pm.
Explore the Hill Country
Wineries
Driftwood Vineyards — 512-858-9667 · driftwoodvineyards.com · Tasting room 11am–6pm, tours by appointment.
Wimberley Valley Winery — 512-847-2592 · wimberleyvalleywine.com · Open daily 10am–6pm.
Discover Texas Wine Tours — 512-656-8299 · discovertexaswine.com
Hill Country Excursions — 512-483-1404
Nature & Hiking
[Insert image: 10-trail-map.jpg — Sage Hill property trail map]
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center — (512) 232-0100 · wildflower.org
Wildseed Farm — 830-990-1393 · wildseedfarms.com
The Meadows Center — 512-245-9200 · aquarena.txstate.edu
Wimberley Zip Line — 512-847-9990 · wimberleyzipline.com
Bear Creek Stables — 512-282-0250 · 20 minutes from the Inn.
Local Art, Crafts & Music
Wimberley Glassworks — 512-393-3316 · wgw.com
Weekend Market Days — Wimberley (1st Sat), Blanco (3rd Sat), Gruene (3rd Sat), Kyle (1st Sat)
Aquatic Attractions
Barton Springs Pool — 512-476-9044
Jacobs Well Natural Area — 512-214-4593 · Tours every Saturday at 10am.
San Marcos Lions Club Tube Rentals — 512-396-5466 · Memorial Day–Labor Day.
Museums & Golfing
Blanton Museum of Art — 512-417-5482
The Heritage Museum of the Texas Hill Country — 830-899-4542
Plum Creek Golf Course — 512-262-5555 · Closest course to the Inn.
Grey Rock Golf Club — 512-288-4297