The Porter Room: Guest Directory
Katherine Anne Porter, one of the greatest American writers of fiction, was born in a log cabin on May 15, 1890, in Indian Creek near Brownwood. Her mother died before her second birthday and her father, Harrison Porter, moved his family to Kyle where his widowed mother, Catherine Ann Porter, lived in a small house on Center Street. The home was later sold for $10, and Katherine Anne and her family moved to San Antonio.
Katherine Anne Porter wrote her first novel, “The Hermit of Halifax,” at the age of six. At 71 she wrote her second novel, “Ship of Fools,” which earned a million dollars, world-wide admiration, and was produced as a motion picture. She wrote many short stories; seven of her stories in the “Old Order” collection were set in Kyle. She was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for her “Collected Stories.”
Katherine was to move some fifty times during her lifetime, living in Mexico, France, New York, Washington D.C., and Maryland. She learned to live on very little, and when her means greatly increased she very much enjoyed it. Katherine Anne Porter died in Maryland on September 18, 1980.
This namesake story was edited at the Inn by Paul Porter, Katherine Anne Porter’s nephew, March 28, 1995.
Maximum Occupancy: 2 people
Standard Amenities
- Satellite Television, DVD, CD Player
- Double-sided wood-burning fireplace (seasonal)
- Wireless Internet access
- Small Refrigerator
- Nespresso machine
Room Overview
- 2nd floor King Room
- Wood-burning, 2-sided fireplace which opens into living area and bathroom
- Large room with master bedroom blending into living area
- King-sized bed with faux down mattress
Bathroom Details
- Spacious bathroom with whirlpool bath
- Romantic setting with bath in front of fireplace
- Large tile shower
- Two separate pedestal sinks
Additional Features
- Shared 2nd story back balcony overlooking sunset in the evening
- Comfortable antique rocking chairs
- Additional sunrise patio on east side of building
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: Logitech universal 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. On the menu of your Logitech remote are all the available activity options: “Watch TV,” “Watch a Movie,” or “Listen to Music.” As the remote turns on each appliance separately, hold the remote steady at a medium distance while each appliance powers on. Press “Menu” to navigate the Dish Network menu, search channels, and access the guide. Press the power button at the top to turn all devices off. 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 Instructions
[Insert photo: Porter fireplace propane key — new photo needed, wood-burning with propane starter, different from remote-operated fireplaces]
Your room is equipped with a wood-burning fireplace ignited using a propane starter. Near the fireplace is a wood holder stocked with logs, and a silver propane key. Insert the key (next to the fireplace, on the right) and turn left to activate the gas. Light the propane using the lighter provided on the mantle and set a few logs on top. Turn the key right once the wood is lit. Front desk staff can assist you if you’re unable to light the fireplace.
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