Hang Your Hat

ABOUT THE RANCH

Somewhere between Austin and Ciudad Acuña, Mexico lies the Waldemar Guest Ranch, the site of Design Ranch 2011. Boasting 693 acres, you could say it’s as big as hell and half of Texas.

Established in 1927, this spread just outside of Hunt, Texas, is home to the oldest continuously operated girls’ camp in the nation and surely one of the most beautiful. Deep in the rugged Texas Hill Country, its air-conditioned cabins built of limestone, cedar and saltillo tile overlook the banks of the Guadalupe River. The handmade furniture and front porches of each cabin herald the very spirit of the wild frontier.

Waldemar offers a wide variety of rooms and cabins along with an oversized dining hall that features family-style meals prepared by a gourmet staff. Guests can lounge in the grass, play some horseshoes, go swimming, play tennis or take to the trails on foot or by horse. Waldemar Guest Ranch offers a wide range of accommodations, from single, private rooms to cabins which can sleep up to eight. The elegant stone cabins provide comfortable accommodations in twin beds for 1–8 people. Each cabin has A/C and heat, one full bathroom and is decorated in a southwestern motif with saltillo tile, screen doors, rustic furniture and large porches. Room rates are determined on a per-person basis and include meals and use of ranch amenities.

BUNKIN' UP

We can’t stress enough that this isn’t your ordinary design “conference.” Part of the charm of Design Ranch is rubbing elbows with fellow attendees and workshop leaders. Rooms really are like (amazingly nice) versions of summer camp bunk houses, so earn your Comradery Badge and bunk up with a fellow Rancher (or two, or four), whether it’s a friend or someone you don’t know (yet). It spreads the spirit of Design Ranch and builds your business card stack.

If you're comin' in a group, great! If you're a single, the kind folks at the ranch will help you find just the right posse to bunk with.

Of course there are a small number of single rooms available for those that really wanna go Desperado-style.)

ROOM RESERVATIONS

Once registered, you will receive an email with the ranch contact information and a confirmation number. At that point, we recommend you make your reservation as quickly as possible, as rooms at the Ranch and in Hunt go lickety split. Only registered attendees with their registration confirmation number will be allowed to reserve a room at the Ranch. The amazing Ranch staff will help you find the room that is right for you. Of course Early Bird Registrants get first pick, so register early.

ON-SITE LODGING

Registrants are highly encouraged to stay on-site at the Waldemar Guest Ranch, where room rates range from $75 to $300 per night (this includes all meals and use of ranch amenities), depending on room choice. Due to high demand, rooms on the Ranch sell out quickly, and not all registrants may be able to stay on site. That’s why we suggest you consider bunking with some new folks and sharing a room, or multi-room houses perfect for a company team or group of friends to share. It’s the only way to get the whole experience!

Cabins Cost per Person per Night (including all meals and use of ranch amenities)
$75 per person/night (5-8 occupancy)
$85 per person/night (4 occupancy)
$100 per person/night (2 occupancy, limited availability)
$165 per person/night (single occupancy, limited availability)
$85-300 per person/night (deluxe single rooms, limited availability)

OFF-SITE LODGING

Should you chose to stay off site you will need to arrange to have your own transportation (walking and cabs aren’t an option out in Hunt). In addition, you will also need to pay the Waldemar Ranch day rate which covers meals and use of the Waldemar facilities during your time at Design Ranch.

OFF-SITE LODGING SUGGESTIONS
Sundown Carriage House
Toad Hall
Mo Ranch
River Oaks Lodge
River Lodging
Roddy Tree
Casa Bonita
Y.O. Ranch
Inn of the Hills

RANCH POLICIES AND CHILDREN

While Design Ranch is being held on a large guest ranch with plenty of room to spread out, there are no activities scheduled for children during this three day adventure, and facilities are not equipped to accommodate young children. Children under 14 must be supervised at all times, and children will not be permitted in workshop areas. Only paid registrants will be allowed to attend workshop sessions.

gettin' there

The Waldemar Ranch is in Hunt, Texas and is a fair piece from any big city, and that means getting there is part of the adventure! The ranch is 90 miles from Austin and 35 miles from San Antonio.

Please Note:
It will take approximately 2 hours to get from the San Antonio airport to the ranch, 3 hours from Austin. Please plan your arrival and departure times accordingly.

Check-In Time: Thursday April 14, 11 am
Check Out Time: Sunday, April 17, Noon

FLYING

If you are flying, we suggest arriving at the San Antonio airport, as it is closest to the ranch and has the most flight arrivals per day. The Austin Airport is the next closest airport and is smaller with fewer daily arrivals.

GETTING FROM THE AIRPORT TO THE RANCH

We’d like to suggest a few options for travel to and from Waldemar Ranch and the airport:

SHUTTLE SERVICE
Hill Country Limo (830) 896-1429
Attendees are responsible for booking and paying for their own spaces on these shuttles. Please book your shuttle as soon as you reserve your flights for best service. Individual rides are available, but sharing a shuttle is strongly encouraged and greatly will reduce cost. The folks at Hill Country Limo will help group attendees for greatest savings. Tell them you are going to Waldemar Ranch for Design Ranch 2011.

Basic cost:
$110 per person, one-way from San Antonio
(2 people cuts cost to $55 each, so sharing is good!)
Price drops incrementally after 2 people.

$195 per person, one-way from Austin
(2 people cuts cost to $98 each, so sharing is good!)
Price drops incrementally after 2 people.

GO ON YOUR OWN ADVENTURE
If you choose to make the drive, the Waldemar Guest Ranch is located near Hunt, Texas, southwest of Austin in the Texas Hill Country. Detailed directions to the ranch, including reccomended backroads, will be mailed to all registrants as part of your attendee packet. Google Map it here.