Stacy Keibler, Becca Tobin, Genevieve Padalecki, Jamie Lynn Sigler, Odette Annable and Kimberly Van Der Beek joined Austin Lifestyle to spend time admiring the décor and design of the magical and luxury private estate rental property, The Menagerie in Fredericksburg.
The story of the property begins in 1910, when it became the home of the first Mayor of Fredericksburg, Joe Stein. The current owners, Nicole and Ramzi Al Rashid, purchased the property early 2021 and at the suggestion of their daughter, brought in maximalist designer Sarah Stacey Interior Design to overhaul the aesthetic. The result is a bold and whimsical style that brings guests’ wallpaper, colors and unique antique fantasies to life. Building on the original mansion, a Queen Anne Victorian home, the carriage house and the former barn as well as the upstairs attic are now decadent suites, and there are 4 stand-alone bungalows circa the 1930s across the street with private lawn spaces and porches. They all share a pool, hot tub and outdoor fireplace cabana, accessible by paths woven together with a landscape renovation by the talented Twistleaf Land Design.
Guests who stay at the property can choose a room that suits their mood, each with fun names like the “A Little Bit Alexis” Bungalow, which Kaleigh Wiese, owner of Méldeen, The Menagerie’s brand strategy partner says “is both a nod to the owner’s daughter Alexis and also the show Schitt's Creek, that the Al Rashid’s love.” One of the most iconic suites to reserve is The Temptress Suite, in the former barn, that has an oversized clawfoot tub (pictured on the opening page) that sits in front of an original stained-glass window.
Whether in the expansive 3-bedroom mansion or one of two more intimate attic suites, each of the 11 units features fully outfitted kitchenettes, TVs, mini-fridges, complimentary mini bars stocked with Texas-sourced snacks, welcome beverages, high-touch amenities and signature robes to use during your stay.
But, what guests walk away remembering, is the unique maximalist style.
“Both the interior designer Sarah and Nicole & Ramzi share a love for antique stores, auctions and estate sales,” shares Kaleigh. “Most of the pieces on the property are intentionally selected and finding new life here including artwork and antique chandeliers. The eclectic wallpaper you will find in each space is from a variety of designers and are both hand-painted and limited edition prints. I consider each space here to be like a speak easy as you discover something new each time. Knowing Sarah, Nicole & Ramzi’s love of found objects, and a little bit of weird, our team has helped tell the brand story that shares its past history and future hope of this historical space and town. The Menagerie experience we have created truly embodies the essence of bold, whimsy, and soulful rest.”
The owners' passion extends to the community, which they look to lift up with local partnerships (like a custom-blended wine from Meierstone Vineyards). Kaleigh says, “We have a desire to level up the community of Fredericksburg with first-of-its-kind luxury accommodations that offer once-in-a-lifetime concierge experiences that incorporate local brands and businesses. Its hotel service meets Airbnb privacy - the best of both worlds!”
“We have a desire to level up the community of Fredericksburg with first-of-its-kind luxury accommodations that offer once-in-a-lifetime concierge experiences incorporating local brands and businesses." -Kaleigh Wiese, owner of Méldeen, The Menagerie’s brand strategy partner