A decade ago–and where others saw only rubble and an abandoned farmstead, Paula Stone saw possibilities in one Fredericksburg property.
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Story by Shirley Fox
In 2009 Paula Stone purchased a rundown turkey farm. Within just three years, the property was a stop on the popular annual Fredericksburg Holiday Home Tour hosted by the town’s Pioneer Museum. By 2016, Paula was renting space in her new Gilbriar Gazebo wedding venue.
So, how did this all come to pass? Through Paula’s mix of patience, persistence, business savvy, and deep appreciation for authentic Hill Country style.
From Idea to Action
When she first viewed the property that would become one of Fredericksburg’s popular wedding venues, it was in such a terrible state that even the real estate agent wouldn’t go inside the house.
Paula not only saw the potential in the land and buildings but also was undaunted at the task of repurposing them. The 10-acre farm was cluttered with junky appliances and piles of discarded pipes. She’d been hoping to purchase a historic house in Fredericksburg. With the farm, however, even her closest friends thought she was taking on too much.
“That’s crazy even for you!” one friend told her.
Paula was undeterred.
Paula had a vision for the charming 1882 stone house with the classic Texas-German architecture. She believed she could make something of it, even if it would take a few years before she could see clearly what she most wanted to do with the property.
Following two years of renovations and updates, Paula opened a bed and breakfast in the guest house. Two years later she decided to think bigger and began to puzzle through a new use for the old abandoned barn.
Although never short personally on ideas, she brought in a friend for advice. When Paula opened the barn doors, the friend said, “Wedding venue.” And in that moment a plan for Gilbriar Gazebo was hatched.
After nine months of renovations, the event space became a reality in the old barn. The secret to the structure’s speedy transformation? “Great crew, decisive client,” she said.
Now, as 2019 dawns, Paula delights in running a Texas Hill Country event venue.
An Enchanting Space
Ten years since Paula first set foot on the property, her repurposed old barn accommodates up to 150 dinner guests, with plenty of room left over for a band and dancing. The former B&B cottage and an on-sight apartment are leased out currently to renters, allowing Paula to focus on her growing wedding and event business.
Driving part of that expansion, Paula said, was the installation of an impressive 40′ gazebo that has become a popular spot for outdoor weddings. The structure surrounded by a stunning garden, one filled with native Texas plants. It appeals to brides, grooms, and wedding planners because it allows for an outdoor wedding to be planned without the added cost of renting a tent in case of rain.
For the garden, Paula called upon her experience as an active member of the Native Plant Society of Texas. A self-described “overly enthusiastic organic gardener,” she knew to select drought tough and cold hardy plants for her garden.
She also considered how her structures interact with the landscape. The gazebo sits above a 38,500 gallon rainwater cistern, a hedge against drought years topped by an impressive round slab. To beat the Texas heat, the eco-savvy owner put a reflective metal silo roof above it. Silos are not that common in Texas, and Paula had to convince the fabricator to make the roof angle flatter than typical but it turned out “just like it was in my head.”
With the gazebo situated so close to the barn, brides have commented that the structures together with the garden make for the perfect reception venue.
Honestly, who could blame them?
Behind the Scenes
Although Paula was quick to see the possibilities of the old farm back in 2009, she’s also a savvy business woman at heart. While planning her venue, Paula spoke with caterers and event planners to ensure the space met their needs. Following their advice, she skipped incorporating a kitchen, instead allowing space for caterers to stage their trucks. Even though the property is not currently in the city of Fredericksburg, Paula used licensed contractors and complied with city codes.
Throughout the renovation process, repurposing was central to her efforts. Original tin from the old roof now lines the interior walls of the barn. Many other pieces found on site have a new life in the building or gardens. Old silos provide fun banquettes for lobby receptions, and it all fits perfectly into the Hill Country surroundings.
As a result of her vision, foresight, and planning, Paula’s Gilbriar Gazebo is ready for more than just weddings. Indeed, it has been the setting of dinners and holiday parties for local groups.
Elegance, Convenience, & Easy Pace
A native Oklahoman and graduate of University of Oklahoma with a degree in interior design and English, Paula came to this new venture with plenty of business experience. At one time she had a breeding farm for Arabian horses. For many years she owned Paula Stone Interiors, a design and vintage furniture shop in San Antonio.
Her strong style sense is evident in the choice of furnishings at Gilbriar Gazebo, with the mix of elegant European pieces pairing beautifully with the renovated barn’s rustic-meets-refined backdrop. All in all, it’s an inviting mix of sophistication, comfort, and Old World style–the essential elements of the classic Texas Hill Country vibe.
Part of the added value Gilbriar Gazebo offers couples is a 3-day use of the space–usually from Friday through Sunday. This allows plenty of time for family and friends to decorate and get to know the space before attention shifts to the happy couple on their big day. Situated close to Fredericksburg–a community increasingly noted for its growing destination wedding industry, the venue provides convenient access for guests, wedding planners, and caterers.
Gilbriar Gazebo has even been the setting for a marriage proposal! A couple in the midst of wedding planning elected to use it for a formal proposal. The magical Hill Country setting that served as their romantic backdrop was, of course, made possible by Paula’s vision and hard work.
Her advice to those with dreams of tackling any big project?
“Don’t let others tell you what you can do. Success is built on courage; be brave! Do what you want to do and at least one person will be happy.”
Shirley Fox has a degree in interior design and worked as a commercial interior designer on both business and government projects for more than 20 years. Now retired to San Antonio, she focuses her creativity and skills on gardening. Shirley also blogs about “living and gardening in San Antonio” at Rock-Oak-Deer (Facebook | Instagram).
