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Here in this modern home for the west, located right in the heart of the Fort Worth Cultural District and only 35 minutes from DFW Airport, locals and travelers alike will find a blend of that classic western appeal that Texans are proud to flaunt along with an approachable sophistication enabled by a rich collection of curated art.
Bowie House is as much an extension of Owner Jo Ellard’s personal canvas as it is a design wonder from renowned architectural and interiors firm BOKA Powell. Every detail and love for art, equestrian spirit and western lore is stitched, engrained, painted, hammered, sculpted and placed throughout the savvy hotel. It’s a canvas she shares with many other unique artists, from a self-taught photographer from Kenya to a master illustrator using only colored and sepia toned packing tape. And as of December 2023, this welcoming getaway complete with 88 studios, 12 lofts, six suites, a verdant pool terrace, three dining and drinking venues and a nature-inspired spa is available to fulfill your inner Texan adventurer longing for a place to hang your hat.
A Fort Worth Focal Point
Upon entrance to the design-led hotel, you’ll see that you’ve walked into a unique space that goes beyond traditional hospitality. Each step from the entrance to the lobby and throughout the hotel is an ode to the rich heritage of Fort Worth’s Cultural District, carefully crafted with a blend of classic and contemporary Western tradition.
Here at Bowie House, there are no barren walls or white painted hallways plotted with the standard uninspiring hotel art. Instead, a visual spectacle from artist Isabel Beyel greets you as you walk in. Hand painted longhorn skulls from Caroline Vaughn Jarosz along with other not-so-subtle nods to western culture enhance the experience with placements on the walls, tables, ceilings—or anywhere your eyes will set—each creating an inviting gathering space that invokes the Texan spirit of friendliness in a rustic-luxe space.
In The Mulberry Room, you can indulge in a whiskey or any one of the artfully crafted Old Fashions in an intimate environment surrounded by literature. Or take the conversation to The Billet Room, where you and your closest friends can enjoy a classic game of billiards or shuffleboard. The curated art collection continues from one room to the next, never repeating and always inspiring.
A Feast for Your Eyes and Stomach at Bowie House
Not to be outdone by the surrounding masterpieces that pique your visual senses, the art-filled hotel features multiple dining options including Bricks and Horses, The Bar at Bowie House and poolside Whinny’s to rouse the appetite.
Out on the suspended pool deck, Whinny’s is the perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon. Here, the tree-lined pool terrace offers a serene escape amid an urban backdrop. With a Mediterranean-focused menu that includes light salads, crudités and an assortment of refreshing frozen drinks, Whinny’s will inspire your next summer social gathering or midday delight of relaxation and reflection.
The Bar at Bowie House offers a smooth transition from Whinny’s urban oasis back to the rustic-luxe charm of the hotel. With a wide assortment of whiskeys to gourmet coffees and a smaller menu of appetizers, The Bar is the ideal location to both come down from a long day or giddy up for an exciting evening.
And whether it’s for breakfast, lunch or dinner, Bricks and Horses is a must during your visit. While the contemporary chophouse continues the hotel’s art-filled journey, showcasing an equestrian spirit with surreal photos from Swiss photographic artist Constance Jaeggi, the chef-driven menu makes a strong case to look down at your plate, offering a luxurious take on traditional Texan cuisine. Options are plenty, from dry-aged local beef to a decadent venison sirloin, the hotel’s signature restaurant is a true Texan culinary experience that will reverberate for years to come.
Where to Kick Off Yer Boots at Bowie House
Arched hallways lead you to your room where more original artwork reflecting the Fort Worth cultural vibe adorns the walls along with hat racks, boot benches and warm wood tones. Each of these Western elements combine to create a sense of home that resonates with a true Texan welcome. Here, naturally accented bathrooms with marble vanities and a lively emerald-tiled shower embody a spa-like place to start and end your day. With features like these, the rooms at Bowie House create an intimate ambiance to spend the day inside with your better half, order room service and not leave until the world outside beckons that you must.
Hopefully, you do escape the comforting confines of your room. Bowie House offers plenty of thought-provoking activities and nearby attractions. It is highly recommended that you partake in the Art Walk. Join the insightful Gallery Director Emily as she takes you on a journey to explore the many artworks that fill the inviting communal spaces. Each tells a story of the artist’s past, present and future and how it completes a portion in Jo Ellard’s private collection.
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Cover photo courtesy Bowie House
Martin Ramirez is a brisket-eating, Shiner-loving, road-tripping enthusiast of all things Texas. This Dallas-born writer / adventurer is ready to take his ‘78 El Camino to find the best in food, fun, and fitness throughout the Lone Star State.
