A Vacation Escape that Celebrates the Finer Things
Written by Ronda Swaney / Photography by Matti Gresham
When Ginger Curtis, founder and CEO of Urbanology Designs, stumbled upon a 1922 cottage in Weatherford, Texas, she saw more than just a fixer-upper. She saw a vacation escape that celebrates the finer things. She envisioned a space that would redefine vacation rentals, offering a level of attention to detail rarely found in the industry. “We wanted to create something that was unusual in vacation rentals, where you typically don’t see this level of detail,” Curtis explains.
The cottage, in dire need of a complete renovation, was transformed by Curtis and her team. However, they were careful to preserve its historical charm. “We preserved the things that were special like the wood floors, the millwork around the windows and doors, and the hardware,” says Curtis. The result? A unique, luxurious escape that doesn’t sacrifice character for comfort.
A Home Full of Character
The black-and-white theme woven throughout the cottage sets the tone for each room’s distinct personality. Despite the use of black paint on the walls, the entryway manages to feel both bold and welcoming, filled with light. Curtis expertly balances dark tones in spaces like the Colonel Mustard bedroom, which oozes moodiness and charm. The bathroom, featuring peacock wallpaper and brushed-gold fixtures, glamorously complements the darker hues.
The dining room takes the theme a step further with its bright, airy atmosphere in contrast to the bold black table and window trim. The cottage is a masterclass in juxtaposition—where dark meets light, moody blends with bright, and every corner tells a story.
One of Curtis’ goals with the cottage was to showcase Urbanology’s design expertise and brand partners in a space that feels more like an experience than just a place to stay. “People who stay here are astonished by the level of detail. Every cupboard they open, every corner, every pantry, every closet—everything feels artisanal and detailed, and those details include a high level of quality,” Curtis notes. From hand-forged brass hangers to amber glass soap bottles, and overstuffed feather down pillows, Curtis has ensured that every detail in the cottage contributes to a tactile, immersive experience.
Nostalgic Bedrooms with a Story
Each of the cottage’s bedrooms is steeped in nostalgia, with names that reflect characters from Curtis’ childhood. The primary bedroom, named Mrs. Longstocking, pays homage to the whimsical Pippi Longstocking—reimagined as a grown-up. This room, designed to be a sanctuary, invites relaxation with its light and airy feel. “This is the room where you breathe that sigh of relief,” Curtis explains. “It’s very much about chill time.”
On the other end of the spectrum is the Colonel Mustard bedroom, dark and moody with a playful twist. Curtis, an avid fan of the game Clue, hid vintage game tokens throughout the room. Guests are encouraged to search for these tokens during their stay, adding a bit of mystery to their experience. As Curtis puts it, “The game is afoot!”
The final bedroom, Ms. Hosell, sits somewhere between the two in terms of tone. Named after an imaginary friend from Curtis’ childhood, this room is for the wild and sophisticated dreamer. “Ms. Hosell was older than us, wild and smart and sophisticated. It’s like we created the girl we wanted to be,” Curtis explains.
Design That Stands the Test of Time
What sets this cottage apart is that every item within it comes from the brands Urbanology regularly works with, ensuring a high level of quality throughout. The lighting, furniture, and decor aren’t just for show—they’re shoppable. Guests who fall in love with a particular piece during their stay can purchase it for their own homes, allowing the vacation experience to live on in everyday life.
Curtis believes that great design should be accessible, and this vacation rental embodies that belief. “I think that great design should be accessible to everybody. I’m a firm believer that everybody needs to be exposed to beauty and great design,” she says. Though the cottage often hosts Urbanology’s prospects, clients, and business partners, it is also available for the public to rent. It offers a rare opportunity for guests to experience high-end design up close, even if they aren’t working with a luxury design firm.
Ideas for Images:
- The Entryway: Showcasing the black-painted walls, contrasted with natural light pouring in. A welcoming space with bold design choices.
- The Colonel Mustard Bedroom: A moody, sophisticated bedroom with a close-up of one of the hidden Clue game tokens to highlight the playful element.
- Peacock Wallpaper in the Bathroom: A detailed shot of the gold fixtures against the peacock-patterned wallpaper, emphasizing the luxurious, glam touches.
- The Dining Room: Capture the bright, open space, with a focus on the contrast between the black table and the airy surroundings.
- Mrs. Longstocking Bedroom: A serene, inviting image showcasing the room’s light and airy feel, complete with a cozy bed dressed in soft linens.
This cottage is more than just a place to stay—it’s a celebration of the finer things in life, wrapped in stories and layers of thoughtful design.
