The Blair House’s current owners, Chris and Lois Mahoney, honor the legacy of original owner Jonnie Stansbury, a California transplant who brought acclaim for her B&B with extravagant, wine-paired Saturday-night dinners. The next owners, veteran hospitality managers Mike and Vickie Schneider, added spacious cottages to increase accommodations to 12, a swimming pool, and an expanded schedule of cooking classes. The inn’s 86 acres are dotted with live oaks and stands of prickly pear and native grasses. As a fog lifted during our visit, we took in the Hill Country tranquility from the deck of our cottage, a moment made even more noteworthy when the Mahoneys’ 11-year-old tabby cat Oliver arrived to keep us company.
The common areas of the Blair House’s main lodge are ringed with art for sale, including originals by local painters and digital prints by Los Angeles-based painter Todd White, a native of San Antonio known for his animation work in the television cartoon “SpongeBob SquarePants.” Cooking classes here are a big draw, and Saturday night’s menu often features an entrée presented by students. During the week, you’ll want to head off-property to dine, but save room for dessert: The Mahoneys often make sure that a carafe of red wine and a few slices of pie in your room await your return.
