Summary:
A bold renovation on historic South 11th Street where we committed to the orange and blue theme and didn't look back. The pergola swing has become everyone's favorite feature - fair warning, you'll argue over who gets to sit there with their morning coffee.
The Space:
The Space
This 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home underwent a complete renovation in 2023. Original hardwood floors meet modern amenities, barn doors slide smoothly, and that living room with the teal couches and buffalo check curtains? It works better than you'd think. The exposed beam ceiling and open floor plan make the space feel bigger than its footprint.
Living Areas:
The open concept living and dining area centers around those statement teal couches (surprisingly comfortable) and flows into a fully equipped kitchen. Barn doors reveal the primary suite when you want drama, close for privacy when you don't. The décor leans into bold choices - orange wine glasses, blue curtains, vintage art - creating a space that photographs well and lives even better.
Kitchen & Dining:
Full kitchen with stainless steel appliances including French door refrigerator, dishwasher, and gas range. Coffee bar stays stocked with local beans. Yes, we have regular glasses too, but the orange ones make everything taste better. Dining space seats six comfortably, eight if you're friendly.
Bedrooms:
Primary Suite: King bed, barn door entrance, private bath with walk-in shower, workspace if you must
Guest Room 1: Queen brass bed, vintage vibes, shares hall bath
Guest Room 2: Queen bed, simple and comfortable, good light
Bathrooms:
Two full baths - one with that orange curtain you saw in the photos, one with more subtle choices. Both renovated with modern fixtures and decent water pressure.
Outdoor Space:
The backyard is fully fenced (dogs appreciate this). Custom pergola with that hanging swing bench fits two adults comfortably. Deck has space for grilling and dining. The backyard faces west.
Location & Distances
Work Sites:
Stargate Data Center Site: 15 minutes
Dyess Air Force Base: 12 minutes via Treadaway Blvd
Universities:
Abilene Christian University: 8 minutes
Hardin-Simmons University: 7 minutes
McMurry University: 5 minutes
Downtown & Entertainment:
Historic Downtown Abilene: 6 minutes
The Grace Museum & Paramount Theatre: 7 minutes
Frontier Texas: 8 minutes
Abilene Zoo: 10 minutes
Dining Worth the Drive:
Perini Ranch Steakhouse: 23 minutes (local legend)
The Beehive: 5 minutes (brunch and dinner)
Vagabond Pizza: 6 minutes
Cypress Street Station: 6 minutes (coffee and cocktails)
Abi-Haus: 7 minutes (craft beer)
The Mill Wine Bar: 6 minutes
Local downtown food trucks: 6 minutes
Essentials:
United Supermarkets: 6 minutes
H-E-B: 5 minutes
Starbucks: 4 minutes (but try local coffee first)
Amenities
High-speed wifi | Smart TVs | Washer/dryer | Full kitchen | Coffee bar | Board games | Grill | Pergola swing | Central heat/AC | Driveway parking | Pet friendly | Fenced yard
House Guidelines
Check-in/out:
Check-in: After 4 PM (self check-in with smart lock)
Check-out: 11 AM
Important Stuff:
Pet friendly (2 max, $50 fee per pet)
No smoking anywhere on property
No parties or events
6 guests maximum
Quiet hours 10 PM - 8 AM (neighbors are cool but have limits)
What's Provided:
Linens, towels, basic toiletries, cooking basics, coffee setup, smart TVs, local restaurant recommendations, and honest answers about where to find things.
The Bottom Line
South by South Eleventh sits in an established neighborhood where people still walk their dogs and wave. We're close enough to everything but far enough from the noise. The house has personality - those orange glasses, the barn doors, that pergola swing - without trying too hard.
Book if you need a comfortable base for work at Stargate or Dyess. Book if you're visiting one of the universities. Book if you just want to sit on that swing with a drink and wonder why more people don't buy orange wine glasses.
The wifi is fast, the beds are comfortable, and the barn doors are surprisingly satisfying to slide (just don't break the glass!)
The Neighborhood:
Work Sites:
Stargate Data Center Site: 15 minutes
Dyess Air Force Base: 12 minutes via Treadaway Blvd
Universities:
Abilene Christian University: 8 minutes
Hardin-Simmons University: 7 minutes
McMurry University: 5 minutes
Downtown & Entertainment:
Historic Downtown Abilene: 6 minutes
The Grace Museum & Paramount Theatre: 7 minutes
Frontier Texas: 8 minutes
Abilene Zoo: 10 minutes
Dining Worth the Drive:
Perini Ranch Steakhouse: 23 minutes (local legend)
The Beehive: 5 minutes (brunch and dinner)
Vagabond Pizza: 6 minutes
Cypress Street Station: 6 minutes (coffee and cocktails)
Abi-Haus: 7 minutes (craft beer)
The Mill Wine Bar: 6 minutes
Local downtown food trucks: 6 minutes
Essentials:
United Supermarkets: 6 minutes
H-E-B: 5 minutes
Starbucks: 4 minutes (but try local coffee first)
