Today we’d like to introduce you to Jen Llewellyn.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
We love domes! The idea of living in a nearly indestructible, energy-efficient, and low-maintenance structure has been fascinating to us for years. When my husband, James, and I had the opportunity to buy some land, we initially considered building a dome for ourselves on it, but instead decided that first, we wanted to help other people experience domes for themselves…get them thinking outside of the box! We invited my sister, Cindy, and her husband, Wayne, to join us and after a few years of researching and planning, and then another year of construction, we opened for business in 2021.
The domes as a hotel are also our solution to the issues we have encountered when we have stayed at hotels ourselves. Who doesn’t have a hotel horror story to share, right? Our guests love the privacy, the cleanliness, the peaceful atmosphere and the chance to get away from their busy lives. We wanted to provide our guests with their own quiet space that was clean and unique. Providing these experiences for them has brought a lot of satisfaction to our lives and helped us connect with so many that we would not have connected with otherwise.
We have had so much fun meeting guests from all over, getting to know them, and sharing our dream with them. It is amazing and fills us with joy to know that we created something so unique that is exciting for our guests to experience, and we are equally thrilled when it inspires them to reach for their dreams too!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Starting this business has been a huge learning process! It was a gigantic step into the dark and we have had to figure out almost everything along the way- from legalities to construction to social media to getting stains out of laundry.
Domes are fascinating structures from the inside out and have a way of drawing our eyes or our attention when we come upon them or look inside. They are simple in some respects—you don’t have complex roofing systems that can leak over time or need replacement; their lifespan is measured in centuries—and complex in other respects—try installing shiplap or attaching the trim to a bumpy curved concrete surface…seamlessly; or creating a design that works to maximize living space from a circle. It’s not for the faint of heart, especially if you are novice like us!
Domes look much different than traditional building structures which unfortunately resulted, especially early on, in misunderstanding and speculation from people worried that we would ruin the feel of the area. In fact, we ended up having to fight for and defend our dream to build Country Dome Suites. However, our dreams for the future and a faith in and trust in God had a way of inspiring prayerful persistence and a determination to overcome and succeed. We had so many miracles happen when we were trying to get started that we felt like God would make a way if that was what He wanted us to do, and He has!
Once people could start to see that what we were building would be an asset to the community and how we were supporting other small local businesses, the support started coming. Now, we have the community firmly behind us and we are so thankful for their support. We believe we are on our way to becoming a must-see landmark in the area and know this is only the beginning. We still have so much we want to do to make the experience for our guests even better and are excited about the future.
We’ve been impressed with Country Dome Suites, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Country Dome Suites is a boutique hotel comprised of eleven individual dome suites built for 1-2 guests who love *not* sharing walls and who want complete quiet and privacy. Each dome has its own sleeping area with possibly the comfiest bed you’ve ever slept in, and boasts a full kitchen and bathroom with a spacious walk-in shower. They have an eclectic country-meets-modern-industrial feel.
We also wanted our guests to be able to unplug and get away, so we do not provide television or internet, although cell service and data works just fine. We provide games and books (several classics) in each suite, as well as camp chairs to use on the property. If you look closely in the kitchen, you will discover (spoiler alert!) a special treat awaiting your arrival. Guests can reserve a propane fire pit or a wood fire pit to sit around as they enjoy roasting their favorite sausage (Bellville Meat Market will blow up your taste buds!) and play several different types of yard games available for use in the courtyard.
Speaking of the courtyard area, frequently, our guests love to sit on their camp chairs in the courtyard and make new friends with other guests doing the same. Several large groups have told us that having the shared courtyard provides the perfect balance where everyone can come together and then step back into their own private dome – enjoying the best of both worlds.
Sunrises and sunsets are truly incredible here and the light pollution is low so it is a great place to stargaze. Our motto is “escape busy and revel in simple” and our guests love to do just that!
We are located just a couple of minutes from Kenney’s own local gem, The Kenney Store (a restaurant with great food, fabulous live music concerts and dancing). Our property is conveniently situated right off Hwy 36 but surrounded by the countryside and just ten minutes from both downtown Brenham and downtown Bellville, and just over a half hour to Round Top. The area is full of many beautiful backcountry roads, fantastic food, wine tours, quaint downtown shops, and other great experiences (forge your own knife at Phenix Knives!) Many of our guests love to take a walk or a bicycle ride along the meandering country road or relax while they enjoy the view of the cattle in the neighboring pasture and listen to the sounds of the country.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
We wanted to build a hotel that we would be excited to stay in ourselves–something special and unique. We are not just a hotel, we offer a chance to experience a different feel and pace…a place to get away from the busyness of life. We want every guest to have a “wow” experience and leave feeling recharged in spirit, like their cup has been filled. We put a lot of thought into the construction and craftsmanship; into the details that range from the locally made soap and lotion to the high-end towels and linens. Finally, aside from pampering our guests with a luxurious country feel, the other thing that was important to us was that it be an affordable experience to boot! We wanted people from all walks of life to feel like it was within their reach to have an amazing getaway.
Pricing:
- Rooms starting at $135
Contact Info:
- Website: www.countrydomesuites.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/countrydomesuites/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/countrydomesuites/
Image Credits
Scott York
Cindy Millsap
Prudence Allwein
