In Love with The Winfield Inn!

The Maine House continues to join the children in their quest for finding their perfect wedding venues. Having planned Sweet Melissa's wedding, we learned early on how very stressful the event planning can be. I believe one of the most distressing aspects of this journey is discovering that many vendors were not very flexible in being able to provide what the bride and groom had envisioned. Anything from the length of time available for their reception, the time you were allowed to enter the reception venue to prepare for your grand dinner, the limits placed on alcoholic drinks being selected, to the limit of time for your vendors to dismantle the reception area. It became so overwhelming and stressful, the bride and groom decided their money was better utilized by flying to Puerto Rico, having their ceremony set against the beautiful Caribbean at The Ritz Carlton, and then board the cruise ship and sail away for a week of tropical island hopping. It could not have been more beautiful!

A Maine House Mosaic

So, when I discovered The Winfield Inn, I was drawn into not only the beauty and peacefulness of their story, but the entire manner in which they reiterate they are of "service to you" and seem to have a great desire to make this your special day...to enjoy, to remember and treasure! I love their message!!

Located 15 miles south of downtown Austin in the hill country of Texas and perfectly set oak trees which  canopy over the many sites that let the sunlight beam through their butterfly garden and colonial inspired estate sets The Winfield Inn. The garden ballroom infuses modern architecture with classic vaulted ceilings and crystal chandeliers to create a grand yet natural and timeless ambiance.

The story of The Winfield Inn....This bed and breakfast was built in 1883 and it has a wrap around porch on the ground level. There is also one of the highly coveted screened porches at the inn. Each of the three suites has its own private bath, which is always a big plus. The inn sits on 27 acres so you will have plenty of opportunities to take long strolls. Afterwards, you could take a refreshing dip in the pool.

One day, during what seemed to be a typical bike ride, Jodi was riding her bike through the town of Kyle observing the architecture of old homes and the natural settings along the river when she stumbled upon a property with overgrown grass and chipped white paint (literally "stumbled" when her laces got stuck in the spokes which just so happen to give her the perfect view up the drive way to the home). Historically she enjoyed viewing properties around the Hill Country area including for the purpose of a future wedding location. She realized that this was the exact place she was looking for--minus the much needed paint job and untailored grounds. Although she soon realized there was much more that needed to be done, her heart was focused on bringing the property back to life!

The Winfield Inn staff  are more than just co-workers or employees; they are a family. "The majority of us have been here from the beginning and those who haven't have no intentions of leaving. We treat each couple and their families as if they are our own by personalizing their wedding day so it is exactly how they envision."

"Our on-site coordinators do more than just check in your vendors. They are in constant communication throughout your planning process and will make sure that you are cool, calm, and collected before and during your big day. They are here for you as much as you need them and will go above and beyond your expectations. With a team of interns we have plenty of hands and creative minds working together to put every last detail in place."

You will find that Jodi and Matt can make magic happen in the kitchen, whether it’s re-creating an old family recipe or creating an “Around-the-World” menu for 300. They love wonderful foods and want the menu to be spectacular for you and your guests! " To be sure that this happens, we will host a tasting so that you can sit down, relax, and just enjoy your menu… consider it a date night on us!"

"There are many others who make our team a family that you may not always see or talk to. The groundskeepers, wait staff, and operations crew play a huge role in your wedding day and we couldn’t do any of this without them."

Nick and Cat are planning a late March or early April wedding day. The Winfield Inn provides a wide variety of tempting food and their menus suggest recipes according to the season! Now, that is lovely!

Spring Menu

Chilled Shrimp with Garlic Aioli in Martini Glasses

Jalapeno Cornbread

Iceberg Lettuce Wedge with Bleu Cheese Dressing, Candied Walnuts and Bacon Twists

Mushroom-stuffed Filet

Parmesan Garlic Mashers

Sweet Corn with Chili Lime Butter

Raspberry Crostini with Honey and Mascarpone

The rest is history. There has been a lot of sweat, tears and sleepless nights in the rebirth of this unique and magical property, but rest assured, every single little detail was thought out thoroughly. In her great passion for life and desire to share this most precious property with others, Jodi's hope is that you will have the opportunity to explore and experience the estate and grounds from many perspectives.

Estelle's Favorite Shrimp Cocktail

2 pounds (12 to 15-count) shrimp

1 tablespoon good olive oil

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper


For the sauce:
1/2 cup chili sauce (recommended: Heinz)
1/2 cup ketchup
3 tablespoons prepared horseradish
2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon hot sauce (recommended: Tabasco)


Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails on. Place them on a sheet pan with the olive oil, salt, and pepper and spread them in 1 layer. Roast for 8 to10 minutes, just until pink and firm and cooked through. Set aside to cool.


For the sauce, combine the chili sauce, ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Serve as a dip with the shrimp.

Such as life, for Jodi and Matt, this property represents many stories all united by the wonderful presence of those who choose to be a part of it, sharing their most intimate moments.