Sister Grove Farm
Van Alstyne, Texas
Sister Grove Farm sits on 150 acres of Blackland Prairie pastureland outside of Van Alstyne, TX. The land was first settled by Collin McKinney and his family in 1843. The current stewards of the site purchased the property in 2016 intending to create a retreat for family and friends while implementing regenerative farming practices. The multi-phase project began with the rehabilitation of the original farmhouse built by Younger Scott McKinney in 1950. Nicknamed the “Little House,” the structure was heavily modified over many generations but still retains its original hand-hewn timber frame.
Architexas created an open plan living/dining/kitchen area by removing a non-original stair to the upper sleeping loft. By repurposing the small butler’s pantry, Architexas was able to craft a new stairwell and convert the original kitchen block into a primary bedroom suite. The kitchen, anchored by a wood-burning oven, utilizes one of the two original chimney-stacks and has a secret hatch in the floor revealing the original wood framing.
