Meet Leslie, the Heart of Hoffman Haus

Leslie’s vision and dedication have shaped Hoffman Haus into the warm and welcoming retreat it is today. Her passion for hospitality and attention to detail create an inviting experience for every guest who walks through our doors.

Nearly twenty years ago, I made the decision to buy an inn. It wasn’t an impulsive move, though my parents certainly seemed to think so. The concern on their faces when I shared my plans spoke volumes. Their apprehension became even more apparent one rainy April morning when they drove down from Dallas to see my purchase. As they stepped into the Great Hall—a grand 19th-century tobacco barn—they took one look around and, with a mixture of shock and disbelief, asked, “What have you done?” At that moment, as the full weight of my decision settled in, I began asking myself the same question. The truth was, I had no earthly idea what I was doing.

My first introduction to Hoffman Haus came through a flyer my real estate agent handed me. We initially laughed off the idea, tossing around the thought that it might pair well with the cooking school I had recently opened after moving to the Texas Hill Country. Whether it was logical reasoning or the influence of a second glass of wine, I decided to schedule a tour.

The next morning, as I pulled into the driveway and parked in front of Calico Cottage, I took a deep breath and looked around. I was instantly captivated. And so, my adventure began. With no prior experience and only the vaguest notion of what running an inn entailed, I went ahead and purchased a twelve-room bed and breakfast, fully believing I could figure it all out along the way. However, reality soon set in. I discovered plumbing that had been installed haphazardly, bed frames held together by chicken wire, and rooms overflowing with wildly mismatched furniture. It baffled me that anyone had ever paid to stay there.

But as I peeled away the layers of neglect that accumulate with multiple owners, the true beauty of the place began to reveal itself. It was as if this grand old inn was grateful to finally be cared for and loved. Over the years, I have collected countless amusing, sometimes unbelievable stories—many beginning with the phrase, “You can’t make this stuff up.” Friends and guests alike have urged me time and again, “You need to write a book!” Surprises are always just around the corner, and for years, I doubted I would ever truly get the hang of this business. But slowly, a deep sense of pride took root. With the help of my extraordinary staff, we transformed Hoffman Haus into a haven of peace and tranquility for those who visit.

This place has become woven into the lives of so many—my children and grandchildren, the incredible people I work with, our cherished guests, and the wonderful community that surrounds us. They are all part of my Hoffman Haus family. What began with a bit of naiveté has turned into an experience that has shaped me in ways I never expected. I’ve learned so much along the way, and I truly love what I do. This inn is now my story, and each day brings new chapters filled with wonderful moments. Though those first steps felt uncertain, today I stand confident, knowing that the original vision of Hoffman Haus has been beautifully realized—carrying both the imprint of its first owner and my own. He once called it the most enchanting guesthouse in Fredericksburg… and I wholeheartedly believe he was right.

Leslie