Today we’d like to introduce you to Audrey Godwin Winner.
Hi Audrey, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in Germany and spent most of my adult life in Chicago, though I’ve moved around along the way. I’m a licensed architect, and my training and years in practice have shaped how I approach every project—as a balance of thoughtful design, functionality, and long-term livability. In 2020, my husband Clemens and I were looking to relocate from North Texas to the Austin area when we came across a beautiful piece of land in Stonewall—completely by chance, and not even on the market. The moment we stepped onto the property, we knew it was something special and a place we wanted to share. The Martinsburg was co-founded and developed by my husband and me.
I’ve always loved to travel, and a few years earlier I had begun developing the idea of creating a boutique retreat of our own. Over time, I found myself especially drawn to spaces that not only look beautiful, but support a sense of ease, well-being, and connection. We set out to create the kind of place we were always searching for in our travels—design-forward, peaceful, and deeply connected to its surroundings. As an architect, I had a clear vision for modern cabins that feel thoughtful and refined, while still grounded in the Hill Country landscape. Their simple forms and materials draw from the region’s rural vernacular, while the interiors are designed to be both minimal and comfortable, with an emphasis on low-maintenance living and intentional simplicity.
We created The Martinsburg as a peaceful retreat in the heart of Texas Wine Country, surrounded by rolling hills, farms, and some of the region’s most celebrated wineries. The property includes a bird sanctuary and is surrounded by farm animals in the neighborhood, offering guests a quiet, restorative setting right next to Fredericksburg. It’s a place to slow down, reconnect, and feel fully removed from the pace of everyday life.
We also feature artwork by Texas-based artists, including individuals with special needs. Creating a space that feels welcoming, inclusive, and restorative is the core of what we do, and reflects my broader approach as a designer—balancing how a space functions with how it is experienced.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road has been anything but smooth. Shortly after we began planning, I developed health issues, which made an already demanding process even more challenging. I was wearing many hats—developing the architectural plans, shaping the interiors and furnishings, overseeing construction administration, and defining the overall visual identity of the project.
We also faced hurdles securing financing, particularly without a background in hospitality. It took time and patience, but we eventually found a great local bank willing to believe in our vision. Construction brought its own set of challenges—from navigating contractor relationships and managing delays to building the site infrastructure for the cabins, including electrical, water treatment, and septic systems, which was one of the most complex parts of the project.
We opened on Valentine’s Day weekend in 2025 and were thrilled to be fully booked right out of the gate. That said, the first year of operations was intense and, at times, overwhelming. We underestimated just how much goes into running a hospitality business. My parents instilled a strong work ethic and resilience in me, and this project certainly put both to the test. Now in our second year, we’ve found our rhythm, and things are running much more smoothly.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
The Martinsburg is a boutique short-term rental retreat featuring six thoughtfully designed cabins—five studios and one one-bedroom ADA-compliant cabin, which is required by law but also reflects our belief in creating spaces that are accessible to all. From the beginning, it was important to us to create spaces built with high-quality materials that feel genuinely comfortable, where guests can fully unwind. Each cabin has its own private hot tub, fire pit and gas grill.
Over time, I’ve come to really notice the difference between spaces that are merely created and those that are genuinely cared for. I’m quite detail-oriented—sometimes to a fault—and that naturally shapes how I think about hospitality, making sure nothing feels overlooked in the guest experience. A lot of intention goes into every aspect of the stay, from the interiors to the smaller touches that make it feel effortless and restorative. As owner and operator, I stay closely involved in the day-to-day, which helps me remain present and responsive whenever guests need anything.
The setting is a big part of what makes it special. We’re surrounded by the rolling hills of the Texas Hill Country in a peaceful rural environment, just 15 minutes from Fredericksburg and in the midst of some of the region’s best wineries—over two dozen within a 10-minute drive.
Most of our guests come from major Texas cities—Austin, Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio—looking for a Hill Country escape. Stays range from quick weekend getaways to week-long retreats.
What I’m most proud of is the response from our guests. Seeing people return, bring friends, and share their experience with others has been incredibly rewarding—and the strongest validation of what we set out to create.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
One thing I didn’t fully anticipate when planning this business was the level of responsibility that comes with being part of people’s lives in a hospitality setting. We welcome many couples celebrating meaningful milestones—engagements, anniversaries, birthdays—and it matters deeply to me that their experience truly honors those moments.
At the same time, we also host guests who are seeking a quiet solo retreat during more challenging periods in their lives. Holding both of those realities in mind, and creating an experience that feels supportive, restful, and appropriate for each guest, is something I take very seriously.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.themartinsburg.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themartinsburg
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Martinsburg-61561883603689/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/audreywinner
