Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiffany Prior.
Hi Tiffany, We are so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Miracle after miracle. I look around this home and can’t believe I’m here. Serving people and loving others is my job. Some days, I feel like an imposter with the thought of, ‘I don’t deserve this.’ Most days though, I rest in the gift it truly is – I’m living my purpose. Smithville was supposed to be a year-long reprieve for my family after I was diagnosed and cleared of cancer. We needed a breather. We craved slowing down and being less busy. We needed it. A week before we moved to Smithville, a friend called and said, ‘Hey, do you want to live at The Katy House? The owner is having foot surgery, so they’re looking for someone who could live in the house while she recovers.’ I knew little about The Katy House and had only met the owners in passing. We scheduled a meeting and a tour of the house, and to the surprise of all of us, we found alignment across so many areas of our lives. It felt right; it felt peaceful. So, we agreed to take on the opportunity, never anticipating that this small ‘temporary’ decision would ultimately change our lives. Fast forward six months, and at the end of 2019, my husband and I were fortunate to have the opportunity to carry on the legacy of service at The Katy House by purchasing it. Daily, I’m humbled to have been given a chance to be part of this home’s incredible history. The Katy House Bed & Breakfast will turn 30 years old in 2024, so our story of serving here is just a small piece of the greater impact on the Bastrop & Smithville communities. In December, we’ll be four years in, and I’m still baffled how something you never knew could be an option is the thing that brings you the most incredible joy, allowing you to live your purpose.
A little about me: I’m the proud wife of the best man I’ve ever met, Joe. I’m a mother. A believer. A cancer survivor. A Spartan race finisher. I love sweet tea, wine, and Texas Pecan Coffee. To my core, I love the gift of serving others.
Can you tell us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth?
Ha! If it could go wrong, it’s gone wrong. Now, I should knock on wood to be completely candid: our obstacles/challenges fall into two distinct aspects. On one hand, there’s the challenge of owning a 114-year-old home; on the other, there’s the task of managing a lodging establishment. Owning a 114-year-old home comes with all the challenges of any old home. I wish someone would have told me, “You better hold on tight because it’s going to be bumpy.” Winter storms. Water breaks. Repairs turned into renovations. With character comes aging and aging inevitably comes with repairs. One year, a winter storm resulted in the loss of many hot water heaters, a major plumbing break on our 3rd floor, and all pipes broken in one cottage. The next year, our sewer line caved in (it was still the original clay line). This is such a stunning home that previous owners have taken care of very well, but everyone has had their fair share of updates. Today, I’ve learned to expect and accept the unexpected. It’s not easy, but it’s getting easier.
Within months of purchasing The Katy House Bed & Breakfast, COVID hit. So, running a lodging establishment during the challenges of COVID-19 was daunting, especially as a new owner. The fact that we are still standing today is nothing short of a miracle, and I am profoundly grateful. Then, we have the Airbnb boom. It’s like finding yourself in a debate between traditional taxis and Uber or cable television and streaming. Some days it feels like operating a Bed & Breakfast is similar to the traditional taxi concept or the cable box in this modern streaming world. Finding a traditional bed & breakfast experience has become increasingly difficult, which is why I’m committed to preserving it for as long as we can.
I don’t mean to overgeneralize, but there is a generation that’s unfamiliar with what a traditional Bed & Breakfast is. I describe our property as a boutique hotel, which helps those trying to understand the concept. All our rooms have private baths, a common question we receive from prospective guests. We take pride in serving a hot, southern-style breakfast every morning at our dining table for up to 12 guests. There’s no continental here.. Something so beautiful happens around this table. The connections, the guest interactions, the laughter, and the heartfelt conversations are just a few examples of what make this experience truly special. I still get teary as I witness genuine connections between guests occurring regularly. Even though the challenges in our journey here have been significant, the beauty that has surfaced from each one will keep my heart full for a lifetime.
Great, so let’s get down to business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Since 1994, The Katy House has operated as a traditional Bed & Breakfast. 2024 will be our 30th Anniversary! Thousands of guests worldwide have been served here and have experienced the small-town charm Smithville offers like no other. We’re the perfect Texas getaway without sacrificing a day in the car or a trip to the airport. Smithville is widely known as the background in the Sandra Bullock and Harry Connick Jr movie Hope Floats. Even today, Smithville continues to be seen in movies and TV series as countless productions go to this quiet, small town.
Fun Fact: Willie Nelson’s music video ‘Just Breathe’ with his son Lukas was filmed in one of our guest rooms – The Texas Special – (well, it was one scene of the music video). We’ve won Best Best & Breakfast in Bastrop County for the last two years. Every morning, we prepare a hot, southern-style breakfast for guests, and it can include any variety of biscuits & gravy, jalapeno cheese grits, blueberry pancakes, cheesy breakfast potatoes, yogurt & granola, and so much more. Think of Thanksgiving, but with breakfast. Each recipe is special to our family, and we don’t cook anything that we don’t love to eat ourselves. My goal is to provide a comfortable space where guests feel like they’re coming home without sacrificing the modern amenities of a hotel.
In 2022, we achieved several milestones, including:
- Best Breakfast in Texas award by the Texas Bed & Breakfast Association
- Bed and Breakfast award in Bastrop County by Bastrop’s Best of Contest
- Recognition as a Distinguished Inn in North America and acceptance as a member of the Select Registry
In 2023, we won:
- Best Bed & Breakfast in Bastrop County by Bastrop’s Best of Contest
- Runner-up for Best Hotel in Bastrop County by Bastrop’s Best of Contest
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Genuine heart for service. Our team is committed to creating an environment where our guests experience a real sense of care. Every reservation represents someone’s conscious choice to stay with us. In a world filled with countless alternatives, it carries significant meaning that they chose us to host them. Whether a guest is staying just for one night or 5 nights, it’s not transactional to us. It’s a true gift of human service.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.katyhouse.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekatyhouse/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KatyHouse
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@katyhousebedandbreakfast
- Other: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g56681-d82341-Reviews-Katy_House_Bed_and_Breakfast-Smithville_Texas.html
