Antica Collection

Texas native Lisa Strait Vanpoucke has been coming to Round Top since 2002. 
“I like the fact that we are able to reach so many people in a short period of time and bring them home a little piece of history,” she says.
Having been a collector herself for the past 20 years, Lisa’s passion for rare and desirable objects has taken her all over the world, to France, Italy, Spain and Portugal.
“I find inspiration in the history and culture of faraway lands, in architecture and in great design from all periods,” Lisa says.  
 “My creative process is simple. I buy what I love. If I wouldn’t put it in my own home, I usually skip over it. For me, quality is a must, along with great design.” 
Lisa met her late husband Eric in the business and she credits him for turning her love of collecting into a way of life. He is also the inspiration for her new line of signature candles.   
“I created the line as a love story. Released this month, “Who’s My Love,” is a gold candle, very sexy and feminine, and its counterpart “C’est Toi,” is silver, which is more masculine. It’s very personal to me. My late husband Eric who was French would ask me the question, in English, ‘Who’s my love?’ I would always respond with the question, ‘Me?’ And he would answer back in French, “C’est toi” (“It’s you!”). I’ve always been attracted to scent and the memories it evokes. For me, a beautiful scent goes hand-in-hand with a beautiful experience as well as a beautiful home.” 
 The addition of a home fragrance collection is part of Lisa’s desire to push herself creatively. 
“I’m always evolving and trying to be as cutting edge as possible. The longer I’m in the business the more simplified I’m becoming, but my passion is continual as I never tire of beautifully hand-crafted things,” Lisa says. “My purpose is to extend that passion into my clients’ home decor and encourage a life well lived.” 

“I love the relationships I have with clients and with others in the business that most would consider competitors, but they become your friends too, because you have this common denominator you can share things with, and they, like you, become excited about what they can buy, and it’s fun.”  
“As a vendor at Market Hill, Paul and his family treat us like one of their own.” For the customer, they have what it takes to make everyone feel at home, including good food, wine and a relaxed atmosphere,” she says. 

Lisa shares just a few details about the special pieces she’s bringing to Market Hill on this trip. 
“I’m most excited about an 18th century Rococo cabinet I found from Sweden. It’s untouched and pure in every way. The paint is gorgeous and so is the wavy glass. It looks like a ballerina in furniture, graceful in every way.” 
There is also an incredible walnut Italian table, also from the 18th century, with one single board for the top and an original iron stretcher. At the joining of the top to the legs is a carved shell motif. “It’s perfect for a large desk – and what patina!” she adds excitedly. 
She won’t include a photography of it here, as she doesn’t want to spoil the surprise, so you’ll have to come see it for yourself – and meet Lisa – at Market Hill. 

For more information, visit anticacollection.com. 

Round Top Round Up

Where to eat, drink, hang out and hang your hat in Round Top, Texas

Turns out, not everything is bigger in Texas. With a population of 90, Round Top is one of the smallest cities in the Lone Star State. Twice a year, in spring and fall, however, more than 100,000 people descend on this tiny town for the Antiques Fair. Now in its 50th year, what started as a weekend has expanded into two weeks’ worth of shows with vendors lining Highway 237 for some 25 miles and into surrounding towns of Warrenton, Rutersville, Fayetteville, Carmine, Brenham and La Grange. Here’s a round-up of what you’ll find in and around Round Top. 

WHERE TO STAY 

Armando Round Top Houses
For more than 35 years, Armando has been a name in fine dining, renowned for the Houston-based Armandos Restaurant. Armando and Cinda Palacios now invite patrons to travel from River Oaks to Round Top where they have a trio of beautifully restored vacation homes. Dating back to the 1830s, the Winn is the oldest of the three and was the first property Armando purchased on a whim back in 1979. The circa 1880s Bybee Cottage was then acquired from the Bybee Foundation, an organization that preserves German immigrant heritage in Round Top. The Palacios kept the original patina of the place while lovingly adorning the old farmhouse with new amenities and luxe accessories. The Nest was once a 1930s home set in Houston’s West End and is now a midcentury modern, light-filled space with pop art dotting the walls. Choose from the three homes based on your style at roundtophouses.com

Black Bird Farm
A series of historic properties in nearby Fayetteville comprises the Black Bird Farm lodging experience. Here, you’ll find romantic well-appointed interiors in an early Americana style. Choose from accommodations at the Grand Fayette Hotel, Market Street Inn, Red & White Inn, Bird House, 1850 House, Sealy House or Blackbird Cabins. Herring Hall, the event space, hosts live performances. Take a tour online at blackbirdfarmtexas.com. 

Flophouze

Flophouze 
Old shipping containers have been transformed into artful accommodations at Flophouze. This super-cool concept by Matt White and his team, Recycling the Past, consists of six “funky little outposts,” known as flophouzes, all accented with salvaged materials, like old bowling alley countertops, and original art. Any of the décor you see in your flophouze is available for purchase – just inquire, and they’ll make you a deal. Each unit also comes equipped with Chemex coffeemakers, Mexican Cokes, Topo Chico, handpicked vinyl records and hammocks for kicking back and watching those famous Texas sunsets. If you like your flophouze so much you want to keep it, the company can custom-build one to your specifications and ship it to you anywhere in the world. Also on the property is the Round Top Ballroom. Outfitted with antiques, artifacts and odds and ends from Recycling the Past, it’s a casual space that has housed farm-to-table dinners, weddings, big parties and intimate gatherings. Learn more at flophouze.com or roundtopballroom.com. 

The Raleigh

The Raleigh
Shane Brown of Big Daddy’s Antiques has opened his newly renovated, 2,600-SF 1890s Victorian farmhouse to overnight stays on VRBO. The Raleigh sleeps eight guests and comes complete with a full kitchen, four bedrooms and two bathrooms. The interior design is exceptional throughout with a mix of modern and antique, including a Paul Michael Company piece or two. To check availability, visit vrbo.com/931462. 

Rancho Pillow

Rancho Pillow
This 20-acre compound features multiple overnight options on the property, including four main lodges and a well-appointed, air-conditioned teepee. Each dwelling houses hand-picked furnishings, paintings, books of poetry and other thoughtful touches. Outside, there’s plenty of room to roam and make new discoveries, like neon signs, a playground with zipline, hammocks, bathhouse, swimming pool and a fire pit. Formerly available by invite-only for friends-of-friends, it’s now a more inclusive space where all are welcome to tap into the spirit found here. It’s much more than a place to hang your hat. It’s heartfelt, soulful, mystical and intentional where cool people go and good vibes flow. Feast in the Field is hosted on March 26 and March 27 by Rancho Pillow. Purchase your ticket, or book your stay online at ranchopillow.com. 

Round Top Inn
The history of this place is evident in its many existing structures, including the only remaining building from the state’s once thriving cigar industry. Three of the guest cottages are 1880s originals built by prominent Round Top resident Charles Henry Schiege of Schiege Cigar Factory. The property includes the gate house, a collection of farm houses, the little cottage, the loft and other rooms for rent. Explore it for yourself at roundtopinn.com.  

The Vintage Round Top

The Vintage Round Top
Paige and Smoot Hull developed The Vintage Round Top in 2012 when they opened their first renovated cottage, No. 1450. The 2,400-SF home was designed with sustainability in mind and is comprised of reclaimed materials and vintage finds, creatively repurposed into light fixtures, furniture and decor. In 2016, they added a second 2,000-SF cottage named Boho into the mix. This home is designed with their signature modern vintage style, featuring upscale amenities and materials. Both properties are full home rentals that may be reserved together or separately. This summer, they will add two additional 400-SF cottages with another outdoor patio for games and lounging. In addition to lodging, the Hulls also host private parties, intimate rehearsal dinners or cocktail receptions, retreats and workshops year-round. Be inspired by their modern vintage aesthetic at thevintageroundtop.com where you will also find details on the property, events and shop.

Wander Inn
The Junk Gypsies, Amie Sikes and Jolie Sikes-Smith, are opening up their guesthouse, previously available only to friends, like country singer Miranda Lambert, as an eight-room hotel called Wander Inn. Sign up for their newsletter to keep up with details on their progress at Gypsyville.com/wander-inn. 

WHERE TO EAT & DRINK 

The Garden Co.’s Feed and Firewater
An outpost of the original Garden Co. Marketplace & Café in Schulenburg, Texas, Feed and Firewater brings fresh ingredients to the table for fun appetizers, bright salads, yummy soups and a variety of creative lunch and dinner options, all in a beautiful bistro-style setting. For a look at the menu, visit thegardencoandcafe.com. 

Mandito’s
New to Round Top is Mandito’s, a concept by Armando and Cinda Palacios of Armando’s in Houston, which will occupy the building at the “corner of Main and Main,” across from the town courthouse. Fresh margaritas and Tex-Mex will be served. The couple also presents Lulu’s, an Italian pizzeria at the former location of The Stone Cellar. Details to come. Check lulustx.com and manditos.com. 

Market Hill Restaurant

Market Hill Restaurant
More than a shopping destination, Market Hill is a fun place to eat, drink and enjoy yourself with friends. Open daily during the show, choose from a variety of lunch and dinner specials, including Paul’s famous homemade red sauce and pasta. For a peek inside Market Hill, visit markethillroundtop.com. 

Prost on Block 29

Prost on Block 29
An intimate wine bar and shop housed in a stone cottage that happens to be the oldest building in Round Top. Order by the glass, bottle or case (to take home with you), and choose from handmade cheeses, farm-to-table vegetables, tapenades and charcuterie. Sit inside at the bar or at a small bistro table, or hang out on the outdoor patio around the fire pit. Open Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Learn more at prostonblock29.com. 

Rohan Meadery
Texas’ oldest meadery, Rohan Meadery specializes in the recreation of mankind's oldest fermented libation - mead. The tasting room is a popular stop for visitors coming into Round Top. For hours and more info, visit rohanmeadery.com. 

Royer’s Round Top Café and Pie Shop
Burgers, sandwiches and fresh-cut fries are some of the favorites here, but the real star of the show is the pie. Choose from apple, buttermilk, chocolate chip, pecan, cherry, strawberry rhubarb and more. Royer’s famous chicken dinner is served on Sunday from noon until they run out – the chicken is marinated for 24-hours in buttermilk and garlic then hand battered. It’s served family-style with mashed potato casserole and creamed corn. See the full menu at royersroundtopcafe.com.  

WHAT TO DO 

The Bugle BoyHoused in a World War II army barracks in La Grange, the Bugle Boy is an intimate concert hall booking Americana singer-songwriters as well as country, folk, blues and jazz bands on Friday and Saturday nights. Coffee, wine and beer are served. For a calendar of events, visit thebugleboy.org. 

Festival Hill Concert Hall
Founded in 1971 by world renowned concert pianist James Dick, Festival Hill is a 210-acre campus containing multiple performance facilities, historic houses, gardens, parks and nature preserves. Visit festivalhill.org for events. 

Round Top Family Library

Round Top Family Library
Round Top is the smallest incorporated Texas town to have a public library. It’s a great resource, preserving local history and offering community programs for children and adults. The library consists of two buildings, the main library in the former Hope Lutheran Church, a 1925 gothic-style building, and the Rummel Haus, which serves as an activity center. Learn more at ilovetoread.org. 

Round Top Family Library

The Stone Cellar & Round Top Dance Hall
An authentic 1907 Texas dance hall has been relocated to this site. The sign on the door reads, “Must wear boots inside the hall at all times.” Live music on the weekends. The Stone Cellar serves pizza, cold beer and wine. To view the menu, visit stonecellarwines.com. 

Paul Michael Company

From Little Rock, it’s a straight shot on US 65 South to Lake Village, Arkansas, along an entirely flat highway lined with farmland as far as the eye can see. This is the route people take, mostly just passing through, to Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida, but, for those who know, there is one place to stop: Paul Michael Company, a 30,000-SF shopping destination filled with beautiful furnishings, fine handcrafted pieces, antique rugs and original art. In addition to the flagship Lake Village store, founded in 1993, there are stores in Lafayette and Monroe, Louisiana, and Canton, Texas. 

Paul got his start selling jewelry at Canton Trade Days. His wife Debbie tells the story of how that came to be. 

“Paul had the opportunity to go to college at Louisiana Tech for his math skills,” she says. “But, somewhere along the line, his father said to him, ‘You’re wasting my money, and you’re wasting your time.’ This was the ’70s and, true to Paul’s nature and entrepreneurial spirit, he set out west in a hippie van.”

It was on this journey that Paul was inspired to make and sell his own jewelry, which he would sell or trade for other pieces and take it all to Canton Trade Days. 

Years later, at the height of his jewelry business, Paul was selling sterling silver jewelry to Dillard’s, Nordstrom and Macy’s in more than 700 stores.

“He has always been able to forecast trends,” Debbie says. “More than his ability to make or build stuff, he gets women. He understands what they want before they do.”  

Paul and Debbie met in Nashville, Tennessee, where she owned Betty Boop’s, one of the first vintage clothing stores in the country. Sharing a love of antiquing, the couple formed a bond and eventually a business. Paul Michael Company will celebrate its 25th anniversary this year.   
In Paul’s world, his principles are reclaim, reuse, recycle and redecorate. It was important to him to do something that separated Paul Michael Company from other businesses. This was the inspiration for Paul Michael Exclusives – 100% American made pieces constructed of mostly architectural salvage and reclaimed wood that Paul has been collecting for years. In Dermott, Arkansas, the woodshop is open seven days a week, developing, manufacturing and designing original pieces. Paul believes everybody is creative; they just need an opportunity to explore and express it. This is the place where that happens.  

Paul Michael Company’s newest creative endeavor is Market Hill in Round Top, Texas, the 130,000-SF space with seven buildings under one roof, including a restaurant. 

“Paul and I have been attending [Round Top] as customers and avid collectors for 10 years,” Debbie says. “Owning four stores required us to have a veracious appetite for curiosities, visual display pieces and items that could be recycled and reimagined into new tables, mirrors, tables and home decor. That was in the beginning of the upcycling and repurposing of antiques. It was also the beginning of the farm-to-table movement and anything that was farmhouse or cottage was so ‘in.’ Round Top was a treasure trove of all of those things. It was and still is a place of fantastic creativity.” 

“Shopping Round Top, it occurred to Paul that the simple logistics of picking up the stuff you bought, the difficulties for the antique dealers setting up, and lack of clean restrooms, led him down the path to creating Market Hill,” she says. 

“Something as simple as a way for [vendors] to hang a chandelier, designing a building to have the ability to use an 18-wheeler to transport their merchandise to the market, and more importantly a controlled environment for their customers to shop in comfort,” Debbie says, are the things that make Market Hill unique and attractive for vendors and shoppers alike. 

“The combination of the best antique dealers and artists in Round Top attracts the highest end customer who enjoy all the amenities.”

As for the creative process involved in selecting pieces for Paul Michael Company to bring to Market Hill, Debbie says, “Paul does not consider himself an artist per se, but he is always constantly involved in some creative process, in his artisan bread-making, designing a cooking utensil, and finally and most importantly with his furniture designs. Like most artists, a simple sunset can influence a color, an early masterpiece can inspire a new design for a table or, of late, natural stones and rocks tell him what shape a new table will look like. After that, listening to his customers’ reactions to the new pieces and the influence of the market helps him decided what to design and what to bring to the show.” 

Paul won’t reveal too much about the special pieces he has set aside for the spring show: “Heavy, large, natural, mineral, stone, involves welding, something no one has seen.” 

Come meet the man and woman behind Market Hill, Paul and Debbie Michael. For more, visit paulmichaelcompany.com. 

The Market Hill Experience

For many years, the typical Round Top experience included traipsing through the fields, sweating under Texas sun, enduring wind, rain or mud – all part of the thrill of the hunt.  
For vendors, setting up under tents had its challenges. Some vendors would opt to leave a few pieces behind, not wanting to expose them to the elements. 

Paul and Debbie Michael, founders of the Paul Michael Company, would make the trip to this antique mecca to secure special pieces for their four stores located in Lake Village, Arkansas, Lafayette and Monroe, Louisiana, and Canton, Texas. 

At each show, Paul would wonder what he could do to make the shopping experience better and to encourage more vendors to come and to bring more of their selections which would in turn bring more visitors. The idea for Market Hill began to take shape, to create a comfortable shopping experience for vendors and shoppers alike. 

Soon, Paul was purchased 22 acres of land, just north of Round Top along Highway 237. In 2016, he designed and built the 130,000-SF space with seven buildings under one roof with wide breezeways and large doors to make loading of antiques easier. 

“I believed in Paul’s concept of bringing comfort to the Round Top experience,” Ender Tasci of The Elephant Walk says of his friend Paul. “Our venue provides an incredible amount of the most reputable dealers with their exceptional selection of merchandise. Our climate-controlled showrooms, food and all the other amenities makes it a refuge for so many people visiting Round Top,” 

Paul Michael Company takes up 11,000-SF at the center of the structure with about 18 vendors filling the remaining showroom space, plus there’s the Restaurant at Market Hill with kitchen and dining area and restrooms. Amenities also include WiFi and parking. 

The word that comes up most often when vendors describe Market Hill is the experience. 

Vendor Don Orwig says, “Market Hill is just this kind of experience. A unique collection of some of the very best dealers who set-up at the Round Top shows. Most have years of experience, generous personalities, and a great desire to give the customers a warm and comfortable shopping trip, plus the food at Market Hill is the absolute best of any of the fields.” 

Susan Horne agrees and describes how much easier it is on vendors, “As a vendor at Market Hill, the experience that Paul Michael has created for us is amazing in so many ways. Our containers arrive right to our space and Market Hill provides help with the unloading, the installation of lighting, the placement of heavy items and so much more. The support I receive during and after the set up takes the stress out of doing a show. It really is enjoyable! I am thrilled to be able to have a presence at a unique, friendly and beautiful destination such as Market Hill.”

“I never dreamed that a venue like this could exist here in Round Top,” says Stephanie Wheeler, fine art painter and Market Hill vendor. “But Paul Michael did! And thank goodness for that! My customers have really appreciated all of the creature comforts that our venue has to offer. From wonderful food options to easy parking and of course A/C, Paul Michael and his team help in every way possible to deliver a fantastic experience for the shopper as well as the vendors.” 

For a first-time vendor, Stacy Graubart started as a shopper at Market Hill.  “This is my first experience as a vendor at Market Hill, but I have been a shopper at Market Hill since it first opened and am a huge fan. It is a unique shopping experience, as you have a large selection of quality vendors literally under one roof. There is no problem with wind, rain, or the hot Texas sun. It is the easiest shopping experience in all of Round Top as far as I am concerned,” Stacy says.

Vikki Vines of Gallery Auctions adds, “Part of what I think is exceptional about Market Hill is the design of the business itself. This is the most well-planned building! It is perfectly suitable to buyers and vendors. The management has a special vision. They are leaders in creating an environment that is appealing, provides all amenities from the food, the lighting, the parking, the late shopping - the complete experience. The variety of the vendors is so impressive with so many different items to enjoy.

Market Hill is open daily and offers lunch and dinner service. Sitting down at the family-style table, having a glass of wine and sharing stories from the fields is a great way to unwind after a long day.  

Location and contact info:
1542 Highway 237
Round Top, TX 78954
customerservice@paulmichaelhome.com
800.732.3722

Hours
Open daily
9 a.m.-9 p.m.
March 15-April 8