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Water Damage Restoration in Willow, TX
Owning a home or business is one of the hallmarks of living the American Dream. While there are many fulfilling and positive aspects of owning property, one of the challenges that owners face is property damage. This type of damage can be caused by a range of disasters, both man-made and natural. Of all the types of property damage, water damage is among the most common.
Water can spread quickly throughout your property, causing damage to furniture and porous materials as it moves. In the blink of an eye, you could be looking at substantial rotting, warping, and even mold growth. That's why water damage restoration in Willow, TX is so important - to mitigate the damage to your home and help prevent it from happening in the future.
Trying to overcome flooding and other water-related disasters on your own can seem like a lost cause. But with Disaster Response by your side, you don't have to lose hope. As a local water damage clean-up company, we provide comprehensive restoration services to properties of all sizes in Willow. From the first time we assess your water damage to the time we mitigate and restore, we're here for you.
Fire Damage for Lisa Beadle
Mold Remediation for Terrence Bufford
Sewer Backup for Matt Penny
Soot Removal for Donald Moore
Water Damage for David Chapple
Fire Damage for Katya Thomas
Mold Remediation for Korie “Scud” Holdgraf
Sewer Backup for Jennifer Richardson
Soot Removal for Cerise Womack
Water Damage for Brian Dailey
Fire Damage for Tammy Kwiatkoski
Mold Remediation for Randi Brammeier
Dealing with property damage can be overwhelming. You're likely concerned about a few key things:
Navigating the insurance claim process
We guide you through every step, ensuring you understand the process and get the most out of your claim.
Scheduling for a quick and quality completion
We provide a clear timeline for restoration, prioritizing both speed and quality, so you can get back to normal as soon as possible.
You might also be thinking about:
Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.
Understanding the full scope of the damage and what needs to be done:We conduct a thorough assessment of the damage and provide a detailed plan of action, so you know exactly what to expect.
Knowing the costs upfront and avoiding unexpected expenses: We provide transparent pricing and a detailed estimate before any work begins, so there are no surprises along the way.
Preventing future issues, such as mold growth or structural problems: We don't just fix the visible damage—we address the root causes to prevent future issues, giving you peace of mind.
Protecting your belongings and valuables from further damage: We take extra care to safeguard your possessions during the restoration process, minimizing any further impact.
Minimizing disruption to your daily life or business operations: We work efficiently and flexibly to reduce the disruption to your routine, allowing you to continue with your life or business as smoothly as possible.
Finding a trustworthy team to handle your property with care: Our experienced and highly-trained professionals treat your property as if it were their own, ensuring the highest standard of care.
Ensuring the job is done right the first time: We pride ourselves on doing the job right the first time, using industry-leading techniques and thorough quality checks to ensure lasting results.
Receiving clear communication and updates throughout the restoration process: We keep you informed every step of the way, providing regular updates and clear communication, so you're never left in the dark.
Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.
At Disaster Response, It's All About You
As a second-generation disaster response company, we know that our work is never about us. At its most basic, it's always about you—your situation, your needs, and your satisfaction. We engineer our processes to help you quickly recover from water floods and disasters. Our total focus is on you, our valued customer. And that, in a nutshell, is what makes Disaster Response one of the most trusted and highly-rated water restoration companies in Willow.
Instead of focusing on profit, bottom lines, and yearly projections, we make you our priority. That's why we're serious about providing expert-level disaster preparedness and response services when you need them the most. Could you imagine trying to decipher misleading fine print or dealing with a pushy salesperson when you're just trying to get your life back together? That's not the Disaster Response way, and it never will be.
We don't just clean up after water leaks, floods, or other disasters; we go above and beyond by providing a consultative approach that serves you for years to come. We assist you in dealing with insurance adjusters to ensure you get the coverage you deserve without unnecessary delays. We make it a point to meticulously review every detail of your claim and work hard to make sure adjusters understand the full extent of your losses. We can also provide guidance on how and when to engage a public adjuster to bypass inefficiencies in the insurance process. At the end of the day, we strive to provide peace of mind during your difficult time and work tirelessly to get your property back to its pre-loss condition.
The Disaster Response Difference
Professional Technicians, Technology, and Processes
In fact, we'll dispatch a team of water disaster technicians to you within three minutes. We'll also advise you on what can be done to minimize the water damage in your home or business. Our water damage restoration team will use cutting-edge technology and IICRC-approved methods to restore as much of your property as possible.
Insurance Advocacy
Disaster Response works one-on-one with you and your insurance provider to expedite the claims process and get your home back to normal as soon as possible.
Satisfaction Guaranteed
We're proud of our work and stand behind every project we complete. Our goal is to exceed expectations and provide peace of mind throughout every step of your water damage restoration process. If you're not satisfied for any reason, we'll listen to your concerns and work tirelessly to rectify any issues that need addressing.
Jeremy Dunaway
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From water and fire damage to mold remediation, ( No Fuss Solutions ) doesn't just follow industry norms-they set new ones. Our rigorous vetting process ensures that ( No Fuss Solutions ) exceeds expectations, delivering cutting-edge solutions for your emergency needs.
When you choose Disaster 911 and ( No Fuss Solutions ), you're opting for a dynamic partnership that prioritizes effective, next-level recovery. Don't settle for the ordinary-when disaster strikes, choose the best in emergency response.
22803 Tuwa Rd, Tomball, TX 77375
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Your Guide to Water Damage Restoration in Willow, TX
Water damage restoration is a key step in remediating damage to your home, both structurally and aesthetically. Damage from water doesn't just affect the walls, floors, and ceilings in your home. It can also cause deeper issues that, when untreated, can weaken your foundation significantly and lead to long-term instability.
As if that weren't enough, water damage can present health hazards to your friends, family, and pets. Ignoring water damage can also result in irreversible harm to your belongings, including furniture, electronics, and sentimental items, leading to financial loss and emotional distress. Professional water clean-up services can repair the damage to your property, help protect valuable assets, and re-establish your home or business as a safe, healthy environment for occupants.
What Makes Our Water Damage Company in Willow, TX, Different from Others?
One of the most common questions we get at Disaster Response is, "What separates you from other water damage clean-up companies in Willow?" The first and easiest answer to that question centers around our commitment to customer service. We hold our clients in high regard because, without them, there would be no Disaster Response. As such, we work tirelessly to provide them with quality work from friendly and helpful technicians, regardless of the size of their home or business.
But that's just the start. Our clients recommend friends and family to our business because we prioritize the following:
Cost
Investing in damage restoration for your home is a smart move that can help reduce long-term costs. The best part? Our services are covered by insurance companies, so there's less worry about paying out of pocket.
Technicians
Every member of our team has years of experience, specialized training, and certifications in handling water damage. We prioritize our customers' well-being and meticulously attend to every detail to prevent any potential mold-related issues in the future. From single-family homes to
Time
Water disasters happen quicker than you might think. The next, you're pulling in your driveway to a flooded home. When you call our office, we'll get to work assessing the cause of your water damage and how extensive the water damage is in your home or business. From there, we'll dispatch a team of IICRC water damage restoration experts to your location.
Tools
Disaster Response has made significant investments in cutting-edge water damage equipment, including inspection tools that enable thorough water removal. Our technicians have undergone extensive training to operate these machines and know when and when not to use them.
Process
For over 40 years, we have been helping with water damage issues, refining our process along the way. We can quickly find hidden damages that others might miss and document everything for your insurance company.
Reliable Water Damage Restoration Network
We aren't afraid to ask for help if it means a safer, more enjoyable environment for your family or customers. In fact, we have access to a network of industry pros who are experts in a range of water damage services. To make your life a little easier, we also work with insurance professionals who assist with the claims process.
What Does Disaster Response Fix?
As an IICRC-certified water damage contractor in Willow, TX, our technicians can address several areas of your home or business that have been damaged by a water disaster.
- Floors: It's very important to take the necessary time and steps to effectively dry your floors to prevent any potential water damage and mold growth in the future.
- Walls: Depending on the amount of water that enters your business or home, the structural integrity of your property may be at stake. Our technicians will evaluate the situation, inspect your property, and replace materials damaged by water.
- Rugs: If your rugs get wet during flooding or from another water disaster, they may be salvageable. We'll work hard to save all the rugs in your property.
- Furniture: Your furniture is probably expensive and may hold a certain level of sentimental value.
Disaster Response specializes in every kind of damage caused by rain, wind, or snowstorms. We handle water damage, mold, mildew, and more, and can be at your home or office within an hour of your call to assess the situation and put a water damage restoration plan into action.
What Tools Does Disaster Response Use for Water Damage Clean-Up?
We only use the best equipment! With our extensive experience in the Willow restoration industry, we've acquired state-of-the-art tools designed to tackle a wide range of challenges. This experience has also allowed our technicians to identify which type of equipment is best for a particular situation. Some of the most common water damage restoration tools we use include:
Infrared Cameras
Our infrared cameras give us the ability to see moisture in walls and ceilings that is not visible to the naked eye, almost like having "X-ray" vision. This capability allows us to detect and address trapped and hidden humidity, significantly reducing the risk of mold growth.
Moisture Meters
We use moisture meters to measure moisture levels in cellulose material. Before and after the drying process, we will conduct moisture readings in all areas of your property. If we detect moisture in an unaffected area of your building, we'll get to work quickly to dry it.
Air Movers
This equipment is designed to work in conjunction with our dehumidifiers. While our dehumidifiers extract moisture from the air and convert it to a liquid, our Air Mover helps to circulate this moisture in the air so that the dehumidifier can effectively remove it.
Ozone Generators
These advanced tools enable us to cleanse affected surfaces and the air in a more effective manner. Ozone Generators work by causing oxygen molecules to implode, making them a valuable deodorization tool.
Xtreme Xtractor
This tool is great for tackling tough moisture after water damage. It allows us to apply direct pressure to a surface, like a carpet, that has soaked up water. The pressure helps draw out the water, making it easier to remove.
Top 3 Types of Water Damage You Should Know About
Water damage can strike without warning and can wreak havoc on your property, leaving you feeling hopeless and overwhelmed. Whether it's from a burst pipe, a severe storm, or an overflowing appliance, your property needs immediate water damage clean-up in Willow, TX, to prevent further harm. Here are the top three types of water damage you should know about:
Clean Water Damage
This type of water damage happens from a "clean" source, such as rainwater or a broken pipe in your home. It's easier to clean up than others on this list but can still cause extensive property damage when ignored.
Gray Water Damage
Gray water damage stems from appliances such as toilets without feces, washing machines, and dishwashers. Gray water sometimes contains bacteria and contaminants that can make you or your family sick.
Black Water Damage
The name alone indicates the severity of this type of water damage. It's caused by backed-up sewer lines, river flooding, and standing water that supports bacteria growth. Black water presents serious health hazards and needs to be handled by professional water damage contractors.
If you suspect your home or business has been damaged by one or more of the types of water above, take the following steps:
- Be Safe: Turn off all electricity running through your property. Don't go near or touch any water you believe to be contaminated.
- Stop the Source of Water: If you're able, put a stop to the water at its source. That way, you can prevent more damage.
- Call Disaster Response: Contact our water damage company ASAP for water restoration services. Our team is available 24/7 to respond to emergencies.
Our Process for Water Damage Restoration in Willow, TX
Having a water damage restoration company by your side who knows how to remediate moisture is a key factor in getting your life back on track. At Disaster Response, we have refined our process over 40+ years of water damage clean-up experience. That way, we can provide customers with reliable, comprehensive service when they need it the most.
We utilize powerful pumps and vacuums to eliminate standing water from your property. Swift water removal is essential in minimizing damage and lowering the likelihood of mold growth. Our team is dedicated to ensuring efficient water extraction to prevent any additional complications.
After extracting water from your property, we dry and dehumidify the impacted areas. We use industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers to do so to eliminate moisture from walls, floors, and furniture. Proper drying helps prevent warping, swelling, and the growth of mold.
Whenever we deal with water damage, we have to address the potential contaminants and bacteria that can enter your home. We make sure to thoroughly clean and sanitize all affected areas to create a safe living environment. This involves cleaning carpets, upholstery, and personal belongings. Our technicians also use antimicrobial treatments to prevent mold and bacterial growth.
The final step in the process is the restoration of your home to its pre-damage condition. This comprehensive restoration process may encompass a range of tasks, from minor repairs such as replacing drywall and installing new carpeting to major reconstruction efforts. Rest assured that Disaster Response is fully equipped to manage all aspects of water damage restoration, from start to finish.
- Maintenance: Have your business or home's roof, appliances, and plumbing inspected by professionals to spot early signs of wear and tear.
- Water Alarms: If there is a flood or leak in your home, a water alarm can alert you so that you can take action immediately.
- Drainage: Your home needs proper drainage systems in place at all times. To prevent water buildup, be sure to unclog your downspouts and gutters.
- Cracks and Gaps: Be sure to seal up any cracks and gaps in your property's foundation to limit water from getting inside.
The Water Damage Company in Willow, TX, You Can Trust
When you want a great steak, you don't go to a fast-food joint and expect a filet. When you need quality disaster response services from licensed professionals, you don't go to a fly-by-night shop. You contact Disaster Response.
As a local water damage clean-up business, we believe that providing clients with effective service that they can rely on in times of stress is of utmost importance. While some of our competitors prioritize profits over people, you can rest easy knowing we care about you - and that's something you can always count on when you choose our water damage company.
Whether a pipe has burst in your commercial space and your showroom is flooding, or your home has standing water from a Willow rainstorm, we're here for you 24/7. Contact our office to learn more about the Disaster Response difference or to schedule an inspection for your property today.
Contact Your Emergency Disaster Response Now!
Latest News in Willow, TX
North Texas Carnival of the Arts
Dallas Newshttps://www.dallasnews.com/event/54c90959-1276-885d-f46c-532d7488fa25/
The Collaborative Arts of Plano in partnership with The Shops of Willow Bend presents the North Texas Carnival of the Arts on Saturday, September 28 at The Shops of Willow Bend in Plano. The largest North Texas indoor arts festival, this free family friendly arts festival will run from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in and near the Grand Court of The Shops of Willow Bend.The festival will feature free, hands on fun visual and performing arts opportunities both on and off the stage as well as opportunities to shop local artists for a perfect gift...
The Collaborative Arts of Plano in partnership with The Shops of Willow Bend presents the North Texas Carnival of the Arts on Saturday, September 28 at The Shops of Willow Bend in Plano. The largest North Texas indoor arts festival, this free family friendly arts festival will run from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in and near the Grand Court of The Shops of Willow Bend.
The festival will feature free, hands on fun visual and performing arts opportunities both on and off the stage as well as opportunities to shop local artists for a perfect gift!
Plano Comedy Festival Magician Gregg Ka-zam performs at 10 a.m. Get artsy with hands on visual art activities, exhibits, performances, art demonstrations, gymnastics floor routines, yoga, facepainting, stage combat, Flash Mob, contests, and Disney Singalong workshops.
The first five hundred families to register for the free event will receive a special promo bag and be entered into a special drawing for gift certificates from The Shops of Willow Bend merchants and gift certificates from Plano arts organizations. To register for the event, go to: bit.ly/carnivalofthearts.
Yoga
Start off your day with Yoga with Nruthya Skakti Dance Academy in the Grand Court. Bring your yoga mat! Let us know you are coming: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080849AEA929A1F85-51515091-yoga.
Flash Mob
Garage Arts Project is leading a flash mob which will perform at 12:20 p.m. in the Grand Court. To register for the flash mob, please register at Signup Genius - https://tinyurl.com/FlashMobGAP. The YouTube link for rehearsal is: https://youtu.be/xC1c5yoe2Bc. All who register for the flash mob will have an opportunity for a rehearsal with the artists on Wednesday, Sept 25th at 8:00 PM on ZOOM. On Saturday, September 28, Flash Mob dancers should arrive at the Grand Court of The Shops at Willow Bend at noon with a 12:20 performance.
Free Workshops –
Stage Combat presented by Rover Dramawerks
Saturday, September 28, 11 a.m. to Noon: Rover Dramawerks presents a Stage Compact Class with fight choreographer Michael McMillan. Location: Impact Room at Shops at Willow Bend. Demo on main stage following. Sign up here: https://ntpa.thundertix.com/events/234433
Disney Sing Along presented by Children’s Chorus of Collin County
Saturday, September 28, 1 - 1:55 p.m. Children's Chorus Collin County presents Disney Sing Along - sing along with the members of the Children's Chorus of Collin County and perform on stage at 1:55. Music provided. Workshop in Impact Room at the Shops at Willow Bend.
Sign up here:
https://ntpa.thundertix.com/events/234433
North Texas Carnival Of The Arts Planned For Plano, Texas
Matilda Preisendorfhttps://www.localprofile.com/arts-culture/north-texas-carnival-of-the-arts-planned-for-plano-texas-9537833
The first 500 people to register will receive exclusive opportunities Listen to this article 00:02:36 The Collaborative Arts of Plano, in partnership with The Shops of Willow Bend, will present the ...
The first 500 people to register will receive exclusive opportunities
Listen to this article 00:02:36
The Collaborative Arts of Plano, in partnership with The Shops of Willow Bend, will present the North Texas Carnival of the Arts on Sept. 28, at The Shops of Willow Bend in Plano.
This free, family-friendly arts festival will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in and around the Grand Court of The Shops of Willow Bend. Enjoy a day of hands-on visual and performing arts experiences, both on and off the stage, and take the opportunity to shop for unique gifts from local artists.
The first 500 people to register for the free event will receive an exclusive promo bag and will be entered into a special drawing for gift certificates from The Shops of Willow Bend merchants as well as from Plano arts organizations.
The carnival will host a wide array of hands-on visual art activities, captivating exhibits and performances from talented groups and individuals. Experience the artistic offerings of the Plano Art Association, North Texas Performing Arts, Chamberlain Ballet, ArtCentre of Plano, Plano Metropolitan Ballet, Plano International Arts Festival, Children’s Chorus of Collin County, Plano African Art Museum, Plano Community Band, Collin College and so much more. North Texas Performing Arts will chair the event.
“I am thrilled to partner with Collaborative Arts of Plano to present the North Texas Carnival of the Arts,” said The Shops of Willow Bend Marketing Director Krista Medlock in an official statement. “By bringing together such a diverse array of local artists and performers, we aim to create an inspiring and inclusive environment where families and individuals of all ages can experience the transformative power of the arts. We believe this event will not only celebrate the incredible talent within our community but also strengthen the bonds that make Plano a unique and thriving destination.”
Additionally, North Texas Performing Arts announced the inaugural North Texas' Got Talent contest, offering local performers a chance to compete for $1,000 in cash prizes! Participants can submit their audition videos online, and the contest will culminate in a live performance during the North Texas Carnival of the Arts on September 28 at The Shops at Willow Bend in Plano, Texas.
Performers are invited to go to ntpa.org/got-talent for program details, contest rules and a link to upload their audition submission. Entry fees of $20 may be waived upon need-based application.
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NFL Players from Willowridge H.S. (Houston, TX)
Staffhttps://superwestsports.com/nfl-players-from-willowridge-h-s-houston-tx/
Here’s an up-to-date list of all NFL Players from Willowridge High School, Houston, Texas.The list includes only those players who have played in an NFL game.See where it ranks among other schools in the state here....
Here’s an up-to-date list of all NFL Players from Willowridge High School, Houston, Texas.
The list includes only those players who have played in an NFL game.
See where it ranks among other schools in the state here.
NFL Players from Willowridge HS
| Player | Pos | Teams | From | To |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aviante Collins | OG | MIN,DAL,CHI | 2017 | 2023 |
| Manuel Ramirez | G | DET,DEN | 2007 | 2015 |
| Jason Webster | DB | SFO,ATL,BUF,NWE | 2000 | 2008 |
| Albert Johnson | WR | MIA,NYJ | 2002 | 2003 |
| O.J. Brigance | OLB | MIA,BAL,STL,NWE | 1996 | 2002 |
| Allen Aldridge | LB | DEN,DET | 1994 | 2001 |
| Derrick Harris | RB | STL,SDG | 1996 | 2001 |
| Reggie Waddell | DB | BAL | 2001 | 2001 |
| Thurman Thomas | RB | BUF,MIA | 1988 | 2000 |
| Sedric Clark | LB | BAL | 1996 | 1996 |
| Eric England | DE | ARI | 1994 | 1996 |
| Selwyn Jones | DB | CLE,NOR,SEA | 1993 | 1996 |
| Charles Arbuckle | TE | IND | 1992 | 1995 |
| Stan Petry | DB | KAN,NOR | 1989 | 1991 |
| Michael LeBlanc | RB | NWE | 1987 | 1987 |
Provided by Pro-Football-Reference.com
Willow House in Terlingua Offers Out-of-This-World Views
Clayton Maxwellhttps://texashighways.com/travel/lodging/willow-house-terlingua-out-of-this-world-views/
Free spirits flock to West Texas to stargaze and see the Chisos MountainsPhotos by E. Dan KlepperIf the desert is a play, then Willow House owner Lauren Werner is its set designer. Every detail of her singular Terlingua hotel, comprised of small concrete boxes located 6 miles from Big Bend National Park, has been arranged for visitors to bear witness to the wild pageant of nature. The porch of each casita is a front-row seat to the Chisos Mountains and their ever-shifting drama of color, shadows, and light. Werner designed th...
Free spirits flock to West Texas to stargaze and see the Chisos Mountains
Photos by E. Dan Klepper
If the desert is a play, then Willow House owner Lauren Werner is its set designer. Every detail of her singular Terlingua hotel, comprised of small concrete boxes located 6 miles from Big Bend National Park, has been arranged for visitors to bear witness to the wild pageant of nature. The porch of each casita is a front-row seat to the Chisos Mountains and their ever-shifting drama of color, shadows, and light. Werner designed the hotel with the goal of making sure no one misses the show.
Willow House23112 FM 170,Terlingua.Rates begin at $630 per two-night stay.432-213-2270; willowhouse.co
Take what I call the “star bed.” Near the ravine that edges the arid 287-acre property of rocks and creosote brush, Werner has installed a padded platform that dangles from a steel frame, suspended in midair. It’s the place to be at night, when the cosmos reveals itself. As stars overtook the Dark Sky territory, I settled in and would not leave until I saw a shooting star. The golden blaze finally came, and when it did, I whooped from the thrill of it.
Willow House, which opened in September 2019, is Werner’s first hotel. The 29-year-old began planning it when she was in her early 20s. Although she has no formal education in architecture—Werner studied pre-law at Southern Methodist University in Dallas—she designed and served as the main contractor for the project. Her parents are developers, so she grew up with blueprints and knows her way around a construction site.
Many have assumed Willow House was inspired by Donald Judd, the artist whose installation piece of concrete boxes in a field in Marfa could be the cousin of Willow House. “That’s not a bad thing at all,” Werner says about the comparison to Judd. But Werner’s muse was painter Georgia O’Keeffe’s home in Abiquiu, New Mexico. “I love how her windows frame the land,” Werner says. “Every window and every patio at Willow House are a perfect frame of either the Chisos or Santa Elena Canyon without any sort of obstruction in between.”
The layout of Willow House is modeled after a Texas ranch property with a balance of private and communal spaces. Guests stay in one of 12 private casitas, which vary in size from roughly 300 to 700 square feet and are decked out with decadent touches: alpaca throw blankets, Aesop bath products, fluffy robes. The spacious main house is the hub of communal action, as are the many outdoor dining areas, fire pits, and patios. Guests can cook their own meals using the outdoor grill or gourmet kitchen. No guests under the age of 12 are allowed, unless you rent the entire property.
The main house is streamlined luxury, with smooth concrete walls and a built-in, sunken lounge pit. Even the kitchen shelving feels like art, with rows of pottery and silver wine glasses. I find myself lifting up the earth-toned coffee mugs and soft Turkish towels—available to take on your trip to Boquillas Hot Springs—to see who makes them. It takes time to find so many gorgeous things, and to gather it all here out on the edge of nowhere seems like a feat worth bowing down to.
When I walked into the main house for an early morning coffee, no one was there, but music from an iPad made the space welcoming in the darkness just before sunrise. I took note of the music, and Dan Auerbach and Khruangbin are now also on my playlists. I’d planned to sit by the big glass doors overlooking the Chisos to watch the sunrise alone, but it was so startling—a fiery swatch of pink and orange—that I had to run back to the casita to make sure my husband was awake to see it, too.
Guests are encouraged to mingle with one another even in the relative solitude of the environs. The people we met, mostly couples, were excited by the beauty around us. “I grew up in Africa, so I saw the Milky Way every time we went on safari,” a dental hygienist who had just moved to Texas from Washington, D.C., told my husband by the fire pit. “This is my first time to see it in the U.S.” Another guest chimed in: “I’m from Boston, where I guess we only have about two stars. So, this is nuts.”
Not until we were tucked away on our casita’s front porch did we realize just how much voices carry in the desert. Eavesdropping was inevitable, part of the desert play. A guy in his early 30s walked nearby, talking on his cell phone. “Dude. I’m in Terlingua. It’s near Marfa. You should see the sunset.” Or the newly engaged couple by the fire pit: “What’s that bright one? A planet? I don’t know. Well, don’t you have your star app thingy?”
The setting is so spectacular, it’s hard not to constantly snap photos. We were a small band of sky watchers, phones in hand, stumbling over desert rocks because our eyes were turned upward, smiling as we passed each other.
Harmony between space and nature underscores every detail of Willow House. Werner lived on-site for much of the year it took to build the hotel, so her relationship with the land informed the design. The hues of rocks around the property inspired all of her choices, from furniture to art to dishware. Werner decided to leave the casitas in their natural brown concrete color because the brown blended into the topography. She and three friends handpicked red rocks from the volcanic fault line that runs through a remote section of the property to build the gabions (wire cages filled with rocks) that edge the main house. “We hauled up 45 truckloads of these rocks, and you still can’t notice a dent in the land,” Werner says.
Ocotillo, a long and spindly succulent whose tips bloom red in the spring, also plays a role in the aesthetic. Werner transplanted a few dozen of them to line the drive to the main house, and the roof over the outdoor dining area is built from dried ocotillo branches. If you’re lucky enough to be there when it rains, you’ll see their lanky grey limbs burst with green leaves. “People are mesmerized by these ocotillos,” Werner says. “I think it’s because they just stand out so much in comparison to this stark landscape.”
Listening to Werner talk about rocks, ocotillo, and the way the light at dusk hits the craggy face of Willow Mountain, it’s hard to imagine her in law school. That had been the plan, but then a family friend encouraged her otherwise. “He said, ‘You’re creative and also extremely impatient,’” Werner explains. “‘I know you’re going to want to start your own thing, so you shouldn’t spend five years of your life figuring that out.’”
Werner took his advice. After a yearlong stint working in commercial real estate development, she bought this patch of rough land in Terlingua. She drew construction plans using basic architectural design software. Once a roof was on, she slept on a mattress in whatever room wasn’t being worked on so she could be on-site. There wasn’t electricity, but sleeping there was the only way she could keep the project moving. “I was here morning until night for the framers.”
After a day in Big Bend, my husband and I are on our casita porch looking back at the Chisos, where we had just hiked. The furry tarantula that darted across our trail, the red-headed woodpeckers that made the piney woods sound like a carpenter’s studio, the mama bear and two cubs that some fellow hikers spotted but we missed—they are all there in those distant purple mountains we’d just explored. The golden light across the landscape crests, plateaus, and descends, highlighting first one mesa and then another, as if it’s saying, “Look at this! Now, look at this!” And we look because we don’t want to miss the best show in town.
Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park, on either side of Willow House, are International Dark Sky Parks, marking this area as ideal for stellar observations.
Highly rated phone apps like Stellarium and Google Star Walk let you know what you’re seeing, and they have red-light night mode to preserve your eyes’ adaptation to darkness.
Easy-to-spot constellations include Pleiades, for about four months in autumn and winter, and Orion in late spring. Many other constellations are also viewable.
Bring binoculars. When the moon is full, you can get a good look at its surface.
From the April 2021 issue
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