Emerald Stay Goes Global

French Cowboys Homes built its reputation over time through attention to detail, a personal approach to welcoming guests, and a collection of homes chosen with care, primarily across Austin and the Texas Hill Country. At its core, it has always been about knowing each home and understanding what makes a stay feel considered. That foundation remains. Now, they have become part of Emerald Stay. The local team continues to lead in Texas with the same familiarity and dedication, supported by a broader structure that brings added perspective and reach. For guests and homeowners alike, the experience remains personal, attentive, and carefully managed, with a wider sense of connection beyond Texas.

Austin: The centre of the collection

Austin is renowned as the Live Music Capital of the World. It's a label well deserved, given the staggering variety of music venues. Music is woven into everyday life, with venues across the city hosting live performances each week, from intimate neighbourhood stages to massive events like South by Southwest, a city-wide festival that brings together film, music, and technology, drawing creatives and audiences from around the world. Austin is also home to the Circuit of the Americas, which hosts the United States Grand Prix. This adds an international sporting event to the city's cultural calendar. In addition to the big events, Austin's setting and way of life give it a lot of its character. Lady Bird Lake runs through the city centre, providing space for walking, biking, and spending time on the water. The food scene is equally defining, influenced by Texan and Mexican traditions, where everything from street tacos to long-established barbecue spots forms part of the experience.

Texas Hill Country: Space to explore

The Texas Hill Country stretches across central Texas with rolling hills, rivers, and space. Known for its natural springs and swimming spots, the area boasts underground aquifers that feed them. Jacob's Well and Blue Hole are just a couple of the attractions that draw people in during the summer. Beyond the water, the region is also home to one of the largest wine-producing areas in the United States. Between Dripping Springs and Fredericksburg, you'll find numerous vineyards and tasting rooms, offering a more personal wine country experience. Time is often spent outdoors here, whether hiking Enchanted Rock, a vast pink granite dome and a designated International Dark Sky Park known for its exceptionally clear night skies, or following scenic roads lined with bluebonnets in spring. Food also remains central to this experience, from barbecue institutions such as The Salt Lick to a growing farm-to-table scene rooted in local produce and tradition.

Fredericksburg: Defined by heritage

In the heart of the Hill Country, Fredericksburg reflects its German origins throughout the town, from its architecture to its food and way of life. Founded in 1846 by German immigrants, that influence remains present along Main Street. There, you'll find independent stores, bakeries, traditional beer gardens, and wine-tasting rooms. Local wines are frequently served with dishes that draw from both Texan and German culinary traditions. The area has become one of the most established wine regions in Texas, with the 290 Wine Trail linking dozens of vineyards. Fredericksburg's personality flows with the seasons, from the spring bloom of wildflowers at Wildseed Farms to autumn's Oktoberfest, when the town is full of music, traditional food, and celebration. It is also home to the National Museum of the Pacific War, adding a historical dimension to an otherwise relaxed, small-town setting.

New Braunfels: Life by the water

Set between Austin and San Antonio, New Braunfels is centred around the Comal and Guadalupe Rivers, which play an important role in daily life. Founded in 1845 by German settlers, the town's heritage runs through its architecture and long-standing traditions. The Comal, one of the shortest navigable rivers in Texas, is known for its clear, steady flow, while the Guadalupe offers a longer, more winding route through cypress-lined banks. Schlitterbahn, one of the most established waterparks in the United States, welcomes visitors each year with waterslides fed by natural spring water. Beyond the rivers, the town's character shows itself in places like Gruene Hall, the oldest dance hall in Texas, where live music remains part of everyday life, and in annual events such as Wurstfest, a ten-day celebration of its German roots with food, music, and community.

Lake Travis: Centred on the lake

Just west of Austin, Lake Travis stretches for over 60 miles through the Hill Country, formed by the Colorado River and framed by limestone cliffs and oak-covered hills. It is one of the clearest and deepest lakes in Texas, known for its turquoise water and long, open views. Life here is tied to the lake itself, from boating and swimming to paddleboarding and lakeside dining. Spots such as Pace Bend Park offer access to quieter coves and walking trails, while The Oasis, set high above the water, has become known for its sunset views across the lake. Created in the 1940s with the construction of Mansfield Dam, Lake Travis has grown into one of central Texas's most established destinations.

Texas: Our next chapter

Texas stands apart for its range, from cities with a strong cultural presence to smaller towns with deep-rooted history, and landscapes that open out in every direction. There is a consistency in how people experience the region: direct, welcoming, and grounded in quality. As Laurent Lacourt, our CEO and Co-founder, notes, "Entering the US market is a natural step in our ambition to establish Emerald Stay as a global benchmark in hospitality." It is a place full of character, and one we are proud to be part of.