River City Tribune, August 13th, 1999.

Old white house begins new century as elegant Kingsland Old Town Grill

reprinted from The River City Tribune, August 13th, 1999

By Linda Ware of the Tribune News Staff

KINGSLAND - Folks passing by the old white house on the Antler's property on Highway 1431 in Kingsland have been keeping an eye on the renovation and rebuilding for months. A bit of its history has leaked out into the community and garnered even more interest. Now, the white house begins its second century with renewed elegance and a new purpose as home to the Kingsland Old Town Grill.

The house was built in the late 1890s on a hilltop just inside Williamson County, now the southern edge of Round Rock. It was a magnificent house for its time with 12-foot ceilings, transom window, three angular rooms and extensive moldings and paneling. One of the most striking architectural features, other than the complex roof with upper balcony and lighting rods, is the curved entry hall, fashionable at the time.

The house sheltered a succession of farm and ranch families until the 1970s. And, it survived without major renovation or modernization and the woodwork remained intact and unpainted. Then, in 1973, the house served as the movie set for "Texas Chainsaw Massacre."

Unfortunately, movie stardom attracted vandals and the house ended up with only one window and only five unbroken spindles.

The house was moved to Kingsland in the summer of 1998 in seven pieces over five days. Anthony Mayfield, manager of the Antler's Hotel, and his crew put the house back together like a puzzle.

And once again, the elegant old white house stands proudly. Owner Cheryl Brooks opened the Kingsland Old Town Grill Aug. 4 and has been busy as a bee ever since. Her mother, Noreta Genton, a veteran of more than 30 years in the restaurant business, has been on hand as a consultant throughout the opening. She sold her restaurant, The Cold Water Cattle Co., in Coleman last year and is in the process of moving to the Highland Lakes Area.

The ambiance in the beautiful old white house is worth the trip to the Kingsland Old Town Grill. When you first enter the restaurant, the beautiful, highly-polished stairway is the first thing that catches your eye. The stairs were an integral part of the Chainsaw movie. That's where "Sally" runs to escape the evil "Leatherface" and eventually jumps out of the window at the top. They are also in the scenes where the hitchhiker and Leatherface carry Grandpa down for dinner. But that is only significant to fans of the old movie. Right now, the upstairs serves as living quarters for Cheryl and Noreta.

The atmosphere is certainly a drawing card to the restaurant, but the food will keep customers coming back again and again.

"Cheryl definitely knows her way around a kitchen." Noreta said. "She's been cooking since she was 13 years old." Plus, Edward Massey has hired on as chef. The menu features everything from burgers to steaks, including (of course) chicken-fried steak. Lunch specials are served Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.

"Eventually, we'll apply for a private club license and serve alcoholic drinks." Noreta said. "But for the time being, folks are welcome to bring their own wine or liquor - anything but beer coolers."

The restaurant is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. and from 5 to 10 p.m. It is closed Monday and Tuesdays.

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The Antlers

1001 King St., Kingsland, Texas 78639-5252 E-mail: Innkeeper@TheAntlers.com
Phone: (325) 388-4411 Tollfree: (800) 383-0007 Fax: (325) 388-6488