Our Story
An irreplaceable piece of Granbury history, The Nutt House Hotel holds a unique historical part of this charming Texas town.
How it Began
The Nutt brothers were a well-known family in Granbury. Despite 2 of them being blind from childhood, they embarked on their entrepreneurial journey. David Lee was the eyes for Jacob and Jesse Lee Nutt and played a pivotal role in the family’s legacy. They started their business in 1874 under a simple tent and later moved to a log house before upgrading to a beautifully built limestone building that houses the hotel today.
The transformation into a hotel began almost by chance with the youngest brother, David Lee Nutt, and his wife Sudie, offering their personal residence, a few blocks away, to host businessmen visiting Granbury. In 1910 it gained fame as the “Nutt House Hotel,” eventually moving to the second floor of the limestone mercantile building in 1916 where it currently resides today.
Happenings of the hotel
Since 1916, the Nutt House Hotel has stood as a beacon of luxury and history on the bustling Granbury Square. Initially operating from the second floor above the Nutt Brothers Mercantile, the hotel boasted ten well-appointed suites complemented by two communal bathrooms, considered opulent and spa-like for their time. The establishment was a testament to early 20th-century elegance, featuring a guest sitting room and a grand staircase, constructed from native East Texas Wood and local Texas limestone, that lent a warm, inviting ambiance to the structure.
Mary Lou Watkins
Mary Lou Watkins, David Lee Nutt’s Granddaughter and a pivotal figure in the hotel’s history, began managing the Nutt House in 1967. Renowned for her dedication and the iconic bell she rang at lunchtime, Mary Lou became a symbol of the hotel’s heart and soul and is remembered and honored by a statue outside the hotel. Under her stewardship, the Nutt House Hotel not only maintained its historical integrity during a time when many historic buildings were being modernized, but also flourished. Her efforts ensured that Granbury Square retained its historic charm, famously saying, “We were blessed in our poverty,” referring to the financial constraints that inadvertently preserved the square’s original beauty.
Throughout her tenure until 1983, Mary Lou was instrumental in both restoring the Nutt House and achieving historical recognition for Granbury Square, making it the first Texas square listed on the national registry of historic places as a “Texas Original Main Street City.” Her legacy continued to influence the hotel and the square, leaving an indelible mark on the community and its preservation. The hotel itself, built in 1893 and serving as a hotel from 1916 until its temporary closure in 2020 for renovations, represents more than just a building; it is a pillar of Granbury’s historical and cultural narrative, lovingly maintained through the years thanks to visionaries like Mary Lou Watkins.
The Fire
In March 2023, while undergoing renovations, the Nutt House Hotel faced a significant challenge when a fire broke out, causing substantial damage to parts of the historic structure. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, and the swift response from local fire services prevented the fire from consuming the entire building. The community rallied around the support of ensuring that the Nutt House Hotel would not only recover but continue to serve as a beloved landmark in Granbury for years to come.
The Rebirth
In December 2023, the Nutt House group took stewardship of the historic Nutt House Hotel, with a deep commitment to preserving the essence of this iconic building. Recognizing the importance of maintaining the architectural and historical integrity of the Nutt House Hotel, the new owners are almost finished renovating and restoring the hotel to represent its original traditional charm. The second floor will boast an eight-room luxury boutique hotel embodying traditional charm and warm southern hospitality that would make Mary Lou Watkins proud. The ground floor will host Christina’s Restaurant, an upscale local Granbury favorite. This meticulous renovation seeks to ensure that the Nutt House Hotel remains a vibrant, cherished landmark of the historic Granbury Square, offering a fresh and inviting experience to both locals and visitors alike.
Experience the incredible journey of The Nutt House Hotel as we unveil its transformation from a historic landmark scarred by fire to a stunning masterpiece of modern luxury and timeless charm. This captivating video takes you behind the scenes of the meticulous restoration process, showcasing the passion, craftsmanship, and dedication that brought this Granbury icon back to life. Witness history reborn, where every detail tells a story and every corner invites you to immerse yourself in elegance. From ashes to elegance—discover The Nutt House Hotel like never before.
In December 2023, with the intent to ensure the history of the hotel was not lost, the Nutt House Group took ownership of the historic Nutt House Hotel. Despite facing significant challenges from fire, smoke, and water damage, their careful and meticulous restoration process has been dedicated to preserving the hotel’s original structure while updating it to meet the needs of today’s guests. Blending its rich history with modern luxury to welcome a new era of visitors.
Watch as they make significant strides in the restoration of the historic Nutt House Hotel. Through their dedicated efforts they were able to clean up the extensive damage and begin crucial repairs, starting with the roof. Throughout this process, they remained committed to preserving the original structure and historical charm of the building, ensuring that every repair and restoration decision continues to honor the rich legacy of the Nutt House Hotel.
A huge milestone in the restoration process was the completion of the roof and intricate work of finishing up the framing and reinforcing the historical staircase. Installing modern electrical and HVAC systems and preserving the hotel’s original structure, transforms it into a space that respects its historical roots while meeting contemporary expectations.
We’re getting closer. The sturdy structure has been expertly reinforced, preserving as much of the original building as possible. Remarkably, very little alteration has been made to the exterior, allowing the hotel to retain its historic facade and continue to be the heart of the historic town square in Granbury, TX.
One step closer to completion and we can almost hear the stories that will be told here. Our latest update includes sheetrock! The upstairs sheetrock is complete and we love how spacious each suite looks now that it is. We are more than pleased with the transformation that has taken place and love the blend of tradition and renewal that this cherished landmark possesses.
Watch the Nutt House Hotel come together in our latest update, where finishing touches like the ensuite bathroom tile and detailed craftsmanship highlight the nearing completion of the renovation. Inside, each room gains character, while the exterior maintains its historic appeal. This video shows how modern enhancements are being integrated with the building’s original charm as we get closer to the grand reopening.
Progress continues as we reach the final phases in our restoration journey. With fresh paint applied, elegant tiling laid, and the bar beautifully stained, each step brings us closer to reviving the hotel’s historic grandeur. Installation of the new elevator and state-of-the-art kitchen equipment is underway, seamlessly blending modern functionality with the timeless charm of our cherished landmark. We can’t wait!
We’re excited that our renovation journey is nearly complete! The new elevator is installed, and our beautiful rooms are just waiting for their final touches of furniture and decor. With each detail meticulously crafted—from elegant tiling to modern amenities—The Nutt House Hotel is blending historic grandeur with luxurious comfort. We’re so excited to welcome you back soon to experience the perfect fusion of past and present. Stay tuned for the big reveal!
