Alfred Giles & Hillingdon Ranch: Comfort's Historic Legacy
If you're interested in learning more about the architect who designed Hotel Giles and our inn's namesake, Alfred Giles, keep reading. We'll also tell you how his family is still working the land here in Comfort, some 130+ years later. It's all a part of the fascinating story that makes up the Texas Hill Country's unique heritage and culture that draws visitors to discover its historical charm.
Alfred Giles was a renowned architect born in Hillingdon, Middlesex, England. (Remember this… it’ll come up again later in our story.) He made his way to Texas and left an indelible mark on our little town of Comfort. One of his most significant local projects? Designing Comfort’s first hotel and its only two-story limestone structure. He was just 27 years old when he took on this project in 1880, building what would become the Ingenhuett Hotel (ultimately renamed Hotel Giles in his honor). He also designed several other buildings in downtown Comfort that still stand today, like the August Faltin Building, the Ingenhuett-Karger Saloon, and the Comfort Post Office. These historic structures are part of what makes Comfort one of the most well-preserved historic districts in Texas.
By 1885, Giles had more than just architecture on his mind. He partnered with his brother-in-law and started buying up land around Comfort—lots of land. Soon enough, they’d amassed 13,000 acres where horses, mules, cattle, and goats roamed. And what did he name this sprawling ranch? Hillingdon Ranch, after his boyhood home in England.
Hillingdon Ranch is still a working ranch today, managed by the Giles family for more than 130 years. It’s now operated by Alfred’s grandson, Robin Giles; his wife, Carol; their son, Grant; and Grant’s wife, Misty. The ranch is a testament to the Giles family's commitment to the land and its legacy. Today, about 4,000 goats, 200 head of cattle, and around 500 sheep graze the hills of Hillingdon Ranch, just as they have for generations. They’re more than just livestock; they’re a key part of managing the native plants that are adapted to Hillingdon Ranch’s unique landscape. If you’re curious about the ranch’s management practices or interested in their herds, you can learn more on their website.
Though the ranch isn’t open to the public, there’s still a way to connect with this piece of Texas history. Krazy Goat Socks, a Texas Hill Country business, makes their high-quality socks from 100% Texas fibers, including wool sourced from Hillingdon Ranch. It’s a small but meaningful way to bring a bit of Hillingdon Ranch into your life.
Alfred Giles may have started his journey in England, but his legacy is deeply rooted here in Comfort, Texas. From the historic buildings downtown to the rolling hills of Hillingdon Ranch, his influence is a big part of what makes this area so special.
