Over the past few years, Fort Worth has two-stepped into the national spotlight with polished boots. One of our fastest-growing cities—not just in Texas but in the U.S.—has become an “it” destination, thanks to multimillion-dollar investments in historic areas and museums, new hotels and restaurants, Taylor Sheridan, Bella Hadid, and locals committed to celebrating the area’s diversity and traditions. One of the Cultural District’s newest gems, the five-star Bowie House, Auberge Resorts Collection, which opened in December, is a natural, elevated extension of both Fort Worth’s cowboy culture and its world-class visual arts scene.

The 106-room boutique hotel (88 studios, twelve lofts, and six suites) is the second Texas property from Auberge, which operates more than two dozen luxury hotels and resorts around the world—from Napa Valley to Mexico to Greece. Its Austin location, the Commodore Perry Estate, has become one of the most celebrated hotels in the country since opening in 2020. Three more Auberge properties are planned across the state in the next few years, including the Knox, scheduled for 2026 near the Katy Trail in Dallas. Auberge’s owner since 2013, Houston billionaire Dan Friedkin, and Dallas-based CEO Craig Reid have clearly seen the potential for the luxury market in their home state. 

Although operated by Auberge, Bowie House is owned by Dallas businesswoman Jo Ellard, a National Cutting Horse Association Non-Pro Hall of Fame rider who breeds championship horses at her EE Ranches, in Whitesboro, about 85 miles north of Fort Worth. The Bowie truly feels like home to Ellard—she bought a cottage on the site of the hotel several decades ago. Ellard, an avid art collector, worked closely with Dallas-based interior design and architecture firm BOKA Powell on the selection, furniture, and decor. Her involvement lends the whole project a certain authenticity, one that’s rooted in Texas tradition—sumptuous leather furniture, cowhide-backed chairs, tasteful photos of cowboys and horses everywhere—but with a worldly, glamorous edge, thanks to genre-defying art and a sense of playfulness.

With even the most basic rooms soaring past $1,000 a night on some weekends, it’s not a practical staycation for most (the hotel is offering a 30 percent Texas discount through the end of this year). However, unlike the Commodore Perry, which is guests- and members-only, much of Bowie House is available to the public, including its barnlike Ash Spa. Its grand ballroom is already booked for weddings and other events, and in just two months, the large, welcoming lobby bar—carved into intimate seating areas—and the fine-dining restaurant, Bricks and Horses, have already become favorites of well-heeled locals. During the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo in February, both spaces were packed with pregaming patrons sporting their finest Western wear, which must have been a sight for out-of-state tourists. The fashion is a bit more subdued on normal days, but residents still make up about 90 percent of the bar and restaurant clientele.

Although Bowie House is just minutes away from museums, including the Amon Carter, the Kimbell, and the Modern, its own art collection of more than four hundred pieces from Ellard’s personal trove (many of which are for sale) deserve its own tour. Here’s a look at some of the gallery-worthy art and spaces, all of which show a certain Cowtown confidence.

Even the elevator bank features eye-catching art, including this stunning piece—although it looks to be made of rose petals, get up close and you’ll see that the work actually consists of hundreds of red neckties. It nicely sets off a large crystal quartz.
Courtesy of Bowie House
Located in the check-in area, this partially hidden nook invites guests to get cozy. The appropriately named Kissing Booth, a piece by street artist Hijack, might give them some more ideas.
Courtesy of Bowie House
The studio guest rooms feature sumptuous, modern Western–inspired design and layered textures for added warmth. Fun touches include curated bar carts, hat racks, boot benches and bootjacks, and original artwork.
Courtesy of Bowie House
The master bathroom in the Roan Suite boasts a deep-soaking tub, a vanity, double sinks, and a rain shower. There’s also a separate powder room.
Courtesy of Bowie House
A roulette-wheel table is ready for its next round in the Billet Room. The 1,060-square-foot space, which has a real social-club feel, can be rented for private events for as many as 75 guests.
Courtesy of Bowie House
The Mulberry Room, the hotel’s jewel box library, is also available for more-intimate affairs. Above the fireplace hangs the stunning Maridadi (2/3), by Kenyan artist Thandiwe Muriu.
Courtesy of Bowie House
The heart of the hotel, the Bar at Bowie House is open to the public and serves bites and cocktails all day, starting at 11 a.m. One of the focal points is the carved-wood bar itself, which owner Jo Ellard discovered through an antiques dealer. She was drawn to how it looks like a real saloon piece; it’s at least 150 years old.  
Courtesy of Bowie House
Available only to guests, the pool terrace officially opens March 1. It features a heated pool, a hot tub, private cabanas, and a bar.
Courtesy of Bowie House
The lobby bar’s many lounge options include a welcoming fireplace area with seating on either side. Above it all looms Carnigue Playground, a mixed-media work by Ashley Collins, a lauded contemporary artist from northern California. It’s one of many nods around the property to the horse life treasured by owner Ellard.
Courtesy of Bowie House