Escape to Nature outside Palestine, TX

This creative estate sits amping the hills of EastTexas located just outside of Palestine, Texas in the small town of Montalba. The grounds are lush and natural and the active art studio with lodging strategically sits on the hillside surrounded by tall mature trees.

The structure is intentionally oriented where the building receives the most natural light in the day, a deliberate choice of the owner who is a renowned Texas wildflower artist. After his extended time in France studying the light in which Monet used to create his masterpieces, Sonterra was built to replicate the beauty in nature. Over 50 windows in thr space allow the surrounding natural habitat to be visual experienced.

Please understand this is space is comprised of different niches all within one large open loft like space. The open floor plan includes a dining area, siting area, cozy fireplace area, sleeping area and kitchen with mezzanine landing. In addition, there is a private loft containing five beds totaling comfortable sleeping for seven and an attached bath complete with Jacuzzi bathtub. (The downstairs full bathroom, laundry/mud room and upstairs loft sleeping area separated areas from the open studio layout.) This open studio layout is not for everyone. To those who do not prefer this layout, we kindly ask you to please not book a reservation as our preference is to satisfy. The studio is equipped with a full modern kitchen that includes stainless steel appliances, ample utensils, glass ware, and grilling tools. There is a large patio deck with high-end grill for your cooking pleasure. The completely remodeled downstairs bathroom is private and has a modern standing shower with rolling glass door. The loft in includes a queen size bed, a double bed, and three twin size beds all within the same room. The mezzanine landing includes a day bed for additionalsleeping. There is an available entertainment system that includes audio and video.

The outdoor entertainment areas are endless at a Sonterra. There is a very large back deck that facilitates outdoor dining, grill and prep sink with natural stone countertops. The stunning front porch living area is complimented by a hand crafted outdoor artisan furniture. The superstar patio area includes an outdoor fireplace, and accommodates intimate parties or specific groups comfortably, with ample seating.

The property hosts retreats, fund raisers, and ministry events and only accepts 8 group events per year. Guest are invited to stay on the grounds and in the studio during non-painting seasons and only a limited number of guests are accepted each year. We are currently accepting applications for 2022 – 2023 bookings. Each booking has a minimum night stay and there are two options. The weekend reservation is a minimum of Friday – Sunday with an optional Thursday, and or Monday add on. The weekday reservation is a minimum of Tuesday – Thursday with Monday as an optional add on. Full week, or multi week reservations are available but typically reserved for revisiting guests. For specific questions and inquiries please contact admin@hollisbloom.com or (214) 265-1555 to discuss further. www.sonterrastudio.com.


This is a one of kind, very special place, that we are grateful to share. We expect exceptional stewardship from our guests and appropriate conduct throughout the grounds is mandatory. Property rules are listed and will be acknowledged by guests when reserving. Being in the county and surrounded by nature is beautiful, but does bring all sorts of inconveniences. It is common to encounter insects, incremental weather, wildlife, and you are in a remote location. If being over 11 miles away from the nearest hospital, or having an unpredictable response time from a 1st responder in the event of an emergency is something you are not experienced with, or are the least bit uncomfortable with, DO NOT BOOK this property. There are other properties for you. This is very much a sophisticated home in a very rural region. Contact us with any questions as we are available to answer. Thank you!