WITH LOVE,
FROM GERMANY TO NEW BRAUNFELS
Inspiration for good beginnings, the Gruene family began their life in New Braunfels
The Original Gruene Family Farm
AFTER MANY YEARS OF CHANGE, STILL THE SAME
The historic Gruene Estate has endured the many years of change associated with New Braunfels since its original construction. The wooden structure, located at 532 Rock Street on a half acre of property, was first built by Ernst Gruene in 1856. Growing up in Hannover, Germany, Ernst heard stories about the free world, a place that was absent of high taxes and military obligations. Many of these stories included rumors of available land and the idyllic personal freedom it might provide. He married Antoinette Kloepper on August 7, 1845, and soon thereafter left on an adventurous voyage to America and a new life in Texas.
FUN, EASY, RELAXING
Texas country charm is already built in.
IT BEGAN IN 1846
The Gruenes arrived in New Braunfels on May 15, 1846, with their final destination being Fredericksburg. According to Roberta Mueller’s Oma, Tell Me About the Older Times, Ernst decided to stay in New Braunfels and rented a small log cabin on Comal Street where their first child, Ernst Jr., was born. Their second homestead was Rio Vista, where their second son, Heinrich Jacob Julius Gruene, was born. Finally, they moved to the 10-acre tract on Gruene Estate where their only daughter, Johanna, was born.
THE ORIGINAL GRUENE FAMILY FARM
Ernst Gruene’s first and most productive structure for the family’s provision was a barn, known today as the “Welsh Barn”, where they lived until Ernst built an accommodating home facing the open land. The Gruene Estate structure is where the family began their commerce endeavors. In 1872 the Gruene brothers established the Thornhill Steam Mills on the east bank of the Guadalupe River, the area today know as Gruene. The Gruene family was imbued with an entrepreneurial spirit and soon became one of the more successful families in the New Braunfels area providing cattle, milk, butter, vegetables, and later establishing a mercantile store, dance hall, post office, and more.
ON THE BANKS OF THE GUADALUPE
The Gruene Estate home was the center of business for the Gruene family, a home where many gathered under the same roof diligently contributing to the progressive building of a community. They reflected the attributes of family, community, education, diligence, hard work, and perseverance through their endeavors. Giving back to the community continues in the little Gruene house on Gruene Estate. It is currently owned by Dr. Daniel and Anna Lisa Tamez, who have retained the integrity of the farmhouse’s historical architecture and have respected it’s heritage during functional upgrades and restorations, including the purchase of 10 acres behind the home in order to restore the property to its original size. It is now open as a vacation rental in order that people of all ages can experience the history that created the area of New Braunfels and Gruene. By offering the grounds to the public, the Tamez family reflects the diligence to progress the community through the same attributes of the Ernst Gruene family. The yard is still filled with laughter, and most importantly, the families that come to Gruene Estate are still being afforded the opportunity to spend time with friends and family.
FROM THE GRUENE FAMILY TO OURS
Rooted in the heart of New Braunfels, Susie and Eddie Russell have spent more than three decades building a life centered around faith, family, hospitality, and community. Together, they have raised six children, welcomed eight grandchildren into their growing family, and created a home filled with the warmth, connection, and simple joys that reflect the timeless charm of Gruene itself.
Today, they lovingly care for the 17 acres of the original Gruene Family Farm, preserving the natural beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and historic character that make Gruene Estate so special. To the Russells, the property is more than a venue; it is a place meant to be experienced, protected, and shared with others.
Eddie proudly manages the land, and his commitment reflects the true meaning of Texas Hill Country land ownership, where respect for the land, hard work, and hospitality are part of everyday life. Susie’s gift has always been creating unforgettable experiences for others. After managing the highly regarded Huisache Grill for 28 years, she became known throughout the community for her warmth, attention to detail, and natural ability to make every guest feel welcome like family. Her decades of hospitality experience, combined with her love for celebration and connection, made her uniquely suited to continue the legacy of one of the most cherished wedding venues in the
Texas Hill Country.
After years of driving by and admiring Gruene Estate, Susie and Eddie were allowed to call the beautiful property their own. What had long been one of the most treasured venues in the Texas Hill Country already held a deeply personal place in their hearts, as it was where they celebrated their daughter’s wedding surrounded by family and friends. As the previous owners prepared for a new chapter, Susie and Eddie felt honored to continue the legacy they had so beautifully created. From the moment they became stewards of the original Gruene Family Farm, they knew they were stepping into something far greater than a venue. They were preserving a place rich in history, hospitality, romance, and the timeless spirit that has made Gruene beloved for generations.
Today, Susie and Eddie continue that legacy with deep respect for the history of Gruene Estate while thoughtfully expanding its vision for the future. In addition to hosting beautiful weddings, they dreamed of creating a gathering place where the Hill Country community could come together for live music, corporate retreats, private celebrations, and meaningful events that capture the warmth and connection the property naturally inspires. Their hope is simple. That every guest who arrives at Gruene Estate feels something special the moment they step onto the land. The same feeling Ernst and Antoinette Gruene once imagined generations ago when family, hospitality, music, laughter, and togetherness were the heart of life on the farm. At Gruene Estate, that spirit lives on.