For our stay at Caddo Lake, we spent the weekend at Spatterdock Guest Houses, owned and operated by Dottie Carter. A native of the Uncertain area, Dottie owns six guest houses on Taylor Island. She also lives on Taylor Island. One of the reasons I booked here was an opportunity to explore Dottie’s creativity and talent. She has several art installations scattered across her property that are unique and whimsical. She and her friend decorated several VW cars and also created many mosaics.
The guest house we chose was called The Gallery. A two-story building that can house twelve people, the first floor has three bedrooms and two and a half baths. All three bedrooms led off the main hallway from the entrance and were spacious enough. The bathrooms occupied the other side of the hallway. One bathroom had a clawfoot bathtub with a dragonfly motif decorating the walls. It led to an outdoor shower, definitely one of the home’s unique features. A smaller hallway off the main led to the living room, dining area, and kitchen. A large screened-off porch ran along the outer edge of this part of the first floor.
The living room had a large sofa and loveseat with a coffee table at one end and another couch in the middle. Further in, a large counter with barstools framed one boundary of the kitchen. It had a small dining nook, a cooking range, and a fridge. The kitchen contained basic kitchen utensils, pots, and pans. A rolling cart held a microwave, plates, and bowls. The shelving above held the most extensive assortment of Campbell soup mugs I’ve ever seen!
The screened-in porch had several chairs and rockers for a relaxed evening.
Off the small hallway were the washer and dryer. From the living room, steps led upwards to the second floor where there were more beds to sleep six, a kitchenette, and a bath with shower. The balcony off this floor offered a fascinating view of the cypresses and an obstructed view of the Frog Town garden below. Several mosaic stepping stones wound their way around this distinctive garden. To me, the charm of the Gallery was in the surrounding trees and the fresh tree aroma around us. It was captivating!
The decor of the Gallery was warm and comfortable. As one guest had put it, the cottage reminded them of being at their grandma’s, a feeling that completely resonated with me.
Over the next couple of days, we took every opportunity to see the scattered art installations. The thematic presentations were very detailed, inventive, and very tastefully done. It would take a very carefree spirit to create such unique pieces, and it is a testament to the bold and joyful spirit of the owner.
Enjoy some of the photos of Spatterdock Guest Houses in Uncertain, TX. Do you know how the name of the town came around? When the articles of incorporation were filed, the area’s residents had not agreed upon a name and filled in “Uncertain” for the town’s name. And the name made it into the official books.
While the Gallery was huge for a party of three, it was the only guest house available when booking. But we appreciated the space very much.
If you’re in the Caddo Lake area, spend a night or two at the Spatterdock Guest Houses.
Love it!