About

At a time when the American Southwest often looked outward for architectural inspiration, Mabel Welch championed a distinctly regional vocabulary rooted in local history, vernacular traditions, and the rhythms of the desert environment. Her work demonstrated that architecture could be simultaneously sophisticated and deeply authentic, anticipating many of the principles that define contemporary place-based design today. As one of the first women to establish a prominent architectural practice in Texas, she not only broke professional barriers but also left an enduring imprint on the cultural landscape of the borderlands. Her buildings continue to resonate because they privilege permanence over fashion, offering a timeless model for architecture that is as grounded in its setting as it is elegant in its execution.

Today, the residence has entered a new chapter as Jones House, an intimate luxury inn that honors the spirit of Welch’s original vision while welcoming a new generation of travelers to Marfa. Carefully restored and thoughtfully updated, the property preserves its architectural integrity through a reverence for historic materials, craftsmanship, and design. In a fitting tribute to its creator, the inn has adopted an illustration of Mabel Welch as its emblem, placing the architect—not just the building—at the center of its identity and celebrating the enduring legacy of a woman whose work helped shape the architectural character of West Texas.

Maisie Crow and Max Kabat purchased Jones House in 2021 after admiring the property from afar for many years. They lived in the house as a private residence before deciding to open it to visitors, offering guests the opportunity to experience a place that had long captivated them. Their approach reflects a shared belief in preserving the architecture and institutions that give a place its character while allowing them to evolve with the present.

Maisie, a Texas native whose family ranches in the region, and Max have made Far West Texas central to both their lives and work. Together, they owned and operated Marfa’s Big Bend Sentinel for six years. They continue to support the newspaper through The Sentinel, the neighborhood coffee shop and restaurant.

At Jones House, they have brought that same spirit of stewardship to one of Marfa’s distinctive historic homes—honoring its architecture, supporting regional craftsmanship and creating a welcoming place for guests to experience the landscape and community they love.