NEW BRAUNFELS, TEXAS (March 2, 2026) – French Cowboys is proud to announce the opening of Petit Cowboy, the thoughtfully restored riverside property formerly known as Heidelberg Lodges. Located directly on the banks of the Comal River at 1020 N Houston Avenue, the historic retreat has welcomed guests since the 1930s and sits just seven minutes from downtown New Braunfels.
The 23-cabin, 48-room property, shaded by mature cypress trees along the riverbank, was acquired by French Cowboys in February 2025 and has since undergone an artful property-wide transformation. The project focused on refreshing the exterior and interior finishes of each unit while modernizing and expanding amenities to support year-round stays.
Over decades, the property has operated under several names, including Ulbricht’s Summer Resort and Heidelberg Lodges. Under new ownership, the team introduced the name Petit Cowboy to reflect both the intimate scale of the cabins and the spirit of its Texas setting. “Petit” references the brand’s French heritage, while “Cowboy” nods to the independence and character of the region. Petit Cowboy reflects the soul of the property: close to the water, close to one another, timeless, and built to last. It honors the quiet rituals that define a stay there — morning coffee on the porch, long afternoons in the river, conversations that linger after sunset.
“Our goal is simple: to ensure past and new guests can enjoy this ‘Living Heirloom’ for decades to come,” said Franklin Dusserre, co-founder of French Cowboys. “Our vision is to build upon and honor the legacy that is already here, rather than replace it.”
The cabins’ design is playful yet practical, focusing on a seamless, easy-to-live-in experience. French Cowboys has curated colorful, character-filled interiors that prioritize smart storage and intuitive layouts, featuring new plush beds, updated seating areas, and custom cabinetry. Fresh paint now covers the walls, beams, and trim throughout, while bathrooms have been updated with new vanities, hardware, and refreshed finishes. To better support multi-night stays, the kitchenettes now include two-burner cooktops, compact full-capacity refrigerators, and additional shelving for improved storage.
Petit Cowboy offers six room categories accommodating between two and six guests. Select layouts include breakfast bars, breakfast nooks and/or living rooms. Depending on configuration, rooms feature king, queen or twin beds, with pull-out sofas in select units. New standard amenities include smart locks, Roku TVs, Keurig Mini coffee makers, microwaves and Beekman 1802 bath products. Designated dog-friendly cabins are available for a $40 nightly fee.
Beyond the interiors, the grounds have been revitalized for year-round enjoyment. Both the main pool and a shallow pool for children are now fully maintained year-round, with updated loungers and enhanced lighting. Additional amenities include a communal game area, a designated grilling space, and a pickleball court featuring a newly refinished playing surface.
The Pool House & Bar will serve as Petit Cowboy’s lobby and central social hub, offering an all-day menu designed for effortless poolside grazing. Families can kick off the morning with "kid-approved" favorites – from signature pop-tarts and fresh waffles to buttery croissants and chilled fruit cups for the water’s edge. As the day warms up, the selection transitions to seasonal salads and shareable snacks, like watermelon with Tajín, warm pretzels, and loaded nachos.For a heartier meal, guests can enjoy a variety of pizzas or kid-friendly sandwiches, followed by irresistible brownie sundae. This focus on family-friendly dining ensures every meal becomes a seamless part of the vacation experience.
French Cowboys brings established hospitality experience to this project, with a growing portfolio of restored Texas properties including the Gruene River Inn and Hacienda del Rio in Gruene/New Braunfels; Camp Comfort and the Meyer Hotel in Comfort; and the Claire Hotel in Canyon Lake, with more properties in the works. Each property reflects the company’s focus on preserving historic character while introducing thoughtful, design-forward updates for modern travelers.
“We look for places with history and strong community ties,” added co-founder Dylan Petrich. “The Petit Cowboy property has been part of New Braunfels summers for generations. Our role is to preserve what makes it special while making it functional for how people travel today.”
Nightly rates begin at $129 for Deluxe King rooms. To celebrate the opening, Petit Cowboy is offering a “Stay 2, Get 1” promotion: guests who book a two-night stay between March 1-31, 2026 will receive a third night complimentary for stays valid through December 31, 2026 using code PETITCOWBOY (blackout dates apply).
Petit Cowboy is located at 1020 N Houston Avenue, New Braunfels, TX. For more information about the property, reservations and more, visit petitcowboy.com or follow @petitcowboytx on social media.
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