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Texas whispers legends on the wind, and few names hold the weight of the XIT Ranch. Once a symbol of the Wild West, it’s experiencing a remarkable revival under the watchful eyes of owners Drew and Abby Knowles. Recently, Sally Brumbaugh, of Brumbaugh’s Furniture & Design, sat down with Abby for an interview, exploring their journey, their passion for the land and the animals, and the ways they’re weaving the XIT Ranch’s legacy into their future.
But this story doesn’t just unfold on sprawling pastures — it extends to the very heart of the Knowles’ family life, with Brumbaugh’s playing a key role in designing their dream Texas home. Let’s delve into the inspiring tale of the XIT Ranch’s resurgence and discover how Brumbaugh’s helped create a space that reflects the spirit of both the Knowles family and this historic brand.
Sally:
The XIT ranch holds a special place in the hearts of Texans. XIT Ranch has long been recognized as an iconic and historical Texas brand. Your family has resurrected it with a keen eye toward land management practices, strong cattle operation, and breeding of Quarter Horses. What inspired you and your family to become stewards of its history and build upon its legacy?
Abby:
Drew and I have had extensive discussions about the XIT’s revival. After nearly 80 years of dormancy, it’s coming back to life. Interestingly, the last family member who owned part of the original ranch, a member of the Farwell family, was Drew’s great-great-great grandfather, approximately 80 years ago. For us, the most crucial aspect is to rekindle the XIT spirit. This encompasses the land management practices, the cattle operation, and the iconic cowboy way of life, but with a reimagining for the 21st century. We want to honor the past by moving ranching into the future.
Sally:
You all moved from Colorado where you have a current ranching operation to Texas in late spring of 2023. How do you feel that has played out in that decision to pick your family up and relocate and essentially make your new headquarters here in the North Texas area?
Abby:
Honestly, a year ago, moving wasn’t even on the table. Initially, we got involved in the reined cow horse sport and then a natural progression into cutting horses. And from there, it’s evolved. When you think about the fact that these two strong sports, the trainers, the breeders — all of it — are concentrated here right in North Texas, it became an obvious decision to move here. When you consider the XIT’s deep roots and historical influence here, moving felt like coming home. Everyone has been incredibly welcoming, embracing us and supporting our vision for the XIT’s future. Plus, the Texas weather is a definite perk!
Abby:
100%! I think that maybe every single day this decision was truly a fantastic one.
Abby:
So, Drew and I saw what you did there, and we just knew we had to have you do our house that we bought here west of Fort Worth.
Sally:
We have had an amazing relationship with you and Drew from the beginning. How do you all think we have come alongside your family to help make this transition to Texas as seamless as possible? I remember Drew calling me and saying you all were moving to Texas in a matter of weeks, bought a home and needed furniture and needed it move-in ready on the day you arrived.
Abby:
For both of us, for the whole family, we fell instantly in love with the design, the feel — everything felt so amazing. I think that’s probably when it hit us: how did this all happen? When we arrived, it was all in place.
The house continued to evolve as you all helped design the new kitchen, incorporating the elements I wanted as a homeowner and especially as a chef who cooks for my family. But more importantly, it fostered connection for all of us.
I felt truly honored that you and everyone at Brumbaugh’s were willing to take on our house. Looking at the finished product, this big, wonderful picture, I realized — they’re willing to help us create our own family home, taking care of everything.
So, when we got here to Weatherford at the beginning of summer and walked in, it felt like our home instantly. I can’t even put it into words — it was just the most wonderful feeling of finding your place, especially when you’re moving hours away from a place you love and starting fresh. It’s been truly wonderful.
Sally:
We recently had such a fun night helping you host a delightful private dinner event at your horse barn! It showcased your extraordinary culinary talents in a truly unique venue. We hung several chandeliers to bring that over-the-top element to this most special evening. Brumbaugh’s Furniture & Design did all the design for the evening from bringing in a fabulous dining table and chairs to custom accessories with the XIT brand as well as floral. It was a great event that showcased your incredible culinary talents, and it was a beautiful intimate dinner. Our part is what we love to do! It featured many of the lovely pieces we carry at Brumbaugh’s; from the unique dining table and chairs we chose for the event along with the custom embroidered napkins with the XIT brand along with tabletop accessories to bring the dinner together.
From my perspective, that evening was the night you, Drew, your daughters, and the XIT brand planted the seeds for a lasting legacy — for your family and the XIT name itself.
Abby:
Hosting at home is something we truly cherish, especially because I love cooking. The easy part for me is the food. But the logistics of pulling everything together can be overwhelming. That’s where Brumbaugh’s stepped in and saved the day. I was never able to bring it up to that elevated place where I fully wanted it to be. Then you came in and took care of every minute detail to set up our barn which looked fabulous! I’ve shown pictures to people and they don’t believe it is our horse barn. It was almost like a dream come true. That’s how I want events to be — and it was perfect. It showcased all of what you do as well with that list of items you saw ahead of time that would be needed to make the dinner magical. Brumbaugh’s made the event happen; I just provided the food. Who doesn’t want chandeliers in their barn every day?!
Sally:
Allowing us to furnish your home completely has been so fun for us. Are there particular pieces that you especially love? I know for myself I always have a favorite.
Abby:
Yes, I’m so excited about the Double-Sided Chesterfield! This room we have is big and open, perfect for entertaining. I think that piece is exactly what we need to really open up the room while still bringing it together. It offers seating options facing both the fireplace and the television, providing everything we want for this space. That’s what I’m super excited about!
And the art! You have this amazing artist you feature at Brumbaugh’s, and I want every single piece they have! Each artist you showcase is unique and yet captures that Texas Western feel in an elevated way, without feeling stuffy or too fancy. It’s all very approachable. I’m incredibly excited about the other art piece we’re getting as well. Honestly, everything you have is unique, fun, colorful, or just very beautiful. I’m always excited about good art and great furnishings!
Sally:
You and Drew have two daughters who are already such a strong presence in everything the family does, even at their young ages. And speaking of strong young ladies, I love how specific they were about what they wanted in their rooms! So, what do you think are their favorite pieces?
Abby:
Well, yes, (our eldest daughter) definitely had a vision! She gave you some pictures, and what you picked and put in her room is perfect. She absolutely loves, loves, LOVES the bed you chose.
The piece I really love is that big table upstairs. It’s used for everything: art, homework, even just holding books for reading. It’s another great piece that brings everyone together. Everyone can sit there, and it provides space for activities for all ages. I really appreciate and love that.
As for the youngest, her favorite piece changes daily, along with her ideas! I think she loves her bed too, especially the way it turned out. When we saw the two twin beds, I was surprised, but she said, ‘I love it! That’s perfect, that’s exactly what I was thinking!’ I had no clue, but clearly Sally and Darra knew exactly what would be perfect for her. It turned out just how it was meant to be — very calm yet fun, with pops of color, just like she likes.
Since the beds are such central pieces in their rooms, where they spend a lot of time, it makes sense that they’d be favorites. Both girls really liked that Sally and Darra included them in the decisions for their rooms. They loved being part of the whole process.
Brumbaugh’s — Designing Something Legendary.
The Knowles family’s journey to Texas is just the beginning of a beautiful story, and Brumbaugh’s Furniture & Design is honored to be a part of it. From transforming their Texas home into a welcoming haven to creating a stunning backdrop for a memorable dinner, Brumbaugh’s has helped weave the XIT legacy into the fabric of their lives.
Inspired by the Knowles' story and want to create your own dream home?
Brumbaugh’s Furniture & Design can help! Our team of talented designers can transform your entire home, from creating a cohesive style to selecting the perfect pieces that reflect your personality. Just like with the Knowles family, we’ll work closely with you to understand your vision and create a space that is both beautiful and functional.
Contact Brumbaugh’s Furniture & Design today and let’s start creating your story.
