The Outpost, also known as the historical Marthasville Hardware Store, has opened its doors to its first themed vacation rental suites, which include “The Wineaux,” “The Cyclist” and “The Historian.” The new business’s theme is “Eat, Drink, Sleep, Bike.”

Brian and Christy Housley, of University City, have been restoring the building, beginning with an exterior paint facelift, adding a front porch, a new front door, and revamping the interior. The Hardware Store is now known as The Outpost, but will always retain its original name.

“The Outpost is in the Marthasville Hardware Building and we will always honor that,” said Brian Housley.

Housley said the first portion of their business to go operational are the vacation rentals located on the first floor. Other plans to open a retail section and another vacation rental upstairs are ongoing.

Housley said he had hoped to open earlier, but delays occurred while working with the state historic preservation office during the restoration process. While creating the “new” spaces, Housley said the integrity and design of the original building had to be considered and it took some time to make sure they were adhering to the guidelines.

After much thought, planning and elbow grease, The Outpost received its first vacation rental visitors the last week of July.

“We are trying to create a quiet, slow-paced retreat from the city,” said Housley.

Visitors to The Outpost can choose from three themed rentals which helps the visitors “step back in time.” The Wineaux has a French wine theme, complete with a feature wall of whiskey barrels. The Cyclist focuses on the Katy Trail. Its theme wall includes a wallpaper Katy Trail map feature. Both are two-bedroom, one-bath units.

The Historian is a studio unit and grabs the attention of history buffs interested in the area. It includes a full bath.

All the units include room air conditioning which can be controlled individually, shower spas and a coffee bar. There are two laundry facilities on the ground floor. Each unit can be accessed from the large foyer area. Visitors will have smart lock access for self check-in. The units are pet-friendly.

All visitors will enter from the right (or south) side of the building. Coming soon is signage to “unload and enter here” and a canopy to attract visitors to that entrance.

“This has been one of the coolest projects,” said Christy Housley. “I can’t tell you how much I’ve shopped to get the antique pieces for the units.”

Coming soon will be the upstairs “Farmhouse” three-bedroom, two-bathroom unit, which could sleep eight to 10 people. The couple expects it to be ready in a few months. It will include a king, queen, twin with trundle and a pullout couch for bedding.

The couple is hoping to offer specialty packages with their vacation rentals, such as winery tours, bicycle tours, romantic weekends, downtown Washington trips or other custom ideas.

Housley said there are ongoing discussions to open a bicycle rental and repair shop in the backyard garage. He is planning for the business to offer self-guided, fully-guided or distant-guided trips. E-bikes would also be available at the shop.

In the backyard, the Housleys hope to open a courtyard bandstand, which would offer live music and food.

“We are having discussions with local eateries to bring in a breakfast and lunch café in the retail area,” said Housley. “We are still open to any interested parties.”

The front retail space, although still in the rough, includes a 10-by-20 foot kitchen area, a possibility of a drive-through window, and seating area. There are two sides to the retail space, but they could also be leased out separately.

For more information about the vacation rental units, visit CityScapesVacationRentals.com. To check in and see the latest news, check The Outpost’s Facebook page.