Jan 29, 2026
A Testimonial from the Crawford Family
For Alan and Cheri Crawford, family is at the heart of everything. With a large and growing family that loves to visit their Tarrant County property, they found themselves needing more space to keep everyone comfortable. Their solution was to build a Casita, a special place designed specifically for family gatherings, creating lasting memories, and keeping their loved ones close.
Join the Crawford Family as they share their story of building a unique and meaningful Casita with Tilson Homes, a project that became more rewarding than they could have ever imagined.
Building for Family
The primary motivation behind the Crawfords' Casita was simple: family. They had outgrown their main house and wanted to ensure their children, grandchildren, and extended family always had a welcoming place to stay. The goal was to create an overflow space focused on providing comfortable sleeping arrangements, allowing guests to come and go as they please.
This vision of a dedicated family retreat guided the entire design process. The Casita wasn’t meant to be a standalone forever home but a functional and inviting extension of their main house. It was an investment in what matters most to them, having their family together. The result has been a resounding success, providing the perfect solution for holidays and visits throughout the year.
A Tribute Etched in Stone
The Crawfords' property was once home to their daughter Lauren's beloved horse, Tonka. The family purchased the land so they could have Tonka with them instead of boarding him elsewhere. When Tonka passed away, his loss was felt not just by the family, but by the entire neighborhood.
As construction on the Casita began in what was Tonka's pasture, the children lovingly nicknamed it the "Tonkasita". When the Tilson team asked if they wanted to put handprints in the fresh concrete of the porch, Cheri had a unique idea. In a beautiful tribute, they decided to place a horseshoe in the cement instead. This small but powerful detail immortalized the memory of a cherished family member, leaving a permanent mark that brings a tear to their daughter's eye and a smile to everyone's face.
A Smooth and Rewarding Process
Building a new space can feel overwhelming, but for the Crawford Family, the experience with Tilson Homes was smooth, reassuring, and genuinely enjoyable. Alan recalls how smooth the process felt from the beginning, crediting their construction manager, Joe, for keeping them informed every step of the way. Regular updates and clear communication helped them feel confident and connected as they watched their Casita come to life.
For Cheri, there was never a moment of doubt. She describes the build as a genuinely fun and exciting journey, one she enjoyed from start to finish. From the very beginning, she trusted the Tilson team completely, knowing they were in good hands. When the Casita was complete, the Crawfords didn’t just walk away with a beautiful new space, but with relationships that felt like family.
A Home Full of Love and Laughter
With the Casita complete, the Crawfords look forward to even more lively family gatherings. They anticipate a full house for the holidays, with relatives eager to stay in the new space. The "Tonkasita" stands as more than just a building; it is a place where memories will be made for years to come.
The Crawfords' investment has paid off in the most valuable way possible: through the joy of having their family together. They have already recommended Tilson Homes to many others and affirm that if they were to build again, they would undoubtedly choose Tilson. Their story is a wonderful example of how a well-built home can be the foundation for a lifetime of cherished family moments. Here at Tilson, we’d be honored to help you create the same kind of space for the people you love. Contact us today to let us help you get started!
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