A Journey From South Africa to East Texas
After relocating from South Africa to Overton, TX, Cliff and Irene Sanders saw their red barn as an opportunity.
In 2020, amid the COVID-19 Pandemic, The Sanders started the process of opening Bowles Creek Shop.
Irene, loving quaint gift shops and Texas flairs, wanted a place where she could share her local Texas finds, embroidery services, and bistro, while Cliff envisioned selling feed and farm tools and things of farming and ranching nature.
We carry everything from women’s clothing to Melissa and Doug toys and locally made jams and jellies.


A Place Where Zebras Call Home and East Texans Relax
Cliff and Irene met in the middle with two zebras, a repurposed barn, a gift shop, and a bistro. The simplicity of Bowle Creek is undeniably relaxing and inviting.
While The Sanders Family do sell hay for horses, they also have grown their ranch to include 6 wildebeests and a total of 4 South African zebras.
In the process of growing Bowles Creek, Cliff and Irene have discovered East Texans love to watch the South African wildlife amidst breathtaking sunsets, so they now offer getaway cabin rentals as well.
Still a Work in Progress
At Bowles Creek Store, we invite you to join us for lunch and a relaxing afternoon of shopping, and while you’re here, you can also visit our “UnTexan” South African wildlife.