Looking for an historic place to stay near the Llano River? Sandstone Street Bed and Breakfast may be just the ticket.
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Many items on our travels through Llano, we’ve spotted Sandstone Street Bed and Breakfast.
And the stately façade has prompted us to wonder about the property’s history. So, imagine our delight when the owner reached out to see if we’d be interested in learning about the beautiful old house.
Here’s our digital interview with Virginia Walker, who owns the home with her husband, Jack.
TW: What can you tell us about Sandstone Street Bed and Breakfast?
VW: It’s an historic, turn-of-the-century house. It has always been a private home until I purchased it in 2012 for the purpose of making it a bed and breakfast. My husband and I live downstairs and rent the upstairs. A full, home-cooked breakfast is served each morning to guests in the formal dining room. There, the tables are set with fabric tablecloths, fine china and silver flatware.
The house has three upstairs bedrooms with private baths, king beds and period furnishing. It still has many of the original architectural features such as hardwood floors, leaded glass doors, fireplaces and pillars on the porch and in the entry-way. It is located at 508 E. Sandstone Street just three blocks from the historic courthouse square and 4 blocks from the Llano River.
TW: Do you know much about the property’s history?
VW: The earliest owner as per census records was L.C. Smith, a banker with the Home National Bank of Llano. Not much is known about the Smith family as there is no record of them after 1904. It is assumed they came to Llano as part of the Iron Boom rush in the late 1800s.
Many investors from the northeast United States came to Llano to invest in the newly found iron ore. The boom lasted about 10 years and then the investors left to go elsewhere. But while they were here, they built many sandstone brick buildings. Sandstone Street Bed and Breakfast is one of those structures.
The dining room has hosted many guests. The most famous was Governor James Edward Ferguson. The dining room still boasts the original lead glass swinging doors that separate the dining room from the living room. It also has the original oak floors, fireplace mantle and fireplace cover as well as door and base moldings.
TW: What drew you to open a bed and breakfast?
VW: I opened for business in November 2012. Like many people, I was enamored with the idea of owning and operating a bed and breakfast. I have always enjoyed hosting guests in our home and planning events for family and friends. I have an eye for decorating and enjoy cooking.
I looked for 10 years for the perfect property and spent time reading and going to workshops on how to operate a bed and breakfast. My husband and I stayed at several bed and breakfasts during this time and took copious notes.
After retiring from a 30-year career in education as a teacher and school administrator, it was now time to really get serious about purchasing a desirable property.
TW: Do you host events at Sandstone Street Bed and Breakfast?
VW: Yes, in addition to hosting guests from all over the world, we cater afternoon English teas, meals for ladies bunco groups and bridge groups. We offer 1200 sq ft. in the Carriage House for small intimate weddings, receptions, baby and wedding showers, and birthday parties — to name a few.
The Carriage House opens out to a large landscaped yard with shade trees, flower gardens, an oversized gazebo and rock patio. Outdoor lighting adds another level of ambiance for evening events. The B&B is ideal for some of these events as guests can spend the night as well as attend a function.
TW: What draws people to Llano?
VW: Llano is a hidden gem of the Texas HIll Country, literally. People come here to hunt for a variety of rocks, of which llanite is the most common, as this is the only place in the world this particular granite is found.
Our visitors say they like Llano because it is like “Texas used to be.” The town is small, quaint, quiet and a perfect getaway from busy city life.
The town square boasts many unique shops such as rock shops, ladies boutiques, flower and gift shops plus several antique stores. There are a myriad of fine and casual dining offerings as well as artisan beer and vodka tasting rooms
TW: Any particular places that you recommend to guests?
VW: The Llano County Historical Museum and the Red Top Jail are the most popular museums in the area depicting Llano’s history from the mid-1800s. Those are “must-visits” for anyone interested in Texas history.
The town lake at Badu Park and lake at Robinson Park are popular in the spring and summer for fishing, swimming, and kayaking. And just a short 30 minute drive will take you to Enchanted Rock Natural Area noted for hiking and rock climbing.
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To learn more about this property, visit SandstoneStreetBNB.com or see their Facebook and Instagram pages.
