A Beckmann Inn and Carriage House, San Antonio

Betty Jo and Don Schwartz, Illinois natives, fell in love with San Antonio as a result of many trips to visit their children in college. During those excursions, the couple liked to drive through the King William District to a home they dreamed of owning. Built for a daughter of the Guenther flour mill family and later owned by noted architect O'Neil Ford, the 1886 Greek Revival--style home features an original cypress picket fence and a wraparound porch. The wrap-around porch invites guests to enjoy its shade, and the house’s other porch is furnished with wicker chairs and love seats, so guests can unwind and enjoy complementary chocolates, cookies and tea.

Five years after first admiring the historic structure, they found it was for sale. They bought it and turned it into an elegant B&B. Today guest rooms are filled with Victorian furnishings, public areas have such touches as a wood mosaic floor imported from Paris and arched pocket doors, and there are wide porches to sit on and enjoy the quiet neighborhood.

The home’s inside is decorated in Victorian-style furniture that gives the house a dignified atmosphere. Each spacious guest room is adorned in colorful floral designs with ceiling fans, televisions, phones, refrigerators, and large armchairs. The highlight of each room is an elaborately carved, queen-sized Victorian bed.

Adjacent to the main house, the Carriage House has been converted from the Beckmann’s maid’s quarters and horse and carriage shelter into two mini-suites for guests seeking more privacy. These two suites feature shuttered windows, gardens, balconies and colorful flowers plus modern decor, carpeting, and a shady brick courtyard.

All guests enjoy a full breakfast that might include cinnamon-stuffed French toast with apricot glaze or Canadian bacon, and, in keeping with the area's German heritage, a breakfast dessert. Guests are served a gourmet, two course breakfast every morning in the house’s formal dining room. Fresh ground coffee, teas, juices, fresh fruit, muffins, pastries and a main entree are all served with china, crystal and silver.

Location: 222 E. Guenther St. in the King William District

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