Located near Caldwell, Bryan and College
Station, Texas is nestled behind a thicket of bamboo and
surrounded by majestic oak trees on the high bank of the Brazos
River like no other bed and breakfast in the Brazos Valley.
The beautiful, relaxed, secluded, and
historical atmosphere provide for a great place to stay for
Texas A&M Aggie graduations, Aggie games, Kolache Festival or a
romantic getaway.
Seven Oaks Bed & Breakfast is in a quiet and secluded site off
of State Highway 21 on the Brazos River.
Ideal location for
families and groups of close friends. Six bedrooms with
single/trundle beds share two full bathrooms.
Continental
breakfast is left for
visitors to enjoy at their leisure.
Carriage House -
Two bedrooms. (Maximum of 4 guests)
Mid-week (Sun-Thurs): $109.00
per night (single-double occupancy in two bedrooms)
Weekends: $129.00 per night (single-double occupancy
in two bedrooms, two-night minimum)
Special Events: $169.00* per night (single-double occupancy
in two bedrooms,
two-night minimum)
Additional Guests
Each additional bedroom: $49 per night
(single-double occupancy)
Four additional bedrooms can be booked for a total of 12
guests.
Toll Free:
1-866-745-2936
The
History of Seven Oaks
In the early 1900's, the
Moorings were a very prominent and successful family in the
Brazos Valley. Ward Mooring owned several thousand acres of rich
Brazos Bottom farmland, where his family successfully farmed and
marketed cotton and other crops. In 1940, Ward Mooring hired the
architectural firm of John-Astin-Perkins out of Dallas, Texas
and had an estate plan prepared to build a beautiful, lasting
home and estate near Highway 21 on the high bank of the Brazos
River. Detailed architectural designs were completed for the
attractive Mooring House in 1942, including a Carriage House
with six bays on the first floor for vehicles and equipment and
apartments above for visitors and hired help.
The Mooring House was
designed to the highest architectural and construction standards
of the day. Construction began in 1942 and was completed in 1944
during the midst of WWII. Beautiful hardwood floors, paneling,
doors, staircase railing, cabinets and hardware were obtained
from the Grand Central Hotel (built circa 1890) in Calvert
before the hotel was razed in the late 1940's. These items were
incorporated into the overall décor to create a unique historic
look and feel. Mr. Mooring frequently entertained the social
elite from Bryan together with Hollywood stars he had met in his
travels. At the time, Brazos County was "dry" and alcohol was
not readily available, so it was a real privilege to be invited
"across the River" into Burleson County to socialize where the
liquor would flow freely along the edge of the Brazos River.
After World War II, the
Mooring House enjoyed a number of "glory years", providing an
exclusive place to live and entertain the social elite. After
Mr. Mooring passed away, modifications were made to the Carriage
House to convert the garage bays to an enclosed multi-use area.
But the wild times had just begun. Beginning in 1968 and lasting
until the mid 70's, the Mooring House and grounds were used
regularly as a brothel, bar and gambling house. Some Bryan
residents still remember but rarely discuss the wild "invitation
only" gatherings that were regularly held on site. A Bryan
resident who worked at the "Castle" as a boy tells of regularly
seeing the local sheriff show up just long enough to collect his
pay for making sure the parties could continue as a private
affair. For a short period of time after serving as a brothel
and gambling house, the home was opened as a private bar and
restaurant named Seven Oaks and then served again as a
residence.
After several years of quiet
use as a personal residence, the home and property was purchased
in 2002 by Jim and Carol Riley. Carol worked for several years
in Houston as a master photographer, but now dedicates her time
to raising their children and tending to the home. Jim is a 1979
graduate of Texas A&M and works at the University as Director
for Utilities. Together, they manage and maintain Seven Oaks Bed
& Breakfast - welcoming guests to stay for gatherings, TAMU
events or private weekend get-a-ways.
