When former Texas A&M Aggies Bob and Denise Barbier moved back home to Texas, they were looking to purchase a home with character. When they came across the Milton Parker Home located on four acres in Bryan, the historic town next to the A&M campus in College Station, they knew it was the perfect choice for a Bryan Texas bed and breakfast.
The Milton Parker home was built in 1885 by wealthy farmer Milton Parker and his wife Mollie. It was the summer home in which they raised their 10 children. Over the years, it was owned by family, but eventually gifted to Texas A&M. The property somehow survived eight years of fraternity ownership and was then purchased and restored by Dr. Van Walker who sold it to its current owners. In 1987, the home was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
This impressive stately Victorian was completely renovated when Bob and Denise purchased it in 2016, opening it as the Milton Parker Home Bed and Breakfast. The historic mansion contains over 5,000 feet of living space with seven fireplaces. Many of the Parker family’s antiques remained with the house, enabling the Barbiers to capture the family’s memories and honor their contribution to Bryan society. Original photos of the house in its early days and family portraits located throughout the bed and breakfast in Bryan Texas further preserve its Milton Parker heritage.
Bryan, Texas Bed and Breakfast
There’s something special about a welcoming porch with rocking chairs and seasonal decor that begs its guests to just come on up and sit a spell. And we did just that during our visit to this Bryan TX bed and breakfast.
Upon entering the stunning antique-filled home, we were greeted in the grand entry hall by the owners with a lovely smile and warm Texas welcome and escorted to our rooms. Guests are also warmly greeted by two other friendly family members, the labradoodles Booker and Echo. After settling in, we were treated to a grand tour of the home and property.
The first floor of the mansion has towering ceilings and consists of one queen bedroom with bath, two parlors, a formal dining room, and large spacious kitchen. A bathroom is located just off the back parlor and kitchen area.
A long wooden staircase climbs to the second floor which houses four additional bedrooms with attached baths.
History truly speaks volumes throughout the Bryan Texas bed and breakfast. It isn’t hard to imagine the love, laughter, and many celebrations that took place in this stunning abode throughout its storied past.
Amazing Accommodations
The historic bed and breakfast in Bryan Texas includes five spacious bedrooms each with their own private bath in the main house along with a newly renovated 4-bedroom, 2-bath cottage on the estate.
Each room is named after a member of the Parker family. My husband and I stayed in the Mary Parker Room, named for one of the Parker’s daughters. Like the downstairs, these rooms feature tall Victorian ceilings with floor-to ceiling-windows. We loved our king size bed complete with soft luxury linens, original fireplace, and bathroom with its period-perfect pedestal sink and ship lap walls.
Our friend’s room, the Winifred Parker, named for another daughter featured a queen bed, with marble-tiled floor.
Two other larger bedrooms, the Kate Parker Oliver includes a king bed and features a large en-suite bathroom with an immense 2-person claw foot soaking tub. Of historical significance, this was the first indoor bathroom in Bryan that utilized rainwater collected in a cistern that is still located in the attic.
The second magnificent room, the Beatrice Parker Gordon, is likely the most romantic room of the inn. Three of the house’s original stained glass bay windows shed colorful light behind a king four-poster bed. Theroom also includes a sitting area and original coal burning fireplace containing mini lights to create an added special ambience. This room’s bath includes a jetted slipper tub, pedestal sink and separate toilet area.
Indulgent Breakfast Included
Yes, there are B&B’s that include a daily breakfast. And then there’s the Milton Parker House breakfast.
Guests may choose to dine on the outdoor patio (weather permitting) or at the large antique table in the formal dining room surrounded by curios filled with the home’s original monogrammed china and serving pieces.
Based on local availability of fresh produce, the breakfast menu changes daily. Denise is the master chef and Bob does an amazing job of taking care of the table and delivering the tantalizing entrees.
Our breakfast began with fresh coffee, juice and homemade muffins followed by a slightly chocolate-infused parfait with yogurt, drizzled local honey, and fresh fruit. Individual polenta, spinach and chorizo skillets were served next, topped with a fresh egg scramble, cheese, and parsley. Impossible to eat another bite, Denise insisted we at least sample a few bites of her French toast baked casserole topped with crème fresh.
There’s no going hungry at this Bryan TX bed and breakfast, and you won’t need to eat again until dinner. Trust us, we know.
Outdoor Fire Pit and Sitting Area
On chilly Texas evenings (and yes, it can get chilly here in the winter), a popular hangout is the outdoor firepit surrounded by Adirondack seating. Accompanied with a nice glass of red wine, this is definitely the place to be.
And speaking of wine, Denise shared that a tasting room on site is being planned for 2023 featuring local Texas vintages.
The Cottage on West 27th Street
A welcome addition to the historic property, this newly renovated 1885 cottage sits just behind the mansion and was originally used as the main home’s kitchen.
The 1400-square foot four-bedroom, two bath bungalow is absolutely charming with a modern Texas farmhouse twist. In addition to the bedrooms, the rambling cottage also includes a kitchen, living room, and small dining area. Once we stepped inside there was no going back. We all said “this is a place we have to stay when we return to Bryan.”
Bed and Breakfast in Bryan Texas and Its Owners
Though this Bryan Texas bed and breakfast is extremely popular with guests coming in to Bryan/College Station for Texas A&M football games, it’s extremely noteworthy that the property’s rates remain the same no matter the season. Since we happened to visit during an away game weekend, we were able to nab the reservation.
While the Victorian period décor of the mansion is rich and dignified, this venue and its owners exude an atmosphere of relaxed and welcoming comfort that makes guests feel right at home. You may come as strangers, but guaranteed, you will leave as friends.
When Bob and Denise purchased this bed and breakfast in Bryan Texas in 2016, they didn’t just buy a house. They acquired a legacy. And how exciting to see this happy Aggie couple loving being back home in Texas and being such an integral part of protecting and preserving the Milton Parker house’s impressive heritage.