My stay here felt completely unmatched - both with the kindness of Karen and Steve as hosts, as well as with the beauty of this old restored Victorian home. It truly feels one of a kind and makes for a special stay. Ask about the story of the home when you're there - this couple bought it after many years of disrepair and restored it back to what it used to look like from old photos and town records. They even were able to obtain many original pieces and photographs from the previous owning family in an estate sale. I highly, highly recommend! Great for just an overnight stay as I did with my boyfriend, but the place seems ideal for a wedding or getaway with friends. Oh and I forgot to mention, Karen made us homemade ice cream and cookies and packed us a bag of cookies to go for the road :) read more

Our three night stay at Carleton House was wonderful. The hosts, Karen and Steve, were hospitable and friendly and extremely knowledgeable about the history of the home and the area. They have lovingly restored Carleton House and amassed a collection of antique musical instruments, photographs, and other artifacts displayed throughout the home. The very informative tour included music played by Karen and Steve. I can't say enough about the breakfasts; Karen is an outstanding cook, and she was very considerate about our dietary restrictions. We ate in the music room in front of a cozy fire on a different set of beautiful china each day. The attention to detail everywhere was amazing: rose petals and chocolates in the room, wide selection of shampoos/conditioners/etc., fresh baked cookies on arrival, I could go on and on. We will definitely be back! read more

10/10 would stay again! This spot has everything you want from a bed and breakfast. A well preserved house that honors it's history. A maximalist's dream of antiques everywhere you look. The location of the house is perfect, with the downtown square less then a five minute walk away. We enjoyed our evening stroll around the courthouse and coming back to home made cookies by Karen. Karen and Steve are amazing hosts, and went out of their way to make us feel welcomed and comfortable. They even showed off their music skills while we enjoyed our homemade breakfast! read more

The Carleton House Bed & Breakfast - Selfie infront of the house! - Bed & Breakfast Near Me - Bonham, Texas

Karen and Steve were just great! If you want to get away, to just relax, and to enjoy a lovely house in a small town, this is your place. We had a great time and will be back soon. The house is fantastic. The third floor suite was where we stayed this time (and most likely our destination next time). The owners were so wonderful that it just made the experience, so treat them with the utmost respect. We will be back soon and I urge you to give it a try! read more

Best Bed & Breakfast EVER! Clean rooms, attention to detail, and hosts were super accommodating of our needs. Karen and Steve were amazing. She is the best cook, so the food alone was worth the stay! Breakfast each day and we ordered dinner one night, plus homemade cookies and great coffee station. They played music for us and were good company to visit with. The house is full of history and antiques. You could spend the day looking around the house in each room. The pictures do not do this place justice. The grounds of the house were beautiful and we enjoyed a glass of wine on the back patio in the evenings. Nearby winery is also great, and we spent the afternoon shopping on the square in the antique shops. We also paid to have in room massages, and this was a great bonus to our time there. I recommend this place for couples and a quick getaway. So worth it! read more

The Carlton House, built in 1888, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is located in the heart of downtown Bonham, Texas. It has been lovingly restored by its current owners, Steve and Karen Halbrook. The home has retained its original physical appearance, and is a breathtaking example of elaborate Victorian architecture, characteristic to the region. The rooms are unique, and furnished with antiques and original treasures from the families that lived in it prior to it becoming the B & B that it is today. The Carlton House is within walking distance of wonderful local restaurants and shops, and is a short drive from several historic attractions. We booked directly, as it is my 4th visit over a period of 24 years. Karen and Steve wear multiple hats, including chef, valet, groundskeeper, wedding planner, and custom party hosts. Our breakfasts were fresh, varied, and made from scratch using local ingredients. We were even able to arrange (in advance) a special luncheon for our friends, who drove up for the day from the south of Dallas. It was a dream-worthy stay! read more

The Carleton House Bed & Breakfast - A delicious breakfast at the Carlton House. Great for people with dietary restrictions! - Bed & Breakfast Near Me - Bonham, Texas

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Beautiful interiors of the bed and breakfast, however, their main house is not as well kept on the outside as the only other bed and breakfast in town, Granny Lou's. In fact, there isn't even a sign! Booked the Agnew Room in their separate Casual House located on another street. They even delivered homemade, delicious chocolate cake! The only downside was that they could have probably cleaned, dusted, and scrubbed a little more, and the bed in the Agnew Room was beautiful to look at, but the most uncomfortable bed, ever. Old, cheap, squeaky mattress was the drawback. Absolutely horrendous. Would I go back? Meh. Probably not. Cute little town, cute room and interiors, but when I rest, I want to rest in a clean facility and a comfortable one. read more

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I originally posted a short review on Google. The owner attacked my character and tried to bully me into removing my post. So I decided to post my accurate review to every possible website I could. Arrived a bit early, owner refused to let us in the house until 3pm sharp, just kept staring at us through the window very rudely. Exterior house and yard not maintained at all. Room and bath were small and overpriced. Breakfast was just pancakes and we were seated in a hallway rather than an actual dining room and people kept walking by hitting us with their luggage. Horrible experience all around. Would not advise. Avoid this place at all costs. read more

A wonderful escape from the city into a 19th century Victorian home experience. This house and the accommodations are great and the owners are so hospitable. They really care about their guests and it shows. The house is filled with artifacts and photos from the original family dating back to the 1890's. read more

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I can't give 5 stars because I don't have any B&B experience to compare it to, but I can tell you about my experience thus far. I entered the main house (on 8th st) to a welcoming aroma of freshly baked cookies, and oh would I like some (silly question for anyone that knows me). My room is in a separate house off 10th street, and is spacious, with a VERY large bathroom complete with clawfoot tub (and bubble bath preparations), his/hers pink and blue bathrobes, hairdryer, fireplace (!), and shower. The bedroom has a TV, VCR (watching Casablanca right now), little desk, and FREE WIRELESS. With fresh baked cookies and free wireless, fireplace, bubble bath...this doesn't suck. There's a darling front porch with rocking chairs where you can dine or you can use the shared kitchen and living room area (microwave, fridge is stocked with goodies for you too). Parking is a bit limited, this noise has random traffic on it (and random loud rap music), but other than that no complaints. It's a quaint 1800s house and I'm happy to report, so far I have noticed no ghosts. Breakfast will be made tomorrow morning and I can't wait. I think it may be fresh muffins. Oh and they ask you the night before about any dietary restrictions so that they can accommodate you. Very relaxing end to a hellacious work week and weekend. Happy sigh... read more

This place is wonderful! Take a step back into older times. Craftsmanship is top notch and you can really see the effort they put in to ensure each room is top notch. The hosts are wonderful people and even gave free cookies! read more

Steve and Karen were some of the most delightful people we've ever met. We stayed in Bonham for a wedding at the Grand Ivory in Leonard. It wasn't our first stay at a bed and breakfast, but it was certainly the best so far. Karen's cooking and baking is exquisite. We choose to be gluten/sugar free and she catered to our preferences perfectly. When we arrived, we heard the sound of an old radio playing instrumental music and the smell of fresh baked cookies met our noses. They helped us carry in our bags and Karen made breakfast the next morning at the time we requested. We stayed in May's room and were greeted with goodies and rose petals. They had a wide array of toiletries available to our use, and our bathroom was stocked with fresh towels. Our bed was made each day and room cleaned. I'm a pianist and they have the study dedicated to music. Steve plays the fiddle and we sat down and played music together. Karen brought out a washboard, spoon and cowbell- I can't remember the last time I laughed like that! And it sounded so good!! Spoke right to my heart. The history of the house is one of my favorite parts. Ask them for a tour- and set aside some time to learn about Bonham and the Carleton's! They have pictures and historical pieces and have redone the house back to its original integrity. It doesn't feel too ornate, but it's not too homely. It is the perfect degree of welcoming and inviting. You can tell they have a lot of pride in their home and what they've done with it. I would absolutely recommend this place for any reason. They are passionate about their purpose and serve people with grateful hearts. We will absolutely be back again! read more

My husband and I visited Bonham for the weekend, I cant say much for the little town, but our stay at the Carleton House was delightful mainly because of the owners Karen and Steve. Steve played for us, Tennessee Waltz on his antique violin upon arrival and then he gave us a complete tour of the house which was rich in history. Karen made us a great, hot breakfast each morning and cookies at night plus she was a joy to talk to. We stayed in the main house in the "Bernice Room", we had a claw foot tub and a nice patio to step out onto in the morns. It was very accommodating that they let us pick the time we wanted breakfast as we are early risers. They have gardens all around the house and we enjoyed taking many photos there. Be sure to look at the carriage steps that still remain from the 1800's at the front of the house. Thanks for a great stay. read more

We just had a wonderful stay at the Carleton House July Fourth weekend. Karen and Steve were very warm and interesting people. This was by far the most authentically restored B&B we have ever stayed in -- truly like a trip back to another century! It was obvious they had spent a lot of time decorating this beautiful old house. Our room was spacious and had a nice jacuzzi tub. Karen's breakfast was superb, as were the delicious banana muffins she sent us home with. If you're looking for a weekend away from the city, head just an hour or so north to Bonham and stay at the Carleton House. You won't be sorry! read more

My wife and I stayed at the Carleton House and were quite pleased with everything. It was a very charming room and our bathroom was incredible. Everything was clean and comfortable. The owner, Karen, even made us fresh baked muffins for breakfast that were absolutely delicious! We do plan to return. read more

I do not have words to describe the amazing experience we had at the Carleton House Memorial Day Weekend. My husband, 3 young kids and myself were on our way camping when our truck broke down in Bonham. The part needed would not be in until the next day and all the hotels were booked b/c it was graduation weekend. The first bed and breakfast we called would not let us come b/c our kids were with us. I despairingly called the Carleton house expecting the same answer when Steve picked up the phone and brought more relief than I can describe to this stressed out mama thinking we were going to have to sleep in the truck for the night. Not only did they let us come we stayed in the most beautiful upstairs suite of their 2nd location. The decor was beautiful, beds comfy and they were so attentive to settling us in. Breaking down is stressful. Breaking down with your kids in tow adds to the stress. Breaking down and not knowing where you might sleep about sent me over. Until we were saved by the graciousness of the Carleton House B&B! We will absolutely be back - and if you are thinking of staying in Bonham you need to stay here! We can't thank them enough. A very grateful unexpected guest. read more