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The Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast
Historic, Romantic Victorian Style B&B--Near President Bush's Ranch

Now Offering FREE High Speed Internet Access
in the main house

The Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast is the longest operating B&B near the President George W. Bush Ranch at Crawford (just outside of Waco in Central Texas), offers romantic getaways and group retreats, but also caters to business travelers in a quiet setting where the focus is on personal service and attention. Built in 1894, this restored turn-of-the-century Queen Anne home features the romance, tradition, and charm of the 19th century. Jerry and Jan Walters have operated The Lighthouse since 1988.

The Lighthouse

Ample bedrooms, each with a private bath, are tastefully decorated with cherished family heirlooms and other selected antiques arranged in a romantic setting that offers comfort and gives special attention to detail. The house has been air-conditioned and much restoration work has been completed, although the plans for further restoration seem to be on-going. Throughout the historically elegant home are furnishings that have been in the homes of Jerry and Jan and their forbearers for generations.  Jan is a descendant of Gov. William Bradford, the governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony from 1621-1633.  The parlor has a tete-a-tete that serves as a center piece and this special love seat is believed to be the same one that was in a Bradford home in North Texas seven generations after the governor.

Optional Tour to Crawford and the Bush Ranch

Being just eight miles from Crawford, The Lighthouse has the distinction of being the oldest and longest operating bed and breakfast in Central Texas and is located near the President George W. Bush Ranch.  For those who are interested, we offer an optional tour to Crawford and out by the Bush Ranch.  The approximate two-hour tour includes major points of interest in the Crawford area, anecdotes relative to the President and First Lady and the ranch, the Falls in Tonkawa Park, and some of our over 50 years of roots in Crawford.   Ask about fees and scheduling if you are interested.  For directions, our exact location and our proximity to Crawford and Waco, click on Directions and Maps.  And for things to see and do in the area, go to Area Attractions.

For details on this book, featuring our B&B on the cover, and a  "One Night Free" certificate on any two-night (or more) stay here, click HERE. The book includes information on more than 1500 other B&Bs.

Caring Hospitality and Central Location

Jerry and Jan Walters, who have been the owner/innkeepers of The Lighthouse beginning their 20th year now, live in the house and always try to be available to render service to the guests as only homestead residents can. Located in McGregor, a small community of 4700 people, the inn is just five miles from the Waco city limits, eight miles south of Crawford, fourteen miles west of the Richland Mall in Waco and approximately 100 miles south of Dallas-Fort Worth and 100 miles north of Austin. 

Amenities: Furnishings and Craftsmanship

•   A wrap-around front porch has gingerbread trim, a swing, and rocking chairs.
•   A garden gazebo featuring stained glass in the ceiling highlights the large lawn area.
•   Five coal-burning fireplaces afford a special attraction in the winter.
•   Original pine floors are being uncovered and refinished.
•   High ceilings are throughout the house, some wooden beaded.
•   Transoms open over most of the doors for ventilation.
•   Two bathrooms have claw-foot tubs.
•   Antique furnishings accent every room.
•   Many stained glass windows add special flavor.

The Dining Room

The parlor is not the only room with furniture that pre-dates the house. The dining room also boasts several pieces, such as the dining table and side boards, which belonged originally to Jan's great-grandparents and have an 1880's date on them.

A delightful breakfast is served, usually in the formal dining room--with china, crystal and old linens--on a candle-lit century-old dining table. Sometimes the occasion calls for breakfast on the porch or in the gazebo and will probably feature some of Jan's homemade banana nut bread or made-from-scratch cinnamon rolls, the recipe for which Texas Highways published in their magazine some time back.

Breakfast . . . Dining Room

Six days a week you can request the time you want breakfast--from as early as you wish up to a breakfast at 10:00 a.m. However, on Sunday mornings breakfast may be served earlier if you desire it, but the latest serving on Sundays is 8:00 a.m. This allows us time to attend worship at our church. We try to offset this by allowing you a later check-out time if you want it on Sundays. For those who prefer to sleep in late, we will be happy to recommend one of the local restaurants for breakfast. The wonderful attraction of the dining room is the old 1880's dining table, chairs, and sideboards. At one time these were brand new pieces in Jan's great grandparents' home and we have memories of eating at this table ourselves when we first married and visited her grandparents when it was in their home.

Ten guestrooms await your visit: Several are described below. (Remember to ask for any available internet discounts when making reservation!)