Attention to detail sets Inn on Lake Granbury above the rest

March 10, 5:54 PMDallas Road Trip Travel ExaminerJanet Stetson

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In 2001, two consultants, one in education and one in computers, decided to change course and thus was the beginning of what is now a most fabulous bed and breakfast,Inn on Lake Granbury in Granbury, Texas. Cathy Casey and Jim Leitch had their eye on the Doyle property for sometime before it became available for them to acquire. The "Doyle House," as it was referred to in the community of Granbury, was built in 1880 by Dr John Doyle. He had been a Confederate surgeon and built the house to retire in after the Civil War.
Over the years the house had been a cobbled mess, as you could imagine. Rooms and bathrooms were added in a piecemeal manor. Then in 2003 Cathy and Jim purchased the house. Their vision was to completely renovate the house, carriage house, and pool house. They took the interior to the studs. Some of the 2 x 4's were original hand cut studs. They discovered that if a room had been added, but the existing room was out of square, the adjoining wall was floated away from the old wall with a new set of studs. The floor in one of the rooms was so tilted that one could roll a marble from corner to corner. No wonder it took them 2 years to complete the renovation. The Inn was open in 2005. Cathy describes the style of the Inn as "Cattle Baron". Upscale Texas rustic combines with quality European accents, much like the cattle barons would have done in the 19th Century. Cathy tells me that there is an antique piece in every room. Renovation resulted in seven guest rooms, each with its own bath that includes jetted tubs and steam showers. Hardwood floors extend all through the house. The result is luxury combined with comfort. Add to that, a marked attention to detail and what you have is a warm, and comfortable getaway 1½ hours from Dallas.
The Inn on Lake Granbury is exactly that. It is an Inn that is on the shores of Lake Granbury. Although it is walking distance from the square in historic downtown Granbury, it feels secluded. One only has to look out on the lake or spend time laying in the hammock to feel as if the rest of the world is far away. Guests are treated to a warm welcome by either Jim or Cathy. Hors d'oeuvres and beverages are served every evening in the sitting room. That is a good time to catch up with other guests and make new acquaintances. Breakfast is buffet style with guests eating at community tables. Breakfast was delicious and plentiful. Dinners are not served on a regular evening but arrangements can be made for large groups. The Inn is well suited for business meetings, weddings, family gatherings, or girls' weekend getaways, or a romantic weekend with your significant other.
In addition to the seven rooms in the main house, the pool house has one bedroom, a sitting room and a kitchen. The sofa in the living area can be made into a bed, therefore accommodating families with older children or small groups who need a relaxed place to convene. The swimming pool is a salt water pool so there is no chlorine. There is also a hot tub on the property.
The newest addition to the complex is The Lofts. Jim and Cathy purchased what was an artist's studio in 2008 and converted the building into loft rooms. The downstairs is the sleeping quarters and bathroom and the upper room is a sitting room with a desk, a fireplace and TV. WiFi is available. Balconies overlook the lake. Cathy departed from the "Cattle Baron" style towards more contemporary decor. My husband and I stayed in one of these. As an example to Jim's attention to detail, when we awoke in the morning it was raining. Upon emerging from our room, there was an umbrella waiting for us. Very Cool!
Inn on Lake Granbury has received National recognition. It has been featured in Condé Nast Traveler and it is in the Select Registry of Distinguished Inns of North America. It was sighted by BedandBreakfast.com as one of the top Inns in the US for Celebration vacations. One really needs to go no further than Granbury and the Inn of Lake Granbury for a fabulous and relaxing place to stay.