The Carleton House

8/10

Excellent

21 Jul 2026

Jerry

Owners very nice and breakfast was great.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jun 2026

Lisa

Enjoyed my stay! Karen and Steve are wonderful hosts! She I had a wedding nearby I wanted to pamper myself. I was indeed pampered by a wonderful breakfast, entertainment, and wonderful conversation. I highly recommend staying here.

Self

10/10

Exceptional

06 Apr 2026

Samuel

Steve and Karen are wonderful hosts. They are considerate and kind. Breakfast was delicious. We were serenaded with Steve on the fiddle and Karen on the washboard. Great fun. Enjoyable visit.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

15 Feb 2026

Charles

Nice, clean rooms. The staff was very attentive. Great history associated with the house.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 May 2025

Angela

Property around house beautifully landscaped gardens with gazebo and numerous outdoor sitting areas. Antique Victorian bed and breakfast mansion decorated with first homeowners’ possessions along with many one-of-a kind 19th century pieces. Softest beds, delicious meals and many stories shared by owners about the life of this grand estate.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

27 Apr 2023

John J.

First time at a Bed & Breakfast. The couple were very sweet and pleasurable. Nice place! Liked the private bath.

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

05 Feb 2023

Larry

If you arr looking for an old historic home for a bed and breakfast experience, this is the place. Great hosts and wonderful breakfast included. Beats the holiday inn by far.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

25 Oct 2020

Steve

Beautiful Get-Away

The \"whole house\" experience is nice. Owner welcomed us in, gave us a history of the house (and our room in particular). Nice touch

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

27 Jan 2020

Ralph

Better than staying a chain...

Soulfully Americana without effort…because that’s just what they are. As someone that was born and raised country but long since has resided in the city, it makes me feel warm to know these people and places exist. Warmer still to visit them.

Strongly suggested for a large group, meetings, or romantic weekends.

They play music well and serve breakfast. How could it be better?

Friends_and_family Family

8/10

Excellent

08 Jul 2019

Laura

This was a very nice visit! Breakfast was very good. I would stay again

Partner

8/10

Excellent

29 Oct 2018

Michaelene

Nice little B&B

Nice little B&B. Awesome antiques and friendly owners

10/10

Exceptional

10 Aug 2018

Verified traveler

Place to stay

travel a lot and found this to be a place to return to in my travels. Wonderful couple took the time to make a tired traveler feel right at home. Room was wonderful and dining was excellent.

8/10

Excellent

26 Apr 2018

Verified traveler

What a surprise

Having never been to Bonham before, the initial emotion was What are we getting into?. However, The Carelton House was fantastic, and amazing. The owners are great people, and perfect hosts. Although our stay was just one night, they entertained us with live music, plenty of history, wonderful food, and a surprise tour of Bonham in their Model A. Total package was fulfilling, and my solid recommendation to anyone wishing a quite night (or more) away.

10/10

Exceptional

29 Jan 2018

Verified traveler

our bed and breakfast adventure!

Karen and Steve, our hosts of the Carleton House do an incredible job at making people feel welcome and comfortable. Our one night stay was extremely memorable. The breakfast provided was absolutely delicious. I sincerely hope we can stay at their bed and breakfast again some day. sincerely, the Kuballs

2/10

Poor

06 Dec 2017

Verified traveler

Special Party

I attended a Murder Mystery Dinner of which none of those descriptions applied. The service was terrible and the food was bland with very small servings. We paid for entertainment but my 5 year old could have written a better script. It was unorganized, boring and long. Never would this be a recommendation for anyone coming to visit the area.

10/10

Exceptional

21 Oct 2017

Verified traveler

Wonderful bed and breakfast!

The Carleton house history is fascinating and it is amazing that Karen and Steve have original artifacts to help tell the story of this wonderful house. Karen's breakfast was fabulous, the hospitality from both was warm and inviting, the accommodations were wonderful and we had the best, most peaceful night of sleep we have had in a very long time. I highly recommend to all!!! Karyn and Jeff

4/10

Poor

19 Jun 2017

Verified traveler

Weddings may not be your thing

As a guest attending a wedding here, I loved the atmosphere of the wedding in which I attended. I appreciated the natural landscaping in which the venue was providing HOWEVER I do prefer a bit more of a manicured landscape if I am providing an outdoor wedding for clients. I am not sure if this establishment has new ownership as I did not see some of the amenities from the website on location. I would suggest OUTDOOR MISTING FANS to accomodate a JUNE WEDDING IN TEXAS and bathrooms be made available in an outside building since the wedding guests were NOT ALLOWED into the main house. IF YOU ARE TO PROVIDE WEDDING PACKAGES....THIS IS AN ABSOLUTE MUST!!! Refreshment table was not set up (no punch bowl) and we had to HUNT for the plastic cups to serve the guests the champagne we brought. While the attempt was admirable, I would suggest a professional wedding planner to make sure all the little details are attended to that would ensure your visiting wedding guests and potential future clients would have a favorable and memorable experience.

10/10

Exceptional

10 Jun 2017

Verified traveler

A Relaxing Get Away

The Carlton House is a trip to a slower, more gracious era. Everything from our warm welcome on a rainy June evening to the fabulous breakfasts and the gourmet dinner compete with candles and music makes us look forward to our next visit.

8/10

Excellent

28 May 2017

Verified traveler

Great Stay

On May 26, 2017, my wife and I along with two grandsons, 9 and 7, stayed in the Pierce Room of the Casual House on 10th Street, in Bonham, TX. This is one of their additional bed and breakfast homes that accommodates families with children.



When we met with Steve, we were given a large bag of monster cookies hand made by Karen, which were wonderful. The cookies were about nine inches in diameter and were very tasty!



Steve gave the us a ride in their 1931 Model A Ford, a real experience for the grandkids! We all loved the antique charm of the accommodations and how gracious the owners were!

10/10

Exceptional

23 May 2017

Verified traveler

Wonderful retreat

We began relaxing as soon as we arrived. Karen and Steve were wonderful hosts and we spent a fun evening in a jam session. Karen's cooking was tops and would return again in a heartbeat. The property was beautiful and full of historical touches. Loved our room with a balcony and can't wait to book the room again!

10/10

Exceptional

11 May 2017

Verified traveler

A lovely and quiet spring evening

I was so very pleased to find The Carleton House via a third party recommendation. I found my room to comfortable, clean and quiet. The home is just remarkable and well restored to days gone by. And my breakfast we just fantastic. I hope to return again next year.

James F (Pittsburgh, PA)

10/10

Exceptional

11 Apr 2017

Verified traveler

Outstanding hospitality!

We stayed here on our honeymoon and everything was amazing! The room was clean the service was great and breakfast the next morning was spectacular! We will definitely be going back for future stays as a romanctic get away!

10/10

Exceptional

06 Jan 2017

Verified traveler

Relaxing Stay

We had a wonderful time at The Carleton House. We originally stayed there in December 2015 and then got married there in January 2016. Karen was just wonderful! She's an excellent cook and such a gracious host. The first time we stayed, we were on the second floor. When we got married there, we stayed in the honeymoon suite on the entire third floor. It's cozy and relaxing, It was such a peaceful weekend both times. We cannot wait to stay there again soon!

10/10

Exceptional

08 Aug 2016

Verified traveler

beautiful time capsule

This is a beautiful time capsule of a bed and breakfast. Steve and Karen are extremely sweet and hospitable! We stayed in the Carleton Room. It was absolutely stunning. Big beautiful room and private balcony! The huge two person jetted tub was perfection. They think of everything from the luxurious sheets to the soaps on the bathroom! Karen is a marvelous cook! You will be spoiled here! I highly recommend staying here!

8/10

Excellent

14 Apr 2016

Verified traveler

A truly wonderful experience

I really enjoyed my stay here. The hosts were fantastic and we were greeted with fresh baked cookies. Our third floor suite was beautiful and we really enjoyed the private balcony and the tub. When they say it's big enough for two, they're not kidding. Karen even went out of her way to accommodate a request I had. I would highly recommend giving it a try.

10/10

Exceptional

15 Feb 2016

Verified traveler

OMG! Amazing!

This was a 1st time in a bed and breakfast for both of us. Upon entering the house, Karen greeted us and showed us to our room, the Carleton Suite which is the entire 3rd floor. Our room was cozy, and had a nice sitting area and private balcony. The Jacuzzi tub was amazing! Since it was big enough for 2, we spent most of our time in the tub relaxing together. The window over the tub made it nice to lie back and look at the sky and have natural lighting during the day. And there were battery operated candles and a dimmer switch for night time to make the scene more romantic. Our dinner was AMAZING!!! Everything was homemade and absolutely wonderful! I enjoyed Steve's violin/fiddle playing throughout dinner.The candle lit dinner in a dining room with a fire place was just the perfect Valentine's Day dinner date and we both enjoyed it, and each other's company so much. I loved the sheets, blankets, and feather pillows on the bed, but the bed itself was a little uncomfortable for me. It was nice to have extra room since we are used to sleeping on a queen size bed. Breakfast was top notch! Once again, all made from scratch and fresh squeezed orange! I honestly would live here just for Karen's cooking! After breakfast we had massages with Karen. She did a wonderful job and we both felt very relaxed afterwards. Upon departure, Karen bagged up some cookies for us to take home - even though they only made it about 5 minutes into our drive! I would love to come back and visit again in the spring time when the garden is in bloom and come back to enjoy some amazing food! Thank you Karen and Steve for a wonderful and peaceful relaxing weekend! Claire DeMar & Tyrel Murray, Cedar Hill, TX.

10/10

Exceptional

10 Jan 2016

Verified traveler

Great House to Visit

Great House to get away from your daily routine. My wife and I spent Dec. 31, 2015 and Jan. 1, 2015. We enjoyed our stay. Staying at the Carleton House was like going back in time. The room was great. The breakfast was very good. Great conversation with the other guest during breakfast. We enjoyed looking at all the antiques and pictures in the house. We had dinner on the 31st at the house. The dinner was great. Karen and Steve were great host. We plan on going back for another stay.

10/10

Exceptional

10 Dec 2015

Verified traveler

Enjoyed it even MORE the second time around :)

The wife and I took her parents for a one night stay and they loved it. It was a sure bet since we have stayed there before and knew they would enjoy it as much as we do :)



Karen and Steve are the best and most gracious hosts. Karen and Steve have recreated this home with the utmost attention to detail.



We will see you soon Karen and Steve ;)

10/10

Exceptional

13 Jul 2015

Verified traveler

Outstanding Stay!

We spent a night here Fourth of July weekend. Karen and Steve were the perfect hosts, and their house was the most authentically redone B&B we have ever stayed in! It really felt like we had entered a different century. Breakfast was perfect, and Karen even packed us delicious banana muffins for the road. It is definitely worth a trip to Bonham just to get to stay at this wonderful place!

10/10

Exceptional

17 Jun 2015

Verified traveler

Amazing house and hosts!

The house is spectacular - such history and Victorian charm. My wife was amazed by the beautiful garden. Cannot say enough good things about Steve and Karen, they both are wonderful hosts and just all around good people. Both Steve and Karen are the most attentive hosts we have ever had out of about 12 Bed and Breakfasts we have stayed at. If you want the best experience my wife and I recommend The Carleton House. Brian and Kirsten

8/10

Excellent

13 Apr 2015

Verified traveler

A pleasant suprise

When we pulled into Bonham and saw some of the community we were not expecting a lot but I have to say Karen and Steve are what make this trip. Be prepared for a trip back in time and wonderful tour of Carleton Heritage and rare finds. The owners are talented and made us feel right at home. Breakfast was superb and the ride around in the Model A was so fun! Definitely are great getaway!!!

10/10

Exceptional

13 Oct 2014

Verified traveler

OMG!!! This place has it all!

The Carleton House has everything you could possibly want...and more. Karen and Steve are the most gracious of hosts, and yes, Karen is a fabulous cook. We had a blast, and enjoyed some much needed laughs and fantastic music. Most of all, we were welcomed like family and treated like royalty. If you are an avid B&Ber, The Carleton House should be on your must-visit list. Absolutely awesome. -- Critter and The Kidd

10/10

Exceptional

17 Sep 2014

Verified traveler

The Very Best Birthday Present!

I want to say so much about our stay! For my birthday, my husband & I decided to relax at a Bed & Breakfast without a long drive in the DFW area. We chose The Carleton House and it was the perfect choice. The house is a gem - the architectural details, the furnishings from the current owners families and several from the Carleton family all make for wonderful touring. The biggest treasures though are the owners/innkeepers Karen & Steve Halbrook. They sincerely love their house and what they do. Their attention to every detail made our stay extremely special from the tour & history of the house, Karen's superb gourmet cooking and Steve's music serenade. We enjoyed quiet time on the porch swing, looking through the house's history binder and I indulged in a wonderful soak in the long, deep claw-footed tub in Bernice's Room. My birthday dinner there was wonderful, breakfast the next morning equally great - the homemade apple turnover was amazing! - and the 'cookies-to-go' just topped off a truly beautiful time. I've already told friends about this gem. We hope to visit during the Christmas Tour and see the magic Karen & Steve create. Mike & I will certainly be back! June & Mike, Plano, Texas

10/10

Exceptional

08 Jul 2014

Verified traveler

Great time

The hospitality shown to us at The Carleton House was amazing. We had such a great time at this B&B. Loved sitting and talking to Kay & Steve. She is a great cook for sure. The breakfasts were out of this world. Never had such a delicious breakfast.

10/10

Exceptional

23 May 2014

Verified traveler

Amazing hospitality!

We recently stayed at the Carleton house for one week. I can't say enough about how much we appreciated the whole experience. You could spend days looking at the historical features, furnishings and personal items from the original owners of the home or watching the birds in the beautiful gardens as the roses bloom. The soft music that's often playing compliments the ambiance without distraction. Karen and Steve love what they do and helped make the week so pleasant. It was such a treat to come down to a delicious and completely home cooked full breakfast served in the large parlor with the morning sun gently coming in the windows. Every room is furnished and every meal is prepared by someone who truly cares about your experience. We really needed a break and this was just the right thing to make us slow down and thoroughly enjoy our time in Bonham

10/10

Exceptional

04 May 2014

Verified traveler

Our Anniversary Getaway

The Carleton House exceeded all of our expectations. We went for a peaceful relaxing getaway and received exactly that. We reserved the Carleton Suite which is the entire third floor of the main house. The suite has its own sitting room, private balcony, bedroom with a king size bed and private bathroom with a jacuzzi tub for two. Karen made us a wonderful dinner that you would expect from a 5 star restaurant and set it up in our suite for us to dine privately. Steve serenaded us with beautiful music on his fiddle while we had a delicious dessert.



After dinner Karen gave my husband and I Swedish massages. We both agree that it was the best massage we have ever had. In the morning Karen prepared an amazing breakfast that we enjoyed on the private balcony while listening to the church bells. Upon leaving Karen had baked us fresh cookies to share with our daughter who did not accompany us on this trip.



This home has been restored beautifully and it is obvious that Karen and Steve poor their hearts and souls into this home and their guests. Thank you Karen and Steve for making our anniversary getaway absolutely perfect. We will be returning and will refer everyone we know to The Carelton House B&B.

10/10

Exceptional

14 Mar 2014

Verified traveler

10 year anniversary

This B &B truly exceeded our expectations! We had a wonderful time. The service was amazing and the food was absolutely delicious! The owners are so detail oriented. We felt like royalty!

10/10

Exceptional

12 Oct 2013

Verified traveler

THE place to stay

We used Bonham, TX as our 'launching point' to the local area. Steve & Karen, proprietors, are a wonderful, service-oriented couple. Their idea of service was to exceed our expectations. The breakfast was wonderful. The rooms well decorated. It was like staying in a Victorian museum (so much to see, discuss and wonder).

8/10

Excellent

24 Aug 2013

Verified traveler

Felt Like Home

My wife and I enjoyed a wonderful evening hosted by Karen and Steve. The welcome was sincere. Enjoyed the tour of the home and hearing the history. The food was gourmet quality and the music and laughter we shared was all bonus. The ride in the Model A the next morning after an exceptional breakfast (loved the cinnamon rolls) was a blast. We will be going back.

10/10

Exceptional

24 Jul 2013

Verified traveler

Bed and Breakfast Review

Enjoyed our stay at The Carleton House. The house is decorated and restored to the time period. Our room and bathroom were adjourning which we really liked. Our host and hostess were friendly and welcoming. Our breakfast was excellent! Would definitely return to this bed and breakfast.

10/10

Exceptional

20 Jul 2013

Verified traveler

A Hidden Treasure!

Delicious meals, engaging conversation, and top rate hospitality! A hidden treasure perfect for a relaxing getaway.

10/10

Exceptional

25 Apr 2013

Verified traveler

Best Bed & Breakfast Experience Ever!

Fantastic doesn't even begin to describe our stay at the Carleton House! The house was charming and full of history. The massage was a much needed relaxing treat. The food was DELICIOUS! In fact, the food was better than any high dollar restaurant we've been to in Dallas. And last, but definately not least, Karen and Steve were wonderful hosts! We really enjoyed talking with them, taking a tour of the house and a drive around town in the Model A. Karen and Steve made our weekend away more special than we ever expected! Don't miss this bed & breakfast, put it on your must do list if you live anywhere in the DFW area or even if you're just visiting town! Can't stop thinking about our wonderful stay here. Thank you Karen and Steve :)

10/10

Exceptional

01 Jan 2013

Verified traveler

Wonderful Time, Highly Suggest Carleton House!

Wonderful time and lovely time!

10/10

Exceptional

10 Dec 2012

Verified traveler

AWESOME COUPLES WEEKEND

This was the most AWESOME couples weekend! We enjoyed the Ivanhoe Tree Farm, the Homestead Winery and settled in at the Carleton House B&B. Steve and Karen made our stay unbelievably special in so many ways there isn't enough room to share them all. Steve is a truly fabulous fiddle player and Karen CAN COOK!!!!!! This is one place you WANT to enjoy!!! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU and having the snow on the ground when we woke up.... MAGIC!!!!!! The 1931 Model A ride around town, unbelievable gourmet breakfast, and the warm welcoming family atmosphere pulled it all together to become the ultimate road trip experience. Only 1.5 hours north of Dallas to arrive at this HIDDEN TREASURE location.

10/10

Exceptional

11 Oct 2012

Verified traveler

Wonderful Surprising Gem close to DFW

My wife and I stayed at the Carleton House in Bonham for the first time last weekend. Everything there was above and beyond what we could have expected. We picked the location on the internet without experience and were blown away by the hospitality, facilities, service, attention, entertainment (!) and food supplied by Karen and Steve. I would highly recommend the Carleton House to anyone wanting to stay anywhere near Bonham or looking for a weekend away from DFW.

10/10

Exceptional

23 Apr 2012

Verified traveler

Anniverary Weekend

Steve and Karen are hosts extraordinaire. We so enjoyed Steve's tour and description of the careful renovation of this beautiful home. Karen's cookies were a welcome treat and her breakfast was also special. We both have dietary restrictions and she catered to them quite well. Our bed and bad were both comfortable plus we really felt like we were enjoying the style and grace of the 19th century with all the comforts of the 21st century. We plan to return and enjoy it again.

10/10

Exceptional

13 Apr 2012

Verified traveler

The Carleton Casul House

We absolutely loved our stay in the Casual House. Steve was so kind to meet us at the home, show us around, and even brought us cookies from Karen. It provided a perfect location for a mini reunion with our dear friends. We slept comfortably and everything we needed was at the tip of our fingers, even baby shampoo, which I had forgot to pack. Thanks Steve and Karen!

10/10

Exceptional

06 Mar 2012

Verified traveler

HOME AWAY FROM HOME

We go all of the time we love it. Have a great time everytime we go. The food is awesome nice to be at home away from the city we ride our bike on the country roades very nice place and peaceful place.

10/10

Exceptional

04 Feb 2012

Verified traveler

Charming--all a bed & breakfast should be!

I have stayed in B&Bs for over 25 years and rate this as one of the best experiences. If you love Victoriana this is the place-the home, furnishings and memorabilia are from that era. But the owner Karen is what makes the home so special as she took time to talk with me about the lovely home and its former owners. My breakfast was gourmet with a luscious omelet and a made from scratchapple turnover. My room was charming and I learned it was the bedroom of the daughter who last owned the home. If you want a relaxing place to spend some time--this is it! I also enjoyed the old claw foot tub. The gardens were quite beautiful $ I can't wait to see them this spring. I give this a 5 star. Recently I have been disappointed with some of the b & bs that I have visited, but this is a jewel! Treat yourself to a wonderfule step back in time--I will be back!

2/10

Poor

29 Jan 2012

Verified traveler

I was embarassed for my sister and her husband!

I was so embarassed for my sister and her husband who rented one of the houses for a night. When they arrived the house was freezing. There was no instructions regarding the heaters or how to use them. My husband and I came over to play games and I had to figure out the heat...the gas wasn't even turned on to light the stove. The oven did not work. The light switch in the bathroom off the kitchen does not work properly. Your food is horrible. Your price for this kind of service is outrageous. If I were you I would offer them a refund. You evidently were totally unprepared for them. One other thing...the dining room table is trash! How dare you charge the outrageous price for that rental and not provide an outstanding stay. I refer my clients and business associates on where to stay in Bonham and your place will definitely be excluded. One more thing, bugs in the house aren't attractive either, really...maybe some pest control would be in order.