By Kathy Feist
For three years, Illinois residents Karl and Rebecca Darley searched the country for a bed and breakfast inn to purchase. Colorado. The Blue Ridge Mountains. “I really wanted a mountain view,” recalled Rebecca.
But it was a ranch home on 28 acres near Lone Jack that caught their imagination and would not let go.
And little wonder.
A winding drive through the countryside north of 50 Hwy leads into the heavily wooded property of Walnut Waters Bed and Breakfast. Sun streaks through the leafy branches and onto the outstretched hills until an opening reveals a wide sparkling pond and the ranch home facing it. There is something else on the property not found in the city. Silence. The immediate seduction of peace and tranquility.
The Darley’s felt it too.
“This place checked all our boxes,” says Rebecca. The property had a woodshop for Karl and an 1100 square foot apartment on the west wing for their own privacy. “Guests won’t feel like they are intruding in our home,” she says.
On the opposite wing are three rustic decorated guest rooms, each with its own individual patio walkout and entrance, much like a hotel. Bathrooms with showers are within the rooms.
An impressive stairway railing made of plank elm branches from the property guides guests downstairs to the main house. On one side is a stunning 28-foot long stone hearth with a fireplace, the showpiece of the home. At the other end is a game room, complete with a pool table, television, small library, snacks and beverages.
In the kitchen, Rebecca, formerly a nurse, gets creative with homemade breakfast items such as Eggs Benedict Quiche, Banana Sticky Rolls, or the Specialty Dutch Babies. The Darley’s gather some of the ingredients from their own herb and vegetable garden.
Guests can enjoy the scenic view of the pond from comfortable chairs on the deck. For the more adventurous, paddle boats, fishing rods and a walking trail are available.
The Darley’s have recently completed an event space up a short hill from the house. The decor features a modern gray interior with touches of unfinished wood and corrugated metal, polished cement floors and the shadow of mountains painted on the garage doors. Occupancy is 50 to 60 people.
In the six years that the Darley’s have been inn keepers, they have had guests from as far as Germany, the Congo, and South America. Most local guests come to celebrate an anniversary or birthday. They might also take in the neighboring Powell Gardens, visit the museum at Lone Jack, or travel Kansas City’s wine tour.
Walnut Waters is located at 928 NW 1971st Rd in Lone Jack. For more information, visit walnutwatersbedandbreakfast.com.
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