Upon arrival, I am greeted by the undeniable charm of Rapture, the main mansion building. The crown jewel of The Menagerie boasts 3 stunning bedrooms and 2 baths, all wrapped in luxurious details. Dramatic wallpaper, antique furniture, and unexpected nooks whisper stories of the Fredericksburg Mayor who first graced these halls. A farmhouse kitchen with original metal countertops invites guests to whip up a meal with family or friends. The setting is perfect for a private chef, which The Menagerie can help arrange. The grand dining room overlooks the pool, and a maximalist living room (as seen in Architectural Digest) is the ideal spot for sharing cocktails by the fireplace.
The six suites, Temptress, Belladonna, Esperanza, Carriage, Serenity, and La Hermosa, are artistic statements. (Bold suites in photos.) The Temptress Suite is where historic charm meets sultry vibes for a romantic getaway, complete with a clawfoot tub and stained-glass windows. It is easy to unwind in the Belladonna Suite, with its lush greenery and whimsical charm—including a fireplace, spa shower, and stocked kitchenette. Bursts of color and life welcome guests to the La Hermosa Suite, with playful patterns, cozy nooks, and a gorgeous view. All suites sleep two.
Texas Sunday houses, small historical dwellings used for weekend stays when churchgoers would come into town, are scattered throughout Fredericksburg. Today, many are rentals. The Menagerie has turned neighboring Sunday houses into four bungalows, A Little Bit Texas, The Grace, The Aurora, and La Foret. The Aurora, built in the 1930's, is the largest and sleeps four; renovated and modernized, this bungalow is cozy, cool, and quiet.
Fredericksburg is one of the least known towns in the Lone Star State, but at the same time it is one of the most popular vacation spots due to its location in Texas Wine Country. The bustling streets of downtown Fredericksburg are lined with tasting rooms, boutique shops, and plenty of places to eat and drink. History abounds in this town settled by German immigrants in 1846 and visitors can get the whole story with a visit to the Pioneer Museum, by stopping by the Marktplatz von Fredericksburg, or by hoping on a trolly tour. History buffs will also enjoy the National Museum of the Pacific War.
Useful links
The Menagerie: https://www.themenagerietx.com/
Fredericksburg: https://www.visitfredericksburgtx.com/