Alpine Bed and Breakfast, previously known as The Kincaid-Wade House, was built in 1887-1888 and is one of Alpine’s original homes.
Tom and Sharon Kelner are only the seventh owners in 135 years, and this shows in how well the house has been maintained. Except for the kitchen, the entire house still has the original hardwood floors, beadboard, and amazing spindle woodwork.
Alpine Bed and Breakfast is a good example of a single-story Queen Anne/Victorian Cottage, which was popular around the turn of the century. The center of the house has a long hallway that spans from front to rear, which maximizes air circulation. Additionally, the house boasts 7-foot windows, original glass transoms, and connecting doors that also served as a natural air conditioner. Over the years it’s been updated to include a modern kitchen (there is still a portion of the chimney from the old wood-burning cooking area inside the cabinet over the current stove), central air and heat, and bathrooms. Most of the 5 fireplaces still have the original tile, mantles, and/or mirrors, although they were once coal-burning and so now have electric heater inserts.
The Kelners purchased the home in 2019 with the plan of creating a traditional bed and breakfast that focuses on comfort, innovative home-cooked food, and first-class accommodations for visitors to Alpine, Big Bend, and the surrounding area. Hoping to minimize impact on the feel of the home, the only major changes they made were to add an additional full bathroom and half bathroom and remove the connecting door between two rooms.
Each of the 4 bedrooms is spacious and has windows on at least two sides. The furniture has been selected to allow maximum comfort with room to move around. With an attention to detail, each room has been outfitted with a king bed with a new 14” mattress, luxury 100% cotton percale sheets, a bench, two nightstands (each with a reading lamp and clock with charging ports), a table with chairs to enjoy private time, 2 robes, a smart TV, an individual heater, blackout curtains, a luggage rack, free WiFi, and ample space to store both hanging and folded clothes. The B&B is 4 blocks from the railroad tracks, so although the train is quieter here than on the main strip, guests will also find a white noise machine and ear plugs in each room.
The bathrooms have been either newly added or completely renovated. The private bathrooms for three of the four rooms – Twin Sisters, Eagle Peak and Castle Rock – are attached to the bedrooms. The private bathroom for the fourth room – Chisos – is not attached to the room but is directly across the hall.
All bathrooms have a walk-in shower, Super-Plush 100% cotton towels (including bath sheets), a makeup mirror, a hair dryer, soap, shampoo, conditioner, and body lotion.
Guests may be surprised to find a minimal amount of antiques throughout the home – it’s been furnished with highly comfortable, yet simple, furniture that doesn’t detract from the beauty of the house. What they will find are soft sheets and towels, good food, and an atmosphere where they can relax and feel at home.
Sitting on an acre of land with 30 trees, there is plenty of room to make new friends or to find solitude. The dining room accommodates 12 (or 2 socially-distanced couples), but there is also a breakfast nook as well as the game table in the living room. The living room has a couch, smart TV, and a table large enough to work a puzzle or play a game of cards. The wrap-around porch allows people to enjoy company and conversation. There is also plenty of room at the back of the house where you can sit by the gas fire pit and watch the sunset while looking for wildlife that comes to the watering trough at the side of the house each evening.
Don’t forget the breakfasts!
We strive everyday to create a gourmet experience for all guests regardless of dietary requirements and restrictions. Many of our dishes can be converted into keto, gluten-free, lactose-free, vegetarian, and vegan so everyone has the same experience or a dish created just for them.
Most of our breakfast items are homemade, including all breads, jams, and yogurt.
This is not your typical B&B experience. Instead, we create offerings that you won’t find elsewhere. Like Pumpkin Bread Pudding, Cornbread Hash with Ham and a Fried Egg, Cheese-Filled Crêpes with Strawberries, and so much more!
Visit the Alpine Historical Association for more details on the history of the Kincaid-Wade house that is now Alpine Bed and Breakfast.
