Even as children, Wayne and Mary Brown had visited and fallen in love with the Hill Country. During their business careers, they owned a ranch near Bertram and, later, a house on Lake Buchanan. In the meantime, their heritage as fourth and fifth-generation Texans had given them a keen appreciation for Texas history, so when they saw a "For Sale" sign on the historic (but deteriorating) Galloway House one block south of the square in Burnet, they bought it.

Having sold their businesses in Austin, they devoted themselves to reclaiming their historic treasure. With great care, they removed the modern "improvements" and refurbished the historic details. While repairing the porch, they discovered a 47-foot-deep, hand-dug well that dated back to the beginnings of the home as a stagecoach stop in 1856. Though they installed central heat and air-conditioning, they were careful not to compromise the old-fashioned charm.

Wayne had always been fascinated by water gardens, and when the Browns decided to use the old house as a bed-and-breakfast, he used water from the old well to build a fabulous water garden in the side yard.The Verandas Guest House

Their efforts have paid off in a big way. The old Galloway House is now the Verandas Guest House, one of the most impressive bed-and-breakfasts anywhere. The beautiful and comfortable surroundings are enhanced by the gracious hospitality and wonderful cooking of Mary Brown, and many of their guests have become regular customers and good friends of the Browns. One couple has reserved their room for the weekend of Burnet's Bluebonnet Festival "for ever." A group of ladies from Devine makes a yearly pilgrimage to the Verandas to enjoy the relaxation and good company.

Most of the guests come from cities in Texas, but the Browns have hosted folks from s far away as Japan, South Africa and Germany. They often get calls from California.

"That's the funnest part," says Mary Brown. "Meeting people we never would have met."

And it's a l ...

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