Seven Oaks Bed & Breakfast for College Station, Texas A&M University, Bryan, Caldwell -
In the early 1900's, the Moorings were a very prominent and successful family in
the Brazos Valley. Ward Mooring owned several thousand acres of rich Brazos Bottom
farmland, where his family successfully farmed and marketed cotton and other crops.
In 1940, Ward Mooring hired the architectural firm of John-Astin-Perkins out of
Dallas, Texas and had an estate plan prepared to build a beautiful, lasting home
and estate near Highway 21 on the high bank of the Brazos River. Detailed architectural
designs were completed for the attractive Mooring House in 1942, including a Carriage
House with six bays on the first floor for vehicles and equipment and apartments
above for visitors and hired help.
The Mooring House was designed to the highest architectural and construction standards
of the day. Construction began in 1942 and was completed in 1944 during the midst
of WWII. Beautiful hardwood floors, paneling, doors, staircase railing, cabinets
and hardware were obtained from the Grand Central Hotel (built circa 1890) in Calvert
before the hotel was razed in the late 1940's. These items were incorporated into
the overall décor to create a unique historic look and feel. Mr. Mooring frequently
entertained the social elite from Bryan together with Hollywood stars he had met
in his travels. At the time, Brazos County was "dry" and alcohol was not
readily available, so it was a real privilege to be invited "across the River"
into Burleson County to socialize where the liquor would flow freely along the edge
of the Brazos River.
After World War II, the Mooring House enjoyed a number of "glory years",
providing an exclusive place to live and entertain the social elite. After Mr. Mooring
passed away, modifications were made to the Carriage House to convert the garage
bays to an enclosed multi-use area. But the wild times had just begun. Beginning
in 1968 and lasting until the mid 70's, the Mooring House and grounds were used
regularly as a brothel, bar and gambling house. Some Bryan residents still remember
but rarely discuss the wild "invitation only" gatherings that were regularly
held on site. A Bryan resident who worked at the "Castle" as a boy tells
of regularly seeing the local sheriff show up just long enough to collect his pay
for making sure the parties could continue as a private affair. For a short period
of time after serving as a brothel and gambling house, the home was opened as a
private bar and restaurant named Seven Oaks and then served again as a residence.
After several years of quiet use as a personal residence, the home and property
was purchased in 2002 by Jim and Carol Riley. Carol worked for several years in
Houston as a master photographer, but now dedicates her time to raising their children
and tending to the home. Jim is a 1979 graduate of Texas A&M and works at the
University as Director for Utilities. Together, they manage and maintain Seven Oaks
Bed & Breakfast - welcoming guests to stay for gatherings, TAMU events or private
weekend get-a-ways.