Walnut Waters B&B, Lone Jack
November 2020
As my husband and I drove up the winding lane and crossed the red truss bridge at Walnut Waters, we couldn’t help but relax. Situated on 21 acres of rolling hills, Karl and Rebecca Darley’s earth contact, log home is nestled next to their pond flanked by twin gazebos. For lazy afternoons, adirondack furniture graces the expansive yard. Even though Whiteman Air Force Base, the University of Central Missouri and Kansas City’s Powell Gardens are nearby, deer, fox, owls, wild turkey and birds consider the acreage their habitat.
Originally from Joliet, Illinois, the Darley’s looked for property in states as far-flung as Virginia and Colorado. Near the end of their search in mid-2018, they found Walnut Waters listed as a potential bed and breakfast. The couple immediately recognized its retreat-like setting.
“When we drove down the driveway, we were hooked,” says Rebecca.
Karl, a retired carpenter and avid woodworker, formerly built custom houses and high-rises in Chicago. He completely renovated the three comfortable bedrooms on the second floor, each with private bathroom, covered patio and an individual entrance. Guests stay on the opposite end of the home from the Darleys. During Covid, stringent cleaning measures remain in place.
“I’m a registered nurse, and I know the proper way to disinfect and clean the rooms and common areas,” says Rebecca. “There are so many spots for privacy and social distancing, both inside and out.”
Avid anglers can catch and release for crappie, catfish and blue gill from the shoreline. Some prefer to simply feed the fish (easily spotted because the water remains clear to about eight feet) or use the paddleboat. On cooler weekends, guests cozy up to a bonfire. In the game-media room, there’s pool, board games and a movie library. A stone fireplace anchors the adjacent common room. The refreshment bar supplies Keurig drinks, bottled water and snacks, including freshly-baked cookies.
Breakfast starts with fresh fruit. Entrees rotate between savory and sweeter dishes, such as crepes or waffles. Bacon-lovers take note: the Darley’s hand-cut their own bacon. Rebecca makes biscuits, cinnamon rolls and banana sticky buns from scratch. Dietary needs can be readily accommodated.
Backdropped by the pond, the picturesque setting lends itself to weddings, for up to 75 guests. A reception tent and staging kitchen are available. Year-round elopement packages and anniversary weekends remain popular.
Visit WalnutWatersBedAndBreakfast.com for more information.