he London Times (England) wrote that MAISON-BAYOU is "...possibly the World's best Bed and Breakfast." Maison-Bayou is located on the banks of Big Cypress Bayou, amongst 52 wooded acres, yet is moments from the center of Historic Downtown Jefferson, Texas. The main property is an authentic reproduction of an 1850's Plantation. Within the Overseer's house, where the full breakfast is served, Heart of Pine floors, walls, and ceilings, natural gas burning wall-lanterns, and period antiques andfabrics, create an atmosphere reminiscent of what guests would have found in a Country Inn prior to the Civil War. Breakfast is served on the glassed-in gallery overlooking the private Cypress Pond, with an over-the-water Gazebo.

All units have private bath, individually controlled heat/air condition, and coffee maker. All cabins feature Full Breakfast on weekends, served in Overseer's House Dining Room. Architecturally styled after authentic Slave Quarter Cabins, guests can relax with total privacy. Each cabin mixes primitive furnishings, soft, comfortable fabrics and the modern conveniences of today to provide a perfect blend. Cabins 1 through 3 feature antique claw foot tubs with brass hand-held shower, while Cabin 4 offers a large, handicapped accessible stand-up shower. Yes, each cabin features indoor toilets (old fashioned pull chain). Each cabin is located on the Cypress Alligator Pond, with full view.

ROBERT E. LEE: REPLICA STEAMBOAT PADDLEWHEELER -- (includes Full Breakfast on weekends) Enjoy luxurious lodging literally OVER the water. Sleep in the comfort of a Queen Size Sleigh bed, and relax downstairs on the bow under the cool breeze of a ceiling fan. Climb the spiral staircase to the pilothouse and go outside to view a Cypress Pond vista. Stretch out and sunbathe on the sundeck. And, The Golden Era of Radio awaits you. Pass the time listening to classic old time radio shows. The private bath features a stand-up shower. Personal refrigerator. This unit accommodates up to 2 people.

RIVERFRONT RAILCAR -- Step into the past when travel was by private railcar. Beautifully varnished wood walls and ceiling accented by 20 windows plus two skylights, giving a panoramic view of woods and Big Cypress Bayou. Private sleeping berth with Queen size bed. Full bath with stand-up shower. Relax in the sitting area that offers a sofa and lounge chair, TV, refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker and access to back deck, which overlooks the Bayou.

FRISCO CABOOSE -- Situated directly along the banks of Big Cypress Bayou and adjacent to the Railcar, this genuine old FRISCO Caboose allows for complete privacy in lodging Full size Antique Iron bed, private bath with shower, TV, refrigerator, cooktop range, coffee maker, and microwave oven. Enjoy the view of the River from your bed, from the elevated observation seats (remember seeing the Caboosemen waving from the tall windows?), or from your own private Deck over the Bayou. Natureís beauty is abundant!

POOLSIDE CABANAS -- Built on the Old Jefferson-to-Marshall Stagecoach Road, these Caribbean-Style Cabanas are situated by our main gate, and appropriately overlook our Lagoon Swimming Pool, complete with rock waterfall. These lodging units are finished with beautiful rough sawn pine, milled from this property. Sitting room is appointed with a gas log fireplace, TV, ceiling fan, futon sofa, breakfast table, and kitchenette features of microwave, refrigerator and coffeemaker. Full size "Adult Bunkbeds" make these excellent for groups and families. Private bath features stand-up shower. Relax on your front porch rocker for a true country experience. Fishing is just a short walk away through our nature trails to the Riverfront. And be sure to ask about our Top Banana Cabana.

DISTINCTIVE FEATURES:

• Maison-Bayou has a canoe on the riverfront and a peddleboat on our private cypress pond that are for the exclusive use of our guests (no charge)
• Deck over the water on the riverfront, perfect for watching a sunset, sunbathing, or fishing.
• Weather permitting, we have a 30' Suntracker party boat that we occasionally take our guests on bayou cruises. Just ask for details upon arrival.
• Miles of nature trails on the property. We can handle just about any sort of special event, from family reunions to weddings andreceptions.
• With guests desiring breakfast, early coffee is offered beginning at 8:15 a.m., with full Plantation Breakfast served on the glassed-in back gallery at approximately 8:45 a.m.
• Special events for groups can be arranged, from crawfish boils to cochon d' laits (pig roasts)