The Journey to Becoming ‘The Menagerie’

1892

Franz and Agnes Stein arrive from Germany, acquiring the storied parcel that would become The Menagerie's canvas. While establishing Fredericksburg's first electric power plant and the still-standing Stein Lumber Company, they planted the seeds of innovation on this very soil. Their European sensibilities and entrepreneurial spirit infused the property with a legacy of refined taste and forward-thinking that still resonates with today's design connoisseurs.

The mansion finally emerges as a love letter to architectural romance when Joe Stein and his bride Ella Baag commission Franz's brother, the talented Edward Stein, to create their marital sanctuary. A masterpiece of Queen Anne Victorian splendor unfolds—its asymmetrical silhouette, intricate spindlework, and dramatic rooflines whisper stories of an elegant era. Though now reimagined in color, the mansion originally stood in pristine white, its wrap-around porch and squared tower creating the perfect tableau for Fredericksburg's most stylish newlyweds.

After Joe's passing in 1957, the devoted Ella Stein remained the mansion's faithful steward until she joined him in 1984, leaving behind walls that had witnessed decades of their love story. The Fuller family briefly inherited this architectural heirloom, preserving its authentic character with minimal intervention—a reverence design enthusiasts can still appreciate. In 1999, visionaries Tammy and Barry Sikes recognized the property's untapped potential, transforming the historic estate into a Victorian bed and breakfast that would introduce travelers to its charms, perfectly timed with the blossoming of Texas Hill Country's wine scene.

In March, The Menagerie's most enchanting chapter began as Recats Collection claimed the property with a vision that transcends mere accommodations. The meticulous transformation planned to honor Fredericksburg's history while daring to dream in signature pink, white, and maroon hues—a palette as bold as it is sophisticated. Every decision, from preserved architectural details to modern luxuries, was crafted for the traveler seeking not just a stay, but an immersion into artful living and maximalism. The result? A collection of spaces where memories aren't just made but curated, where history and luxury dance together in perfect harmony for travelers, friends, and families seeking their own chapter in The Menagerie's continuing story.

The grand renovation was finalized in 2023, unveiling The Menagerie in all its maximalist glory—where vintage architectural bones now embrace bold pattern play, curated art collections, and unexpected design moments at every turn. Perfectly positioned just steps from Fredericksburg's most coveted wine-tasting rooms, boutiques, and culinary scenes, the property stands as both a sanctuary and launchpad for the design-obsessed traveler. Every corner tells a story, from dramatic clawfoot tubs to gallery walls that spark conversation—creating spaces where memories aren't just made but artfully composed. The once-white Victorian now stands proudly in its new chromatic identity, beckoning the aesthetically adventurous to discover where history, luxury, and imagination coexist in perfect, photogenic harmony.