This unusual bed and breakfast is located on the bank of the Llano River, right by the Highway 71 bridge. It is a few yards from the quaint town square and looks like a 19th-century bank building. It was built in 1891 and was the First National Bank of Llano until 1898 when the "Iron Boom" of Llano was over and the bank closed. "Professor" N.J. Badu bought it at an auction and lived upstairs while he used the downstairs for various other purposes. Now it is a fine bed and breakfast with an excellent dining room.

The building's commercial-looking two-story granite exterior hasn't changed since the 1890's, but inside you'll find a warm, residential ambience. After entering through the pretty stained glass doors, you'll see a grand oak staircase. To the right is the Victorian dining room. There are six rooms and one suite with two bedrooms. All bedrooms or suites have private bathrooms. Authentic Victorian decor prevails throughout the house, including bath fixtures. A full breakfast is served daily.

I've stayed in the Kitty Badu Room, which was $90 a night. There were windows on two sides and the hill country views were nice. Some of the rooms have river views. The furnishings are comfortable and the decor warm, but the thing I like best about staying here is the dining room's delicious home-style Texas breakfast.

Check out the Badu House's website at www.baduhouse.com.