By Katie Dabney
Just outside of Dallas lies one of Texas’s oldest and most charming historic cities. Filled with locally-owned mom and pop businesses, unique restaurants, and a rich history, McKinney, Texas is a vibrant city with much to explore. Nestled next to downtown McKinney is one of the city’s newest hidden gems, the Bingham Estate. Originally built in the late 19th century, the Bingham Estate is now a luxury vacation and event rental, restored with impeccable detail and delightful Grandmillennial charm.
“The restoration of the Bingham was inspired by a desire to bring Charleston, SC charm to the historic downtown McKinney area. By incorporating rich details and honoring the legacy of the Bingham family, the space has become something truly special, immersing guests in history at every turn,” said Erika McWilliams, owner.
Originally built in 1883 for Captain John Henry Bingham, a Civil War soldier and newspaper typesetter, the Bingham Estate has a rich transformative history, much like the historic city in which it’s located. After the war, Captain Bingham returned to his work at the Dallas Herald newspaper and set out to build the estate as his family home with his wife and six children. Inspired by another estate the Captain saw in Georgia, the home was finished one year later. He went on to work for and later purchase the McKinney Enquirer, which was located right next to his home until 1898.
Over the next century, the estate served as both a bed and breakfast and a wedding venue, and in 1988, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The Estate began to transition to the gorgeous gathering place it is today when it was sold to its current owners in 2022. Renovations included the addition of six newly constructed, fully modern and completely comfortable guest cottages around the property, as well as a Hollywood-style pool, a large social area, a Pool House, and the Carriage House for smaller groups and tea parties.
The Bingham Estate is now available for overnight guest stays and events such as anniversaries, weddings, or a refreshing getaway that will instantly transport you to an idyllic retreat where time stands still.
Each of the six single-bedroom guest cottages is named after one of the Captain’s six children, and each is uniquely and charmingly decorated in a fashion that is both perfectly suited for twenty-first century life, yet honors the estate’s rich history and timeless style.
Let’s take a peek inside, beginning with the main house!
The Bingham Estate’s main house combines old-world luxury with modern convenience. Inside are four spacious en suites alongside areas for relaxation and fellowship. The kitchen marries hardwood floors and exposed brick with modern appliances – the perfect place to prepare a meal – and the dining room is always set for eight guests.
The Cottages
“I worked with Sidewalk Dreamery LLC and McReynolds Design to help bring the cottages to life with the idea of building cottages and naming them after the Bingham siblings,” said Erika. “We always tell the true story of the Bingham family, but embellish the siblings through design. It’s exciting and the details are key. So many fun antiques were used to bring the siblings to life and that you would know them.”
The Eliza Cottage
Two of the cottages are Carpenter Gothic style, popular in the decades before the Bingham House was built. The Eliza resembles a real-life gingerbread house with whimsical yet elegant floral and wooden details and soft pastel colors… Perfect for creating storybook memories!
The Margaret Cottage
The Margret, a Queen Anne style cottage, features similar soft pink and green colors throughout the room and beautiful floral wallpapers. With the beautiful pops of color throughout and golden details, this room is certainly fit for a Queen.
The Sallie Mills Cottage
The Sallie Mills, another Carpenter Gothic style cottage, is any pink lover’s dream. This cottage is wholly romantic and full of feminine charm. The pink and wood checkered floors beautifully complete the room and add an eye-catching touch.
The Nathaniel Cottage
Next The Nathaniel cottage brings magnificent European style and elegance all the way to Texas. Decorated for classic luxury, The Nathaniel features a palette of rich greens, brass fixtures, wood floors, and soft thick bedding.
Two of the Bingham Estate cottages pay homage to the old world with Mansard-style construction, popularized in 19th-century Paris. You’ll immediately recognize the pitched angles and rooftop greenery from your favorite historical dramas.
The Stephen Cottage
The Queen Anne style was popular in much of the 19th century around the United States. The Stephen instantly transports you to a hidden cottage in a forest. Like the other cottages, it features stunning patterned wallpaper, this time, of green leaves that exquisitely complement the soft and rounded turquoise bed that lies in the center of the room. Art Deco lovers will surely fall in love with this room as the patterns and bold yet classic colors are designed to exhibit the beginnings of the Jazz Age.
The Isaac Cottage
The final cottage, The Isaac, is also constructed in the Mansard style. Bold and luxurious, it features yellow accent chairs, pink walls, and a floral rug over wood floors that come together to create an eclectic combination.
Truly a Texas treasure and winner of a Texas Travel Award for Unique Lodging! The Bingham Estate celebrates a distinctive blend of heritage, charm, and elevated hospitality—right in the heart of downtown McKinney, one of Texas’s most beloved historic districts.
To learn more or to make reservations, please visit The Bingham Estate and follow @binghamestate on Instagram for ongoing events and inspiration.
View this post on Instagram
