Gerald E. McLeod

DAY TRIPS

Updated November 17, 2004 10:13 PM

A worldly flavor at a Del Rio inn

The Villa Del Rio captures the international influences of the Mexican border. Not quite interior Mexico or downtown Texas, the bed and breakfast inn in Del Rio provides lodging with a worldly flavor.

The two-story mansion was once the home of Judge John Foster, the grandfather of folk singer Radney Foster. With its mission-style roof line, the house could be described as a Spanish-style Mediterranean villa with American Southern charm. The upstairs bedrooms open to large windows overlooking a pecan orchard accented by palm trees. The centerpiece of the back yard is a fish pond off the patio with a bird sculpture.

The inn consists of three guest rooms and a two-bedroom cottage behind the main house. The quarters are spacious and uncluttered, with a touch of eccentricity. Downstairs is a large television room and dining room with a European feel. As you walk into the house, you get a feeling you’re stepping into a world of multiple influences.

Innkeeper Sarah Boone credits the owner, artist-designer Jay Johnson, for the eclectic furnishing of the turn-of-the-century mansion.

“He likes to call it ‘funky elegance,’” Boone says.

Johnson’s sculpture, decorating and landscaping have been influenced by the art of Europe and Central Mexico.

With her background in banking and the inns of Granbury, Boone brought a more minimalist attitude to Villa Del Rio.

Her arrangement of the Judge Roy Bean and Lily Langtry rooms tells a story as well as providing comfortable accommodations. Frontier Justice of the Peace Bean was infatuated with actress Langtry, and rumors swirled about whether they ever met. The two rooms share a bath and are roomy enough for a family or couples.

The Peacock Suite is the best room in the house. The high ceiling accentuates the spaciousness, and a sitting room branches off to one side.

Frank Qualia, an immigrant from northern Italy, started Val Verde Winery — next door to the inn — in Del Rio in 1883. The winery survived It is still owned and operated by the family.

The Pancho Villa Cottage is different from the main house. The two-bedroom adobe building offers privacy as well as room to sleep as many as seven. The house has a full kitchen, bath and vanity, and a good-size living room. Decorated in accents from Mexico’s interior, the house is a favorite with families and couples.

Each morning, Boone delivers coffee to the rooms before heading to the kitchen to prepare one of the inn’s famous breakfasts. The Villa rotates between three exotic menus that surprise many first-time guests.

Calling itself the “Queen City of the Rio Grande,” Del Rio is nice any time of year but winter is especially good.

The international bridge is only a couple of miles from the inn. Cab companies provide transportation across the border for those who don’t want to drive or walk, but Boone doesn’t hesitate to take her car across.

“The shopping in Ciudad Acuna has never been better,” Boone says “The prices are low, and the selection is great.”

Some people just go across the Rio Grande to eat at the famous Crosby’s Restaurant and to have a drink at the Corona Club.

Villa Del Rio’s room rates range from $110 to $220. For reservations, call 800-995-1887 or 830-768-1100, or visit www.villadelrio.com.

• Gerald E. McLeod’s “Day Trips, Vol. 2” is available for $8.95, plus $3.05 for shipping, handling and tax. Mail to: Day Trips, P.O. Box 33284, Austin, TX 78704.