top of page


The Stories the Walls Could Tell: A Brief History of Oaklea Mansion
Every grand home holds its secrets, but few have as much charm—or as many stories—as Oaklea Mansion in Winnsboro, Texas. From its early beginnings as a private estate to its present-day role as a beloved bed and breakfast, Oaklea has stood as a graceful reminder of Southern hospitality and timeless architecture. A Vision of Elegance Built in 1903, Oaklea Mansion was the dream of a prominent East Texas family who wanted a home that reflected both sophistication and strength. T

Tiffany Tillema
Oct 212 min read


Captain Rambo’s Day in Court: The 1874 Insanity Trial That Tied a Wood County Soldier to a Future Texas Governor
Captain John Humpry Rambo's grave, Wood County, Texas The name “Rambo” may conjure images of Hollywood action heroes, but in Wood County,...

Tiffany Tillema
Sep 44 min read


Big Wheel Bash 2025: Dust, Sirens, and a Whole Lot of Horsepower
Woodie at the Big Wheel Bash If you were in Winnsboro on Saturday, August 23rd, you probably heard it before you saw it, the...

Tiffany Tillema
Aug 233 min read


Winter Maintenance for Historic Homes: How Oaklea Mansion Stays Cozy in the Cold
Winter Maintainance is necessary for historic homes like Oaklea Mansion With the severely cold weather we’re experiencing this week,...

Tiffany Tillema
Feb 202 min read


Visit Winnsboro in the Winter
Why visit Winnsboro in the winter? Unlike the picture attached to this post, Winnsboro is quite comfortable for most of the winter,...

Tiffany Tillema
Dec 18, 20232 min read


5 Reasons to Embrace the Wood County Walls Mural Project
This past week, murals have been popping up all over Wood County. 5 of them right here in Winnsboro. Three of those were painted by...

Tiffany Tillema
Sep 25, 20234 min read


Hosting Your Next Corporate Retreat at Oaklea Mansion Bed and Breakfast
Most people think of hotels and conference centers when it comes to corporate retreats. However, a Bed & Breakfast like Oaklea...

Tiffany Tillema
Jun 5, 20231 min read


Lovers Getaway at Oaklea Mansion Bed & Breakfast
Lovers getaway Winnsboro, Texas, is a charming small town that is ideal for a lovers getaway. Its picturesque streets lined with historic...

Tiffany Tillema
May 12, 20232 min read


Ima Hogg and her Winnsboro Connection
Ima Hogg was a remarkable woman who left an indelible mark on Texas history. So much so she is often referred to as "the First Lady of...

Tiffany Tillema
May 8, 20232 min read


Unraveling the charm of Bed and Breakfasts: 6 reasons to choose one over a traditional hotel
Eating breakfast photo by Canva Are you tired of staying at the same old hotels or rentals during your vacations? Why not try something...

Tiffany Tillema
May 1, 20237 min read


The History of Marcus D Carlock's Curly Pine Staircase
View of the staircase from the entryway Photo by Oaklea Mansion In 1903 Marcus DeWitt Carlock made his residency in Winnsboro, Texas,...

Tiffany Tillema
Apr 24, 20233 min read


8 Things to Know About Bed and Breakfast Etiquette
Eastlake Suite at Oaklea Mansion photo by Oaklea Mansion It might initially seem daunting if you have never visited a Bed & Breakfast. It...

Tiffany Tillema
Apr 11, 20234 min read


Winnsboro- Past, Present, Future
Main street, Winnsboro. Photographer unknown Oaklea Mansion was built in 1903. That was 120 years ago. The town itself has been here even...

Tiffany Tillema
Apr 4, 20235 min read


In Case You Missed it: Bridal Show Highlights
Photo by 4T Studios You found that person you want to spend the rest of your life with, and now you have a big day to plan. You want this...

Tiffany Tillema
Mar 15, 20234 min read


Winnsboro, What was Happening in 1903?
 Winnsboro to Marshall Railway photo via Wikipedia 120 years ago, In 1903, Oaklea Mansion's construction was completed, but what else...

Tiffany Tillema
Jan 30, 20233 min read


The Lasting Impact of Marcus Dewitt Carlock, Sr.
Photo from "History of the carlock family and Pioneer Americans" Texas is rich in History, which is why so many are interested in this...

Tiffany Tillema
Jan 10, 20234 min read


Winnsboro Restaurants with Vegan & Vegetarian Options
Are you vegan or vegetarian? Having trouble finding options in Small Town Winnsboro? Here is a List of restaurants with vegan options!

Tiffany Tillema
Dec 26, 20223 min read


Winnsboro's connection to the "Sawmill Bonanza" of the early 20th century
Four Mule Logging Team Winnsboro, Texas, is a town full of history. One of Winnsboro's more interesting historical features is its...

Tiffany Tillema
Dec 21, 20223 min read


Winnsboro's Hidden Gems
The Bowery (Photo by Tiffany Tillema) You may be thinking, "What can the small town of Winnsboro offer me during a stay at Oaklea...

Tiffany Tillema
Dec 6, 20227 min read


East Texas Wine Country; Seven Vineyards to visit During Your Stay (Vineyard Map)
Muscadine grapes (Photo by Tiffany Tillema) Winnsboro is centrally located in the East Texas wine country. This makes Oaklea Mansion a...

Tiffany Tillema
Nov 28, 20223 min read
bottom of page


