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LODGING: THE CARRIAGE STEP
The Carriage Step
AMBER BURRIS BECERRA WELCOMES GUESTS TO HER HISTORIC 1890s BED & BREAKFAST
PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMILY HENDERSON
More than just a bed and breakfast, guests experience true Texan hospitality when they stay at The Carriage Step. Amber Burris Becerra provides service with a personal touch, along with unique perks like historic architecture, helpful local recommendations and one-of-akind rooms that are only a short stroll away from all the best spots in Columbus.
The Carriage Step is spacious yet cozy. There’s plenty of room for families to spread out and get comfortable. And it’s just those qualities that originally drew Amber to the home. You see, Amber also runs Schneider Hall, a historic dance hall that is available for event rental.
“I needed a bridal house,” Amber said. “I was already sending my brides here, so when the previous owners were looking to sell The Carriage Step, they approached me to see if I might be interested. One thing led to another and here we are.”
Amber was quickly enamored with the house and, although it was already beautifully decorated, she added a few personal touches to elevate the space even more.
“I love this house,” Amber shared. “It has such a great history here. It’s called The Carriage Step because of the big, strange concrete step out front. The decor is a really nice mix of antiques with a little bit of mid-century and a touch of modern. All I had to do was put my own personal tweak on things.”
Top, Amber Burris Becerra of The Carriage Step in Columbus enjoys a rest in the living area of her downtown guest house; bottom, a quiet sunroom overlooking the spacious backyard enourages guests to sit a spell.
A Columbus native, Amber found herself returning to her childhood home after her family suffered a great loss with the passing of her mother, Kathy Burris. Kathy was an integral part of Columbus, touching many people during her life. Her passing changed Amber’s course.
“I had been living in different cities across Texas, but moved back here in 2013,” Amber added. “My mom passing away made me not want to stop. I wanted to open the hall as a wedding venue. I didn’t want it to just sit there because my mother had such a vested interest in it and she loved the place. I quit my corporate job and moved back to Columbus. I wanted to carry on Mom’s legacy. I felt I needed to be back home and it was a really great move. My husband and I are now raising our daughter here and live right next door to my dad.”
Today, Amber feels like what she’s accomplishing is indeed her life’s calling. “At first, I had no idea what I was doing. But, with my family and the community’s help, it has all proved to be well. I’ve put a lot of heart and soul into it. The Carriage Step is an integral part of the community and especially the downtown area.”
Schneider Hall, which has been in Amber’s family for almost 100 years, is nestled on Highway 71, just a few miles south of Columbus. Originally a Texas Dancehall that operated throughout the 1930s, it was run by the Schneider brothers; Fred, Jim, Willie, and Jake. They hosted regular dances at the hall and many town events including the 1939 Farmers League Rally Day which was reported to have had over 1000 people attend. The hall officially closed its doors in 1942, but still hosted events and parties throughout the 1950s. Today it is a charming place to hold a wedding, family reunion, business meeting, or just a party for party’s sake.
The Carriage Step, located at 1118 Prairie Street, sleeps up to eight guests and is also available for party rentals for 50 to 75 people if using both the interior and exterior space. You can visit both locations online at www.schneiderhall.com and www. thecarriagestep.com.
