The Bingham Estate started construction in 1882 for Captain John Henry Bingham, a Civil War soldier and newspaper typesetter. Bingham’s home, a Georgian Italianate inspired by a similar estate he had seen in Georgia, was completed in 1883 using lumber hauled by ox-cart more than 150 miles from Jefferson, Texas. The home would house Bingham, his wife, and six children.
Having given up his life as a soldier, Bingham turned to his other profession, working first at the Dallas Herald newspaper and then the McKinney Enquirer, which was located in a building next door to the home. Bingham later purchased the Enquirer, considerably shortening his commute.
Over the next 100 or so years, the Bingham Estate evolved from a family home into a bed and breakfast and wedding/meeting venue, and continued undergoing changes through the decades, with some modernization taking place as recently as 2020. In September 2022, the Bingham was sold to Bingham 1883 LP for restoration as a residential home.
Now you’ll find six recently constructed, fully modern, and completely comfortable guest cottages around the property, each named for one of John Bingham’s children, as well as a Hollywood-style pool; a large social area, the Pool House, where you can mingle with other guests; and the Carriage House for smaller groups and tea parties.
You’ll be in good company when you visit us! During its history, the Bingham saw its share of luminaries. One of its notable residents was Nikita Talin, a ballet dancer and instructor for companies including the Chicago Opera Ballet and New York City’s Harkness Ballet. The Bingham Estate was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
The Bingham Estate is a beautiful part of McKinney’s history. As owners of other historic homes in the area, we wanted to both preserve the Bingham’s original grandeur and give it the love and care to help current generations share in its charm. The cottages, as well, were carefully designed to complement McKinney’s past and its present.
