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A Room With a View

Hill Country Hideaways

Rio Hacienda – Pipe Rock

This may be the best, most relaxing place to stay in the Hill country. Located along the Medina River, Rio Hacienda is a newly constructed house which rests on 2 acres of land. It feels secluded with 150 ft and more of river front views. The property is set on three levels. The house sits at one then there is sitting area with a table and chairs and fire pit down below the house directly above the river with outstanding views of the crystal clear Medina. Walk down a bit further and you are at the rivers edge. Sitting on the back deck you can enjoy the beautiful hill country in the distance.There are no other homes within view of the deck. There is a home next door but when you are out back on the deck and in the yard it is completely private. When we arrived at dusk we were greeted by deer. The host left corn to feed them. There are also plenty of birds singing into the night and ducks and egrets in the river.The house is a beautifully appointed open concept design with concrete floors the color of the surrounding canyons. It is comfortably furnished with a rustic Texas accents. There is an indoor fireplace with logs provided and a gas fire feature out on the deck. The beds are large and cozy and the master bedroom has nice river views. Our host left snacks, wine and breakfast bars,everything you could want is provided here. Including a fully equipped kitchen. It is truly a spectacular Hill Country experience. We rented this property through VRBO.


Hidden River Retreat – Vanderpool

Vanderpool sits in an appealing part of the Texas hill country. The drive to this destination is scenic with superior mountain views, juniper forests and serene pastures full of longhorn cattle and sometimes the more exotic animals, raised by the ranchers. All which are visible from your car.

Near Vanderpool is Hidden River Retreat, a beautiful private cottage. Views of the gently moving crystal clear river give the cottage a very special feel. The cottage is located less than a mile from Lost Maples Park. There is plenty of Texas charm to see the nearby towns of Bandera, Utopia, Leaky and Concan. You are also close to the Frio River and Garner State park. Lost Maples Park is designed for hikers. Garner State Park has fine hiking paths, but also roads for a leisurely drive through nature.

The cottage itself is simple but equipped with everything needed for a relaxing stay. We had good reception for our AT&T phones. Satellite TV and WIFI were also available. The kitchen is fully stocked for cooking and if you like to enjoy a fire there is a fire pit by the river and a chimenea on the patio. You must keep informed of burning-bans, though online information, posted signs and the helpful manager of the local general store did not always agree on what was in force on a given day.

The hosts provided firewood and also gift a local bottle of wine. Hidden River Retreat is truly an inspiring, tranquil setting where you can relax and get away from the stresses of daily life. Rented through VRBO.


Treehouse Cabin – Bastrop

Bastrop is one of the more interesting small towns in Central Texas, on the edge of the Hill Country. We stayed two miles away from the historic town in a cabin on the Colorado River (the Texas Colorado, not the more famous one in the state of Colorado). This quaint, romantic spot is located on a river front in a natural setting just off the beaten path but close to area attractions.

The views are amazing from the main living area, the master bedroom and the deck outside. Pictures do not capture the depth and beauty of the landscape. The cabin is described as a treehouse as it is on stilts and a flight of stairs above the river.

The house is uncluttered and has all the comforts of home. The gas fireplace in the living room was our favorite place to sit and read and look at the view.

Good internet, no TV. We played scrabble each night in front of the fireplace. There is also a firepit close to the lake with plenty of wood provided.

The owners were extremely helpful We needed to postpone for a week and they accommodated us straight away. All communications were timely. We absolutely loved this peaceful retreat! Rented through VRBO.
 

Rosebud – Fredericksburg

“Rosebud” was the last word of Citizen Kane, and the last word in fine places to stay in Fredericksburg!  It is a two story mid 19th Century home, beautifully renovated but retaining much of its period charm. It is located in the historic district two blocks Main Street which  full of great restaurants excellent local shopping.

The home is spacious, uncluttered and tastefully decorated with fine furnishings.They made sure each bed in both rooms was prepared in case we chose to sleep in that particular bed. The kitchen is fully accessorized with everything for preparing a full meal. It too is beautifully renovated.

Our hosts welcome us, with pastries, a bottle of local wine, chocolate bars and a large fresh bouquet of flowers in the living room. True Hill Country hospitality! They contacted us to make sure all went well as we arrived and as when we left.

We will definitely return to this historic treasure.

 

 

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