Whether you are planning a family getaway or a romantic break, you have plenty to choose from, but let us make it extra special with these unique and one-of-a-kind rentals on VRBO – a great alternative to Airbnb.
Here are some of the unique Accommodation rentals around Austin and the Hill Country, in Texas, the Lone Star State! Perfect for a Staycation with around 3 hours drive time.
If you’re heading South from Dallas Fort Worth, be sure to stop for a day trip in Waco on the way!
As a Vrbo affiliate, we may earn a fee when you book using the links below. Photos are courtesy of AirBnB and Vrbo. Thank you for supporting our local, small business.
Rental Tips
- Check if they are Kid or Pet Friendly!
- Host/Property Ratings and Reviews: the reviews usually tell you if the neighbors were loud, the host responsive, if the place was clean or how easy the parking was!
- Are Linens and Basics provided?
- Always check if you need to bring kitchen paper, your own sheets and toilet paper. Listings usually provide that information.
If you don’t want to go far but still want to get out of your house for a little while, these make great getaway options within a short distance.
A Fairytale Escape – The Bloomhouse
What a magical work of art! As it says on their website, the Bloomhouse represents the symbiotic interaction of man and nature. Its organic shape, rising from the earth, mimics the flow of the air, the curve of the wind, and the gentle rise and fall of nature’s melody.
If you are fascinated by the abnormal, this is definitely it! Harker’s curvilinear designs are simultaneously familiar and fantastic. It is constructed with unusual methods and materials starting with basic shapes formed with steel rebar, coated in layers of polyurethane foam, sculpted with a hand-held pruning saw over seven months, and finished with layers of concrete stucco both inside and out.
The result is a structure that is remarkably well-insulated and eco-friendly with no straight edges, like typical walls.
The Bloomhouse is fully furnished but not suitable for Kids under the age of 5.
Why people love to stay here: We really enjoyed our time here! Super special place! You will feel so cozy inside! The outdoor space is nice too, especially with the addition of the outdoor shower. I did not experience difficulty in finding this place, as others had. I loved that it was tucked away in it’s own corner. The feeling of this house left me fulfilled.
Why the Rental is great for families/couples: Perfect for a staycation without kids, or a family with older kids who can appreciate the wonder of it all!
Rental Fast Facts
Location: Austin, TX
Fun Factor: Claim that you’ve stayed in a giant seashell unicorn! No one will believe you until you show them the pics.
Charming: You could be in the midst of a fairytale staying here!
Sleeps: 4
Bedrooms: 1
Baths 1
Bonus:
Romantic Log Cabin on Smith Creek
This log cabin sits on a beautiful piece of the Hill Country. Smith Creek meanders through the 10 acres property, and you may be able to see some wildlife. You can enjoy a scenic nature walks or relax at the hot tub. Wimberley downtown is only a few minutes’ drives if you want to eat out or check out some cute shops.
Why people love to stay here
This cabin is the best way to escape the city life and enjoy the outdoors in every way! The cabin itself is so cute and clean. They have all amenities you could need and even gave us fresh eggs from their chickens! The outside is spacious and beautiful. The trees give you a secluded space for some privacy. There’s a fireplace to light at night and rocking chairs to enjoy the coffee they provide in the mornings 🙂 There is an HEB 8 mins away, so is the Blue Hole Regional Park (amazing park for swimming). It’s also a great dog friendly place. Jennifer and Gregory are amazing hosts that answered all our questions.
Rental Fast Facts
Location: Wimberly, TX
Fun Factor: Hot Tub!
Charming: Take a stroll along the creek, watch the deer graze as you enjoy your morning coffee, strum your guitar beside the fire pit, view the stars from the deluxe hot tub, have a picnic in the tree house, get cozy with your honey alongside the old fashioned wood-burning stove, and feel the stress of your daily life melt away.
Sleeps: 2
Bedrooms: 1
Baths 1
Bonus: Great having an outdoor shower at any time of year, and you can’t beat swimming in the creek.
Spirit Dome Guadalupe River
How about going Glamping and staying in a geodesic dome? The Spirit dome is large enough that you can see the beautiful views of the forest during daytime which includes some sightings of birds, deer and other animals; and you can enjoy stargazing at night in your very own private space.
The main house is just a short walking distance from the dome and has kitchen, laundry, and bathroom facilities.
Why people love to stay here
Best camping experience!! At night the dome was cool and had fans circulating the air. We had everything we needed: a grill, an outdoor shower, and a camp toilet! We spend the whole weekend on the river and then came back to this beautiful and comfortable refuge at night. The perfect natural getaway!
Why the Rental is perfect for Families?
They have a Pack n’ Play/crib ready to go for the youngest guests and a laptop friendly workplace if you need to study or work!
Rental Fast Facts
Location: Boerne, TX
Fun Factor: The Instagrammable pics you can take are worth staying here!
Charming: Right by the river, and peaceful nature abound!
Sleeps: 4
Bedrooms: 1 bedroom: 1 queen bed, 1 air mattress, 1 floor mattress, 1 crib, 2 hammocks
Baths 1
Bonus: The views are awesome!
Serene Rural Escape w/ Deck & Sunroom on 10 Acres!
A beautiful 10 acre rustic property, The Good Morning Ranch is a perfect place to relax and appreciate nature with friends and family.
It is located in a secluded and picturesque Texas Hill Country, and it is close to restaurants, shops, and attractions.
Take a relaxing natural, deep breath, enjoy the beautiful surroundings, watch the sunset with a glass of wine by the deck, and just simply appreciate life.
Why people love to stay here
We had a wonderful weekend stay. The house was really clean and comfortable and set back in a beautiful country setting. It was a perfect place to go and relax with our 4 year old daughter.
Rental Fast Facts
Location: Wimberly, Texas
Fun Factor:
Charming: You’ll love the tasteful rustic theme channeled by bright Southwestern rugs, decor, and wall art.
Sleeps: 10 (8 beds)
Bedrooms: 3
Baths: 2
Bonus: There are 3 outdoor lounge areas. The front patio includes a charming place to dine al fresco with a table and charcoal grill. Spend time under the covered lower porch or the upper deck with great views!
The Shorewood by Lodgewell
Capacity: 12 guests · 4 bedrooms · 9 beds · 3 baths
Located at Granite Shoal, TX a popular destination for lake enthusiasts, which is home to 19 city parks on Lake LBJ, the largest constant level lake in Texas. It means that you are always right on the water’s edge at this property. You will enjoy the lake views, a covered boat dock, jet ski ramps, shallow and deep swimming, and a boat launch just a mile away.
Why people love to stay here
This house was the perfect size for our large family, 7 adults, 1 baby, plus two dogs. It was waterfront with a boat dock which we kept our personal boat for easy access for the week. We had a full kitchen, several sleeping options, a gated back yard, clean towels and enough parking for three vehicles and a boat trailer. We had the privacy and comfort of being at home but with a great view, easy access to the lake, and the local amenities of marble falls. We had a wonderful time and would definitely recommend this property for your future lake trip.
Rental Fast Facts
Location: Granite Shoal, Texas
Fun Factor: With direct access to the water and one of the best lakes in Texas
Sleeps: 2
Bedrooms: 1 (1 bed)
Baths: 1
Bonus: With 2 stories, 3,500 sq. feet and THREE separate Living Rooms, there is plenty of room to spread out or to gather together and socialize
Will you plan on checking any of these out? If you are considering it, book early. Many AirBnB properties are being booked early and availability may be limited (all images are used with permission from AirBnB)