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SPECTACULAR RANCH HOME ON A PRIVATE, WORKING EXOTIC ANIMAL RANCH

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Beautiful Home with Central AC/Heat
Refreshing Natural Spring Fed Pool..Too Wonderful to Put in Words!!!!
Rope swing fun for hours of fun!
Front porch for relaxing and taking in the breathtaking views
Stocked kitchen w/ all you need to do the cooking. Just bring the food & foil.

Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

5 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 16232.3 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
    Parking available
  • Washer
    Washer
  • Gym
    Gym
  • Pool
    Pool
  • Barbecue grill
    Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
    Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
LEAKEY, TX
  • Frio River
    13 min drive
  • Garner State Park
    19 min drive
  • Lost Maples State Natural Area
    64 min drive

Rooms & beds

5 bedrooms (sleeps 16)

Bedroom

2 Double Beds and 2 Single Beds

Bedroom

1 King Bed

Bedroom

1 King Bed

Bedroom

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 5

1 Double Bed

Sunroom

4 Single Beds

2 bathrooms

Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

SPECTACULAR RANCH HOME ON A PRIVATE, WORKING EXOTIC ANIMAL RANCH

Circle H Lodge, an historic house from the early 1900's, is near Leakey in an area of the Texas Hill Country noted for magnificent scenery. Yes, we're close to Concan, TX, too. The lodge is located in a lovely, secluded valley on Circle H Ranch. This is a working ranch devoted to the preservation of wildlife and is home to many species of both native and non-native animals. The lodge is decorated in Cowboy High Style with antiques and Cowboy -Indian memorabilia. There is a natural rock swimming pool in front of the lodge which is only accessible by LODGE GUESTS. During the evening hang out with family or friends at the old cantina located behind the lodge.

This two-story lodge has been completely renovated. It has central heat and air-conditioning and provides all the amenities. There is a large living and dining area. The five bedrooms will sleep up to 16 people. Rates are based on up to 8 people. Additional people up to 16 can be accommodated for an additional $50 per person per night. For Groups 15-30 CALL for pricing on our additional GUEST HOUSE #2. Two bedrooms have king beds, one bedroom has full size bed with pullout trundle and standard twin. One bedrooms has a pair of twin beds. Sunroom has two daybeds with pullout trundles. In addition, one downstairs bedroom has one full bed. There are two full baths with one on each level. The sunroom upstairs is air-conditioned and heated and provides a comfortable place to relax while enjoying the beautiful view or provides extra sleeping accommodations.

The well-equipped kitchen includes a large side-by-side refrigerator, convection double oven, microwave, dishwasher , crockpot and all cooking essentials. A barbecue grill and a fire pit are provided for outdoor cooking. The spacious yard that surrounds the lodge is perfect for picnics. Hang out at the old cantina behind the lodge for anytime fun.

MOST OFTEN ASKED QUESTIONS:
-What kind of coffee pot is there? Regular 10-12 Cup Coffee Maker
-Is there an ice machine? The fridge has a built in icemaker for drinks at house. You may want to bring along ice for icing down your canned beverages in a icechest. There are many places in town to pick up ice. :)
-Are day guests allowed? We allow day guests for $25 per person per day to have access inside property. However, all guests must agree and sign our liability release prior to moving about the property.
-Is wood available for firepit? You are provided one full rack of wood for your stay which is ample for many nights of campfires. :) If you need additional wood, our staff can restock the wood pile for $100.
-What kind of grill is available? Charcoal.
-What should we bring? Food, seasonings, drinks, Ziplocks, foil, charcoal, POOL TOWELS and WATER SHOES would all be wise to bring along. If you forget something...no worries because LEAKEY, TX, is a short drive from the ranch.
-What can we do during Off-Season? Go hiking on ranch (miles of trails), site-see exotic animals, sit by the beautiful springs to relax, catch and release fish in fishing tank, star gaze and hang out at the Cantina behind the LODGE.

What Other Activities are Available in Area?
Other activities in the area include hiking, swimming, photography, summer rodeos, or floating the Frio River. The numerous migratory routes, which cross this area, provide almost limitless opportunities for bird watching. There are several restaurants in the area. Garner State Park is 8 miles from the lodge. Lost Maples Natural Area is a 30- minute drive. The city of San Antonio is approximately 1 1/2 hours away. It is 6 miles to the county airport.

Smoking outside only please. Dispose of butts in appropriate trash receptacles to avoid excess cleaning fee.

No pets.

Cancellation Policy: No refunds given, but credit is given to re-book within one year. $250 re-booking fee.

Float/Tube rental available nearby. Complementary pool floats are available for lodge pool use during your stay.

Property manager

Jen Harwood

Languages

English, Spanish

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Pool
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Air conditioning
Gym

Similar properties

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
Day Guests may enter ranch for $25 a person/day.

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Outside smoking and vaping is allowed.
Cancelled Bookings are Given FULL CREDIT to APPLY to a FUTURE BOOKING for 1 year from date of original reservation. A $250 RE-BOOKING FEE applies.
***IF AVAILABLE... We're more than happy to offer an EARLY CHECK-IN at 12 PM or LATE CHECK-OUT at 2 PM (EXTRA 4 HOURS) for $250 EACH.​

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 16
Note from host: Day Guests may enter ranch for $25 a person/day.
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Leakey

Located in Leakey, this holiday home is in the city centre and on the waterfront. Concan Golf Course and Country Club and Frio Valley Ranch Golf Club are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Frio River and Garner State Park. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
LEAKEY, TX

What's nearby

  • Frio River - 13 min drive
  • Garner State Park - 19 min drive
  • Concan Golf Course and Country Club - 36 min drive
  • Frio Bat Cave - 39 min drive
  • Lost Maples State Natural Area - 64 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Mill Creek Cafe - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Vinny's Italian Restaurant - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Bent Rim Grill - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪The Hog Pen - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Lala's - ‬16 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does SPECTACULAR RANCH HOME ON A PRIVATE, WORKING EXOTIC ANIMAL RANCH have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is SPECTACULAR RANCH HOME ON A PRIVATE, WORKING EXOTIC ANIMAL RANCH pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at SPECTACULAR RANCH HOME ON A PRIVATE, WORKING EXOTIC ANIMAL RANCH?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at SPECTACULAR RANCH HOME ON A PRIVATE, WORKING EXOTIC ANIMAL RANCH?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is SPECTACULAR RANCH HOME ON A PRIVATE, WORKING EXOTIC ANIMAL RANCH located?

Located in the heart of Leakey, this holiday home is 4.6 mi (7.5 km) from Frio River and 8.7 mi (14 km) from Garner State Park. Concan Golf Course and Country Club and Frio Valley Ranch Golf Club are also within 20 miles (32 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 39 out of 41 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 41 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 41 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 41 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 41 reviews" "

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Candice A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect for family time
It was very nice to unplug and enjoy being a family, communication was perfect with owners and we had everything we needed. Loved seeing all the animals on the property and really enjoyed sitting outside at night with the wind that blows on the porch. Thank you for opening your place to us! FYI my son is now asking for a baby zebra lol
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jo Beth B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful Property!
Very beautiful property with nice amenities. Very comfortable house for our group of 14. Loved the swimming hole and the exotic animals all around. Will definitely plan on returning!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

teighlor m.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The best river house we've stayed in YET!
This property is more than what is listed, there are so many trails and PERFECT walk to the pool. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay can cant wait to go back!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Matthew M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Birthday
Amazing property. Had a wonderful time with family and friends.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Carin J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful Getaway
Beautiful property and house with plenty of privacy; we really enjoyed our stay!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Rachel T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
loved it
wonderful stay. we enjoyed it.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Tara H., Houston

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fun Frio location
Great property with lots to do for all!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Nicole B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing Summer Vacation
Circle H Ranch is the perfect getaway from the Big City. Circle H Ranch is quiet, well kept, and beautifully set in the hill country. There is fun for all ages with a big yard, a swimming hole, and a well stocked kitchen to make delicious meals that bring family and friends together in fellowship. The owners are very responsive and wonderful hosts. We hope to be back again soon.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

jim w., Austin, TX

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect downtime place
The location is great. The owners and managers were super easy to deal with. The place actually looks better than the pictures, and the pictures looked great. We will be back, and appreciate that the kitchen had everything we could have ever wanted. We grilled outside, (there is a great charcoal grill btw) and burned a fire each night. The rooms are laid out great, and absolute peace and quite out there is hard to find anywhere. The Zebra, Gnu, Red Stag and other wildlife roaming the property was a great added bonus. Jim
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2020

10/10 Excellent

Tom R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Tom's 70th
Perfect place for family gathering to celebrate my 70th B'Day. Beautiful Texas Hill Country setting. Totally private. Spring fed rock lined pool was what you dream about. Fire pit, smores, cantina, and star gazing were fun night time activities. Plenty of bedrooms, rustic western ranch decor, and all the kitchen stuff you need for a family gathering are there. Jenn was very helpful and made sure you knew what they provided and what they didn't. The optional pool package waqs worth every cent. Will go again.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Kim C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Relaxing vacation!
Super nice quiet vacation. Kids loved the swimming and walking along the rio frio. They enjoyed seeing the zebras, exotic deer, and especially the wildebeast. Campfire with smore's of course! and spend evenings using an app to find the constellations in the night sky! House was comfortable and clean. Mattresses were in good condition which is always important for us due to back problems. Employees were on hand quickly when a storm blew in and sent things flying! We appreciated their attention to detail and they arrived before we could even contact them! We really enjoyed the relaxation of this trip! Much needed this covid summer!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Scheli B., Houston

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Breathtaking Nostalgia
This is the perfect place to get away from busy life and enjoy Texas history. The lodge is pristine and we enjoyed celebrating our son’s 13th birthday in the Cantina out back, playing cards, listening to music, grilling and making a fire in the massive firepit. The animals on the property took our breath away, so majestic and peaceful. The owner, Jen, went above and beyond to help make our stay and our son’s birthday the most memorable!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Brenda S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful
Lovely home, fabulous surroundings, wonder people caring for this property!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2020

10/10 Excellent

Melanie C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great trip for family
Used this trip to get together with family and we had a great time. The property is beautiful. We spent time at the pool, in the cantina, hiking and just hanging out. It was awesome and we hope to make a return visit.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Mikki M., Odessa, Texas

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Slice of Paradise!
We had such a wonderful time! John and Jen were so accommodating and the property is absolutely breath taking! There was plenty for everyone to do (ages 16-73 were with us). This is a MUST GO location! We will certainly be back!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2019

8/10 Good

kathleen s.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Family trip to frio
We had a great time. Enjoyed riding our mule ATV to see animals feeding. Adults enjoyed cantina and bbq patio area. Grand kids enjoyed playing games in the yard. It was a good family get together.

10/10 Excellent

Becky C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Best Vacation Ever!
Circle H Lodge is FABULOUS!! We absolutely loved the swimming hole and all of the various sitting/relaxation decks! We also very much enjoyed having enough bedrooms that permitted people with toddlers and those without to have privacy! The kitchen is surprisingly well-stocked, and the Cantina is so cute with a fun-for-all feel! The owners, John and Jen, are friendly and helpful! Many thanks to them for allowing us to enjoy their property! They're the best! We loved the house and property so much that before the first night was over, we began making plans to return next summer!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Travis F., Laguna Vista

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We will be back next year.
Great pace for the family. Private and relaxing.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

PERCY R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Family Fun
We have been coming to the Leakey area for years for our family reunion. We absolutely loved the set up and the pictures did not do the property justice. It was beautiful, secluded and perfect for our family get away, but still allowed us the convenience of doing business as necessary. Thank you for sharing your beautiful ranch with us, can not say enough about this location.

10/10 Excellent

Keith L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very Nice Place
We loved our stay here over Memorial Weekend 2019. The spring fed swimming hole is amazing. The carpet grass lawn is very well taken care of and perfect for the kids to play on, when they're not swimming! Loved the Cantina too!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2019

10/10 Excellent

Monica R.

Family Favorite - Beautiful, roomy, fun and peaceful.
This is our second year staying at Circle H. We love the home, yard, swimming hole and pet deer. The only disappointment was the weather. It was stormy the last day and we couldn't swim. Everything else was awesome!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2018

10/10 Excellent

Rhonda D.

Amazing property, views, swimming hole, and wildlife
We had the best time, and thoroughly enjoyed our stay. There was plenty to do for the complete age ranges we had (age 4 years to 52 years). I really appreciated the opportunity to show my granddaughter a glimpse into my childhood. Jen was great, and we will certainly be back.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2018

10/10 Excellent

Kelley T., Victoria, TX

Aw-inspiring
I am so grateful my children get to experience our great state of Texas here. It is truly a reason to adore our Texas. It is fun. It is joyful and so relaxing. A true escape from it all.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2018

10/10 Excellent

Rita T., Baytown, TX

I highly recommend the Circle H Ranch lodge. Privacy, swimming, hiking.
We enjoyed our stay at the Circle H Ranch lodge and it accommodated our family of 10 very well. The hiking, swimming, and relaxing in the hammocks made it a perfect vacation get away.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2018

10/10 Excellent

Terry / Debbie S.

Absolutely wonderful!
All was wonderful! Only bad thing was you had to leave!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2018

About the host

Hosted by Jen Harwood

Host profile image
John and I are blessed to get to live on and be the caretakers of such a beautiful place. John's dad and mom first started coming to the area for vacation back in the 60's. They fell in love with the property Circle H Ranch sits on and decided to make it theirs. John started the business Circle H Ranch, Inc. shortly after graduating college and has successfully run an exotic animal breeding operation for over the last 20 years. The lodge was renovated and made available to guests back in the 80's. Over the years thousands of guests have come through and shared our little slice of heaven with us. We hope you too will get to come for a visit soon. Best Wishes, Jen and John

Why they chose this property

Experience a one of a kind vacation at this exotic animal ranch. The lodge is nestled among the hills and perfect for the ultimate family vacation in the hill country. Why fight the crowds and noise at the river when you can have your very own secluded natural spring-fed pool that keeps a consistent water level year round. If you care to venture out to the river, it's only a 10 minute drive down the road.

What makes this property unique

Not only are you getting a great house with all the amenities, you also get to experience an exotic vacation right here in Texas. Your kids will love to see and learn about the many different species of exotic hoofstock that we have on the ranch. In addition, we have great hiking and glorious colors on our hills when the seasons change.

Languages:

English, Spanish
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