Family Staycation Paradise -Lake Austin Waterfront:Volleyball, Kayaks, Hiking
An "OOO-AHH" lake get-away. Sand volleyball, kayaks, Lily pad, WiFi for WFH & Home school. Kayak across the lake and hike or check out other local trails in Steiner. Or let the serenity entice you to chillax. Custom built home with cedar flooring and exposed beams. Feels like middle of nowhere but a world class spa & great restaurants are in the neighborhood (Sushi, Italian, Steiner Ranch Steakhouse.) Famous sunsets at the Oasis on Lake Travis 7 miles away, and 35 minutes from downtown Austin. We love to see kids (and kids at heart) enjoy the property. Noise is good....kids squealing joyfully and puppies playing makes us happy. We have a fire pit and an owner shared hot-tub. Owner Shelly is always delighted to help with your area questions and trip plans. With 2 parking spaces and 1 bath we book groups of 6 or less. (If your group is larger than 6, please also consider renting a neighbor's property which sleeps 6, in addition to ours - #243133)
Property manager
Shelly Priebe
Premier Host
Languages
English, French
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Air conditioning
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Lake Austin Waterfront Retreat - Hot Tub, SUP, WiFi, Dogs Welcome
Lake Austin Waterfront Retreat - Hot Tub, SUP, WiFi, Dogs Welcome
Parking only available for two vehicles without prior notice and special arrangement.
Life jackets required on kayaks and paddle board.
If bringing more than 1 pet please advise host at time of booking as price per pet is $50.
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
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 first aid kit
We should mention
A car is required for transport to and from this property
About the area
Austin
Located on the waterfront, this holiday home is in Lower Basin Lake Travis, a neighbourhood in Austin. Sixth Street and South Congress Avenue are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Lake Austin and Lake Travis. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Darrell K. Royal - Texas Memorial Stadium or Moody Center. With kayaking, waterskiing and water tubing nearby, you'll find plenty of adventures in the water.
Austin, TX
What's nearby
Lake Austin - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
Lake Travis - 17 min drive - 15.6 km
University of Texas at Austin - 32 min drive - 33.3 km
Sixth Street - 33 min drive - 34.8 km
Zilker Park - 33 min drive - 34.8 km
Getting around
Austin Station - 38 min drive
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) - 44 min drive
Restaurants
Chick-fil-A - 24 min drive
The League Kitchen & Tavern - 26 min drive
Panera Bread - 26 min drive
Yogurt Planet - 27 min drive
Chili's Grill & Bar - 26 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Family Staycation Paradise -Lake Austin Waterfront:Volleyball, Kayaks, Hiking pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 3 total).
What time is check-in at Family Staycation Paradise -Lake Austin Waterfront:Volleyball, Kayaks, Hiking?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Family Staycation Paradise -Lake Austin Waterfront:Volleyball, Kayaks, Hiking?
Checkout is at 12:00 PM.
Where is Family Staycation Paradise -Lake Austin Waterfront:Volleyball, Kayaks, Hiking located?
This family-friendly Austin holiday home is located on the waterfront, just steps away from Lake Austin and Colorado River. Hippie Hollow and Concordia University Texas are also within 9 miles (15 km).
Reviews
9.4
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
We wanted one last quick, affordable, weekend get away for our family before the kids headed back to school. The location on Lake Austin is in a more rural area with no development on the other side of the lake adding to the overall peacefulness of the property, especially in the evening and early morning. The docks and the stairs into the water are perfect for swimming, kayaking, and boating. The hospitality and communication from the owners, who also live on the property, was fantastic! It was a great way to end the summer and I'll be recommending this place to friends and family.
Our family had the pleasure of staying at this incredible lakeside VRBO for several days! The house is nestled in the woods by the lake and makes you feel like you’re in a treehouse. Because of the lovely tree cover we stayed cool in spite of the heat wave. It’s well stocked and beautifully decorated, with a fun loft that my kiddo found particularly whimsical. The house is perfect for multiple generations to fully enjoy with kayaks, lily pads and inner tubes to spend the day on the water with! We had the best time paddling around the shore. We cannot wait to come back and relax some more at this cozy and beautiful escape in the trees. Our host host Shelly was fantastic!
We thoroughly enjoyed our little two night stay. The property was amazing with everything you could ever need and great hosts. We will definitely book a return trip!
Shelly and Chuck were absolutely amazing! They were so helpful and kind. Their place was cozy and the location next to the lake can’t be beat. Our little boys practically lived on the dock, fishing and swimming. We loved all the toys and water gear that were available to us - can’t wait to come back and stay again :)
We really enjoyed our stay. Having a private boat slip on property was great. Only downside (not their fault) is that you can't get a boat and trailer down to the house. Road is too narrow and there is no place to park a trailer. We used the public park and boat ramp with no issue.
We had a wonderful four night stay at Shelly and Chuck's property in April 2024. We originally booked because of the timing of the eclipse, but I can honestly say that we would have had just a wonderful time even if the clouds had not cleared last minute to allow us to view the eclipse. The property is very much as pictured - it is up in the trees in a very homey feeling space - great vibes from the moment you walk in. Both of our kids slept out on the screened porch given the nice April weather - so great. If you want white paint and generic all new everything, this is not your spot, but if you want to feel welcomed into a homey retreat with fantastic owners next door and the lake / dock / water toys right out your doorstep, you cannot beat this special place! Shelly was amazing communicating both in advance of the trip and once we were there. She and Chuck made us feel like welcome guests, though we had plenty of privacy. They have several kayaks and a couple paddle boards, so our group of five spent a bunch of time on the dock and in the water. The "Lillypad" is as fun as it looks in the pictures - we used it every day we were there. Shelly even was kind enough to run a load of laundry for our teen who had arrived straight from a school trip - now that's above and beyond! 10 of 10 I cannot recommend this enough. Were it not for the eclipse, I'm not sure we would have ever gone to Lake Austin... now I am wanting to go back. Thank you Shelly and Chuck!
If your looking for a peaceful getaway in beautiful nature, this is it. the home is adorably decorated with a western rustic vbe and feels somewhat like a lodge mixed with a tree house. The owners were wonderful and made our stay extra special! We are so glad we found this gem! ❤️
This was our second Christmas stay at this house and it does not disappoint! The house is exactly what you want from a lake side property. Shelly and her family are incredible hosts. The house is up steep stairs, so be warned that people (or dogs) with mobility issues will have a hard time getting to the house. But otherwise just right if you are looking for welcoming and relaxed. The kitchen is well appointed, the beds are comfortable and the lake front is, well....amazing.
We had a great time in this lake house. The rooms were nice, the kitchen was well-equipped, and we really enjoyed how cozy the living room was. The TV was set up with a good variety of options and we were thrilled that we were able to watch the UT vs. OU game right there. The kayaks were easy to access, and the dock space was outstanding. The owners are next door and are really nice & helpful in case you have any questions. My only suggestion for the owners would be to light up the guest house entrance a bit as it is too dark if you arrive after sunset and perhaps clean it up a little to make it look as nice as the house. I would definitely recommend this property to anyone hoping to have a nice time in a calm area.
You can’t beat the location of this guesthouse. Close to the boat ramp, extra parking for friends. Some of the smoother water on Lake Austin nearby, when the wake boats are not out in mass. Lovely area all around.
The owners were so kind and laid back. My family of 6 really enjoyed the time away and we saved money bringing the dogs as well. Without a doubt I'd go back again!!
Loved location
No lights on dock or area so at night, no going down at sit by the water and we didn’t use fire pit. One is was super hot, two residents live on property and it is so close to them, felt like if we did anything it would be disturbing them. Made it a little awkward…but otherwise it was enjoyable
Lovely lake spot with perfect lake house cabin vibes
Shelly was fantastic! The property equally fantastic! We will be back. Can’t believe this is only 20 minutes away from home. Seems like a world away. Perfect lake house cabin experience!
We couldn’t ask for a more delightful place to spend UT graduation weekend!!
The hosts made sure we had everything we needed to make the stay perfect.
The family really enjoyed tubing, SUP and just relaxing on the dock.
Highly recommend!!!
Got together for first time in 4 years w 2 friends I grew up with. Perfect venue. We had crawfish boil and paddled on the lake and just relaxed. Shelly and Chuck (owners) were fantastic hosts - I’ll be back!
Ryan G.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023
About the host
Hosted by Shelly Priebe
I grew up in a dreadfully nondescript area of Illinois (cornfields) but my parents wanted more than anything to live on the water and even though they earned a modest income as teachers they succeeded! In third grade we moved into a lakefront home in Central Illinois and it was THE gathering place for my friends as I grew up. They gave me the gift of prioritizing a water based lifestyle. Chuck and I bought this property when we got engaged in 1988 and our 4 children ages 25 to 12 relish the lifestyle I did as a child.
Why they chose this property
We fell in love with this ethereal part of Lake Austin and bought our home in 1988. It was 2 BR/1Bath with gold shag carpet and we were in heaven. Have added on to our home many times and we built the guest house in 2004 hoping to lure out of state grandparents. We failed at that but have loved being able to host many travelers, church youth retreat weekends, you name it!
What makes this property unique
Every piece of furniture hand picked over time from visits to the semi-annual Round Top antique fair except for the custom made cedar dining table with benches. Nothing matches but everything soothes in this eclectic and comfortable home. Want some activity? A sand volleyball court awaits. Or kayak across the lake and hike up to a waterfall.
Languages:
English, French
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests