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Pool, pickleball, gathering spaces in the wine country

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Relax and refresh at Rancho de Vida!
1906 farmhouse with bunkhouse to the left
The glass-enclosed Solarium overlooks the pool w/ bar, mini fridge & TV.
Solarium, second living area. Bunkhouse is accessed here as is the bathhouse.
Interior

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Pool
  • Laundry
  • Kitchen
  • Pet-friendly
  • Free WiFi
AU$1,019
avg per night

Explore the area

Map
Johnson City, TX
  • Lyndon B. Johnson State Park
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • William Chris Vineyards
    ‪12 min drive‬
  • Garrison Brothers Distillery
    ‪15 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 18)

Cowgirl Room

1 Double Bed and 1 Queen Bed

Cozy Cabin Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

Optional Bunkhouse

+5
9 Single Bunk Beds

Queen

1 Queen Bed

Sunroom Day Bed

1 Single Bed

2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bunkhouse Bathhouse

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Farmhouse bath

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Outdoor shower

Soap · Towels provided · Shower only · Shampoo

Upstairs bath

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Kitchenette
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

Room

  • 139.4 sq m
  • Mountain view
  • Sleeps 18
  • 3 Queen Beds, 1 Double Bed, 9 Single Bunk Beds and 1 Single Bed
Price is AU$1,019 avg per night,

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Back of pool facing house on right and bunkhouse on left

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  • Pool
  • Pet-friendly
  • Air conditioning
  • Parking available
9.2 out of 10, 85 reviews
The price is AU$155
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About the area

Johnson City

Located in Johnson City, this farm stay is in a rural area. Texas Vintage Motorcycle Museum and Lyndon B. Johnson Boyhood Home are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at William Chris Vineyards and Bingham Family Vineyards Fredericksburg. Texas Hill Country Wineries and Exotic Resort Zoo are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

What's nearby

  • Lyndon B. Johnson State Park - 11 min drive - 8.5 km
  • William Chris Vineyards - 12 min drive - 8.2 km
  • Garrison Brothers Distillery - 15 min drive - 10.5 km
  • Grape Creek Vineyards - 22 min drive - 23.5 km
  • Becker Vineyards - 25 min drive - 23.9 km

Getting around

  • Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) - 76 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪William Chris Vineyards - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Albert Ice House - ‬21 min drive
  • ‪290 Wine Castle - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Old 290 Brewery & Restaurant - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Narrow Path Winery and Vineyard - ‬20 min drive

About this property

Pool, pickleball, gathering spaces in the wine country

Whether you are craving an escape from the city and reconnecting with nature or a great place to explore all the Texas Hill Country has to offer, you'll find it here at Rancho de Vida. The relaxing starts when you turn your car into the gate. This 110-plus-year-old farmhouse has been lovingly restored and burnished into a wonderful gathering place for friends & family. It's the Texas Hill Country meets Marfa in the shadow of a 400-year-old oak in the backyard.

Dine under the canopy of the lighted oak, enjoy a campfire and gaze at the stars. Hike the property's bluffs and creek beds, float in the limestone bottom seasonal creek, take in the sunshine from the hammock and tree swing. We built a 24-foot round plaster "stock tank" swimming pool with filters, etc., to cool off and swim in. Play pickleball in our Quonset hut that with lights to extend the day's fun (net, balls and paddles are all here).

Rancho de Vida has a beautiful hilltop area with an arbor and lots of seating. Take in the views across the valley and toast each sunset. There's a stage for kids to do skits or hone their chops for the big time and a dance floor for boot scootin' to music under trees lit up with patio lights. Roast marshmallows and tell tall tales around the rock fire pit.

Keep your whole family together on your getaway...we love dogs, and dogs love us. Well-behaved, house-broken dogs are welcome. We charge $25 per night, per dog. Just let us know in advance.

Rancho de Vida has been the site of many weddings. If you are interested, please find our Rancho de Vida website with more info. (We cannot book weddings through VRBO). We charge an event fee for weddings and gatherings with additional guests.

Rancho de Vida is located right in the middle of the New Napa---at least fifty wineries are in a 20-minute drive. Historic Fredericksburg is a short drive, as is Luckenbach if you want to do some boot scootin'. Two state parks, both with water for swimming, and the LBJ National Park and the Western White House are within 15 minutes. Explore the parklike setting of bluffs and creek beds on our 68-acres and bike the quiet backroads that surround the property.

Main house: 1st-floor has a kitchen-dining room area, reading nook, sunroom, living room, master bedroom and bath. Second floor has two bedrooms and a half bath. One bedroom has one full-size bed and one queen bed, and the second bedroom has one queen bed .

Across the yard is the bunkhouse area. It has an expansive glassed-in living room with a large, comfy sectional couch, big screen TV and bar area. Watch your favorite team together while taking in the agave garden and pool area.

Need more room? A fun, air-conditioned and heated bunkhouse is an optional add-on & sleeps 9 more guests. A large bathhouse is adjacent to the bunkhouse for all guests to use and has two walk-in showers, two toilets, two sinks, and plenty of room for getting ready for a hill country night out.

Ranch location & local attractions: Austin- 1 hour away
San Antonio-1 hour away
Johnson City--10 minutes
Luckenbach-15 minutes
Marble Falls -boating & golf-- 20 minutes
Enchanted Rock & Pedernales State Park-hiking 15 to 20 minutes
Fredericksburg festivals & shopping--20 minutes
Texas Hill Country Wine Trail---10 minutes
LBJ National Historical Park--10 minutes

There are now 70-plus wineries within 20 minutes of Rancho de Vida. Let us assist you in scheduling your wine country tour---limo services are available for you and your group.

The new Hill Country Science Mill is a great outing for kids and students of all ages. In an old, converted mill in Johnson City, the Hill Country Science Mill is a family destination offering a fun, interactive learning environment for all ages. Through cutting-edge technology-based exhibits, games, and programs, the Science Mill expands students' understanding and appreciation of science in their everyday lives. By igniting their curiosity and inspiring them to pursue post-secondary education, the Science Mill experience starts students on the path to a life-long career in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

Property manager

Mary Pat Mueller

Languages

English, Spanish

Amenities

Pool
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Parking available
Laundry

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 12:00 PM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

Events allowed
Extra fees for weddings & events. Contact owner.
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Pets

Pets allowed
$25 per night, per dog. No cats or other pets.
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Smoking allowed only outside

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 are allowed on site
Note from host: Extra fees for weddings & events. Contact owner.
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector and a first aid kit

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

Frequently asked questions

Does Pool, pickleball, gathering spaces in the wine country have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is Pool, pickleball, gathering spaces in the wine country pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Pool, pickleball, gathering spaces in the wine country?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Pool, pickleball, gathering spaces in the wine country?

Checkout is at 12:00 PM.

Where is Pool, pickleball, gathering spaces in the wine country located?

Situated in a rural location, this farm stay is within 6 miles (10 km) of William Chris Vineyards, Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Bingham Family Vineyards Fredericksburg. Garrison Brothers Distillery and Kuhlman Cellars are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Pool, pickleball, gathering spaces in the wine country Reviews

Reviews

9.8

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. 87 out of 98 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 9 out of 98 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 98 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 98 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 98 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Richard D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Guys trip 2025!

Our group of 15 guys had an amazing time at this house. Everything was accommodating several different areas for several different conversations. Sitting by the fire pit drinking beer and having good times! Already planning our next visit!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Melinda C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family get together.

Wow what a great place in the Hill Country! The farm house was incredible and full of interesting items. The bunk house was a great place to hang with the grandkids! Everything was as described and we had a blast! The icing on the cake was Waylon and Willie. The friendly longhorns that came to visit each day. So many great memories were made! Thanks for hosting us.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wedding weekend

We had a wonderful time at a beautiful property!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lisa D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Johnson City VRBO

Our family enjoyed our time together sitting outside having dinner, swimming, taking walks and playing pickleball. The farm house is cozy and we enjoyed the bunkhouse to relax and watch movies. Many great memories made and we would definitely go back!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chris H.

Great place!

I've enjoyed this property several times, and it continues to impress. The recent improvements show the care that goes into making it a wonderful vacation destination.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2018

10/10 Excellent

Chris H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fourth stay here, still love it

We thoroughly enjoyed our fourth weekend at Rancho de Vida. It's obvious that the owners have looked for ways to improve the property over the years, and the experience is still a great one.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2020

10/10 Excellent

Robert A., Irving, TX

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

This has been our 3rd year to bring the entire family to enjoy the most relaxing country escape.

Mary Pat is amazing, the Ranch is a very unique place and having all of our meals outside under the giant oak trees with the cool breeze was wonderful. We are already making plans to attend next year.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Kris N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family Birthday Retreat

My family rented this beautiful Texas Hill Country property for my mom's 70th birthday celebration. It was wonderful. We enjoyed our time on the property, swimming, hiking and sitting under the large oak trees. Will definitely rent again!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2020

10/10 Excellent

Beatrice L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A wonderful place to rest

We were 3 families and we spent a wonderful time in the Ranch. it was very hot and the pool was welcome The bunker bedroom was perfect also for teens. we will come back with pleasure. there is everything you need to spend a wonderful time. thanks
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kari D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Exactly what we were looking for!

We chose Rancho de Vida because to celebrate her birthday with our closest family and friends! It was exactly what we were looking for and beyond amazing! Ms Mueller was so nice and friendly, wonderful to work with. Close enough to both Johnson City and Fredericksburg. We look so forward to returning one day!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kathryn N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great spot for a family getaway

Rancho de Vida is a beautiful house in the Texas Hill Country, far enough off the beaten path to see a sky full of stars, but situated between Johnson City and Fredericksburg so there are plenty of options for food, wineries and shopping. Mary Pat was a perfect hostess, with great communication, easy check in, and a well-kept slice of heaven. If you are looking for a comfortable spot to get away with family or friends, Rancho de Vida is the perfect place!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2022
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Georgia T., Austin

We <3 The Farm!

We have been to Rancho de Vida twice now (my girls call it the farm) and we LOVE it. Peaceful, quiet and completely charming. The pool is perfect for hot summer days and the kids love the bunk house for their board games and late nights. We plan on going back this spring. Wonderful place for large families.

8/10 Good

Renee O.

Perfect for family get together

We were a party of 10 adults. We had a fantastic time. The farmhouse was charming and great farmhouse decor. Plenty of cookware, and towels. We enjoyed the outdoor space just as much. All the swings were perfect for relaxing and reading. The pool was perfect for cooling off and the Bunk House was perfect for teens.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2018
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Marta H.

Awesome spot!

The whole property is amazing. Excellent accommodations and service. Perfect spot for our small, outdoor, hill country wedding. Mary Pat was very helpful and answered all our questions. The best day of our lives was hosted by Rancho de Vida and we wouldn't have had it any other way. Thanks Mary Pat! Can't wait to get back out there!

10/10 Excellent

Anne T., Austin, USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Hill Country Ranch

This property gave us everything we needed for a relaxing weekend among friends. The pool is larger than it looks and was a perfect temperature in the late afternoon for a swim after a day of visiting wineries. The kitchen is well appointed, so if you like to cook then you are all set. There are no showers in the main house, but we enjoyed the bunkhouse showers and walking back to the main house just fine. Stunning views, great location, really good WiFi and a great host. We would stay here again!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Girls Getaway

There was 16 women that stayed at this property. There was plenty of sleeping space and we loved the common areas for gathering. The pool was so nice and very refreshing during the heat of the day. We loved the alpacas, longhorns and many deer that we saw during our stay. It was definitely in the country where we would not have to worry about being loud or distrurbing our neighbors, but also an easy drive to Fredericksburg and Luckenbach.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Evan M.

Family get a way

We stayed during the latter part of December 2018. We really enjoyed our stay although the weather was really cold. The house is very cozy and bunk house has the best showers. The kitchen is equipped well for a large group to cook. Plenty of linen for large groups. We will be back again during warmer months to enjoy the outdoor activities. The owner was very accommodating. The views are breath taking during dawn and dusk. Loved our stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2018

10/10 Excellent

Barbie B., Dallas, TX

Texas Hill Country Retreat

We spent Christmas 2018 here with family and friends and had such a memorable trip! It was just what we were hoping it would be with outdoor fires in the pit at night, hilltop sunset happy hours, outdoor games, beautiful views, and peace & quiet with just the occasional sound of the windmill and area cows. We loved feeding the longhorns, saying hello to the Llamas, and watching deer grazing in the pastures. All this plus a day visiting some fantastic vineyards in the area that left us wanting more. We look forward to visiting again and appreciate all that Mary Pat did to make our stay more enjoyable.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2018
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Kellie B.

Perfect Hill Country Getaway

This was the PERFECT getaway for girls weekend. The house is cute and kitchy and the pictures do not do it justice! The property was amazing and beautiful and the house was so cozy. We hung out around the round table under the tree all weekend, talking and laughing. We had a group of 15 and we had plenty of space. The bunk house was so much fun and we felt like we were back at camp! The longhorns came to visit us a few times during weekend and it was fun to watch the alpacas. We will definitely be back!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2017

10/10 Excellent

Connie B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome Memorial Weekend Stay!

We had an absolute wonderful time! Our grandkids loved the pool, all the swings and seeing the Longhorns and Llama's! The grounds are a beautiful place. The kitchen is big enough to fix any meals and we enjoyed sitting at the outside table for our meals. We went up the hill to see the views and loved the seating area there. We had a minor issue when we checked in, I called Mary Pat and it was fixed quickly. She was very accommodating and made sure our stay was perfect. The pool is so clean and we really enjoyed it. It was a great relaxing weekend and we will book another stay! We took a walk down to the creek and loved it too!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2019

10/10 Excellent

Helena N.

Magical Oasis

I got to celebrate my birthday at Rancho de Vida with my family and friends. The house is an old, charming farmhouse with lots of character. We swam, grilled, danced, and sat on the top of the hill to watch the sunset. It was truly wonderful to disconnect from the world and visit with loved ones in the Hill Country. My friends cannot stop raving about the place! We will for sure be back. Thanks for sharing your beautiful space with us!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2018

10/10 Excellent

elizabeth s.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

McQuitty wedding

We stayed here with family and friends for our wedding weekend. We were supposed to get married in April but COVID postponed that. Rancho de Vida turned out to be the perfect spot for our more intimate wedding day. Thank you Mary Pat for hosting it. We loved every minute and couldn't have asked for a more magical spot to say I do! Beth and Greg McQuitty
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2020

10/10 Excellent

James M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Exceeds expectations

We reserved this vacation property for a get together of old college friends. There were 7 adults and 3 children ages 18 months to 3 years. It was perfect for us and exceeded expectations. We were able to have family time in the ranch house in the mornings and evenings around meals, explore the surrounding area during the day, sit around a fire at night, and once it got late, the guys were able to retreat to the bunkhouse for poker. This property is a very old, but beautifully renovated ranch house on a secluded property with an optional bunk house. Would be great as a small/med wedding venue or similar event.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2020

10/10 Excellent

Jordan T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Happy 4th at Rancho De Vida!

We had a great time at Rancho De Vida! My wife and I celebrated the 4th with my old college roommates and their families. Location was perfect due to everyone living all across Texas now. The farm house was very clean and slept all 9 of us comfortably. The pool was awesome! Lots of shade trees to get out of the heat as well in the afternoons. This was my first time renting off VRBO, and my only complaint would be that I wish they included all “fees” in the avg daily rate to better figure the cost before getting hooked on a property! All in all great time and would love to go back! Thank you for having us!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2019

8/10 Good

Sarah B.

Loved the peace and quiet

Our group of 13 loved this place. Plenty of room for everyone. Stocked with lots of towels and spices, which is very helpful! Really appreciated that there was no wi-fi! The kids played and played and never missed being online. The two longhorns were very friendly and fun to feed. The alpacas were entertaining, too! The creek was dry.m due to the drought, would have loved to have had water to play and fish in. The pool was great. It was 102 outside bit felt good under the old oak. A great place with lots of room to run and relax.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2018