Entire home

Charming French-Inspired Lakefront Cottage |Acres of Serenity and Scenic Beauty Perfect Getaway

Photo gallery for Charming French-Inspired Lakefront Cottage |Acres of Serenity and Scenic Beauty Perfect Getaway

French-inspired cottage on 42 acres | Serene lake views | Enjoy timeless charm, modern comforts, and peaceful sunsets in a private countryside retreat
Take in the peace and quiet on the private lake on 42 acres
Living Room
Primary Bedroom | Double Bed
Cuddle up to a book and enjoy the view of the country

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4111.5 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Fireplace
  • Washer
  • Parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

Map
Van Alstyne, TX
  • Austin College
    ‪30 min drive‬
  • Collin County Courthouse
    ‪31 min drive‬
  • Toyota Stadium
    ‪52 min drive‬
  • Sherman, TX (PNX-North Texas Regional)
    ‪41 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Guest

2 Single Beds

Primary

1 Double Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Kitchen

About this property

Charming French-Inspired Lakefront Cottage |Acres of Serenity and Scenic Beauty Perfect Getaway

Welcome to the Hilltop Retreat– a Van Alstyne gem that seamlessly blends historic charm with contemporary comfort! Nestled in the country among trees and a lake this one-of-a-kind vacation rental promises an enchanting stay with a dash of nostalgia.

The primary bathroom is getting a refresh, and we are excited to share the new photos in April!

Escape to this enchanting 2-bedroom rural lakefront cottage, a perfect blend of charm, tranquility, and rustic elegance. Resting atop a hill on 42+ acres of picturesque countryside, this French-inspired retreat overlooks a private 20+ acre lake, complete with a fishing dock and rowboat for leisurely outings. Whether you’re seeking a romantic escape, a family retreat (children must be 10+), or simply a peaceful place to unwind, this cozy haven invites you to relax and reconnect with nature.

Cottage Highlights:

• Idyllic Lake Views & Private Dock: Wake up to stunning views of the lake from your back porch, and spend quiet moments together at your own private dock, ideal for fishing or just enjoying the beauty of the water.
• Charming Antique Décor: Step back in time with the cottage’s thoughtfully curated French country antiques, blending nostalgia and comfort in every room. The retro French farmhouse kitchen adds a touch of whimsy, making it perfect for cozy meals in the vintage kitchen.
• Romantic Outdoor Spaces: Watch the sun set as you sway in the porch swing, or share intimate conversations on the covered lawn patio while wildlife grazes nearby. The peaceful atmosphere is perfect for a couple’s getaway.
• Nature Walks & Wildlife Watching: Take scenic walks along the country road, explore the 42 acres of natural beauty, and enjoy spotting deer, birds, and other wildlife right outside your door.
• Comfort for Four Guests: This charming standalone retreat accommodates up to four guests, with two beautifully furnished bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and all the modern amenities you need for a relaxing stay.
• NO WIFI, NO STREAMING, 5G cell service
• Pet Friendly: One (1) well behaved dogs under 20 lbs pursuant to approval. No exceptions and no cats. A pet fee will apply.
• Checkin will is required during daylight hours as the rural roads are dark and offer no street lighting.The house is accessed via a
private gravel road that is well maintained, but difficult to locate at night for the first time.

Just 10 minutes from downtown Van Alstyne, the cottage offers the perfect mix of seclusion and convenience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, planning a romantic weekend, or simply in need of a peaceful escape, this lakefront retreat promises an unforgettable experience.

Book now and create lasting memories in this tranquil, romantic haven!

Situated in Van Alstyne, 3.8 mi (6.2 km) from Grayson Hills Winery and within 12 mi (20 km) of Tiger Stadium and Whitewright Nature Park. Sherman Museum and Austin College are also within 20 mi (32 km).

Property manager

iTrip Lake Texoma

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Air conditioning
Parking available

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Similar properties

House Rules

default

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
default

Events

No events allowed
default

Pets

Pets allowed
default

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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 indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

About the area

Van Alstyne

Located in Van Alstyne, this cottage is in a rural area and on a lake. Eden Hill Farm & Vineyard and Oak Hollow Golf Course are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Bonham State Park and Red River. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Van Alstyne, TX

What's nearby

  • Austin College - 30 min drive - 28.0 km
  • Collin County Courthouse - 31 min drive - 35.3 km
  • Collin College - 32 min drive - 37.5 km
  • Allen Premium Outlets - 39 min drive - 47.6 km
  • Toyota Stadium - 52 min drive - 63.1 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Dairy Queen - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪The Loft Pizza & Pub - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪Triple R Barbecue - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪Corby's Grill - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪Sonic Drive-In - ‬18 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Charming French-Inspired Lakefront Cottage |Acres of Serenity and Scenic Beauty Perfect Getaway pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

Where is Charming French-Inspired Lakefront Cottage |Acres of Serenity and Scenic Beauty Perfect Getaway located?

Situated on a lake, this cottage is within 20 miles (32 km) of Sherman Museum, Kelly Square and Austin College. Loy Lake Plaza and Sherman Town Center 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. 22 out of 22 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 22 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 22 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 22 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 22 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Jeff H.

Van Alstyne Cabin

The cabin is always a great stay. Secluded and quiet. We have stayed here several times in the past and have always enjoyed calm and serenity. The fishing is awesome too! Great catch and release lake.

10/10 Excellent

Vicki U.

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

Highly Recommend

Beautiful home and property. Back porch with lake view is perfect. Clean and comfortable. Owners live next door and are very nice and willing to go out of their way to answer questions, provide help, and accommodate needs. Hope to return.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Teresa M.

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

Peace and Serenity lovely retreat

We LOVED it! Such a beautiful place sitting amongst the wildflowers. Gorgeous view from the back porch. Donna was awesome! We definitely will be back to enjoy the lake and relax!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Harold B.

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

Easter Weekend

This was a very cute old restored farmhouse with charm. I wish we could have stayed longer to enjoy the large back porch looking over the pond. We were nervous about the little dirt road to get to the property but it was no issue. I met the nice owners who live in the big farmhouse next door. We would definitely stay there again.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Charles S.

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

Better than expected

We loved our stay. It is a beautiful property, quiet, peaceful and well maintained. Coffee on the back porch looking over the lake was so relaxing. I would stay again in a heartbeat.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Julie G.

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

NIRVANA

Amazing. Stunning. Comes with a beautiful view and all the wonderful sounds of nature. Perfect place to get “off the grid”. I have never stayed at a place that is fully equipped/stocked from the kitchen right down to the laundry supplies. Made the trip a breeze and stressless. Donna is a great Hostess and we never felt that it was an imposition to reach out to her. Her Oasis will be our “go to” when visiting our family in Texas.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jeff H.

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

Van Alstyne Farmhouse

Exquisite! About 3/4 mile off of the road and QUITE! When you open the door you have a step back in time farmhouse decor with all the modern conveniences. The layout is straight out of a magazine. Comfortable beds, relaxing porch with a great view. The lake is a must for catch and release fishing. Donna, the host is the best. This will be a go to in future visits.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Larry and Jeanne L.

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

Beautiful country retreat

My husband and I loved this little retreat! The beds were very comfortable and the setting is amazing! Donna is a very kind and welcoming hostess!
Stayed 5 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mila S.

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

Weekend Getaway

Great place to spend a quiet weekend. The place is clean.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Warren W.

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

Sweet Hideaway

Great place to slip away to for peace and quiet.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Michelle G.

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

"The Notebook"

We had a truly magical stay at this absolutely beautiful "French Country" Home! This home is exquisitely decorated and we truly felt like we were in the movie "The Notebook"! The kitchen has everything you need to prepare fabulous meals while enjoying the beauty of this home and the grounds it sits on! The back porch is out of a magazine as is the rest of this dreamy home! The lake has the best fishing in Texas according to my husband who caught huge Bass, Croppie and Blue Gills! The row boat with the trolling motor was so fun. We absolutely loved our days enjoying the beauty of this home and how peaceful and serene the setting is, and the lake is absolutely wonderful! We felt like we truly stepped back in time and we had the most romantic getaway we have literally ever had! We spent the 4th of July weekend, soaking up the beautiful sun on the lake, cooking and grilling wonderful meals, and the Fireworks were the best we have ever seen, we will be returning every 4th! We are already planning our next romantic retreat and the hospitality from the wonderful owners Donna and Hank, was the cherry on top of this incredible find! We plan to be frequent visitors to this gem! Joe and Michelle, Allen Texas
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Kathy P.

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

PERFECT PLACE FOR PEACEFUL RETREAT AND REST

The house is beautiful. The host, Donna was gracious and kind and a perfect host. We have what we call a "silent retreat" about three times a year. Three women - two sisters and a niece. On Saturday we remain silent all day. We choose our own activities for the day, but all is done in silence. This time, one crocheted, one made a Christmas stocking for her youngest grandchild and the other, a new widow spent time in the Word and with God. We walked some and listened to music - each doing their own thing. This was the PERFECT place for us. So beautiful and serene, Would definitely recommend it to anyone seeking a beautiful relaxing place to spend time away from all the distractions of day-to-day life.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Stacy H.

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

WONDERFUL GIRLS WEEKEND

This place was even better than described. So clean and cozy and had everything you need. It was such a peaceful stay whether we were sitting by the fireplace inside, sitting on the back porch with a drink or sitting down by the lake it was amazing. The home was so comfortable that you really never had to leave. We will definitely make this trip again. ........ WE LOVED IT.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2021

10/10 Excellent

David S.

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

Perfect place for a retreat - peaceful and calm

Donna and Hank were the best hosts possible. The house was a good size for 2 people. Isolated and peaceful. We needed a non-contact check in which was easily handled by Donna. We had meals on the back porch overlooking trees and the lake. We went and rowed the boat twice and enjoyed the clear lake, migrating birds and Texas sky. Perfect place to remember nature. We brought all of our food in and cooked some wonderful meals. Going back to town to get a meal would have been a short drive but one we didn't want to entertain. If you need a place to go that has been given a ton of care, thought and is kept up very very well - this is your spot. Recharge and renew. Thanks Donna and Hank!!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2021

10/10 Excellent

Colette M.

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

Little Bit of Heaven

This property is exactly as shown in the photos. It was impeccably clean and charmingly furnished with authentic antique details. We were looking for “an escape” and truly felt as though we had visited another time and place. We walked for miles on the surrounding country roads. We sat on the dock and enjoyed all the wildlife sounds. My favorite sound was the wind on the prairie. We accidentally locked the only set of keys in the guest house so Hank and Donna invited us to the main house while a locksmith came to rekey the cottage. They offered us a late checkout for our trouble and lent us shampoo! It was a happy accident because we enjoyed visiting with our gracious hosts. We were sad to leave this peaceful, comfortable refuge. Definitely recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2020

10/10 Excellent

Katherine W.

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

Peaceful and pretty cottage stay

My husband and I had a wonderful weekend stay at Donna and Hank’s lovely guest cottage. As noted by other guests, walking into the cottage was like entering a Country Living magazine layout. The place was extremely clean! The kitchen has what is needed to cook own meals along with a Keurig, dishwasher, washer and dryer for longer stays. We grilled dinner at night, had coffee on back porch in mornings, and enjoyed walks on the country roads near the property. The lake is a short walk behind cottage for fishing on pier or in row boat. Our favorite part was star gazing from pier during the crystal clear nights! Donna was extremely responsive with all questions and needs during our stay. Although the hosts were next door, our stay was private and peaceful.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2020

10/10 Excellent

Sam H.

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

Tranquility

I needed a place close to Dallas for a study retreat. This place exceeded my expectations in every way. The setting in the country is beautiful on a rolling hill. The home is clean and charmingly decorated. The property owner was responsive and gracious. I have already recommended this location to a close friend and plan to return.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Julie A.

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

Exquisite Cottage

This cottage feels like you are living inside a magazine! Every little detail is perfectly and amazingly placed. The surrounding area is serene and perfect for long country walks. A great place for a relaxing one-of-a-kind weekend.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Justin M.

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

Do not pass this place up...!!!

I feel like this place deserves some kind of epic poem. It's not like it was decent...every single detail was masterful. When you think "romantic getaway," this place cannot be topped. We found ourselves walking the property, dancing in the incredible moonlight on the dock, drinking coffee and eating dinner on the back deck...that's just the start. We left the place on Sunday shaking our heads in total disbelief of this incredible weekend we shared at this amazingly romantic country house. It was truly perfect and we definitely cannot wait to go back soon.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Carla C.

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

Wonderfully relaxing!

This place is so relaxing, so peaceful.... its where the simple life meets the luxury life..... Donna met us at the house to let us in, and she is the sweetest host anyone could ask for. The house smelled so nice, and was decorated just like the pictures show. It just felt like I was visiting a time in history, but with the luxury of a cold ac and hot water! Such a gorgeous place, I highly recommend to someone that wants to unplug and enjoy peace and quiet.... Oh, and the lake is beautiful, and good for fishing on the dock!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Ron L.

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

Quiet Country Cottage

Great little get-a-way. Donna and Hank are lovely people. The house is wonderfully decorated and lies in the country. Spent lovely evening on the patio listening to the frogs on the lake. Would definitely come back and enjoy the quiet serene country side.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Joseph K.

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

Idyllic property with Texas hospitality

This new listing is in one of the most beautiful spots that I’ve ever seen in Texas. The owners are close by and very responsive!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2019

About the host

Hosted by iTrip Lake Texoma

Host profile image

Languages:

English