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Blackberry Cottage A Tiny House in Woods ★★★★★

Photo gallery for Blackberry Cottage A Tiny House in Woods ★★★★★

Sitting area.
First impressions!  …as you open the door.
Living room and bedroom.
From the bedroom looking out the front window
Toward the door and kitchenette

Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

1 bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
    Parking available
  • Pet-friendly
    Pet-friendly
  • Barbecue grill
    Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor space
    Outdoor space
  • Kitchen
    Kitchen
  • Air conditioning
    Air conditioning

Explore the area

Map
Waco, TX
    Homestead Heritage
    3 min drive
    Heart O' Texas Speedway
    10 min drive
    Riverbend Park Ballfields
    12 min drive
    Waco, TX (ACT-Waco Regional)
    21 min drive

Rooms & beds

0 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Living Room 1

1 Queen Sofa Bed

Main Bedroom

1 King Bed and 1 Double Futon

1 bathroom

Bathroom

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

Spaces

Kitchen
Dining
Living area
Exterior

About this property

Blackberry Cottage A Tiny House in Woods ★★★★★

The Blackberry Cottage exudes warmth and comfort in a 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom package that can comfortably sleep up to 4. Stay inside or venture out onto the covered deck to cook some steaks on the gas grill or sip your favorite beverage. You're within 10 to 15 minutes of Magnolia and Baylor or, you are less than two minutes from Waco's number-one-rated eatery, Cafe Homestead. Your bed has the perfect view of the giant screen so bring your your Netflix account for an immersive experience.

THE HOUSE
The Blackberry Cottage is the backdrop for our small garden and where our 15 hens enjoy foraging from their “chicken tractor”. We built this cottage to be everything a hotel isn't.

Sometimes what you DON'T have is good. We have WiFi and a giant screen projector but we do not have a TV. If you have an account with Netflix or Starz, etc, you’re good to go.

HEATING AND COOLING
...all handled with a quiet central mini-split A/C and heat pump that you control. It can get pretty hot here in the summer but your cottage is foam insulated and the air conditioner is sized to overcome whatever is going on outside.

THE DECK
The Blackberry Cottage has a large deck that looks out over the garden and our chickens. The propane grill is great for cooking out and there is a table and chairs for four. It seems there is always something going on on the deck--hummingbirds, squirrels, painted buntings, chickadees, cardinals--depending on when you come. We'll put a "Birds of Texas" book in the cottage so you can identify everything if you're interested.

THE KITCHEN
A "kitchenette,” with a microwave, coffee maker, and double sinks to support the grill on the deck.

THE BATHROOM
Behind the barn door is a huge shower that's powered by a water heater that never runs out of hot water. So, if a long shower is your way of pampering yourself, this is your dream space. We hope you'll love the antique lavatory and the copper vessel sink. Look inside. If you forgot your toothbrush, we have a replacement for you.

THE VIEW
Whether you are sitting on the sofa or lying on the bed, you can open (or raise) the blinds to look out on the ever-present wildlife on the deck or look past that to the fading sun. Or, close the blinds and go to sleep.

THINGS TO DO/SEE
Most of our guests come for Magnolia or Baylor. But, because you are so close to Homestead Heritage, most guests "discover" a place they love but didn't know was here. If you go to Homestead Heritage to eat, be sure to allow time to walk around their craft shops. You can watch craftsmen make baskets, throw pottery, forge architectural pieces, make heirloom furniture with hand tools or make a dress from cotton they have planted, raised, carded, spun and woven (seriously!). One of my favorite shops is the Leather Shop where you can buy hand-made leather stuff and, if you want to learn how they do it, they'll teach you.

Property manager

Doug Saylor
Premier Host

Languages

English

Amenities

Kitchen
Pet-friendly
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Parking available
Barbecue grill

Similar properties

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
We love kids but our deck is not safe for a todler

Events

No events allowed

Pets

Pets allowed
For obedient house pets + extra charge.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
No smoking anywhere on the property.

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
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

Waco

Chalk Bluff, a neighbourhood in Waco, is home to this cottage. Waco Mammoth National Monument and Riverbend Park Ballfields reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Hawaiian Falls and Cameron Park Zoo. Texas Sports Hall of Fame and Mayborn Museum Complex are also worth visiting. Take the opportunity to explore the area for outdoor excitement like ecotours and other activities like birdwatching.
Map
Waco, TX

What's nearby

  • Homestead Heritage - 3 min drive
  • Cameron Park Zoo - 13 min drive
  • Waco Mammoth National Monument - 13 min drive
  • Baylor University - 14 min drive
  • Magnolia Market at the Silos - 15 min drive

Getting around

  • Waco, TX (ACT-Waco Regional) - 21 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪Griff's Restaurant/Catering - ‬21 min drive
  • ‪Dave's Burger Barn - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Bush's Chicken - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Bush's Chicken - ‬20 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Blackberry Cottage A Tiny House in Woods ★★★★★ pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Blackberry Cottage A Tiny House in Woods ★★★★★?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

Where is Blackberry Cottage A Tiny House in Woods ★★★★★ located?

Located in Chalk Bluff, this cottage is 1.9 mi (3.1 km) from Homestead Heritage and within 12 miles (20 km) of Magnolia Market at the Silos and Baylor University. Heart O' Texas Speedway and Riverbend Park Ballfields are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 27 out of 27 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 27 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 27 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 27 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 27 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

angie t.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great cottage in the country!
Doug and Donna have thought of everything with their cottage. The little touches such as the welcome sign, birthday card for my daughter, and little goodies each day were a nice touch. We stayed the weekend for a mother/daughters trip to Magnolia and it was a relatively short drive to get to Magnolia. The cottage is very close to the Homestead which is worth a visit as well. We had not planned to go there but it was a very neat place! Check in and out process was very smooth and Doug was very responsive to my messages. I had trouble with operating the door lock and he called right away to walk me through it. We arrived in the dark and the cottage was well lit outside. We definitely recommend this cottage and if we find ourselves back in Waco we plan on staying here!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2019

10/10 Excellent

Lisa L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Best VRBO experience ever!!!
This property was amazing. Even better than expected and we expected it to be great!!! The Doug and Donna, the property owners, made us feel so welcomed and they had everything we could ever need. It was a peaceful retreat. We will definitely be back!!! Lisa and Jim
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2019

10/10 Excellent

Caleb S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect weekend getaway
Everything was perfect: the decor, the linens, all the amenities, etc. It was spotlessly clean. Our hosts, Doug and Donna, went above and beyond in making us feel special, including surprise packages each day of delicious treats from the local Homestead Bakery. Just a perfect weekend getaway for me and my wife.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2019

10/10 Excellent

Garry C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
WOW
The Blackberry Lodge, along with the owners, were the icing on the Waco cake. We were blown away by the attention to detail and thoughtfulness. The property is great, the home is top notch and the recommendations for things to do in the area were spot on. We were in town for the Waco 70.3 and didn't expect the VRBO experience to be so memorable. Look forward to coming back!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

Angie P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cozy cabin
Cozy, comfortable, very clean cabin! Excellent communication with the owners, we loved the personal touches they do for renters. Highly recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

Hannah N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent Property
We were so pleased with the Blackberry cottage. The owners really have thought of everything!

10/10 Excellent

Lauren F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Quaint Cottage Stay
I loved staying at Doug and Donna’s cottage! They were the sweetest hosts - I was greeted with cookies and little gifts each night. The cottage has everything you would need for a night away, including toiletries, extra blankets, and a noise machine. They even send messages for events going on during the stay in case you would like to participate!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Lynn K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful property!
This was our first VRBO experience and we would definitely stay at this property again! Clean, quiet, well-appointed, comfortable. Loved it!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Robert R., Longview, TX

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
More than blackberries
My wife and I stayed here during a Waco getaway. The property is just far enough out of town to be peaceful and quiet in the country, but still close to great things to do. The owners have carefully thought through everything you need for an enjoyable stay--they have really considered all the details, such as a nite light in the bathroom, paper bags for laundry, a lighter for the gas grill, seasonings for food, good WiFi, Alexa to play music on a great sound cube, a Keurig with coffee and tea (including decaf), real cream for the coffee, a nice selection of books to read and games to play, and versatile lighting (dimmers on everything). The bed was very comfortable. It was very hot while we were there, but the AC kept everything comfortable, and the system is very quiet and unobtrusive. We were impressed with how the owners communicated with us, letting us know everything we needed without being intrusive. We enjoyed the sweet treats they left for us as well. The owners recommended that we visit Homestead, and provided a coupon to use at Cafe Homestead. That was a great recommendation. We will certainly recommend Blackberry Cottage to friends and relatives who visit Waco.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Karen L., Dallas, TX

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Well-appointed luxury, cottage setting
The online pictures draw you in, but the attention to detail and hospitality keeps you delighted...smooth jazz upon entry, brownies on table, and everything you might need is tucked discreetly away or acts as part of the decor. All is ready for discovery with the array of dimming lights that set the stage for doing a puzzle or having a quiet dinner. Doug’s communication of what was available for nearby excursions was so well-times, even the care package hanging at my door upon my return Saturday afternoon! It was the perfect weekend and such a refreshing departure away from television—good call Doug and Donna! Cannot wait to visit again.

10/10 Excellent

Nancy B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great for a Weekend Getaway
My cousin and I met in Waco to do some shopping. We spent all day Saturday shopping came back to the cottage exhausted. We had a treat waiting for us! The cottage is so relaxing, it was nice to come back and cool off. Sunday morning, Doug sent a message to tell us no one was checking in that day, that we should take our time checking out. The couple made sure they met us. They are so sweet and even gave us some history on the property. Great stay! I will definitely consider staying there again!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie P.

Honeymoon weekend
What a beautiful relaxing place to stay! Everything was perfect for our a weekend stay, including the delicious baked goods that were left for us. Looking forward to being able to stay here again! Thanks to Doug for all the communication and information about the cottage and Waco area. Definite a great host.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2019

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer R.

Best little cottage in Waco!
I’m hesitant to tell everyone how great this place is because I want it to be available anytime I’m in Waco. The house was so clean it was as though I was the first guess to stay there. Doug and Donna literally have everything you could possibly need or might have forgot to pack. The property is charming and the little extra gifts they left put this VRBO over the top!!!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2019

10/10 Excellent

Bruce J.

Best Stay
I would like to say this was the best stay I have had at a vrbo property. From the welcome sign to the notes in the room to the little treats left in the room. It was my birthday as well as my 15th yr wedding anniversary. Donna and Doug made it so special for me and my husband. We will definitely be returning. I have also told everyone I know about the property as well. Thank you again for making it a special experience for us. I never even missed there wasn't a TV in the room!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

Arthur M.

Spring Break in Waco
My husband and I are educators. We spent Spring Break in Waco, taking in the sights and relaxing. Doug and Donna were wonderful hosts and we enjoyed the Blackberry Cottage. We found that the location was perfect for setting off on our daily excursions. At the end of the day, we enjoyed relaxing on the cottage porch. When we returned each day, we found a surprise delivery from Doug and Donna . . . whether it was brownies, blue bonnet soap, fresh eggs, or a lunch coupon to Heritage Village. We will definitely return someday. The bed was comfortable for my bad back, the shower was large and always had plenty of hot water, the cottage was nicely furnished with everything we needed in the kitchen, and we even had an Alexa for our listening pleasure! We were able to totally unplug and relax.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2019

10/10 Excellent

Brenda W.

Lovely cottage
We loved our stay at the cottage, the owners were so hospitable and welcoming. Special little gifts and extra attention to details were very evident. All was clean and comfortable.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2019

10/10 Excellent

shelly m.

Very nice little cottage
This was one of the best VRBO that I have stayed in. The cottage was very clean and comfortable. It was stocked with everything needed to make the stay pleasurable. The owners were available and near by if needed and returned my messages quickly.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2019

10/10 Excellent

Tina C., Harrodsburg,KY

AWESOME is the only word for this stay
Doug and Donna have thought of absolutely everything for your stay and they have fabulous recommendations for places to visit and eat. This is a warm and inviting cottage located just minutes from Magnolia Market and other Waco attractions. Doug and Donna were prompt to reply to any questions or requests and provided all the little items you sometimes forget like sunscreen, shaving cream etc. I don't know of anything that could have been done any better! Enjoyed meeting both Doug and Donna and feel like we have family in Texas now. ONLY place I would stay in this area.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2019

10/10 Excellent

David W.

Wonderful. Better than advertised.
We had the best get away weekend! Very relaxing and refreshing and just what we needed. This was our first trip to Waco and wow what an experience it was! Your little cottage was the highlight of our trip. It’s beautiful and charming and very well stocked with everything needed to feel comfortable. Thank you for spoiling us and for making us feel welcome. We have stayed in quite a few vrbo rentals but yours is at the top of the list. Your cottage is a wonderful little oasis out here and we are very thankful we came cross it. Thank you again for your hospitality. We look forward to our next visit.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2019

10/10 Excellent

Brandi B.

Pleasant Surprise
Such an amazing place and host! From the moment we arrived until the moment we left. Such a quaint spot. They truly are the hostess with the mostest!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2019

10/10 Excellent

Curtis P.

Valentines day 2019
Strongly recommend Blackberry Cottage. Very comfortable and attractively furnished. Excellent bed and sofa. Excellent built in lighting. Host very thoughtful and available including fresh croissants and cookies. Must visit the Homestead Café, especially with the discount coupons. Loved the bird feeders on the covered deck. In all an excellent value. Would definitely stay there again and recommend to friends. Thanks Doug and Donna! My favorite VRBO so far after a couple of years of roaming around Texas.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2019

10/10 Excellent

Mckensey C.

Such a quite and peaceful place.
My wife and I were so impressed with our stay. From the accommodations to the host. They really have thought of everything. Just outside of Waco and still close to everything.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2019

10/10 Excellent

Bruce H.

Excellent experience.
This property was awesome. The owners thought of everything. Great stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2019

10/10 Excellent

Holly S.

Attention to details
Very clean, organized and tastefully decorated. Complimentary snacks, coffee and tea provided. Fluffy towels and extra pillows abound. I will stay there again when my travels take me to the Waco area.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2019

10/10 Excellent

Rene L.

Amazing!!!! Beautiful place and host and hostess took care of everything!!!! Cute cottage!!!
This property meta our every need. The owners are meticulous with details and treated us so well!!! We loved being outside the city. Quite relaxing and so comfy!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2018

About the host

Hosted by Doug Saylor

Host profile image
Donna and I were high school sweethearts in Odessa. We got married in 1972 and it just keeps getting better and better. All our kids and their families live close so we enjoy getting to see everyone fairly often.

Donna is the Mom of the cottages and makes sure everything is just so. She's also a grandma and that can take priority over everything.

I still work as a graphic designer. So, on a typical day, I'm working in WordPress and PhotoShop. Grandpa work can take over any time, though.

The Forest Cottage used to be my detached office. When our church needed places for people to stay for an international symposium, I decided to convert to a tiny house. Since then, I have added this Blackberry Cottage as well.

Why they chose this property

This is where Donna and I live. We planted a blackberry vineyard and decided to set a tiny house there to look out over it. Our property is wooded so it is easy to feel like your in the middle of a forest when you are actually on the edge of it.

What makes this property unique

Because we are out of town, we get all the beautiful birds and other wildlife. If you get to a place where you can just watch out over your deck, you will see some of our birds. Cardinals, painted buntings (our favorite) and squirrels will be there every day.

Languages:

English

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