Location: Wimberley, Hill Country, Texas, USA (45 Minutes from Austin, Texas) View Map
Accommodations: House, 3 Bedrooms + Bunk Area, 2 Baths (Sleeps 8-14)
Keywords: Vacation House
Casa Grande on the Blanco @ Shade Ranch sits on a bluff overlooking the Blanco River on an historic, tree-covered, 25-acre property offering tranquility and seclusion and 513 feet of private river access – all within the Wimberley city limits! The riverfront is framed by large Cypress trees and offers a deep swimming hole (4 ft+) that is great during both normal and drought times. We're lucky enough to have a natural rock shelf that creates a natural dam that the water backs up against and allows for a true swimming hole.....who needs the Blue Hole when you have Shade Ranch! Please visit our ShadeRanch website in the link section for additional photos and information on the property and Hill Country area.
A portion of Casa Grande was originally built in the 1870s for a pioneering family. The home was enlarged over time as the family grew. Later, the property was purchased as a weekend getaway for the family of the current owners. Casa Grande now offers over 2,800 square feet of space for family entertainment. With two large living areas and three dining areas (2 indoor and 1 outdoor), Casa Grande is perfect for family or large group gatherings.
* One living area is the extraordinary "River Room." Stunning views of the Blanco River below beckon from three walls of windows. Open the windows and enjoy the sounds of the river rapids, bird songs, and scurrying squirrels. Bunk beds tucked into a sleeping alcove in the River Room provide a cozy spot for children to settle in for the evenings.
* The second living area is a club-like setting wrought from the original cabin. The limestone fireplace serves as a reminder of the home's pioneer past and provides a cozy room for games or movies when the nights are cool or the days are rainy. You will enjoy relaxing in the room's pleasant and calming atmosphere.
*Watch the deer graze and the sun rise or set as you listen to the birds and the river while dining indoors or outdoors.
The spacious master suite includes a king size bed, a comfortable sitting area, television, and a sleeper sofa if more sleeping space is needed.
Casa Grande has so much to offer with its fully equipped kitchen, multiple open dining areas, and two additional bedrooms (one furnished with a queen-size bed and the other with two comfortable twin beds). There is plenty of space - and privacy - for large groups.
Located just off the River Room, you will find a wonderful, large outdoor hot tub. It is a private place to unwind while admiring the brilliant stars above and the murmuring headwaters of the Upper Blanco River below. Follow the limestone steps near the hot tub down to the 500 feet of private river access below.
On the other side of the River Room sits the newly installed landscaping featuring a flagstone patio with table and chairs, Weber grill, Bocce Ball court/horseshoe pit, stone fire pit and several stone benches to sit and enjoy the surroundings.
The river will invite you to swim or wade in its cool waters and leave all worries behind. Or grab your fishing rod! Fly Fishing magazine identifies the Upper Blanco River areas as ". . . one of the best fly fishing spots in Texas." Bring your kayak or canoe, and don't forget the floats and water shoes for tubing down the rapids. There’s plenty of room to enjoy a picnic lunch, an afternoon nap or book, or a gorgeous sunrise or sunset on the banks of the Blanco River.
Located only 5 minutes from Wimberley Square, this home completes the perfect hill-country getaway without sacrificing any of the charm (or shopping opportunities) that Wimberley has to offer. And with wireless high-speed Internet and satellite TV, you won't sacrifice the conveniences of modern technology, either.
Casa Grande has recently been transformed with updated furnishings and child friendly amenities.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning
- Linens Provided
- Washer
- Dryer
- Parking for RV/Boat/Trailer
- Wood Fireplace
- Beds
- King Bed : In Master
- Queen Bed : In 2nd Bedroom
- Twin/Single Bed (4) : One room with 2 twins plus a day bed with a trundle underneath in separate "River Room"
- Bunk Bed
- Convertible Bed : New leather sleeper sofa located in main den.
- Crib : Pack'n Play available upon request
- Entertainment
- Private Hot Tub : Private hot tub just outside of River Room overlooking river.
- Cable/Satellite TV (2) : DirecTV with sports package and DVR
- TV (No Cable/Satellite) : Great TV area for kids to watch videos.
- DVD
- VCR
- Video Library : Lots of kid videos and others the parents will enjoy as well.
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided : Also includes coffee maker, coffee, creamer and sugar.
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Ice Maker
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio : Flagstone deck with table and chairs, bocce ball court, horseshoes and fire pit.
- View/Location
- Waterfront, not Lake/Oceanfront. Ask for details : 513 Feet of Private Blanco Riverfront
- Communications
- Telephone (2)
- Free Long Distance : Free US long distance.
- Broadband Internet
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Other Amenities
- Shampoo and Liquid Soap Available, Hair Dryer, High Chair, Filtered Water in Kitchen, Microwave, Blender, Iron and Ironing Board, CD/iPod Player with AM/FM Player, Puzzles, Books, and Games. Great outdoor area with patio, grill, bocce ball court, horseshoes and stone fire pit with benches.
- Suitability
- Pet Friendly : Small pets (<20 lbs.) allowed with permission. Maximum of 2 pets. Additional fee of $25/night applies up to maximum of $75.
- Kid Friendly : We have 3 kids of our own so house is kid friendly with toys, books, videos, high chair, etc. for use by guests.
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities
- Zoo/Wildlife Park
- Restaurants
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Swimming
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Antiquing
- Horseshoes
- Rafting
- Hiking
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
$375 Low Season; $425 Mid Season (10 guests); $495 High Season;(10 guests)
$20 per each addt'l guest/night up to 14 total. $95 cleaning fee. $25/nt pet fee
2 night minimum/3 night minimum on holidays (4 nights for Thanksgiving/Christmas)
$550/night Holidays during High Season; $500/night Holidays during Low Season
(NOTE: Holidays include New Years, Easter, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day
Thanksgiving and Christmas)
Low Season: Nov.- Feb.; Mid Season: March-May (except Spring Break) and Sept.-Oct.
High Season: June - August plus Spring Break
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
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Credit Cards Accepted:
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Map & Owner's Profile
Large Riverfront Home on 25 Acres with Deep Swimming Hole
Year Purchased: 2008
Why the Owner Chose Wimberley
Shade Ranch in Wimberley Texas is a perfect location for us because it is 3 hours from Houston door to door and only 1 hour from the Austin or San Antonio airport. Our parents and extended family and friends often join us for vacations at Shade Ranch. With beds for 14 and two large indoor family gathering rooms at Casa Grande, we have room for many to reunite under one roof. We appreciate the seclusion of the 25 acres while making full use of the conveniences of the Village of Wimberley. We regularly utilize the nearby groceries, pharmacies, restaurants, wineries, hardware and other stores. We appreciate the many nearby state parks and towns that make up the Texas Hill Country!
The Unique Benefits at this House
The most obvious benefit of Shade Ranch is the beautiful, cold and clear Blanco River. One swim and you too will be sold as it is cool even in the dog days of August, and never crowded. The shallow area suits those wanting to wade or to sit and enjoy the flow of the river and also serves as entry to the adjacent deep swimming area. We think it is perfect and the kids do too. They and their cousins and friends can't get enough of the river when we are there. The river bank area is so spacious, and the sound of the river is so peaceful, it is our favorite place to picnic or enjoy a glass of wine. The kids also like to play games and sports in the grass along the river. The River Room overlooks the river and is lined with windows which, when open, fill the room with the sounds of the river and the wind blowing in the trees. There's no better place to enjoy a cup of coffee and watch the deer. The kids also enjoy fishing, climbing to the "cave" by the river under the ledge on which the house is built, looking for arrowheads after a rain, having sleepovers with cousins and friends, and just exploring the 25 acres of "forest". We know you will find these wonders and more at Shade Ranch.
Owner's Map of Wimberley
The Norvell family hails from Houston, TX where we, like most Americans, lead over-booked lives full of schoolwork, school activities, sports, civic, and work responsibilities. We enjoyed a most relaxing vacation at Shade Ranch in 2008. In fact, we loved it so much that we purchased it three months later. Our kids are young and our parents and family do not live nearby. We wanted a place for our extended family to get together to run, swim, climb, spend time as a family, and just enjoy the beauty of nature. We hope your family enjoys Shade Ranch as much as we do.
Property Photos
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- House Entrance - Wimberley Vacation House with Private Hot Tub.
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- 513 Private Feet of Blanco River Frontage - View upriver with property on left - Wimberley Vacation House with Private Hot Tub.
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- House Overlooking Riverfront - Wimberley Vacation House with Private Hot Tub.
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- View of riverfront on left and deep (4 ft) swimming hole directly in front
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- Great swimming hole. Photo taken during summer drought of 2011
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- "River Room" and Dining Area for Social Gatherings
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- Main Den with Wood Burning Fireplace and DirecTV
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- Main Den with Sitting Area, Flat Screen TV, DirecTV with sports package
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- Fully Equipped Kitchen
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- Master bedroom with king bed, sitting area and private bath.
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- 2nd Bedroom with Queen Bed, Bedside Table and Dresser.
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- Third Bedroom with Twin Beds
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- Hallway bath between 2nd and 3rd Bedrooms
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- Flagstone patio, Weber grill, Bocce Ball court/Horseshoe pit and stone fire pit
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- Stone fire pit with Bocce Ball court and horseshoe pit behind.
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- The perfect swimming hole
Traveler Reviews (34)
Outstanding!
Guest: Mike
(Austin, Texas)
Date of Stay: 02/02/12
Review Submitted: 02/08/12
We used the property for a large weekend gathering and absolutely loved it. We maxed out the capacity but everyone was comfortable and enjoyed the time together. The property ~ both the land and the home ~ is truly beautiful, and the owner did a great job of taking care of us and our needs. The home was clean and had everything we needed for a great experience. The firepit and hot tub were terrific perks as well. We'll definitely come back!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, families with teenagers.
Great spot
Guest: Mariposa L.
Date of Stay: 01/21/12
Review Submitted: 01/30/12
We made a last minute booking and Roby was quick to respond and very friendly. The directions we were given from Austin took us down a lovely road that we had never been down. Casa Grande is indeed a sprawling house. We had 6 adults and a kid in our party and had plenty of room. The master bedroom was perfect for the couple with their small child. I did think ( probably my fault) that there were two queen beds in addition, but there was only one. The remaining room has twin beds, but they are comfy and we did not mind. Everything was clean and well stocked. The hot tub was ready to go when we arrived...a huge plus! And the small house next door was unoccupied so we had the entire property to ourselves. This is a really pretty spot on the river and I would recommend a visit. I think part of our party is already making plans to return with their visiting family!
Recommended for:
Great house!
Guest: Sarah W.
Date of Stay: 10/21/11
Review Submitted: 12/28/11
This is a great house for families (we shared it with another family with 4 small children in total) and for a relaxing time away from the kids (I rented it again with 3 others for a girls weekend). The spot on the river is so nice, with water even during the horrible drought we've had this year. There are plenty of beds but the bunk and trundle are in a common area, so take that into consideration when planning your stay. The master is huge and private. The other two bedrooms share a bathroom and are off the main living area. We used the outside area for meals - large table and gas grill - and spent a lot of time sitting in the chairs provided down at the river. There are some water toys and rafts at the house and lots of kid toys and games, which was a nice surprise. The location is great, with a grocery store close by and just a short drive to shops and restaurants. The owner was very helpful and accommodating. We will be back.
Recommended for:
Just wonderful!
Guest: Lorenzo
(Houston, Texas)
Date of Stay: 10/14/11
Review Submitted: 11/09/11
This was a wonderful place for our family to vacation. The property is situated on a lovely stretch of the Blanco river which was perfect for swimming, fishing, or just watching the stars hang over the water. The house was charmingly decorated, clean, and well-maintained. The shelves were well stocked with games and books for every age, which I found to be a particularly good touch. Most rental properties do not have this much attention to detail. We will definitely be back!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Hill Country at its best
Guest: Erik
(Houston)
Date of Stay: 10/07/11
Review Submitted: 11/08/11
The house was wonderful and easily big enough for the very large group we were staying with (6 adults and 7 kids). The kids really enjoyed the river and hiking through the woods. Easy access to local attractions, including several lovely wineries. We can't overemphasize what a great time we had at "Casa Grande," and we hope to return soon.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, pet owners, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Absolutely lovely!
Guest: Hillary N.
Date of Stay: 08/14/11
Review Submitted: 10/17/11
My family and I had the most wonderful time at Shade Ranch! It accommodated 8 of us with two infants perfectly. The kitchen was fully stocked and worked perfectly for cooking dinner. The outdoor grill/patio area was great. The location on the river was perfect and so beautiful! I'd suggest this property to anyone who is interested and we hope to return again next summer!
Recommended for:
Awesome house
Guest: Carlene A.
(Houston, Texas)
Date of Stay: 10/15/11
Review Submitted: 10/17/11
Description is very accurate. The house is spacious and VERY clean!! Awesome property with tons to do in the area (cycling, swimming, tubing, boche ball, and more). Great view of the river. The owner is very accomodating and friendly. I would highly recommend staying at this property. We will stay here again!!
Recommended for:
Wedding Weekend Retreat
Guest: Lyn
(Kerrville,TX)
Date of Stay: 09/09/11
Review Submitted: 09/17/11
My family and I spent my youngest daughter's wedding weekend at Shade Ranch. The house felt warm and welcoming. OK...I became the family hero for finding such a wonderful place to spend the weekend. I didn't let on that this was one of the easiest parts of planning the wedding. It was great to have a relaxing place to retreat to after the wedding festivities! The property was clean and supplied with everything you could possibly need. The owner was very helpful and e-mailed me right away if I had any questions.It was great to view the water still flowing in the river during our Texas drought. We all agreed that we wanted to return in the future to have a family reunion.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, pet owners, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Wimberley gathering
Guest: Diane
(Euless, TX)
Date of Stay: 07/17/11
Review Submitted: 08/29/11
We found Shade Ranch via the internet and were not disappointed when we arrived. My entire family spent a week at Shade Ranch in Wimberley expecting to visit other areas close by but we had such a good time on the river that we didn't go anywhere else. Great get away and perfect for all ages to enjoy!
Recommended for:Girls getaway, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Terry
Guest: Terry
(Midland, Texas)
Date of Stay: 06/27/11
Review Submitted: 08/17/11
This is the second year that we have gone to Shade Ranch for a family retreat and it's fabulous! The property is beautiful (even with a drought) and the house is perfect for a large family to gather. The views from the house are relaxing and sitting in the beautiful Blanco River is refreshing!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, pet owners, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #196206
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