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Charming, Secluded Carriage House & Pool on .5 Acre - Heart of Travis Heights

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Living room

Living room Front entrance to the Carriage House Cathedral ceiling dining/kitchen area Dining Area Outdoor Pool Stone Patio and Majestic Oak West Bedroom with Queen Bed West Bedroom with Floor to Ceiling Casement Windows North Bedroom with Door to Patio and Pool North bedroom with Full Bed Bathroom with Tub Kitchen (View from Loft)

Calendar

Last updated: 05/17/2013
Check availability
23 Available
21 Unavailable
22 Today
23 Selected dates
24 Special offer
  • Minimum stay:2-4 nights
  • Internet:Yes
  • Pets allowed:No
  • Wheel chair accessible:No

The half acre of creekside property was once part of a large section of land owned by an engineer who designed and built this home as his family residence. The original plot bordered Congress Avenue and continued to the river which is now Ladybird Lake. It served as a farm and salvage yard with a number of outbuildings and warehouses. Horses were stabled near what is now Riverside Drive. The family house was built in 1919 and the carriage house and hayloft were added sometime in the 30’s along with a highly unusual brick pool. The buildings are comprised of recycled beams and pine flooring from the old Bastrop train station, glass doors from the State Capitol, and bricks that once lined Congress Avenue make the pool and patio. The house has undergone a few renovations and additions over time, while the pool remains as the last brick pool in the Austin area. Its been carefully restored and updated with modern equipment.

Pool
This unique pool was meant for lounging and cooling off in the hot summer months. Given it’s size, it is not suitable for swimming laps. The pool is shared by the main house, however, the owners provide privacy to the guests while they use the pool and backyard. The owners recently re-plastered the pool and modernized it with an UV light system. The pool is open year round, and it is not heated.

Property
The owner's residence is located in the stone cottage West of the rental house. The owners are available to provide guests with suggestions on restaurants, live music venues, shopping and much more! The property is also shared with a clutch of hens, which provide guests with plenty of eggs.

Location
Located two blocks from the popular entertainment district of South Congress Avenue (SoCo) and 5 min walk from downtown, the house is perfectly situated to meet all your needs! We provide a free map to every guest which details all the haunts and hideouts of Old Austin. The map was made by our favorite map maker, Herb Lester (www.herblester.com), and authored by the owners of the property.

Parking
The rental includes a private driveway which can accommodate two cars. We ask that you do not park on the street.

Payment
We accept Credit Cards and eChecks thru HomeAway. We recently started using HomeAway’s Book It Now option. If you find this option confusing, please use the traditional ‘Contact Owner’ section to the right of the screen and enter the dates you are interested in and we will get back to you within 24 hours.

Living Room/Kitchen
The living room and kitchen share a large open space that is anchored by floor to ceiling casement windows. There is a dining room table that seats four comfortably, as well as a sofa and two Barcelona Chairs. The kitchen offers the following conveniences: Full set of dinnerware for 6; State of the art coffee maker; Set of Le Cruesset cookware; Cooking utensils; Mini refrigerator with freezer; Gas stove top; and Counter-top toaster oven

Bedrooms
Each bedroom has beautiful floor to ceiling casement windows with a view of the patio, pool and historic oak tree. One bedroom has door access to the pool and back patio and Full-sized bed. The other bedroom is equipped with a Queen-sized bed. We supply premium pillows and bedding with plenty of spare blankets. In each bedroom you will find a closet with hangers, full length mirror. In the full bedroom there is a 32” flat screen TV with access to over 400 channels including HBO, Showtime, Encore and TCM.

Bathroom
The bathroom provides a full size tub with shower. Guests are offered premium towels by Matteo. Guests will have access to a clothing iron and hair dryer.

Wildlife
The property sits on a creek so there is plenty of wildlife. There is a known friendly family of foxes that lives on the property, along with a family of armadillos. Don’t be surprised if you see them at night.

During the late spring and summer months, you will likely find Mosquitos and other insects all around Austin. Unlike many other metropolitan cities, Austin does not spray for Mosquitos which means we see our fair share. The rental is stocked with both Deet and Deet-free mosquito repellent.

General
We only use and provide all natural cleaning products. We also employ non-chemical extermination every other month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the pool open? The pool is open year round, however it is not currently heated.

Is there a crib? We offer a portable crib for guests. Please bring your own crib bedding.

Can we cook? Yes! We offer a full gas range, a set of Le Cruesset cookware and all modern kitchen conveniences. The only thing missing is a full-sized oven. We do offer a small toaster oven for other small scale baking. And you can always grill out back.

How many beds? We offer one Full-size bed and one Queen-size bed. While we limit occupancy to four persons, if you require an additional bed for one of the four persons, we can arrange a bed in the loft if given enough notice.

Can we do laundry? Yes! We provide a front loading washer and dryer for your convenience, as well as earth-friendly laundry detergent.

Property Type

  • Cottage
  • 1000 sq. ft.

Accommodation Type

      • Vacation Rental

      Meals

          • Guests Provide Their Own Meals

          Onsite Services

              • Housekeeper Optional

              Suitability

              • Children Welcome
              • Pets Not Allowed
              • Non Smoking Only
              • Long-Term Renters Welcome

              Bedrooms

              • 2 Bedrooms, Sleeps 4
              • Bedroom 1
              • 1 queen
              • Bedroom 2
              • 1 double

              Bathrooms

              • 1.0 Bathrooms
              • Bathroom 1
              • toilet, combination tub/shower

              Entertainment

              • Video Library
              • CD Player
              • Television
              • DVD Player
              • Music Library
              • Radio
              • Satellite / Cable
              • Books

              Theme

              • Away From It All
              • Tourist Attractions

              Attractions

              • Cinemas
              • Restaurants
              • Library
              • Botanical Garden
              • Live Theater
              • Museums

              Car

                  • Not Necessary

                  Leisure Activities

                  • Scenic Drives
                  • Walking
                  • Sight Seeing
                  • Antiquing

                  local services and businesses

                  • Groceries
                  • Massage Therapist
                  • ATM/Bank
                  • Laundromat
                  • Hospital
                  • Babysitter
                  • Fitness Center
                  • Medical Services

                  Location Type

                  • River
                  • Downtown
                  • Lake

                  sports and adventure activities

                  • Swimming
                  • Hiking
                  • Cycling

                  Arrival Day

                      • Flexible

                      catering options

                          • Guests Provide Their Own Meals

                          Dining

                              • Dining Area

                              forms of payment

                                  • Accept Credit Card

                                  General

                                  • Internet
                                  • Paper Towels
                                  • Basic Soaps
                                  • Heating
                                  • Parking
                                  • Ceiling Fans
                                  • Iron & Board
                                  • Shampoo
                                  • Mosquito Magnet
                                  • Air Conditioning
                                  • Bottled Water
                                  • Linens Provided
                                  • Parking Off Street
                                  • Toilet Paper
                                  • Wireless Internet
                                  • Towels Provided
                                  • Clothes Dryer
                                  • Local Restaurant Guide
                                  • Washing Machine
                                  • Alarm Clock
                                  • Local Maps

                                  house cleaning

                                      • Housekeeper Optional

                                      Kitchen

                                      • Coffee Maker
                                      • Stove
                                      • Dishes & Utensils
                                      • 4 Ring Stove
                                      • Microwave
                                      • Coffee Grinder
                                      • Kitchen
                                      • Mini Refrigerator
                                      • Cooking Utensils
                                      • Toaster
                                      • Pantry Items

                                      Outside

                                      • Lawn / Garden
                                      • Patio

                                      Pool / Spa

                                          • Outdoor Pool
                                           

                                          Reviews

                                          Write a review
                                          • A perfect home from home

                                            A perfect home from home

                                            • Guest Jamie W.
                                            • Date of stay 04/24/13
                                            • Review Submitted 05/08/13
                                            We stayed at this fantastic cottage when attending our daughters wedding in Austin and couldn't have hoped for a better equipped, or better situated accommodation. The tasteful decor and elegant gardens make for a very relaxing atmosphere, a peaceful escape from the hubbub of the city, yet only a short walk from the action to many coffee shops, restaurants and bars. (Though we almost didn't want to leave the lovely house) The world famous bats of Congress Bridge are also just a short walk away and a sight not to be missed! The owners were super friendly and helpful but non-imposing. I intend to stay here every time I visit, if it's available!

                                            Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

                                          • Faultless in every sense

                                            Faultless in every sense

                                            • Guest George C.
                                            • Date of stay 04/25/13
                                            • Review Submitted 05/08/13
                                            You can't really beat this - a quiet, beautiful house tastefully decorated and furnished, yet with prominent original features, within a short walk of all South Congress and downtown Austin have to offer. It's all on the doorstep, but this remarkable gem is tucked away in a secluded tree-lined street where very little happens apart from birds chattering. It's hard to believe it's so close to, yet such a retreat from, Austin's best bits, and so convenient for travel further afield. It's well equipped and self-contained, and just a really nice place to be. The owners are both charming and helpful, and clearly care a great deal for this charming retreat. I can't fault it.

                                            Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

                                          • Tucked Away

                                            Tucked Away

                                            • Guest kelly s.
                                            • Date of stay 03/29/13
                                            • Review Submitted 04/14/13
                                            I really liked this property. It was private, very well located and unique. The back yard had the most amazing oak tree and it had a romantic feel. I loved the simplicity. It was lovely to lay in bed and look outside. The bed frames were beautiful but they were unstable and the mattresses were very uncomfortable. I am not use to small beds either so that made it challenging to share with my 6 ft tall husband. The kitchen had a small fridge and no ice trays. There was also only a 3 burner cook top and no oven so one would need to plan for simple meals or to eat out. There is a quirkiness about the property that suited us quite well. The pool was old and very fun for us but it is not treated and has a grotto feel to it that may not suit those looking for a pristine dip. Chickens peck at the windows and a lucky 6 toed cat meanders around. I would return but would hope for newer mattresses.

                                            Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

                                          • Austin Oasis

                                            Austin Oasis

                                            • Guest Kim and Mike Wilton
                                            • Date of stay 02/16/13
                                            • Review Submitted 03/03/13
                                            It was difficult for my husband and I to pry our daughters out of this gorgeous cottage when the time came to move on ... this place was absolutely magical! There is little to add to previous reviews praising the well thought out decor and general flow of the home; it is simply aesthetically bang-on. The light and super high ceilings just contribute to the chill feeling of this space. We loved the eco friendly amenities and the gorgeous outdoor spaces as well; within two hours of our arrival, we spotted a rather shy coyote outside one of the bedrooms. The birds will serenade you every morning, giving you that awesome "country in the city" feel. It is also, as previously mentioned, extremely well situated; SoCo is sooo close (almost tooo close, what with all of the wonderful little boutiques, restaurants and other treats calling one's name!), and the walk over the South Congress bridge into downtown is definitely do-able. Our daughter, Rae, will forever remember celebrating her landmark 16th birthday here, as will the rest of us. A special shout-out to Chelsea's awesome chickens, to Lazy the dog, and of course, to the lovely Cat. We loved hip, laid-back Austin; this place just epitomizes the city it's in. We shall return!

                                            Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, tourists without a car, age 55+, families with teenagers, pet owners, romantic getaway, girls getaway.

                                            Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

                                          • Great Location!

                                            Great Location!

                                            • Guest Kevin G.
                                            • Date of stay 05/16/12
                                            • Review Submitted 05/21/12
                                            The property was very nice and well maintained. The location was ideal as it was a quick 10 min walk to South Congress and a lot of restaurants, FOOD TRAILERS and nightlife. My only complaint is that the pool was not working during our stay. The property owner didn't inform us about this until a couple of days before our arrival. Evidentally it had been raining delaying the repairs. This wouldn't have been an issue except the pool is highlighted in the photos and the website and was one of the main reasons we selected this property. The property owner didn't offer anything in return for the inconvenience.

                                            Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 7/7

                                          • Perfect location, great touches, relaxing stay

                                            Perfect location, great touches, relaxing stay

                                            • Guest Siobhan H.
                                            • Date of stay 10/09/11
                                            • Review Submitted 03/08/12
                                            Property was clean and charming with plenty of personal, arty touches and interesting furniture. And I loved the bookshelf packed with quirky Texas literature and guides from across the decades! And the 'creatures' that adorned the walls and shelves. The place had a sense of life and home from the moment we walked in. The location was perfect, a short stroll to the bustling, colourful SoCo. We could have spent our whole time in Austin exploring this strip. Amazing and interesting food including the famous food trucks, great shopping and plenty of places to hang out with a beer and watch the passing parade or listen to some music. Aaron and Chelsea were wonderful hosts, we first saw them a few days after we arrived but they were interested in having a chat and sharing tips about what to do in their fantastic city. Their customer service was attentive but never obtrusive and they were incredibly lovely people. I would happily recommend this place as a base for exploring Austin or just hanging out. Chelsea and Aaron's friendly cat hangs around out the front and is always happy to have cuddles. The bedding and bathroom is well provided for. The only disappointment was that the pool was empty and even though I'm sure it wasn't hot by Texas standards (it was October) it was hot enough for a swim and I been looking forward to using that space. But all in all, an incredibly pleasant stay, private and quiet and yet a short walk from a really fantastic part of Austin. For us Australians, Austin, Texas felt a lot like home and if we are lucky enough to ever get back we will definitely stay here again :)

                                            Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/1

                                          • Holiday Stay in Austin

                                            Holiday Stay in Austin

                                            • Guest Jessica B.
                                            • Date of stay 12/23/11
                                            • Review Submitted 01/09/12
                                            We had a wonderful time at this quaint contemporary property. The decor was very attractive and suited our fondness for a modern western look. We loved the windows bringing in great lighting and the beds were very comfortable. The close proximity to the shops and restaurants kept us out of the Austin traffic and it was nice to stay close to home while enjoying the Holidays with our children that live there, The process of checking in and out was very convenient and we would definitely stay again.

                                            Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

                                          • Wonderful stay

                                            Wonderful stay

                                            • Guest Eric W.
                                            • Date of stay 03/24/11
                                            • Review Submitted 03/29/11
                                            The energy and layout of the place was a perfect retreat - clean, simple, rustic western decoration w/out being kitschy, walking distance from South Congress, the Bat Bridge, and downtown, but quiet and secluded in a meandering neighborhood w/out traffic. The guide books (both historic and current), non-toxic cleansers, and in-line water filter in the kitchen were nice, unexpected additional touches. The hosts were low key and available, and our boys (5&7) enjoyed interacting with them and learning a little about the environment. Have already recommended it to a friend...

                                            Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, tourists without a car, families with teenagers, pet owners, romantic getaway, families with young children, girls getaway.

                                            Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

                                          • Wonderful experience

                                            Wonderful experience

                                            • Guest Joshua
                                            • Date of stay 09/30/10
                                            • Review Submitted 11/17/10
                                            This was the first experience using homeaway, and it was a wonderful experience. The proprietor was freindly, welcoming, and allowed us use of their charming, comfortable, and accessable property. Great resteraunts are within walking distance, and everything else is an inexpensive cab ride away. I would recomend this property to anyone, and I would do it again in a heartbeat. Thanks.

                                            Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, people with disabilities, tourists without a car, age 55+, families with teenagers, pet owners, romantic getaway, families with young children, girls getaway.

                                            Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

                                          • Cool home away from home.

                                            Cool home away from home.

                                            • Guest roadtrip09
                                            • Date of stay 04/29/10
                                            • Review Submitted 06/01/10
                                            As part of our US road trip me and 3 friends stopped off in Austin. We choose to stay in this cottage due to it's amazing location and stylish design and surroundings. We were not disappointed. With all the amenity boxes ticked, this cottage quickly became our home for the few fun days we spend in town. The cottage was extremely comfortable, the full kitchen made it a joy to dine in and the pool was an amazing bonus. Didn't want to leave when it was time to hit the road again. Overall great price, great atmosphere and extremely helpful and friendly owners.

                                            Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, tourists without a car, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, families with young children, girls getaway.

                                            Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/2

                                           
                                          Rental basis: Per property
                                          Rental rates quoted in: US Dollars
                                          Dates Nightly Wknd Night Weekend Weekly Monthly * Event
                                          Base Rate
                                          2 night min stay
                                          $230
                                          $1400
                                          Formula 1
                                          Nov 15 - Nov 19
                                          2 night min stay
                                          $500
                                          New Year's Eve
                                          Dec 28 - Jan 3
                                          2 night min stay
                                          $250
                                          SXSW
                                          Mar 6 - Mar 11
                                          4 night min stay
                                          $500

                                          Fees:

                                          • Property Damage Protection: $49
                                          • Tax Rate 15%

                                          Cancellation policy:

                                          100% refund if canceled at least 60 days before arrival date.


                                          This owner accepts HomeAway's most secure form of payment.
                                          HomeAway PaymentsSM is the most secure way to pay and automatically protects your payment up to $10,000 (learn more). Call the owner directly to confirm payment details.

                                           

                                          Calendar

                                          Last updated: 05/17/2013
                                          Check availability
                                          23 Available
                                          21 Unavailable
                                          22 Today
                                          23 Selected dates
                                          24 Special offer
                                           

                                          Location

                                           

                                          Owner info


                                          Contact us

                                          • Primary: +1 5126982879
                                          • Secondary: +1 512 750-0932

                                           

                                          Photos

                                          • Living room

                                            Living room

                                          • Cathedral ceiling dining/kitchen area

                                            Cathedral ceiling dining/kitchen area

                                          • Outdoor Pool

                                            Outdoor Pool

                                          • West Bedroom with Queen Bed

                                            West Bedroom with Queen Bed

                                          • North Bedroom with Door to Patio and Pool

                                            North Bedroom with Door to Patio and Pool

                                          • Bathroom with Tub

                                            Bathroom with Tub

                                          • Front entrance to the Carriage House

                                            Front entrance to the Carriage House

                                          • Dining Area

                                            Dining Area

                                          • Stone Patio and Majestic Oak

                                            Stone Patio and Majestic Oak

                                          • West Bedroom with Floor to Ceiling Casement Windows

                                            West Bedroom with Floor to Ceiling Casement Windows

                                          • North bedroom with Full Bed

                                            North bedroom with Full Bed

                                          • Kitchen (View from Loft)

                                            Kitchen (View from Loft)

                                          $230 - $500 per night (USD)
                                          15

                                          2 Bedroom / 1 Bathroom
                                          Sleeps 4


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