Spectacular River Ranch Retreat (Sleeps 12-22) Private Tennis/Pool
- Minimum stay:N/A
- Internet:Yes
- Pets allowed:No
- Wheel chair accessible:Yes
Imagine your own private 250 acre resort with charming stone cabins, poolside cabana, waterslide, lighted tennis court, fitness center, full-court basketball, game room, hot tub, river rapids, fishing, abundant wildlife, miles of trails, and plenty of other activities for all ages.
Red Sands Ranch is located on the crystal clear Llano River between the towns of Mason and Fredericksburg and is the perfect spot for family or friends reunions, corporate gatherings, or even tennis team retreats. There are three self-contained rock cabins plus a separate bunkhouse, a Party Shed with flatscreen TV, billiards and ping-pong, and a tennis court, all nestled around a massive 53' pool with grotto, 4-story 140' waterslide and luxury Cabana with full stainless kitchen, WIFI, and 55in flatscreen. The nearly 1/2 mile of fast-flowing, rock-bottom river runs from the deep pools and spectacular 200' red sandstone cliffs (featured on the cover of Texas Monthly Magazine 06/2005) at the west end of the ranch to more deep water and limestone bluffs to the east. A meandering path leads down to the perfect spot in the river to set a few lounge chairs and chill under an umbrella while the kids shoot the rapids in a tube or one of the available kayaks. For fisherman or paddlers, shuttle service can be arranged to a convenient launch point for an amazing 1-2 hr trip that terminates at the ranch (this is the highlight of a longer trip that was listed as one of the top twenty paddling trips in the state of Texas). The ranch foreman lives on the property about a mile away and is usually available to assist with whatever arises. For horse owners, there is a corral, tack room, covered stall, and miles of trails. And of course there are plenty of lounge chairs around the solar heated pool with separate hot tub and a secret 'mine shaft' cave, with a little surprise inside the kids will enjoy. Whether you stay for the weekend or the entire week, Red Sands Ranch is a special place you'll want to come back to year after year.
Accomodations: Total of four (4) separate cabins. All air-conditioned with additional space heating, and hot water (plus spa heat) provided by one of the largest solar heating installations in the Hill Country.
- There is a bunkhouse that sleeps four and 3 self-contained rustic, rock cabins that each sleep up to six (plus additional cots and sleeping pads for kids), each with a wood fireplace, full bath, stained concrete floors, covered porch, bedroom or sleeping loft, WIFI, satellite TV, and kitchenette (sink, microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, toaster oven and one-burner cooktop).
(1) 'The Fish Camp' - a native sandstone cabin with local river-rock fireplace, chimney, and other accents. The covered back porch includes a hammock and overlooks the river and huge pecan trees below. There is a full size pull-out futon downstairs and two full size beds in the sleeping loft (accessible via ladder). The bath features an antique clawfoot tub and an outdoor shower.
(2) 'Lorenz Cottage' - the largest of the 3 cabins named after the pioneer family that settled this section of the ranch in the mid 1800's. There is a queen futon sofa down and stairs lead to an upper bedroom with an antique full size bed and a trundle with two twin beds. This cabin is also built with local materials and sandstone walls inside and out from the century old rock fences found throughout the ranch, and includes a covered porch swing with views of the bluffs and mountains across the river.
(3) 'The BunkHouse' - 4 twin beds and a vanity with sink and beautiful views from a balcony cantilevered out over the pool! NOTE: Access to the detached bathroom is via lighted gravel pathway.
(4) 'Riverside' - This Fredericksburg limestone cabin is optional. It has the best views of the river from inside the cabin or on the covered back deck from the hammock, rocking chairs, or cedar porch swing. There is a huge masonry fireplace and it sleeps six also with a queen bed down and stairs lead up to a full size bed, a twin bed, and twin rollaway bed.
The cabins are situated around a beautifully landscaped grilling area which includes a large charcoal grill, picnic table, smoker, and 'cantina' surrounded by four cushioned lounge chairs.
'Simons House' - built in 1860 by Conrad Simons and currently occuppied by the ranch foreman, is a classic German story-and-a-half structure with 2ft thick sandstone walls and hand hewn oak headers supporting the doors and windows. The home is beautifully restored to much of its original character and is visible at the Ranch entrance, about a mile from the resort compound.
Common Area:
- Striking poolside open-air cabana with old barnwood ceilings supported by huge hand-made wooden trusses. There is an oversized gas grill and full stainless kitchen, dishwasher, two refrigerator/freezers, built-in microwave, two sinks, soapstone countertops, marine-grade mahogany cabinetry, WIFI, 55in LCD satellite television with home theater sound, DVD, and iPod inputs to the stereo system with speakers located throughout the pool complex. The curved 11' cast concrete bar is surrounded by eight rustic barstools and a sectional sofa. In the wintertime or during inclement weather, the unique steel and glass doors can be lowered to fully enclose the room.
- 'The Shack' party shed. A favorite hangout area for the kids, features a flatscreen TV w Wii, billiards with a competition-grade, removable top for table tennis, and lots of eclectic neon lighting and funky decor.
- Swimming Pool. A free-form 53' gunite pool in a natural setting and home to the fabled 'Simonsville Topaz Mine' where the abandoned mineshaft, 'Old Mill', water flume, and many of the relics of the old mining days can still be seen. Take the suspension bridge over to the water tower and climb up to the 4th floor for a 360 view of the river valley, before plunging down the 140' twisting waterslide or 'flume' as the miners called it.
- Fitness Center with treadmill, recumbent bicycle, universal weight machine, dumbells, situp bench, and pullup/dip bars. Also has a sink with granite countertop, satellite TV, and workout towels provided.
- The fully lighted tennis court includes a practice wall, and full-court basketball across one end with NCAA quality glass backboards and lots of seating for spectators and an ice-cold drinking fountain.
Property:
- 250 acres of rolling hill country terrain (nearly cedar-free) with large stands of Live Oaks hundreds of years old and mountain views in all directions. In addition to horses and livestock, wildlife is abundant and includes whitetail and axis deer, blackbuck antelope, wild turkey, foxes, coyotes, bobcats, quail, dove, roadrunners, ducks/geese, eagles and numerous other birds, The breath-taking stretch of river on the ranch includes everything from fast-moving rapids over a solid rock bottom for most of the length (where hard-fighting Guadalupe Bass are common) to deep, slow-moving water at either end (where catfish as large as 35 lbs have been caught). Note: river activities may be affected by current drought.
Disclaimer: Red Sands is a working Texas cattle ranch with inherent risks or hazards including, but not limited to, rough terrain, heavy equipment, deep and/or fast-moving water, livestock and wild animals, etc. and is not recommended for vegetarians or families with very young children without adequate supervision.
Note: Privately owned family-oriented resort. Minimum age of 30 required to register for your group.
Property Type
- Estate
Accommodation Type
- Vacation Rental
Meals
- Guests Provide Their Own Meals
Suitability
- Pets Not Allowed
Bedrooms
- 7 Bedrooms, Sleeps 26, Beds for 22-26
- BunkHouse
- 2 bunk bed
- Sleeps 4
- Riverside Upstairs
- 1 double, 2 twin/ single
- Bedroom/Loft Upstairs
- Lorenz Upstairs
- 1 double, 2 twin/ single
- Upstairs bedroom/loft
- FishCamp Loft
- 2 double
- Sleeping Loft
- FishCamp Downstairs
- 1 sleep sofa /futon
- Lorenz Downstairs
- 1 sleep sofa /futon
- Queen Futon downstairs
- Riverside Downstairs
- 1 queen
- New pillow-top queen bed replaces futon/sofa.
Bathrooms
- 4.0 Bathrooms
- Lorenz Bath
- toilet, shower
- FishCamp Bath
- toilet, combination tub/shower, outdoor shower
- Clawfoot tub
- Riverside Bath
- toilet, shower
- BunkHouse (Detatched)
- toilet, shower
- Detatched 'campground style' bath via lighted gravel path
Kitchen & Dining
- Toaster
- Ice Maker
Amenities
- Air Conditioning
- Linens Provided
Other Amenities
Entertainment
- DVD Player
- Ping Pong Table
- Pool Table
- Stereo
- CD Player
Communications
- Internet
Pool & Spa
Outdoor Features
Theme
- Family
- Away From It All
- Historic
- Sports & Activities
- Adventure
Location & View
Activities
- Museums
- Water Tubing
- Basketball Court
- Fishing
- Mountain Biking
- Tennis
- Swimming
- Kayaking
- Rock Climbing
- Fitness Center
- ATM/Bank
- Medical Services
- Hiking
- Massage Therapist
- Antiquing
- Wildlife Viewing
- Shopping
- Boating
- Horseshoes
- Bird Watching
- Sight Seeing
- Scenic Drives
- Horseback Riding
- Restaurants
- Recreation Center
- Groceries
- Fly Fishing
Other Activities
Reviews
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Wedding Weekend
Wedding Weekend
- Guest Rachel P.
- Date of stay 04/26/13
- Review Submitted 04/29/13
I was there for a wedding this past weekend. It was the perfect family/friend venue for the event. I know the area and had no idea this area existed. What a wonderful surprise and it is even better than the pictures. The only disappiontment was having to leave. I would highly recommend to any type of small/medium gathering.Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
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Red Sands Ranch Awesome!!!
Red Sands Ranch Awesome!!!
- Guest Danny
- Date of stay 04/26/13
- Review Submitted 04/29/13
This place is a awesome place to get away. Had my wedding here and it was a awesome day. Got to do some fly fishing as well and total relaxation.Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, families with young children, girls getaway.
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One of the best decisions you will ever make
One of the best decisions you will ever make
- Guest AS
- Date of stay 04/19/13
- Review Submitted 04/28/13
Amazing! Red Sands Ranch has everything you need for the perfect vacation. We brought our clothes and food for the weekend....that was it. This place has everything you need. There were even iPhone chargers in all of the cabins (talk about details). John really goes to the extreme to make your stay one you won't forget. He is very responsive and went far beyond our expectations. Do yourself a favor and book this retreat. I promise you will have a great time. I am definitely going back.Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, families with young children, girls getaway.
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40th Birthday Weekend
40th Birthday Weekend
- Guest Tim S.
- Date of stay 04/12/13
- Review Submitted 04/27/13
Red Sands Ranch was exactly what we were looking for when we set out to plan my 40th birthday weekend. This completely unique property is a perfect mix of a well-manicured resort feel and Texas ranch living certain to impress any seasoned vacationer. The well-appointed cabins and cabana was a great fit for the eight couples that had flown in from all over the country for the three-day stay. We spent almost all of our time in the cabana enjoying use of the indoor/outdoor kitchen preparing and eating unforgettable meals in an amazing setting. Relaxing in the pool and hot tub after shooting down the water slide was a favorite for everyone as well as spending time down by the river and exploring the property. But by far the thoughtfulness that went into this well planned, well designed and well executed EXPERIENCE was the most impressive feature of the Red Sands Ranch. Don't settle for the typical HomeAway rental, big-chain resort or boutique hotel. Impress your friends, family or business associates with your own completely private resort.Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
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AI (Austin, TX)
AI (Austin, TX)
- Guest AI
- Date of stay 03/29/13
- Review Submitted 04/08/13
The property was beautiful and meticulously maintained. The owners successfully built a ranch resort with views, easy access to common areas and the river with all of the amenities, while respecting the land's heritage. Both the common areas and the Fish cabin we stayed in were of high quality with charming details and were even built with some local materials. The cantilevered bunkhouse over the pool and the water slide were the icing on the cake for our boys who had a blast! It was great to relax, play tennis and hang out in the centrally located clubhouse with other adults, where we could easily keep an eye on the kids in the Shack, pool, hot tub or tennis courts.Recommended for: Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children.
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Spring Break with Three Families
Spring Break with Three Families
- Guest ATX Traveler
- Date of stay 03/10/13
- Review Submitted 03/14/13
We arrived at Red Sands with high expectations and left with the place having exceed them all. When we drove in over the last rise and saw the amazing river bluff in the distance with the water tower (and slide) peaking up above the trees, we knew this was exactly what we were looking for. We were three families with 8 kids ranging from 7-11, so the accommodations were perfect for us. Each family had their own cabin where you basically only sleep, because the rest of the time you are out enjoying the property or hanging out at the pool and cabana. Our days were filled with swimming, tennis, basketball, golf cart rides, kayaking, fishing, feeding the horses, jogging, mountain-biking, star gazing, campfires and smores. We were blessed with beautiful weather and one of the highlights was watching a bald eagle soar upriver as we were having happy hour. It was a wonderful place for our "city kids" to really experience nature and appreciate what it has to offer. The cabins, cabana and other areas are just as described in the listing. Everything was clean and in good working order. The property manager was even there waiting for us when we arrived and checked on us regularly during the stay. I highly recommend Red Sand Ranch. We will definitely be back!Recommended for: Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children.
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Trip
Trip
- Guest CH
- Date of stay 03/08/13
- Review Submitted 03/11/13
Excellent set up for my group. Everything we needed we had. The owner and his staff were very helpful. Great time, will to continue to go.Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
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Perfect Location For Family Reunion!
Perfect Location For Family Reunion!
- Guest Steve
- Date of stay 12/23/12
- Review Submitted 01/02/13
My mother wanted somewhere for our entire family (parents, 3 kids, 6 grandkids) to get together for Christmas. The River Ranch Retreat was perfect. Although obviously intended to be a summer resort, it was also perfect for our winter get together. The Cabana provided a great meeting place for the 11 of us, while we each had plenty of space in our individual cabins. We hiked, played tennis, rode golf carts around, fished, hot tubbed, worked out, made camp fires, and just hung out. It was perfect. I can only imagine what an incredible place it is in the summer with the pool, water slide, and incredible Llano River just down the hill. The kids also loved seeing deer, wild turkeys, bobcats, and snakes. A perfect location for a family get together!Recommended for: Sightseeing, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway.
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The best of the best.
The best of the best.
- Guest BBG
- Date of stay 11/13/12
- Review Submitted 11/19/12
I must say that I have booked many properties via VRBO over the years and this has been the best experience out of all of them. The facilities were amazing and well kept. The owners and ranch help went above and beyond to make sure we had everything we needed. Being that this was an executive outing I wanted to make sure the experience for the team was one of which would leave a very favorable impression. I must say that everyone who attended the outing agreed we should make this ranch the annual meeting spot for future company retreats. Don't think twice about booking this ranch as it has everything and more you would want or need for both family and company outings.Recommended for: Sightseeing, adventure seekers, people with disabilities, tourists without a car, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, families with young children, girls getaway.
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Group of 22 - Family Celebration
Group of 22 - Family Celebration
- Guest John G.
- Date of stay 10/05/12
- Review Submitted 10/14/12
Red Sands Ranch is everything as advertised. It is a unique vacation spot in a remote area on the Llano River. The ranch is very well maintained and everything you need is included from sporting equipment to cookware to linens. The cabins are charmingly different and situated far enough from each other for privacy, but close enough to the pool, sport court, and outdoor kitchen pavilion(which ends up being the main gathering area and is really a great space with a large flat screen on the wall and sound system). The pool table/ping pong table in game shack is great. The pool and hot tub were sparkling. A cold front came through while we were there, but we were still able to enjoy ourselves during the day and sit around the fire pit at night. All around it was a great stay and I applaud the owner for creating such a wonderful retreat.Owner response: Glad you enjoyed your stay and thanks for leaving everything in such great shape! Ya'll are welcome back anytime. JG
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Rates
Reg Season: $850/weeknt; $1350/nt weekends; incl 3 units (2 cabins + Bunkhouse). - UP TO 12 GUESTS INCL, add $30/night each add'l guest up to 24 total guests. Peak-Season: (May-Sep):$1650/nt weekends; $1100 wkdays; + $40/nt ea add'l guest Optional 4th Unit: (Riverside Cottage) $150/night. Not available separately. 2-NIGHT MINIMUM; 3-4 Night Holidays/Summer. FOUR NIGHT MIN JUN-AUG if available. Security Deposit: $1250* req'd to reserve. $250-300* one-time cleaning/linen fee. *Higher for summer or large groups. Occupancy tax/fees: 8%. Golf carts (2): $175 for both for up to 3-days ($250 for up to a week)
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
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Location
Owner info
Year Purchased: 2003
About the owner: I grew up outside of Houston and then received a Petroleum Engr/MBA degree from Louisiana State University. After spending a few years in California and Australia with various software companies, I moved to Austin, TX in 1991 and started my own business. After selling the company and attempting retirement in my late 30's I quickly learned that I needed more activities than just playing sports all day, and wound up with 250 acres of raw land on the Llano River. Originally conceived as a few head of cattle and a couple of rustic, riverfront cabins around a firepit to spend time with friends, and my wife and three kids, it's since grown in scale and scope (and maintenance) to the operation that exists today. Although years later, as a 5th generation engineer and wanna-be architect, I'll probably always be designing or building another 'project' at Red Sands but it has finally evolved to the stage where I can (almost) call it complete.
The Unique Benefits at this Estate:
Red Sands Ranch is a unique property specifically for guests that prefer an exclusive, private outdoor resort experience with a natural setting and amenities comparable to the large hotel chain resorts. Although expensive, the total rental for a large group is actually much less than a hotel resort stay even before you buy that first $8 beer -- and you won't have to share the pool with 150 kids in swim diapers.
The elevation (1250-1400ft) and semi-arid climate of the area offers more comfortable summer breezes and cooler nights than most of the large metropolitan areas of the state. Other than the spectacular Texas Hill Country setting, the most unique feature of the property is the layout of the compound where the pool, cabana (kitchen/dining), firepit, tennis and all the other resort amenities, are part of the main gathering area (rather than some back parking lot) while the separate cabins offer peace and privacy just a few steps away. In addition to all the activities, kids are always captivated by all the wildlife, crystal clear river, and the sheer number of stars visible in the clear night sky. Come make some memories and experience the real Texas!
Contact us
- Primary: Email initial inquiry 512-470-1668 Serious Inquiries only, Please.
- Secondary: Please check rates first. These are not budget accommodations. Absolutely no 'Keg Parties' or youth groups, etc.
- Fax: 325-347-5859 Calll to send fax if no answer.
Links to more information:
- CLICK HERE - Additional photos of Red Sands Ranch
- Click Here to see All My Rental Listings
Photos
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Resort setting at Red Sands Ranch
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Golf cart shuttles to the favorite swimming spot.
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Full Kitchen in the Cabana
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Your own 'Lazy River' and a lot less than a stay at the big hotel chain resorts.
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FishCamp Fireplace
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Lorenz Fireplace
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Riverside Main Room
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Fitness Room
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Table Tennis and Billiards in The Shack
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Grilling Area
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Resident pony Oreo down at the river.
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Spring Calves
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Entry to the nearly 1/2 mile of crystal clear river frontage.
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Cabana (enclosed) with pool and water tower in background.
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Cabana and firepit from the Grilling Area
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The FishCamp
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Lorenz Cottage
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Riverside Cottage
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Bunkhouse
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Party/Game Shed
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Latest addition -- nearing completion.
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Hot Tub View of BunkHouse across pool
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Aerial view during the drought.
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Making memories...
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This listing was first published here in 2012.
Date last modified - Friday, May 10, 2013
Email initial inquiry 512-470-1668
Serious Inquiries only, Please.