Vacation Rentals by Owner

A Month on the Comal

Guest: Doug & Lil (Las Vegas, NV)
Date of Stay: 11/27/10 Review Submitted: 01/12/11

We usually rent a house somewhere in Italy, Spain, France or England for a month at a time. This year we decided to drive, not fly, and headed for the Texas Hill Country. If you have not visited the area, we recommend it. The little cabin is charming and well positioned on the beautiful Comal River. What a treat. We will remember this month as being one of our best ever, and our hosts, Janie and Allen were gracious and helpful. Highly recommended. I especially enjoyed her yoga classes.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Sisters Weekend

Guest: KatMelMich (Deer Park, TX)
Date of Stay: 05/21/10 Review Submitted: 06/12/10

We celebrated my sisters 50th birthday at this cabin. This pictures did not do it justice. The grounds were absolutely beautiful, right on the Comal, with everything we could possibly need all provided from kayaks, tubes, chairs, etc. It was a very peaceful, quite setting and we were able to kayak down the Comal and experience breathtaking views. The cabin was awesome, with every amenity we could think of. Our host was very gracious and thought of every detail to make our trip a memorable success. She recommended resturants, and fun things to do in the area. This property could not get any better. I highly recommend it to those wanting a relaxing get-away in a georgous setting. We can't wait to go back.

Recommended for:Age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Private Getaway

Guest: Dennis (Houston, TX)
Date of Stay: 05/03/10 Review Submitted: 05/11/10

The photos on the website don't tell the whole picture of this beautiful setting on a private stretch of the Comal River. The 80-year old cabin is completely modern and comfortable, although not much natural light penetrates the windows. The cabin includes a screened in porch, and then five different patio areas on three levels of flagstone down to the river. A canoe, two river kayaks, and river inner tubes are provided. Although the owners live on site (in a beautiful Tuscan house built enclosing the cabin, there is complete visual privacy. We spent all of our three days there on the patios, reading, talking, and enjoying the beautiful surroundings. Janie provided all the necessities for our stay. All we brought was food. It was much more than I expected in terms of beauty and privacy. I highly recommend it. My only warning is that the steps to the various patios and to the river could be difficult for someone not stable on their feet.

Owner response:The guest who entered this comment were the most delightful visitors and very characteristic of our regulars. We are grateful for their generous comments. Janie

Recommended for:Romantic getaway

Amazing short vacation!

Guest: plantcrazy3 (Frisco,TX)
Date of Stay: 04/10/10 Review Submitted: 04/21/10

We can't say enough good things about this property, the pictures just do not do it justice! It felt like we were in Italy with all the beautiful landscaping and stone entrance and patios and italian cypresses lining the drive. Janie is an amazing host she made sure to be there when we arrived to show us around. All the restaurants she recommended were very good and close by - love those apple streudels at Naegelins Bakery! The cabin was very clean with plenty of toiletries and towels. We took the canoe out a couple of times and the water was so calm and very clear with lots of big bass and tilapia to see and every now and then we would see deer running in the trees on the banks. This property is very close to shopping and restaurants and the drive to Fredericksburg was an easy and pretty one. We had such a great time during our short stay and we can't wait to return - highly recommend!

Owner response:We are always happy to hear when our guests have had an outstanding time here. Weekends are so valuable in this busy world, we hope our place can be the perfect get-a-way where the water is cool, the grill is hot and the weather is right.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Comal Cottage

Guest: Audra and Joe (Houston TX)
Date of Stay: 02/12/10 Review Submitted: 02/23/10

My wife and i stayed for the valentines weekend and we loved the place. The owners are wonderful and and the cottage makes you feel at home the minute you walk threw the door. We have 4 kids ages 8 to 18 and two days here was what we needed wish we could have stayed a week. The canoe you take from your own private landing is wonderful. We will be back many times. Audra and Joe

Recommended for:Romantic getaway

Guest: Pamela32 (Houston, TX)
Date of Stay: 11/13/09 Review Submitted: 11/13/09

I celebrated my 50th birthday at Villa Sartain with girlfriends and we all had a blast. One of the best parts was Janie and her husband joining us for a barbecue on the patio. I plan on returning for more birthdays. Thank you for sharing your beautiful place and making my 50th very special. Pam Southworth and Friends

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Christmas at The Cottage-2009

Guest: A Naples Gal (Naples, FL)
Date of Stay: 12/18/08 Review Submitted: 01/07/10

We had a wonderful time here at the Cottage on the Comal. Janie is a perfect hostess. Her communication is timely and we felt very much at home here. The Cottge was very clean and all the ammenties were all there. We especially enjoyed the gas log burning fireplace that took off the evenings chill. Our hope is to return and be able to stay at The Cottage again soon. We enjoyed the Hill Counrty and all that it has to offer. Many thanks Janie, The Loree's Naples, FL

Owner response:I realize our visitors have busy lives, so when we receive comments such as the one left by our holiday guests from Naples, well, I am over joyed. We have been blessed with thoughtful, caring visitors who recognize the magic of our property and cottage. Thank you and we will continue to restore and maintain the cottage charm. Happy 2010 to all our guests. Janie

Recommended for:Age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Shes (Conroe, TX)
Date of Stay: 08/26/08 Review Submitted: 08/26/08

The most amazing, relaxing place. I have stayed at many nice places but this cottage is rich in history and the pictures cannot show how amazing it really is. We were treated so good I felt at home.

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Guest: Matt Vogel
Date of Stay: 03/09/08 Review Submitted: 03/08/08

Dear Janie and Allen, your personality and generosity shines into the cottage and casts a beautiful light.Villa Sartain has a beautiful and restorative light/energy that radiates. Your thoughtfulness and attention to detail was most welcome. Thank you for opening your home and your heart to us this weekend. Hopefully you will let us come back to stay with you again.Wishing you both the best physically, emotionally and spiritually in every facet of your life. Luck,love and money and the time and friends to enjoy them all. Matthew and Robbie PS Thanks for the brie at the Huisache Grill.

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Guest: Allison & Chris LeGrand (Houston, TX)
Date of Stay: 06/27/07 Review Submitted: 06/27/07

We had a fabulous time at this cottage! It is so cute and the steps (and terraces) down to the water are just wonderful! Perfect get-away weekend cottage. We will return!

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Guest: Wendy Elam
Date of Stay: 06/11/07 Review Submitted: 06/10/07

Thank you for the wonderful time at the villa. It was so pleasant and relaxing. It was more than we had hope for. Sincerely, Wendy Elam

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Guest: Marilyn Calliham
Date of Stay: 06/11/07 Review Submitted: 06/10/07

Your choice to share is a blessing to all that come. Thank you for allowing us time to play, laugh, reminice. It was a wonderful weekend. Marilyn Calliham

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Guest: Jenna10 (Baytown,TX)
Date of Stay: 06/09/07 Review Submitted: 06/09/07

I stayed there with my friend Morgan and her family. Janie's home is so beautiful . Thanks

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Guest: Doug Young2 (Richmond, Il )
Date of Stay: 03/08/06 Review Submitted: 03/08/06

I just returned from a 6 week stay at the cottage. It was the perfect location from which to explore the Hill Country, San Antonio and Austin which I did a lot. The Cottage was perfect and the setting is great also. Allen and Janie are the perfect hosts and I really enjoyed the time I got to spend with them. Cezar Pup and Lillie were congenial too. In all, a great experience at a wonderful location with the perfect hosts.

Owner response:Doug later sent this thought and asked that it be added to the above: The Cottage on the Comal is the perfect place to stay if you love live music as I do. There are at least a half dozen venues within a 5-15 minute drive where you can hear live music several nights a week and usually for no cover charge. This is one of the things I enjoyed most about my stay. Doug Young

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Guest: Steve and Sandy Sirois
Date of Stay: 10/23/05 Review Submitted: 10/22/05

Dear Janie, thank you for the invitation to join you for drinks on your deck. We found ourselves at the Score Sports Bar for the Astros game last night. A very nice place. We enjoyed our stay, a pleasant surprise, love the charm of your cottage. Hoping to spend more time on the water next time. Too busy sight seeing this trip. Also hope to get to visit a little more. You two seem like wonderful folks.You may also note that we found Villa Sartain cottage very charming, private and welcoming. The location was ideal for visiting Historical New Braunsfels, Gruene, San Marcos and shopping at the outlet stores. You made it very easy to find our way around and we appreciate your recommendations for dining. It was also nice to know that the canoe, kayaks and tubes were readily available at no extra charge, I only wish we had more time to enjoy the water activities and BBQ on the patio. Looking forward to the next time we can get away.

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Guest: Tara Lacourse D ColemanG Hassler
Date of Stay: 02/19/05 Review Submitted: 02/18/05

We've known each other since elementary school....our yearly "road trip" and veg weekend. We enjoyed meeting Janie and Allen,we had fun seeing who could complete a sentence after climbing back up the terrace steps, cooking, shopping, margaritas.Personal favorite, sleeping in the same bed right after Kevin Welch. I am returning in June. Tara

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Guest: Kevi n Welch / Claudia Scott
Date of Stay: 01/08/05 Review Submitted: 01/07/05

Janie and Allen, As Claudia said, this has been our best January ever.....Thanks for your friendship and hospitality, and all the good times we shared. We will see you guys down the road. Love and all the best, Claudia and Kevin

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Guest: Laura and Jay Madrid
Date of Stay: 12/17/04 Review Submitted: 12/16/04

Celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary. Janie and Allen, thank you again (second visit) for a lovely time at the cottage. We had a great time in your home Saturday night and look forward to seeing the two of you again. We hope to be back soon. Warmest regards, Jay and Laura

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Guest: Kandice and Chris Erwin
Date of Stay: 09/18/04 Review Submitted: 09/17/04

We canoed down to Landa Park, floated on the Comal, watched the sunset while having dinner on the upper deck, basically took a much needed break. We truly enjoyed our stay at Villa Sartain! We'll definetely recommend this place to others. Thanks for being such wonderful hosts. Every little detail was perfect. Thanks again, Kandice and Chris

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Guest: Karen and Buck Johnson
Date of Stay: 08/13/04 Review Submitted: 08/12/04

Janie and Allen, you have wonderful accomodations, and you were lovely hosts. We enjoyed hanging out in the outdoor living room listening to Buck play the guitar and sharing a bottle of wine....and yoga class Saturday morning. Great. We look forward to returning. Warm regards, Karen and Buck Johnson

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Guest: Jack and Marilyn Rubin
Date of Stay: 05/21/04 Review Submitted: 05/20/04

What a special, special place. Congratulations on making it happen. We still can't get over the natural beauty and the combination of a Tuscan Villa. Tuscan feel over the old cottage. Grazie, Ciao, Thank you. Jack and Marilyn

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Guest: Tom and Karen Porter
Date of Stay: 09/27/03 Review Submitted: 09/26/03

My surprise birthday weekend for Tom came off perfectly with Janie's help. Our private dinner party on the 3rd level with candles, china, twinkling lights overlooking the city was the best. Huisache Grill and Janie are a great combo for a lovely dinner. We both look forward to knowing Janie and Allen better in our new home town of New Braunfels.

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