Entire home

Charming Blanco Riverfont Cottage

Photo gallery for Charming Blanco Riverfont Cottage

A stone building with a metal roof, surrounded by trees and a stone pathway.
A living room with a stone fireplace, leather sofas, a coffee table, and a TV mounted on the wall.
A covered outdoor area with stone walls, wooden benches, and a concrete floor.
A modern kitchen with a central island, built-in oven, stainless steel refrigerator, and blue tiled backsplash.
A stone staircase leading up a hill, surrounded by trees and vegetation.

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area

Highlights

  • The great outdoors
    Guests love the outdoor space here.
  • Private garden
    A rare find — relax in the peaceful, private garden space.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

  • Patio
  • Hot tub on site
  • Dog-friendly
  • Barbecue grill
  • Air conditioning
  • Internet

Explore the area

View in a map
Wimberley, TX
  • Place, Jack Glover's Cowboy Museum
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Place, Pioneer Town
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Place, Wimberley Zipline Adventures
    ‪3 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Twin Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Office
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Charming Blanco Riverfont Cottage

Little House on the Blanco @ Shade Ranch is a one bedroom one bath stone house on 40 acres nestled along the Blanco River among the mighty oaks of the TX Hill Country. The house is fully stocked with kitchen supplies, linens and paper products and soap. The house is set up for a couple or a small family of no more than 4 people. We ask that no more than 3 adults stay given space and septic constraints.

I provide guests with all of details needed for check in along with a list of items provided at the house. Guests are not required to meet with anyone upon arrival, but rather will be given access codes to let themselves into the house. I am available by phone, text or email before and during your stay to help with any questions or issues that may arise.

We are 5 minutes away from the Wimberley square with all of the local shops, restaurants and the grocery stores. So, while you feel that you're out in the country the conveniences of Wimberley are very close.

Guests have full access to the house and our 40 acres and 600+ feet of Blanco Riverfront. You can feel free to explore the land to hike, bird watch or look for other wildlife.

Gaze at a gorgeous sunset or sunrise on the river or from the picnic table on the bluff above. Grab your rod and make your best cast for bass, catfish, perch and gar.

Take a swim in the clear blue waters of the Blanco River. Enjoy a picnic or a nap or a book along its banks. Dine in the covered porch watching the deer graze and maybe see the rare violet-ear hummingbirds that have been known to visit. Get cozy on the couch to watch a movie or just listen to music on the Sonos speakers. You will find a wonderful, large outdoor hot tub right off the covered porch. It is a private place to unwind while admiring the brilliant stars above and the quiet solitude of Shade Ranch.

Little House on the Blanco @ Shade Ranch has so much to offer with its 40 peaceful acres, private river access, a fully equipped kitchen, open dining areas inside or on the covered porch (with Weber propane grill), and a large bedroom with a queen size comfortable bed. The house is intended for couples or a small family with young children. We ask that there be no more than 3 adults given space and septic constraints. There is also a great outdoor stone fire pit with stone benches, perfect for roasting marshmallows or warming up on a cool Hill Country evening. 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 high-speed/wireless Internet and satellite TV, you won't sacrifice the conveniences of modern technology, either.

There is also a larger 3 bedroom house on the same property. The houses are completely separate and don't share anything other than the acreage. The houses sit approximately 100 yards apart and have a bank of cedar trees and a large cedar privacy fence that sit between the houses and create separate areas for privacy.

You'll need a car to get to and from the property. You can walk to town, but it will take you approximately 20 minutes.

Shade Ranch consists of 40 private acres and 600+ feet of Blanco riverfront land. There are two houses on the property that we make available, the Little House and Casa Grande. Casa Grande is a 3 bedroom/2 bathroom home of 2800 square feet. The two houses are completely separate and don't share anything other than the land. They each have their own hot tubs, patios, grills and fire pits. The houses sit approximately 100 yards apart and are separated by a bank of cedar trees and a cedar privacy fence. Given the property sits on a bluff there is one pathway down to the river.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 24
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 50 lbs per pet (limit one pet total)
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
No Smoking.
One small to medium sized dog allowed with owner permission and payment of pet fee.
No day guests unless approved in advance by owner.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 196219
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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock

About the neighborhood

Wimberley

Located in Wimberley, this vacation home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Jack Glover's Cowboy Museum and Wimberley Glassworks are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Central Texas Bonsai Exhibit at Jade Gardens and Labyrinth. Ready for a night out? Consider Willow Lake Watering Hole & Mercantile and Ragnar's On The Compound.
Map
Wimberley, TX

What's nearby

  • Jack Glover's Cowboy Museum - 2 min drive - 1.5 km
  • Pioneer Town - 2 min drive - 1.5 km
  • Wimberley Zipline Adventures - 3 min drive - 2.3 km
  • Blue Hole Regional Park - 8 min drive - 5.3 km
  • Jacob's Well Natural Area - 11 min drive - 9.4 km

Getting around

  • San Marcos Station - 23 min drive
  • Austin-Bergstrom Intl. Airport (AUS) - 61 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Dark Skies Tavern & Kitchen - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Dairy Queen - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Blanco Brew - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Wimberley Cafe - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Mima's Kitchen - ‬7 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Charming Blanco Riverfont Cottage pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 50 lbs per pet.

How much does it cost to stay at Charming Blanco Riverfont Cottage?

As of Oct 20, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Charming Blanco Riverfont Cottage on Oct 21, 2026 start from $344, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Charming Blanco Riverfont Cottage?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Charming Blanco Riverfont Cottage?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Charming Blanco Riverfont Cottage located?

Situated on the waterfront, this vacation home is within 1 mi (2 km) of Jack Glover's Cowboy Museum and Pioneer Town. Wimberley Zipline Adventures and Wimberley Lions Market Days are also within 3 mi (5 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 378 out of 407 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 27 out of 407 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 407 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 407 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 407 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It was everything we wanted and more! Thinking of booking both houses for our next stay so we can share with the whole family!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2026
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Magical Place

This place was amazing! We loved our stay at the Little House. Everything was clean and well maintained. We loved the easy access to our own (mostly) private oasis on the river. The location was amazing. We felt so secluded yet only 10 minutes to downtown Wimberley. We really appreciated the little touches (like some hydrocortisone cream for a bug bite).
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is probably one of the best vacation rentals we’ve stayed at. Everything was spotless and in great shape, and the place was very well stocked with anything you would need. The location is great with river access in a wonderful spot and super convenient to town. We will def come back!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Love this place. Next time we’re renting both houses and bringing family. Can’t go wrong with this listing.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
My family loves the little house. It is the best part of our stay in Wimberley.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great getaway-had a lovely time!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was a lovely and secluded spot. The cottage is beautiful and comfortable, and Wimberley is only a short drive away.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location

Nice stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place

We have been here multiple times and always enjoy it.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful stay

The place is awesome and exactly as portrayed. Hosts are fantastic
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This property is amazing. It has all of the comforts of home with modern furnishings and appliances, a well stocked kitchen including many extras not offered (coffee, tea, sugar/ceeamer, seasonings, large selection of pots, silverware, cooking utensils, etc), and ample room. The pictures on the website are accurate. And the scenery around the “little house” is beautiful and relaxing. The fire pit and horseshoe pit were so much fun as well as seeing the many deer on the property. My family cannot wait to return for another wonderful stay.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was excellent
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful and Relaxing

This was our second year staying here, and it didnt disappoint. The owner was incredibly responsive, and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

As described, close to everything yet appeared to be off the beaten path.

Bed was great, fire pit and hot tub were perfect.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wimberly cabin

Nice quite stay walking distance to Blanco River
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place to stay

Had an awesome time. Thanks!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything about this trip was easy and relaxing. We loved the cabin and enjoyed watching deer in the mornings while drinking coffee on the back porch. I give it all the stars!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We loved our stay at the Cottage. Upon our arrival, my first words were “ Oh how cute”! Everything was extremely clean and the location was perfect. We highly recommend this property.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing week away

We had a wonderfully relaxing week. We so enjoyed all of the amenities. Beautiful spot!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
This property did not disappoint! The house was super cute, very clean, well-kept, stocked, and overall unique. Every item we used was in working order. The river was peaceful and pefect for swimming or relaxing along the shore. We enjoyed watching the deer casually walk past as we sat in the hot tub. The location was central — we tubed in San Marcos, hiked at Pedernales Falls, and shoped at Wimberley. Seriously, not a single complaint or inconvenience. We will 100% book at Shade Ranch again!!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent weekend getaway

My wife and I loved this place. The location is excellent and the property is incredible. Being close to the river is so nice and we loved the fire pit and hot tub. It was perfect for the two of us.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great property

We really enjoyed our stay at this property. The river is beautiful, and we enjoyed watching the animals. Thank you for a relaxing getaway.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quaint home on beautiful property

Quaint home on beautiful property. Perfect for a river getaway.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful, quiet property

The place was beautiful and peaceful, tucked way back in the woods and built right along the Blanco river. Perfect place to get away from it all while also being very close to the shops in downtown.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Heaven on the Blanco

Lovely! Peaceful! Wonderful place to stay!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024

About the host

Hosted by Roby Norvell

Host profile image
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.

Why they chose this property

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. We love the Little House and speak regularly of leaving the kids in Houston and enjoying a weekend there ourselves. With sleeping room for five we have plenty of room for our 3 kids or it's perfectly intimate for just a couple. 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!

What makes this property unique

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. They also enjoy fishing, climbing to the 'cave' by the river under the ledge, looking for arrowheads after a rain, having a family 'sleepover', and just exploring the 25 acres of 'forest'. We know you will find these wonders and more at Shade Ranch.

Languages:

English, Spanish

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