The Famous Floathouse on Lake Travis

Overview Reviews Rates Calendar Location Owner Info Photos

Taken by Austin Statesman photographer Ralph Barrera. (lake was full)

Looking north, up the cove from the upper deck.

The game room/den. looking to left as you enter backdoor.

Typical day on the FloatHouse front deck.

Calendar

Last updated: 09/25/2016

Check availability

Previous Next

23 Available

21 Unavailable

22 Today

23 Selected dates

Photos
Map
Calendar

Minimum stay:2 nights

Internet:No
Pets considered:Yes
Wheel chair accessible:No

Property description

Everyone's going to say their place is the the best... but truly, this is the most unique, the coolest and the best-value rental on Lake Travis. It's so unique the Austin Statesman did a 3 page story on us.

Part House Boat - Part Lake House, but so much better than both (and a whole lot cheaper - like about 4x's cheaper than a house boat!!). A two-story, three-bedroom, full-size house, with all the amenities, that floats on the water. There's a large deck on the front that's in the shade for most of the hot afternoon. The breeze is almost always blowing. Mosquitoes are rare. The front of the house is almost all windows for a great view. The land across our cove is natural preserve. Lots of boat parking along side the house. (but, several times we've heard guest say that next time they are not going to bring their boat, because they never wanted to leave.) The moon rises are exquisite. The rope swing is probably the best one in Texas - it will take your breath away. There's a full size indoor shuffleboard table, and a pool table. The underwater fish light attracts tons of fish to watch or catch if you must. It sets off a beautiful green glow. You will absolutely fall in love with this place - everybody does. Awesome is the most commonly used word in our guestbook.

Please don't be misled by the lack of reviews. We have never asked for a review from a guest, but our guestbook is full of glowing comments.

THE LOCATION: We are one of the closest-in waterfront locations on the less developed “North Side” of the lake. 13 minutes to Walmart, HEB, et al. 20 to Mall, 45 to downtown, 60 to the airport.

Our house is the first house inside a no-wake zone on the “Big Sandy” arm. That means you have close access to the main body without all the annoying traffic & commotion.

If you know Lake Travis, you know how hard it is to get to the water. That’s because it is a flood control reservoir, and you must build above the flood plain (a long way up). That means the water is either way down a steep cliff, or way out a shallow slope. Not here. Park your car at the shore's edge, and walk down some steps (15 average, but more in a drought) to the house and to the water. Out on the water, and need a beer? It's 20' to the 'fridge.

Tie your boat to the side of the house. When you are ready to get-out-on-the-lake, you’re already there.

THE HOUSE: Designed top to bottom for lake fun. The pool table, the indoor table shuffleboard, the underwater fishing light, and the spectacular rope swing (it's that 'crane' looking thing in the first picture) are the star attractions, but it’s being right there, on the water that’s just OH-SO-COOL.

Speaking of cool, since the house faces southeast, by mid afternoon, the whole front of the house is in shade. It makes it so pleasant to wile away the day in the cool breezes off the lake. Winter time is great at the Float House, too. Toasting marshmallows in the fire pit while you enjoy the fish light on the deck is a great way to spend an evening.

We have a whole lot more information on our website. The link is way down the page - just above the Property Photos - where it says 'CLICK HERE - Our Website: More Info.

Keywords: Floating House, House Boat

Peace of mind when checking out through VRBO

We'll back you with our Book With Confidence Guarantee^TM
You'll get comprehensive payment protection when checking out on our website
We're always here for you with customer service available 24/7

Read more about our Book with Confidence Guarantee^TM

Property Type

House

1400 sq. ft.

Accommodation Type

Vacation Rental

Meals

Guests Provide Their Own Meals

Suitability

Events Allowed
Long-Term Renters Welcome

Children Welcome:
We are toddler friendly, but the house is really not - too many gaps in the railings. That being said our toddler grand kids love it....more less
Non Smoking Only:
Outside is OK....more less

Pets Considered:
$50 cleaning fee for dogs....more less
Wheelchair Inaccessible:
We have had two wheelchair guests, but it requires a carry....more less

Bedrooms: 3 Bedrooms, Sleeps 14, Beds for 8-14

1. Master Bedroom: 2 twin/ single, 2 bunk bed
There is a kit to convert the two twins into a king....more less
2. Loft Bedroom: 2 twin/ single, 1 murphy bed
Not a murphy, but a loft bed. Twins can be converted to king...more less
3. Bunk Room: 2 twin/ single, 2 bunk bed
Two fold-out bunks...more less
Den: 1 sleep sofa /futon
A fold-out sofa. New matress....more less
Three full-sized bedrooms - not like the bedrooms on a House Boat.

Bathrooms: 1 Bathroom, 1 Half Bathroom

Half Bath Downstairs: toilet
...more less
Upstairs Full Batroom: toilet, combination tub/shower
...more less
Bathroom 3: shower
Outdoor shower with hot/cold water....more less

Other Amenities

The Ultimate Lake House, Open Floor Plan, Cozy but Spacious Dining Nook (10ish), Indoor Shuffle Board, Poker Table & Chips, binoculars, fishing poles, pontoon boat possibly available for rent....more less

Entertainment

Books:
some...more less
DVD Player
Game Room:
Oh yeah....more less

Pool Table
Stereo
Television:
Smallish, you're supposed to be enjoying the lake....more less

Toys:
some...more less
Video Library:
Not huge, about 20 movies...more less

Attractions

Restaurants

Leisure Activities

Bird Watching
Boating

Paddle Boating
Shopping

Shuffleboard
Wildlife Viewing

Location Type

Lake View:
You are right there, on the lake...more less

Lakefront:
In this case 'directly on the lake' is literal....more less

Ski-In:
Yeah, you could just about 'ski-in'....more less
Waterfront:
Actually, we are ON the water....more less

Sports & Adventure Activities

Cycling
Fishing
Golf

Jet Skiing
Parasailing
Sailing

Snorkeling/Diving
Swimming
Water Skiing

Dining

Dining:
We've seated 14 people for a Thanksgiving Dinner...more less

Dining Area

Seating for 10 people

General

Air Conditioning
Clothes Dryer
Covered Parking:
One of those 2-car carports ...more less
Fireplace:
Fire pit outside, on deck....more less

Iron & Board
Linens Provided
Parking:
Plenty of parking right by the house....more less
Parking Off Street:
A parking lot right on the lake...more less

Parking For RV/Boat/Trailer:
Tie your boat to the side of the house. Park your trailer on top....more less
Towels Provided:
More towels than you will need....more less
Washing Machine
Wood Fireplace:
Actually, it's a large fire pit out on the front deck, right by the water....more less

Kitchen

Coffee Maker:
A vintage percolator, and a drip style....more less
Cooking Utensils:
Has pretty much everything. Like: colander, scissors, wine opener, lighters...more less
Dishes & Utensils:
Everything you will need....more less
Dishwasher

Ice Maker
Kitchen:
Complete Kitchen. Toaster oven, coffee makers, blender, microwave, etc...more less
Microwave
Oven

Pantry Items:
There is usually the common stuff like salt/pepper, spices, and almost always extra stuff like mustard....more less
Refrigerator
Stove
Toaster:
Toaster Oven...more less

Outside

Balcony:
A beautiful place to sit & watch the scene....more less
Boat:
There is a work boat (pontoon) that may be available in the right circumstances....more less

Deck / Patio:
This is one of the best things about the house....more less
Lanai / Gazebo:
I'd call it a balcony, but this fits better. it's nice....more less

Outdoor Grill:
Charcoal & gas....more less

Rates

Dates	Nightly	Weekend Night

Fall Sep 1 - Oct 31, 2016 2 night min stay	$350	$500 Fri, Sat
Rates are based on 8 guests; add $50 per night, per additional guest

Winter Nov 1 - Feb 28, 2017 2 night min stay	$250	$350 Sat
Rates are based on 8 guests; add $50 per night, per additional guest

My Standard Rate 2 night min stay	$250

Additional information about rental rates

Fees:

Pet Fee $50
Refundable Damage Deposit $500
Cleaning $100
Tax Rate 6%

Notes:

Note: Summer 2 Night Stays OK in mid-week, or if only available.

Note: Children under 15 - no additional guest fee.

Note: "bachelor party" - $150 additional impact fee.

Spring Break: High Season rates apply.

Memorial Week End, Fourth July Week End and Labor Day Week End: Add $100 per night.

$500 Deposit down, Pay full amount upon arrival

Owner's cancellation policy:

Policy available by contacting owner when booking

Don't forget your vacation protection! Get protected now

Adding our Vacation Protection services can make sure your getaway goes smoothly, no matter what. We offer Cancellation Protection and Damage Protection so you can truly relax.

Protect your payments in case you need to cancel.

Travel with peace of mind.

Ensure you're prepared in case of accidental damage.

Calendar

Last updated: 09/25/2016

Check availability

Previous Next

23 Available

21 Unavailable

22 Today

23 Selected dates

Location

Since we are a house on the water, with so much to do, most people never leave. Indoor Shuffleboard, Pool Table, the Amazing Rope Swing, Underwater Fishing Light, Plus all the Usual Lake Activities

Owner info

Year Purchased: 2004

About the owner: We are Ann & Rick DuRapau. Mid 60's, married 40 years, two kids, 5 grand kids (best thing ever). Rick is an inventor, and new product developer (i.e. he invented the original, black & yellow, plastic folding sawhorse). Inventors tend to see things different than most. The house reflects that. Ann stays busy mostly, just having fun.

Why the Owner Chose Trails End At Lake Travis, TX, USA:
We had a place just around the bend in the late 90's. We wanted something closer to the water. Rick went into his realtor friend's office, and pointed to a spot on the big map on the wall that he had always admired. "If I could have any place on the lake it would be right ...here." Realtor said "funny you should mention that, we just got the listing today". Beautiful cove, first property towards the lake, natural area across cove, great breezes, it's perfect.

The Unique Benefits at this House:
It's a floating house, and that would be enough. But, the rope swing, the pool table, the shuffleboard table, the layout, the overhang for shade, etc, all make it even better.