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9.4

Exceptional

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 455.7 sq m

Popular amenities

Washer

Kitchen

Air conditioning

Dryer

Barbecue grill

Outdoor space

Explore the area

Austin, TX

South Congress Avenue18 min walk
Austin Convention Center3 min drive
Moody Theater4 min drive
Austin, TX (AUS-Austin-Bergstrom Intl.)12 min drive

Most relevant reviews

10/10 Excellent

Uniquely Austin short term rental. Crafted by two artists with care and imagination. If you’re tired of cookie cutter pl...

Joan O.

Apr 16, 2024

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 4)

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio

Kitchen

Garden

Dining Area

About this property

The Forest Retreat: Minutes to SOCO & center yet nestled in the quiet forest.

This craftsman-designed home is located across the river from downtown Austin on a beautiful wooded lot in one of Austin's most desirable neighborhoods, Travis Heights. Walk or bike to major parks, great restaurants in the SoCo District, or even downtown to the fun sixth street music district. We are close to everything yet you feel like you are living in the country.

The house was designed, built and decorated by the owner artists Wolf Sittler and Charlotte Bell. This non-smoking home has sunny rooms, a well appointed kitchen, a patio and lots of windows looking out onto the backyard forest greenbelt. The house has one bedroom with 100% cotton sheets. The kitchen have all amenities including a stove, coffee maker, refrigerator and much more. Our newest accommodation is the Tree-cycle which is a tiny house which can be added on for extra guests. Search for charwolf ventures for the website. For reservations for less than 30 days there will be a 15% hotel tax additional fee to pay once you have reserved.

Minutes from the city center and 15 minutes to the Austin Bergstrom airport.
Located on Kenwood Ave: a few blocks south of Riverside Dr. between Congress Ave. and I 35

Keywords: Home

Property manager

Charlotte Bell

Premier Host

Languages

English, German, Spanish

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Find out more

Amenities

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Air conditioning

Outdoor space

Barbecue grill

Kitchen

Pet-friendly

Air conditioning

Barbecue grill

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM

Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

There is an addition charge of 15 per person for over 2 people

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.

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

On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited

Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip

Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

We should mention

A car is not required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Austin

Located in Austin, this holiday home is in the city centre. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Lady Bird Lake and Zilker Park, while Moody Theater and Austin City Limits are cultural highlights. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Moody Center or Darrell K. Royal - Texas Memorial Stadium. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Austin, TX

What's nearby

Lady Bird Lake - 12 min walk
South Congress Avenue - 18 min walk
Austin Convention Center - 3 min drive
Sixth Street - 4 min drive
Moody Theater - 4 min drive

Getting around

Plaza Saltillo Station - 8 min drive
Austin Station - 12 min drive
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) - 12 min drive

Restaurants

‪Home Slice Pizza - ‬18 min walk
‪Cidercade Austin - ‬14 min walk
‪Rosita’s Al Pastor Taco Truck - ‬18 min walk
‪1618 Asian Fusion - ‬14 min walk
‪Tea Cup - ‬17 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is The Forest Retreat: Minutes to SOCO & center yet nestled in the quiet forest. pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at The Forest Retreat: Minutes to SOCO & center yet nestled in the quiet forest.?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Forest Retreat: Minutes to SOCO & center yet nestled in the quiet forest.?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is The Forest Retreat: Minutes to SOCO & center yet nestled in the quiet forest. located?

Located in South Congress, this holiday home is within a 15-minute walk of Colorado River and Lady Bird Lake. South Congress Avenue and Rainey Street are also within 1 mile (2 km).

9.4

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Carol G.

25 May 2024

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

Relaxing Getaway

We were in town for a graduation at UT, and this place was perfect for my husband and I. The neighborhood was a short drive to everything we wanted to experience in Austin and was a relaxing retreat at the end of the day. We like unique, and this house fit the bill. Was quiet, peaceful and more beautiful in person. Would love to stay here again on our next trip to Austin.

Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joan O.

16 Apr 2024

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

We hope to be back to this lovely spot

Uniquely Austin short term rental. Crafted by two artists with care and imagination. If you’re tired of cookie cutter places choose this retreat. Days were in the 80s but we opened the windows and turned a fan on low and felt like we slept comfortably in the woods.

Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cassie S.

28 Jul 2022

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

Truly a retreat

What a beautiful little "cottage" and wooded retreat. The house felt like you were remote and in surrounded by nature. Much care has gone into this little gem, and the owners are very responsive and welcoming. The house has all that you would need to be comfy. The kitchen is well appointed. This space is just as described in the listing. I would stay again. :)

Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Michael B.

5 Jan 2022

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

Lovely Retreat!

Great rental! Quiet and clean in the center of Austin. Interior woodwork and bright windows make this place special. Barred Owl calling daily in the ravine beyond the terrace made my morning coffee a joy.

Stayed 9 nights in Dec 2021

8/10 Good

Vafaei A.

29 Nov 2019

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

Nice cabin in the woods

Very cozy, fast internet and close to everything

Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2019

10/10 Excellent

Christine C., London, England

8 Nov 2019

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

Great location in Austin, Texas

This is a lovely property in a very quiet residential area and surrounded by forest. It is exactly as it is described and the pictures show it well. It's hard to believe it is minutes away from a very busy interstate and only 20 minutes to the airport. There are numerous restaurants within a few minutes drive. We would thoroughly recommend this and will definitely be back.

Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2019

10/10 Excellent

Richard W., Kirkland, WA, USA

22 Oct 2019

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

Peaceful and Relaxing

This little home was perfect for my recent trip to Austin! Very close to the downtown town area and the Convention Center, and yet quite and serene. Charlotte is amazing and if I'm in Austin again, I will certainly stay here again if the home is available.

10/10 Excellent

Shannon R.

18 Oct 2019

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

Perfect cozy little cabin!

I stayed here on a solo long weekend trip to Austin. The area was beautiful and felt very safe! I enjoyed walking to SoCo several times through my stay. I even took the trails to Zilker Park by foot/bike system and there were plenty of places to rent kayaks along the way. Fellow nature-lovers will enjoy the surroundings! As for the space, it was so cute and cozy, and looked just like the photos. The house was fully equipped with everything you could need. There are other houses on the property but it felt super private. I appreciated the ease and convenience of the check-in/check-out process. I would definitely stay here again!

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

Ed M., Oberlin, OH

10 Oct 2019

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

great location, artistic woodwork

easy street parking. Charlotte's husband Wolfe is a great, artistic woodworker, so the property is gorgeous. Pleasant couple.

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2019

8/10 Good

Lori G., California

14 Mar 2019

Peaceful retreat but close enough to downtown and SoCo activity.

Charlotte was a great host, responsive and little plumbing issue was quickly resolved.

Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2019

10/10 Excellent

Donna T.

11 Oct 2018

Enjoyable stay

Cute little house in tranquil surroundings. It met our needs perfectly.

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2018

8/10 Good

Michele K., Sherwood Park, AB, Canada

11 May 2018

Great stay in Austin

Quiet comfortable cabin nestled in the forest. Location was perfect for our stay in Austin. Out of the downtown area, but close to everything we came to see. Lots of great music venues just a short Uber ride away. Would definitely stay here again when we return to Austin.

Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2018

8/10 Good

Kris B.

4 May 2018

Remote and pleasant place ...

The retreat was just that, a nice, quiet, simple place to return to after a day in the city. Uber ride fares changed according to time of day but were easily available. The retreat is comfortable but not fancy. A good deal.... i would recommend it

Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2018

10/10 Excellent

Patricia S., Midland, TX

4 May 2018

Great and affordable. Happy making.

Beautiful setting. Quiet in the midst of the city. Comfortable with hosts who really are there should any problem develop.

Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2018

8/10 Good

Jeff G.

19 Apr 2018

Very happy...

Our stay was very enjoyable. Your kindness is truly appreciated. I would highly recommend staying here. Quaint and quiet. Nice place.

Stayed 31 nights in Mar 2018

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Andrea B., Elgin

25 May 2017

Quiet, wooded retreat in a vibrant city

Really loved this place. Small and comfortable with lots of windows opening onto a heavily wooded setting. About a mile to South Congress which is one of the best places to visit and only about 1.5 miles to 6th street where a lot of the music is. Also not far from Barton Springs and the best brisket in town at Terry Black's. Hosts are helpful but not intrusive. Since this is in a heavily wooded area, the hosts advise that renters may hear small animals at night or see bugs on occasion, although they spray for insects frequently. This was not an issue for us but if prospective renters are from an urban area and are unused to that, it should factor into the rental decision. But for us overall, this was an exceptionally nice experience.

Stayed 4 nights in May 2017

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer B.

24 May 2017

Great location and well appointed!

Very centrally located for walking to South Congress area or downtown. We enjoyed our 5 night stay at Charlotte's home and she was quick to reply to any questions. The guest house is private but it is right next to the main house so there are usually people in the yard. One morning we woke up to someone working right outside the bedroom window but I don't think that is a usual occurrence. Everything was well kept and clean, the kitchen has everything you need if you do want to cook and the living area is nice and spacious. We would definitely recommend Charlotte's home and return if we are back in the area!

Stayed 5 nights in May 2017

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Teresa L., Denver, CO

1 May 2017

Loved the Forest Retreat. Great location, close to South Congress, but quiet and very relaxing.

The Forest Retreat was perfect for a weekend getaway. Very comfortable and clean. We enjoyed spending time on the small patio, it really felt like a cottage in the forest! Great location with easy walkable access to many activities.

Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2017

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

6/10 Okay

Hugh G.

16 Apr 2017

Austin in April

Overall, the accommodations were fine and everything was very clean and comfortable. The owners were fast to respond to any questions I had which was vey much appreciated. The major disappointment was that the deck shown to advertise the property is attached to the main house and not accessible to renters. It was the picture of the large deck that persuaded me to rent this property so this struck me as unfortunately misleading.

Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2017

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Sandy C.

19 Nov 2016

Forested Cabin

Great location in Austin, near downtown, restaurants and lake. Enjoyed seeing the forest and squirrels outside the cabin.

Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2016

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

marci k., London, Canada

28 Jan 2016

Cozy cottage for two nestled in ravine

We stayed in this accommodation for three weeks - a quiet cozy cottage feel that is surprisingly close to the night action of sixth and SOCO and three minutes to the interstate to jump on the many golf courses in the area. The nights were chilly in Jan so the extra blankets, house coats and portable heater were a very nice touch! The rooms were very clean, comfortable linens and towels. While a gourmet dinner may be a challenge, the kitchen was equipped for daily cooking. The accordion door to the bathroom does not afford much privacy. We enjoyed many long walks around Lady Bird lake, Hamilton pool and Barton Springs...in between great golf, restaurants and duelling piano bars!

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

anna m., Minnesota

1 Mar 2013

Perfect, private retreat

This is a lovely little place, perfect for a couple. It is well equipped and thoughtfully put together - large, windows overlook lovely trees and bring in beautiful light. It is situated in a great neighborhood walking distance to shops and restaurants. We highly recommend it! Another thing worth mentioning is we had a mixup on the dates we would be there. Char thought we were staying longer than we were due to my original inquiry which I later adjusted. When i brought this to her attention, it was no problem whatsoever. Our bill was adjusted accordingly - no issue at all. We appreciated that kind of graciousness!

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

19 Jul 2010

Forest Retreat getaway

The Forest Retreat was a lovely little cottage in a wooded area in Travis Heights, Austin ,Tx. It's centrally located in a funky cool neighborhood. Walking distance from many desirable locations. We had a great time over the 4th of July holiday.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

LINDSAY, Los Angeles

6 Jul 2010

The "Retreat" is just that

We stayed in the guest house in June and had a wonderful time. It's close to EVERYTHING, clean, well-equipped with everything you might need and Charlotte and Wolf are lovely hosts. We couldn't have been happier. Highly recommended place to stay!

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

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14 Mar 2010

This was such a lovely ho...

This was such a lovely house and so peaceful and clean. We also loved walking to the wonderful restaurants nearby and on the hike a bike trail.

About the host

Hosted by Charlotte Bell

Wolf Sittler and Charlotte Bell are both artists. Wolf, a furniture maker, has added details through out the houses. Spalted pecan kitchen cabinets and hand made wood furniture add charm and warmth. Charlotte's photographs grace the walls. The house has all the touches that artists provide plus a well stocked kitchen.
They also have a home in San Miguel de Allende listed on VRBO.

Why they chose this property

Austin is the most interesting and young cities in Texas filled with outdoor activities and festivals. The restaurants and shops, near the house, are extra ordinary. In 3 blocks you are on the hike and bike trail with miles of lovely paths.

What makes this property unique

You will be close to everything. The house is in a quiet wooded location but you are minutes from I35 which will take you to the lakes or to the airport. But most people do not travel further than a few minutes from the house since so much is available in the area near downtown.
There are bikes to use as well as a washer and dryer.