The Historic Hidden Gem, Pool on 1.5 ac, gated, sleeps 16. Events allowed
The Historic Hidden Gem. A Historic Paradise Estate with Private Pool on 1.5 Gated Acres
Sleeps up to 16 Guests
Step into timeless charm at The Historic Hidden Gem, our 120+ year-old Greek Revival estate, rich in character and nestled on 1.5 privately gated acres. Though surrounded by nature, the property remains close to dining, shopping, and city conveniences—offering a serene escape without sacrificing location. This property is over 120 years old.
WE RESIDE ON THE PROPERTY IN A SEPARATE LIVING QUATERS, locked from your living quaters and are happy to assist during your stay if needed. In the house we keep some of our personal belongings. including, clothes, pantry items, etc. This property is used year round for event and other occasions. Please note the backyard and back patio behind the house is for owner use, owner private parking, outdoor storage etc. The 1 story property and anything surroundings it is for owner use only and are not included in this listing. Including where the pool electrical is located. THERE IS OUTDOOR SECURITY CAMERAS IN USE.
> Before booking, please message us to confirm availability.
---
✨ Events & Catering Services
We proudly host special occasions including weddings, quinceañeras, baby showers, pool parties, and more.
Any group over 20 people on the property is considered an event and will require prior approval and an additional fee.
IMPORTANT BOOKING & PROPERTY POLICY:
BY BOOKING THIS PROPERTY, GUESTS ACKNOWLEDGED THAT ALL PAYMENTS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect against unexpected cancellations, weather events, medical emergencies, travel interruptions, utility outages including electricity, water, or internet service interruptions, pool closer or other unforeseen circumstances.
EVENT POLICY: Any gathering with more than 20 guests, including children, is considered an event, regardless of the type of gathering. This includes birthdays, celebrations, reunions, graduations, meetings, showers, dinners, pool gatherings, or any occasion where additional guests are present at the property. Any visitors or guests arriving at the property count toward the guest total, whether or not they stay overnight. Unauthorized events or exceeding the approved guest count may result in additional fees, cancellation of the reservation without refund, and/or removal from the property.
WILDLIFE & PROPERTY NOTICE: Historic Hidden Gem offers a unique farm ranch-style atmosphere in the heart of the city. Because of the natural surroundings, guests may occasionally see local Texas wildlife, insects, or outdoor critters as part of the environment. To help keep indoor spaces comfortable and secure, guests must keep all doors closed at all times, as insects or wildlife may enter if doors are left open. Wildlife sightings or encounters related to the natural outdoor environment are considered a normal part of the property experience and are not grounds for refunds.
We offer custom catering packages, including:
Taquizas
Snow cones
Cotton candy & popcorn
Snack and drink stations and much more.
📞 Please contact us for event and catering pricing before reserving.
---
🏡 Property Features
Gated 1.5-acre historic estate
Swimming pool (3–6.5 ft deep, unheated, no fence)
Outdoor BBQ gas grill and small charcoal grill
(Gas/charcoal not provided)
Spacious parking area in the front and side of the house.
Please note the backyard and back patio behind the house is for owner use, owner private parking our outdoor storage.
5 rectangular outdoor tables & 40 chairs
---
🛏️ Bedroom Layout (Sleeps 16) all upstairs
Bedroom 1 – Sleeps 2: 1 King Bed
Bedroom 2 – Sleeps 6: 1 King Bed + 2 Full Beds
Bedroom 3 – Sleeps 8: 4 Full Beds
Nugget Mats (6) available and can be moved to any room for additional child sleeping areas
---
🏊 Pool Information
Depth: 3 to 6.5 feet (unheated)
No lifeguard or safety fence — children must be supervised at all times
Guests must bring their own floatation devices
Chlorine Pool is chemical treated, though minor outdoor debris including leaves, branches and other outdoor debris may be present due to weather. A pool leaf rake will be by the pool to use at your convenience. please note that pool maybe closed due to weather or other unexpected occurrence this will not be grounds for any cancelations or refunds.
Pool electrical equipment will be used by property owners only. These items are keep by my side of the property and are not included in the listing.
---
🌿 Nature & Safety Guidelines
Our estate is surrounded by natural landscape. While we maintain routine pest control, it’s normal to encounter:
mosquitoes
Small spiders or insects, Birds, bats, small rodents etc especially in outdoor areas at night. If doors are left open they may enter the property. These are not grounds for any refunds or cancelations.
Do not feed wildlife or animals on the property
Keep doors closed at night to prevent bugs from entering
We recommend using insect repellent (we typically use OFF!, which works well)
Children under 12 must be supervised at all times, both inside and outdoors
We are not liable for bites, accidents, or injuries—guests stay at their own risk and should take proper precautions and be aware of their surroundings and any of their guest.
---
🚨 House Rules & Fees
1. Occupancy
Base rate includes 16 guests up to 20 guest after 20 guest event fee applies
$50 per extra guest (ages 2+) per night, even if not staying overnight
Unauthorized guests will be charged
2. Smoking/Vaping
Prohibited indoors — $250 cleaning fee applies.
No peeing in the yard.
3. Grill Use
Grills available; guests must bring their own gas or charcoal
4. Pool Attire
Proper swimwear required — no cotton clothing, jeans, or streetwear in pool
5. No glass containers in the pool area
6. Towels
Bring your own pool towels
Indoor towels are for indoor use only
7. PETS
NOT ALLOWED ON THE PROPERTY.
We have outdoor rescue animals on property including Tortoise of all sizes, Aquatic turtles, neighborhoods cats that are not ours but roam the neighborhood and others breeds from different occasions. Please note that touching any outdoor animals are at your own risk and all wildlife or rescue can bite.
8. Decorations & Trash
No confetti, glitter, fireworks, or balloon/party remnants
Do not nail, tape, or fasten anything to walls/ceilings
Fees may apply for cigarette butts, bottle caps, or excessive mess
9. Technology
Do not tamper with Wi-Fi or security cameras
10. Cleanliness
Grill/stove must be cleaned after use — $75 fee if left dirty
11. Check-Out
Standard check-out: 11:00 AM
Late check-out: $75 per hour
12. Damaged or Missing Items
$50 replacement fee per item (e.g., remotes, kitchen tools)
Additional cleaning fees may apply if excessive mess is left behind
---
🔞 Age & Party Restrictions
At least one adult over the age of 24 must be present during the stay
---
📩 Ready to Book?
Message us first to confirm availability, ask questions, or plan a customized event or catering package. We can’t wait to welcome you to The Historic Hidden Gem — your private paradise in the heart of history
Add dates for prices
Have a question?
AI iconBetaBeta
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
default
Pets
No pets allowed
default
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Gather used towels
Remove personal items and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Don't put used towels on wood furniture leave on the floor.
Wash any cooking utensils or dishes used.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Must ask permission in advance for events. Events are anything over 20 people. We have an event fee. We do Pool, XV, Weddings, and catering
Don't sit on inside furniture wet
Turn off all lights when not in use
Important information
You need to know
Property # 3875342vb
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
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 99
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a deadlock
About the area
San Juan
San Juan is home to this holiday home. Topgolf and Cinemark Pharr Town Center are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Smitty's Juke Box Museum and Xtreme Lazer Tag. McAllen Performing Arts Center and Cooper Center for Performing Arts are also worth visiting. Swimming offers a great chance to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with ecotours and hunting nearby.
Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle - 3 min drive - 1.2 km
La Plaza Mall - 11 min drive - 10.9 km
17th Street Entertainment District - 12 min drive - 11.7 km
McAllen Performing Arts Center - 12 min drive - 13.6 km
McAllen Convention Center - 13 min drive - 13.9 km
Getting around
McAllen, TX (MFE-Miller Intl.) - 17 min drive
Restaurants
McDonald's - 4 min walk
Speedy Stop - 5 min walk
Stars Drive-In - 9 min walk
Taqueria La Herradura - 4 min drive
Gw’s Bbq - 17 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Does The Historic Hidden Gem, Pool on 1.5 ac, gated, sleeps 16. Events allowed have a pool?
Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.
How much does it cost to stay at The Historic Hidden Gem, Pool on 1.5 ac, gated, sleeps 16. Events allowed?
As of 3 Oct, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Historic Hidden Gem, Pool on 1.5 ac, gated, sleeps 16. Events allowed on 7 Dec, 2026 start from S$2,478, 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.
Is The Historic Hidden Gem, Pool on 1.5 ac, gated, sleeps 16. Events allowed pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking at The Historic Hidden Gem, Pool on 1.5 ac, gated, sleeps 16. Events allowed?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at The Historic Hidden Gem, Pool on 1.5 ac, gated, sleeps 16. Events allowed?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at The Historic Hidden Gem, Pool on 1.5 ac, gated, sleeps 16. Events allowed?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is The Historic Hidden Gem, Pool on 1.5 ac, gated, sleeps 16. Events allowed located?
Situated in San Juan, this holiday home is 1 mi (1.6 km) from Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle and within 3 miles (5 km) of Smitty's Juke Box Museum and Topgolf. Pharr Convention Center and Cinemark Pharr Town Center are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Hostess were amazing. Pool area could have been cleaner but overall the location was clean, beautiful house, very spacious, kids had lots of fun. Easy access to local areas. Just a great place to visit.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Apr, 2024
Thanks so much Nora, we fixed up the pool area with the recent winds everything moved around with extra leaves. We look forward to hosting yall again.
This home is such a gorgeous piece of history, and extremely family friendly. I was worried about having my 3 and 6 year olds in this home, for fear of messing something up, but it truly is family friendly and a great experience for all ages. My 80 year old in laws stayed as well, and were so impressed/excited to see so many relics from their childhoods. The family that owns it is nothing but kind, accommodating, and easily accessible in case they need to be reached. 10/10, I hope I have a reason to come back down in order to stay here again.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 19 May, 2025
Thank you so much for your kind words! It truly means the world to us that your whole family—from your little ones to your 80-year-old in-laws—felt at home and enjoyed the history and charm of our place. Your family was such a joy to host, and our boys absolutely loved making new friends during your stay. We would be thrilled to welcome you back anytime—you're always welcome at The Historic Hidden Gem!
Warmly,
Dianella & Family
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Carolina A.
7 Jun, 2026
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
About the host
Hosted by Dianella Cantu
I'm am Events Coordinator. Events I have done. RGVLS, Borderfest, Hidalgo Festival of Lights, Driscoll Children’s Hospital
Why they chose this property
On 1.5 acres in the middle of the city. We are a hidden gem with 8 foot white picket fence for privacy. Right on old 83 walking distance to Dairy Queen, Wing Stop, McDonald's, Little Ceasars Pizza, gyms, gas station, dollar tree, dollar general and San Juan City Park.
What makes this property unique
The house was a Show home for the 1904 Saint Louis World Fair and was brought down from Train and Boat. It is over 120 years old