10/10 Excellent
Bethany K.
30 Dec, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Bethany K.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Entire home
*NEW* Howdy House | Walk to TSU, Gameroom & Yard
Family-friendly holiday home in Stephenville with a water park
Photo gallery for *NEW* Howdy House | Walk to TSU, Gameroom & Yard
Reviews
10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 71660 sq ft
Popular amenities
Explore the area
Stephenville, TX
- Place, Tarleton State University3 min walk
- Place, Stephenville Public Library17 min walk
- Place, Stephenville City Park17 min walk
Rooms & beds
3 bedrooms (sleeps 7)
King Room
1 King Bed
Queen Room
1 Queen Bed
Twin Bedroom
2 Single Beds
1 bathroom
Bathroom 1
Bathtub or shower · Toilet
Spaces
Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area
About this property
*NEW* Howdy House | Walk to TSU, Gameroom & Yard
Welcome to The Howdy House — a fun, family-friendly 3-bedroom, 1-bath retreat located just steps from Tarleton State University and minutes from downtown Stephenville. Whether you're visiting for Parents Weekend, a Texans football game, or a relaxing getaway, this playful home offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and entertainment.
Inside, you'll find a cozy living room, smart TV, fully equipped kitchen, and themed décor celebrating Stephenville’s cowboy roots, the famous 2008 UFO sightings, and Tarleton pride.
Step outside to a huge fenced backyard featuring a gas fire pit with Adirondack seating, string lights, gas grill, oversized Connect 4, cornhole, soccer goal, and even a roping dummy — the ultimate setup for game night or starlit BBQs. The game room includes a 3-in-1 table (pool, ping pong, air hockey), dart board, board games, oversized Jenga, and bar-height seating.
Perfect for couples, families, alumni, or visiting faculty, The Howdy House is more than a place to stay — it’s a fun-filled experience that captures the spirit of Stephenville, Texas.
Inside, you'll find a cozy living room, smart TV, fully equipped kitchen, and themed décor celebrating Stephenville’s cowboy roots, the famous 2008 UFO sightings, and Tarleton pride.
Step outside to a huge fenced backyard featuring a gas fire pit with Adirondack seating, string lights, gas grill, oversized Connect 4, cornhole, soccer goal, and even a roping dummy — the ultimate setup for game night or starlit BBQs. The game room includes a 3-in-1 table (pool, ping pong, air hockey), dart board, board games, oversized Jenga, and bar-height seating.
Perfect for couples, families, alumni, or visiting faculty, The Howdy House is more than a place to stay — it’s a fun-filled experience that captures the spirit of Stephenville, Texas.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
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House Rules
Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 10:00 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
Must have at least 1 adult staying with children
Events
Events allowed
Parties / Gatherings must be approved by host
Pets
Pets allowed
$75 per pet. No pets on furniture, Must pick up an
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
No smoking on the property
Important information
You need to know
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 are allowed on site
Note from host: Parties / Gatherings must be approved by host
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 first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
We should mention
A car is recommended for transport to and from this property
About the area
Stephenville
Stephenville is home to this holiday home. Stephenville Historical House Museum and Dublin Historical Museum are cultural highlights, and travellers looking to shop may want to visit South Loop Mall and Bosque River Centre. Travelling with kids? Consider Century Park and J&D Golf course. Break out the clubs and hit the links on a nearby golf course, or seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails and ecotours.
Stephenville, TX
What's nearby
- Tarleton State University - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
- Stephenville Public Library - 17 min walk - 1.5 km
- Stephenville City Park - 17 min walk - 1.5 km
- Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Stephenville - 19 min walk - 1.6 km
- BRT Graham ST. Trailhead - 3 min drive - 1.9 km
Restaurants
- McDonald's - 15 min walk
- Sonic Drive-In - 12 min walk
- Buffalo Wild Wings - 18 min walk
- Peacock's Restaurant - 2 min drive
- Pattaya Thai Kitchen - 3 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window10/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Check-in
10/10
Communication
8.0/10
Location
10/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Sarah S.
13 Dec, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Sarah S.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
About the host
Hosted by Elysian Vacation Rentals
Hi, I'm Kason a Stephenville Local passionate about hospitality, small-town charm, and helping guests feel at home wherever they stay. I run Elysian Vacation Rentals, a locally owned and operated short-term rental company based in Stephenville, Texas, home of Tarleton State University and the Cowboy Capital of the World.
We’ve thoughtfully designed and renovated each of our properties — from cozy downtown cottages to peaceful country cabins — to give you a five-star experience with the personal touches only locals can offer. Whether you're here for a Tarleton event, a weekend escape, or an extended stay, we’re here to make your trip memorable, comfortable, and seamless.
Welcome to your home away from home!
We’ve thoughtfully designed and renovated each of our properties — from cozy downtown cottages to peaceful country cabins — to give you a five-star experience with the personal touches only locals can offer. Whether you're here for a Tarleton event, a weekend escape, or an extended stay, we’re here to make your trip memorable, comfortable, and seamless.
Welcome to your home away from home!
Why they chose this property
Looking for a family-friendly getaway near campus with serious backyard vibes? The Howdy House is your perfect match. This newly refreshed 3-bedroom home is thoughtfully themed to celebrate everything Stephenville is known for—Cowboys, Tarleton Texans, and yes… the 2008 UFO sightings. Every room has something fun and local to offer: a cozy King bed in the western-style Cowboy Room, a Queen bed in the spirited Tarleton Room, and two Twin beds in the playful Alien Room.
But the real highlight? The huge, fenced backyard—complete with brand new sod, a firepit under string lights, a gas grill, giant Connect 4, soccer goals, and cornhole. There’s also a game room, smart TVs, a full laundry area, and every space is professionally cleaned and stocked.
Whether you're here for a Tarleton event, a weekend of grilling and chilling, or a fun family trip, you'll love how close you are to it all—walk to the football stadium or Equestrian Center, and you're just a mile from downtown eats and shops. Plus, we're pet-friendly!
But the real highlight? The huge, fenced backyard—complete with brand new sod, a firepit under string lights, a gas grill, giant Connect 4, soccer goals, and cornhole. There’s also a game room, smart TVs, a full laundry area, and every space is professionally cleaned and stocked.
Whether you're here for a Tarleton event, a weekend of grilling and chilling, or a fun family trip, you'll love how close you are to it all—walk to the football stadium or Equestrian Center, and you're just a mile from downtown eats and shops. Plus, we're pet-friendly!
What makes this property unique
Completely Updated: Everything in this home is brand new—from the furnishings and appliances to the freshly laid backyard sod and curated decor.
Locally Themed Bedrooms: Each bedroom reflects a piece of Stephenville’s unique culture:
Cowboy Room with King bed—celebrating Stephenville’s title as the Cowboy Capital of the World
Tarleton Room with Queen bed—perfect for alumni or visiting parents
Alien Room with 2 Twin beds—a fun nod to the town’s famous 2008 UFO sightings
Massive Fenced Backyard: Rare for homes this close to campus—fully turfed and designed for fun, featuring:
Cornhole, soccer goals, giant Connect 4
Firepit with string lights overhead
Covered seating and gas grill
Dedicated Game Room: Separate space to play, unwind, or keep the kids entertained
Pet-Friendly: Because your four-legged family members deserve a vacation too
Walkable & Central: Park once and enjoy your stay—you're steps from Tarleton’s stadium and a short drive to downtown
Locally Themed Bedrooms: Each bedroom reflects a piece of Stephenville’s unique culture:
Cowboy Room with King bed—celebrating Stephenville’s title as the Cowboy Capital of the World
Tarleton Room with Queen bed—perfect for alumni or visiting parents
Alien Room with 2 Twin beds—a fun nod to the town’s famous 2008 UFO sightings
Massive Fenced Backyard: Rare for homes this close to campus—fully turfed and designed for fun, featuring:
Cornhole, soccer goals, giant Connect 4
Firepit with string lights overhead
Covered seating and gas grill
Dedicated Game Room: Separate space to play, unwind, or keep the kids entertained
Pet-Friendly: Because your four-legged family members deserve a vacation too
Walkable & Central: Park once and enjoy your stay—you're steps from Tarleton’s stadium and a short drive to downtown
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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