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The RiverHouse Pet Friendly Zen River Retreat

Photo gallery for The RiverHouse Pet Friendly Zen River Retreat

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Foggy River Sunrise
The dome is a greenhouse with koi pond & plants. plantings can change w/seasons.
The Upper Deck Seating and Griddle (1)
The Upper Deck Seating and Griddle (2)

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Made for relaxation
    Top-rated for comfort — guests feel right at home here.
  • Onsite parking available
    Convenient and secure on-site parking, a rare amenity in the area.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Walk to Colorado River
3 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 8

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Dog-friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

View in a map
Bastrop, TX
  • Place, University of Texas at Austin
    ‪42 min drive‬
  • Place, Moody Center
    ‪42 min drive‬
  • Place, Sixth Street
    ‪43 min drive‬
  • Airport, Austin, TX (AUS-Austin-Bergstrom Intl.)
    ‪33 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed, 2 Queen Beds and 1 Double Sofa Bed

2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub

Bathroom 2

Bathroom 3

Spaces

Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Garden

About this property

The RiverHouse Pet Friendly Zen River Retreat

Escape to a peaceful riverfront retreat just minutes from downtown Bastrop. Wake up to incredible sunrises, unwind under star-filled skies, and enjoy river access.



Perfect for families, couples, or small groups looking to relax, reconnect, and experience nature—without sacrificing comfort.



The space

Welcome to The RiverHouse, a beautifully restored 110+ year-old farmhouse blending historic charm with modern comfort. This 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home sits on a serene riverfront property designed for relaxation and connection with nature.



Inside, you’ll find:



Spacious 2,000 sq ft layout



Fully equipped kitchen with breakfast bar + dining space



Large living/movie room with theater seating



Bright sunroom with views of the property + upper deck access



Washer and Dryer for longer stays



High-speed Wi-Fi and Smart TVs throughout



Sleeping arrangements:



Downstairs primary: King bed + luxury soaking tub & double shower



Upstairs bedroom 1: Queen bed + futon (sleeps 2)



Upstairs bedroom 2: Queen bed



Additional full bath upstairs with walk-in shower



Pets

“We love hosting well‑behaved pets and know they’re part of the family. Up to 4 pets are welcome with a $75 per pet, per stay fee, which helps us keep the home and grounds pet‑friendly for everyone. The booking sites do not collect this fee. (If you booked directly with us and answered the pet question, you were billed.) If not, you can leave it on the counter at check out or, we can arrange a venmo or in some cases bill your credit card on file. Please let us know the number of pets when you book. Emotional support animals are not service animals under ADA and will be charged the pet fee. See House Rules for full pet guidelines.”



Max: 4 pets



Outdoor Experience

This is where the property truly stands out!



Direct river access (great for tubing, swimming, relaxing)



8 patios and seating areas



Tropical dome greenhouse with koi pond



Hammocks and shaded lounging areas throughout



Frequent wildlife sightings and exceptional birdwatching



You’ll feel completely immersed in nature—yet you’re only 2 miles from downtown Bastrop.



Location Highlights



2 miles to downtown Bastrop (restaurants, shops, events)



5 miles to Bastrop State Park



9 miles to Buescher State Park



Kayak rentals available from local guides found online.



~33 miles to Austin



Good to Know



The River here is on a gravel bar and is typically about knee deep. Since it is shallow, the water can be swift at the bank but calmer and deeper at the end of the gravel bar which is better for fishing and swimming. Entry is from the bank, walk in through the elephant ears.



This is a natural, riverfront setting—expect wildlife, insects, and changing outdoor conditions. Outdoor furniture may need a dusting off each morning.



The tropical dome is a greenhouse and can get warm and humid during the day



Grounds may occasionally be shared with guests from our sister property Harmony House, located on the same grounds, but there is plenty of space and privacy for all or you can rent both.





Booking Tips

Most guests wish they had stayed longer—3+ nights is highly recommended and automatically discounted when available.





We hope to see you soon!



Guest access

Entire RiverHouse



All patios and outdoor seating areas



The River & Tropical dome and koi pond



River access



Other things to note

Policies:



If you intend to host any event, celebration or other function, you will need to disclose this to us in advance and obtain approval, including an agreement to all additional fees and terms.



Max occupancy strictly enforced



Parking: 2 vehicles in driveway (+2 overflow space across from driveway)



Trip insurance is recommended as our cancellation policy will be enforced. If cancelled after deadline we will do our best to rent the property and forward collected fees to you less a 20% re-booking fee.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
Events require permission & additional fees
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 4 total)
Pet fees are additional $75.00 per pet per stay
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Accurate number of guests and pets must be disclosed. VRBO doesnt collect our pet fee You can leave it on the counter at check out or we can bill card
This is a waterfront property; swimming and river activities are at your own risk, children must be supervised at all times.
Park a max of 2 cars on the left side of driveway leaving the right side open. Do not block rd or neighbors gate. Add'l parking in grass across drive.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 9446995
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
This property accepts cash
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 75
Note from host: Events require permission & additional fees
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 fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

About the area

Bastrop

Located in Bastrop, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Rocky Hill and E/Z Picken are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Bastrop County Cedar Creek Park and James H. Long Railroad Park and Museum. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's going on at Bastrop Tennis Center, or consider a night out at Lumberyard Music Hall.
Map
Bastrop, TX

What's nearby

  • Austin Convention Center - 41 min drive - 57.4 km
  • University of Texas at Austin - 42 min drive - 57.1 km
  • Moody Center - 42 min drive - 57.5 km
  • Sixth Street - 43 min drive - 57.5 km
  • Zilker Park - 44 min drive - 69.4 km

Getting around

  • Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) - 35 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪El Nuevo Mexico Restaurant - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪P. Terry's Burger Stand - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Whataburger - ‬8 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is The RiverHouse Pet Friendly Zen River Retreat pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 4 total).

How much is parking at The RiverHouse Pet Friendly Zen River Retreat?

Limited spots are available.

What time is check-in at The RiverHouse Pet Friendly Zen River Retreat?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The RiverHouse Pet Friendly Zen River Retreat?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is The RiverHouse Pet Friendly Zen River Retreat located?

Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is steps from Colorado River and within 3 mi (5 km) of Ascension Seton Bastrop and Fisherman's Park. Bastrop Convention & Exhibition Center is 3.1 mi (5 km) away.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 62 out of 65 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 65 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 65 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 65 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 65 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Thomas C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy
Clean, spacious, and pet friendly. Perfect for quiet weekend.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Jun, 2026
I’m so happy you guys had a great stay with us. Thanks for being awesome guests! We do hope to see you again soon. Until then be well and safe in your travels!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Donna D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful location and great manager
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Mar, 2026
I’m so happy you guys had a great stay with us. Thanks for being awesome guests! We do hope to see you again soon. Until then be well and safe in your travels!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Vicky A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had the best time. What a special place
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Katherine P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
My family really enjoyed staying at this peaceful riverfront property. Beds are very comfortable, bathrooms are great, and the sunroom and kitchen were perfect places for us to gather. Loved the close proximity to town and nearby trails, and sitting down by the water. Was a lovely relaxing getaway.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Scott H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The property was excellent for our pet and family! Would stay here again without hesitation!! Awesome place! Quiet and clean!!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Mar, 2026
I’m so happy you guys had a great stay with us. Thanks for being awesome guests! We do hope to see you again soon. Until then be well and safe in your travels!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ana G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Place was peaceful and relaxing
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Feb, 2026
I’m so happy you guys had a great stay with us. Thanks for being awesome guests! We do hope to see you again soon. Until then be well and safe in your travels!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

James C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Property was as represented on listing and on numerous 5 start reviews. It was particularly suited for our purpose of a get -together with relatives consisting of two senior adult couples. Proximity to HEB and Bucees was a plus. There are plenty of short daily trips from this location.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Stacey M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful location! Our family enjoyed the stay immensely!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Jan, 2026
I’m so happy you guys had a great stay with us. Thanks for being awesome guests! We do hope to see you again soon. Until then be well and safe in your travels!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Adam S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Andy was always super quick to respond to texts and messages, he was very accommodating, and the place is amazing. We had a great anniversary celebration and we hope to come back for a longer stay in the future.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Mar, 2026
I’m so happy you guys had a great stay with us. Thanks for being awesome guests! We do hope to see you again soon. Until then be well and safe in your travels!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Shelly H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Pet friendly! Beautiful view and access to river. Quaint and comfy beds. Would stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Oct, 2025
I’m so happy you guys had a great stay with us. Thanks for being awesome guests! We do hope to see you again soon. Until then be well and safe in your travels!
Verified

8/10 Good

Jennifer S.

Liked: Check-in, communication
Outside, this place is amazing!! The grounds are gorgeous, however, it could have used a little TLC. The bank to the river is a complete drop off requiring at least 2 people in order to haul the other out. Because of the narrowness in the river, it’s flowing like rapids and it’s deep. There has been a lot of rain recently, so maybe it’s not like that all the time, but I wouldn’t take the chance of allowing little kids to get in and get swept away. The plants are very grown around that area also.The house is super cool if you like old cabins, and I truly do!! The bathrooms are awesome, but you have to go through a bedroom to get to them. There is a half bath in the sunroom, so if someone was sleeping, it wasn’t too much of an issue. The kitchen is huge, however, there wasn’t a great selection of pots and pans. I did take a bit of time to clean all the spider webs, pick up the dead bugs, and try to get all the mud dobbers chased out. Overall, it’s a great place and we were there for my daughter’s high school/college graduation and we had a great time as a family! Again, maybe not a place for small children but it is beautiful!! Andy was very responsive to all my messages also!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jeffrey W.

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

The perfect getaway for friends and family

Incredible property on the river. A truly relaxing and fun trip all around.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Mar, 2025
I’m so happy you guys had a great stay with us. Thanks for being awesome guests! We do hope to see you again soon. Until then be well and safe in your travels!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bradley P.

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

Peaceful Escape

The water view and relaxation delivered.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Mar, 2025
I’m so happy you guys had a great stay with us. Thanks for being awesome guests! We do hope to see you again soon. Until then be well and safe in your travels!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dominic A.

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

Pretty cottage, great location

Spacious yet cozy cottage for a relaxing winter getaway. Lovely outdoor area with river access.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 26 Dec, 2022
Thank you so much! We enjoyed your visit and hope to see you guys in the future for some kayaking on the river!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

barry g.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Property was nice and spacious unfortunately the weather was not cooperating
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Jul, 2025
I’m so happy you guys had a great stay with us. Sorry the weather wasn’t the best during your trip! Thanks for being awesome guests! We do hope to see you again soon. Until then be well and safe in your travels!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Timothy K.

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

Great place to stay

The house was old and renovated with modern updates. Had an excellent air conditioning system and amazing grounds.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Oct, 2023
I’m so happy you guys enjoyed the property! Thanks for being awesome guests!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Camellia F.

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

Family Holiday

Great spot to spend a holiday with my adult family. Have already recommended to several people.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Jan, 2024
Thanks for being awesome guests! We are so happy you enjoyed the property! Hope to welcome you back soon!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sarah A.

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

Mothers, Sisters & Daughters

Lovely property, beautiful grounds and nicely appointed inside. Definitely hope to return again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Jan, 2023
We are delighted that you had a great stay with us! We do hope to see you again soon!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christy T.

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

Perfect zen retreat

Such a piece of heaven. Lovely home-like property with incredible views, yard, and access to downtown Bastrop. My son fished daily, our dogs have never looked happier, and we had the most relaxing, chill vacation together as a family.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Mar, 2023
I’m so happy you guys had a great stay with us! You’re welcome back anytime! Next time perhaps we’ll do some kayaking! Until then, be well and safe in your travels!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Eric P.

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

Great home base for paddling weekend

It was great to be able to pull right into the yard and relax before worrying about the vehicle shuttle! Great property for our group, with everything we needed for an awesome weekend. Will certainly be doing this again!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Feb, 2023
We’re so happy you guys had a great stay with us! Hope to see you guys again soon!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tammie G.

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

Beautiful and serene

A lot of effort by the owner to have the grounds maintained. The house is very comfortable and homey feeling. The river is visible from the house.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Aug, 2024
I’m so happy you guys had a great stay with us. Thanks for being awesome guests! We do hope to see you again soon. Until then be well and safe in your travels!
Verified

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

River house.

The property was beautiful. It just needed a lot of love. The shared deck needed some work. Wasn’t comfortable to sit at. The house was very pretty but needed a deep cleaning. The sunroom was everyone’s favorite.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Jun, 2024
So happy you guys had a great stay with us!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Misty B.

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

Peace Like a River

The RiverHouse was the perfect place to kick off our summer break. It met the needs of everyone in our group from ages 8 to 74, plus one dog. Relaxation, wildlife watching, swimming, fishing, paddling—it’s all here in a quiet neighborhood tucked just outside of historic Bastrop. It is a great central location for day trips to visit Brenham, Austin, Round Top and more. Good luck tearing yourself away from the river, though. The grounds are a true wonderland and Andy is a top notch host. The RiverHouse is definitely on our list of repeat destinations.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Margaret C.

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

Serene Relaxation

We love the Riverhouse! A great place to relax and recharge. This is the second time we’ve stayed there; we truly love the peacefulness of the house & property. We especially love watching the birds from the sunroom and walking down the terraced steps to sit by the river. The spa-like bathroom, the entertainment room & the kitchen are all great. There is a comfortable king bed in the downstairs bedroom. (It was just the 2 of us for this stay) Andy is a wonderful host, readily answering questions & always super helpful.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 31 Jul, 2023
Thanks for being awesome guests!
Verified

6/10 Okay

Tawny G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location

Our weekend stay

I’ve been really hesitant on writing this post but feel like there are quite a few things that could have made it better. The property was extremely clean! The beds were extremely comfortable and the house is really stocked with kitchen things that you might need! They have pots, pans, plates, bowls and utensils if you might need them which was great. It was equipped with cleaning supplies and many amenities like a fire pit and games to play! They had TVs in every room and Alexa to play your favorite music! Here were my issues: While the listing said it had a sister house, it doesn’t mention that it’s on the same property and within a few feet from the River House. You will share the property with others. The individuals we shared it with had a yappy dog that barked anytime we walked outside. It was super annoying and the other couple thought it was funny. The refrigerator does NOT work. We found that out after we bought $200 worth of groceries and they were spoiled. Everything had condensation on/in it and it was not cold. Andy was polite and respectful however we felt as though we were being spied on the entire time. He stood outside our door and talked to the other guests for well over an hour and it just felt very uncomfortable. While the views were beautiful, relaxing and peaceful, there was a feeling of having to walk on eggshells and uneasiness of having to share the property with strangers.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Jun, 2021
So sorry you were not happy with your stay. I wish you would have let me know of your frustrations while you were here as I try to be extremely accessible. The fridge has not been an issue and I assure you I would have been on top of it. As mentioned in our description while the houses are private the grounds are shared. This has never been an issue and I apologize it was for you. We make every attempt to be pet friendly and with that sometimes dogs will bark. As mentioned in the description, folks will see me tending to the grounds watering plants etc, as it takes a lot of effort to keep the grounds in pristine condition. When I see guest who want to chat I always take the time to chat and entertain. This is not meant to cause any level of uncomfort, but rather being hospitable. Again, I do wish you would have brought these items to my attention while you were here as I do make every effort to make sure my guest have a great stay.

About the host

Hosted by Andy

Host profile image
Growing up in small town Texas, I was fortunate that it was situated on a River. I love the River life and sharing my properties along the river here in Bastrop. I love kayaking the river and hiking our two State Parks. Ask me about our Serenity Experiences... A favorite with our guest!

Why they chose this property

The property has an almost magical energy to it. It truly is a great place to get away from it all!

What makes this property unique

You will definitely find something to fall in love with here. Whether the sounds of the river, the wind chimes around the property, the bird songs, the wildlife, there is truly something magical about this place. Discover nature, rediscover yourself, or just chill and let the stress fade away.

We also offer The Serenity Kayak Experience, The Serenity Hiking Experience as well as tube and Canoe rentals. The Experiences are great ways to explore our beautiful river and forests with me as your guide, or our rental packages if you prefer to explore on your own... Just message us for more details!

Languages:

English

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