Outside Austin, Texas, USA Casual Lake Life on Beautiful Lake Travis. I can PETSIT! I can do long exchanges. Really love the idea of living in Italy!
House • Spicewood TX United States
7 Guests
3 Bedrooms
4 Beds
2 Bathrooms
Pets welcome
2 Car spaces
Primary home
Exchange types accepted
Simultaneous
Non-Simultaneous
Non-Reciprocal & Globe
Hospitality
Statistics
Listed February 2021
Views 5085
General overview
Get away and enjoy beautiful Lake Travis just outside of Austin, Texas. Lake Travis is a BIG lake. The lake is 63.75 miles long, has over 271 miles of shoreline and its maximum width is 4.5 miles. Lake Travis is THE most visited freshwater recreational vacation destination in the state.
NOTE: Lake Travis fluctuates in water level. Some summers we are in a drought and the water is low and some it is very high. I have tried to show both high and low water levels in my pictures. Best is to google the history of Lake Travis water levels. It’s a pretty interesting read.
So much more to Austin than just the lakes. Google will do justice in informing you things to do in Spicewood and Austin areas.
We have world class events: The Austin City Limits (ACL) in October. This popular event spans two weekends and brings artists from all over the world! Also held here in October is the Formula One US Grand Prix! South by Southwest (SXSW) which takes place for over two weeks in the Spring, consisting of film, interactive media, music festivals and conferences. These events are world-famous and they bring thousands of people to our city from across the globe.
In addition, you'll find smaller venues/great food with nightlife on Sixth Street, Rainey Street, East Sixth (across I-35) and South Congress. Each area has excellent restaurants, pubs, and live-music venues, each with its own charm and character.
The lake is a great destination in itself, however it's close to everything The Hill Country has to offer. Close proximity would be Austin proper, Fredericksburg, Dripping Springs, Marble Falls and lots of other lakes and outside adventures.
Don’t miss the Bats under the Congress bridge, visiting the state Capitol building, zip lining in the Hill country, wineries, breweries and so much more.
I think google will be your best friend because there is way too much to mention here. Trust me…lots to do in my neck of the woods and all over for that fact.
The space
This house is a 3 bedroom/2 bath. One bedroom is downstairs with a Queen bed and connecting bath. This is the only bathroom available downstairs which includes walk in shower/ toilet and single sink.
The second floor contain 2 bedrooms with a connecting bath with a tub plus shower, toilet, vanity and one sink. One bedroom has a king bed(very firm with an airweave mattress). The other room has a full and a twin.
One entrance in back is a walkup, same floor. Side entry(which is used as the main entrance) has two steps to get to the entry. Sliding Doors that open completely up to a beautiful outdoor living area with a magnificent view of Lake Travis off the back of the house. Full kitchen, with microwave, oven, coffeepot and all amenities. Washer/Dryer included. Plus WiFi. No cable, however Netflix, Hulu, Disney, HBO and local channels are all available.
A dock is also available with 2 stalls. Fridge/microwave, grill are available for use on the dock as well.
Guest are welcome to use the fire-pit with caution please. Sometimes we have a burn ban in effect and no fires are allowed so please follow all rules.
Guest access
Main door access with keypad code to get in.
Notes
The shores of Lake Travis are very rocky. Zebra muscles have invaded our lake making the shoreline a place that your feet can get easily cut by these dried up muscles. Shoes are pretty much a must. Sometimes the ramp and the rocks get slick with algae so please be very cautious when walking down at the ramp or entering the dock.
A cleaner is an option for guests who stay at my home and request for one. If no maid service requested Guests need to please clean before they leave, and leave it as they found it. Please factor this into your planning if interested in a swap with me. Note: I don’t require guests to launder sheets and towels - just strip beds before you leave and place all dirties on the floor in the laundry room. I know sometimes travel plans are tight and it's hard to get out the door on time so I won't hold you to this job if you run out of time and I totally understand.
I am always happy to pay for a cleaner at homes I stay at.
Features
Washer
Dishwasher
Clothes dryer
Oven
Microwave
Coffee machine
Fridge
Iron
Hair dryer
Heating
Air conditioning
TV
WiFi
High Speed Internet
Bathtub
First aid kit
Wheelchair accessible
Smoke alarms
Fire extinguisher
Bed sheets
Towels
Workspace
Fireplace
Home cinema
Toys
Gym
Sauna
BBQ
Pool
Hot tub
Balcony
Garden / yard
Deck / patio / courtyard / terrace
Covered porch / verandah
Kosher home
Meat-free kitchen
Gated community
EV Home Charger
Bikes
Camping gear
Kayak
Tennis court
Standup paddleboard
Travel Styles
Long term
Weekend
Adventure
Family
Romantic
Sport and leisure
Foodie
Relaxing
Water
Skiing
Culture
Hiking
Cycling
Last minute
House rules
Unsuitable for infants under 2
Suitable for children ages 2-12
Pets welcome
No smoking
Allergens
Cat free
Dog free
Carpet free
Smoke free
Fragrance free
Dates of Availability
Click on availability periods to see exchange types and descriptions.
Neighbourhood
Quaint little neighborhood street. All our neighbors are close and know each other and help each other. I am the last house on this street which backs up to a private ranch and allows for plenty of privacy.
Getting to my home
Austin–Bergstrom International Airport or ABIA is a Class C international airport in Austin, Texas, United States serving the Greater Austin metropolitan area. Located about 5 miles southeast of Downtown.
My home is about 50 minutes drive from the airport.
A car is pretty much a must.
Nearest airport
Austin-Bergtrom International Airport AUS
Getting around
The airport(Austin Bergstrom Airport) is about a 50 minute drive to my house. The Galleria is about 20 minutes away along with major grocery stores and restaurants. We also have various restaurants on the lake. There are wineries, breweries that are close proximity. Kind of like being out in the country, however not a far drive to get to civilization and grocery stores, etc. There really is nothing in walking distance. However I am an advid runner and walker so plenty of hills and roads to walk for exercise. I do have a spin bike as a fixture in my home. You are welcome to use it, but please be careful. This is a 3000 dollar bike and I just ask you treat it with respect. No kids on it in other words. Thanks.
Map of Approximate Location
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People Like Us Local Guide
Hi here to help if anyone needs anything. Meet up, pick up, information, etc.
I believe in paying it forward and have had many help me. ❤️
INCREDIBLE doesn't even begin to describe this experience! Mary was extremely hospitable and her home was gorgeous. The lakefront view is one of my favorites, with everything you need to play or relax. Mary treated us like friends even before we arrived, and I would love to come back here to stay!
I wasn't able to stay at Mary's home yet, but she was an absolutely amazing guest! We'd welcome her back in a minute. My dogs adored her, and she rolled with everything sent her way: earthquake the first hour she arrived? No problem. Record heat wave, followed by unseasonable rain? She found it refreshing. Dog that climbs fences? A chance to meet the neighbors. She's a lot of fun to spend time with, and she left the house better than she found it.
We had the absolute best time at Mary’s place. We didn’t mind the drive from the center of Austin because it’s close to tons of fun things we wanted to do and we planned to drive a lot. Staying right on the lake was such a treat. My kids were thrilled with the golf cart ride to the water. Only thing that could have made our stay better was to meet Mary in person.
I actually just got home today. Thank you so much for the kind words. Loved finding the adorable thank you notes from the kids!!! So Special. Thanks for respecting my home. ❤️
We spent almost a week at Mary's home. It was everything we could have asked for and more. The location being just 50 minutes from Austin meant we could see a bit of the city and then retreat to her sanctuary on the lake! There are plenty of things to do in the area - restaurants, waterparks, zip lining, you name it but you don't have to leave Mary's house at all really. The dock is right on beautiful lake Travis complete with lily pads, kayak, paddle board, swings and rope jump. The kids and adults were in heaven. For dinner, we sat out at her huge table under the covered canopy and when kids were gone to bed, we lay on the loungers and enjoyed the heat and tranquility of the nighttime. The view of the lake from inside her home could never get old with the whole back wall of the house being one massive glass door. Mary is a doll and a pleasure to communicate with. If she ever asks to swap with you.....SAY YES!!
We spent almost a week at Mary's home. It was everything we could have asked for and more. The location being just 50 minutes from Austin meant we could see a bit of the city and then retreat to her sanctuary on the lake! There are plenty of things to do in the area - restaurants, waterparks, zip lining, you name it but you don't have to leave Mary's house at all really. The dock is right on beautiful lake Travis complete with lily pads, kayak, paddle board, swings and rope jump. The kids and adults were in heaven. For dinner, we sat out at her huge table under the covered canopy and when kids were gone to bed, we lay on the loungers and enjoyed the heat and tranquility of the nighttime. The view of the lake from inside her home could never get old with the whole back wall of the house being one massive glass door. Mary is a doll and a pleasure to communicate with. If she ever asks to swap with you.....SAY YES!!
Thanks so much Tara! Y’all were great to exchange with and so appreciate it! Loved the special notes the kids left and wine. Thank you. ❤️
Mary’s home and Mary were amazing for our exchange. She was accommodating in allowing a few extra family members for us to enjoy a long overdue family get together. The lake was so fun for all of us to enjoy as well as the floating dock with seating and music. We truly had a wonderful time. The last day we had our friend, who lives in very nearby Austin, to take us to see great sites in Austin such as the Oasis Restaurant and the Stevie Ray Vaughan statue.
The home is at the end of the road so there is lots of privacy and it’s quiet too. Mary’s home is welcoming and perfect for relaxing and enjoying the views of the lake. We feel like we have made a great new friend in Mary and look forward to staying at her home again.
First of all, Mary is an amazing host. Warm, kind and super relaxed.
We all enjoyed Mary’s amazing lake front house. Mary has all water equipments, the Lilly pad was awesome. The house has full lake view which I think truly spectacular. We really enjoy seeing sunrise and sunset everyday.
My son loves chickens and picking up eggs everyday. Mary let us to eat the eggs, wow it was delicious and fresh.
Mary did amazing job on decorating home, bed was comfortable and she has everything that we need. My son refused to going back to home lol
Lake Travis is amazing lake and Mary’s house was absolutely beautiful. We all had an amazing time.
We are looking forward to host you in our home.
Thanks for everything Mary!
Awwww. Thank you. Didn’t realize I could respond on these messages so a little late.
Mary accepted my 'hospitality' request at a very short notice, which was much appriciated..we were on a road trip, the internet connection was intermittent & i was not able to make a formal request..we did, however exchange phone texts & ended up spending the night at Mary's lovely lakeside house..
Our stay was very enjoyable: Mary s very hospitable, kind & funny..in the evening of our arrival we had food & lengthy chat by the fire pit on her patio overlooking the lake and in the morning were offered lovely breakfast that included fresh eggs from Mary's hens..
I wholeheartedly recommend Mary as a host / guest and am looking forward to receiving her at my home..
We have had the pleasure of welcoming Mary in our home as a last minute surprise. And what a wonderful person Mary is.
She was so easy to communicate with and took such good care of our place!
Without any doubt we would love to welcome her again.
Mary is the perfect guest! We had the best time together along with her travel buddy Jordan. We will be friends for life!!
Do not hesitate to exchange with Mary is the chance arises. She will leave your home better than she finds it :)
Thanks so much Tara. We were so
Lucky to be accepted in your home. You all are so appreciated. ❤️
Mary stayed at our place for a week and watched our dog too. Never has a dog been so loved. Mary took good care of everything and we hope to see her again!
Mary is the perfect guest! We had the best time together along with her travel buddy Jorjan. We will be friends for life!!
Do not hesitate to exchange with Mary is the chance arises. She will leave your home better than she finds it :)
Mary was a great guest in our home and welcome back anytime. We felt like we were long time friends as soon as we met. She was courteous, prompt in all correspondence and just great person!
Mary is such a sweet guest. I was glad I got to meet her before she came to my house. She left my house immaculate and would love to exchange with her again.
Gabby and a friend were guest in my home. We began with messaging and had great communication before the exchange started.
I just feel soooo bad that the weather didn’t cooperate for them and that the lake was so low AND that they couldn’t get my golf cart running. By the way,Gabby, it works just a little stubborn! Lol. Ya just had to pump that gas petal. Ugh. I’m sorry!
Anyway, all worked out and I’d love for them to come back for another exchange when the lake is up and it’s not raining. Ha
Thanks for taking care of my home. And a plus that yall got to hang out with my daughter.
Can’t wait to see Ashville! 😀
I had the pleasure of staying in the downstairs apartment below Pace’s home. I’m telling you it was a first class set up and I had everything I needed. Nice and clean, convenient and very comfortable. My main objective was a place close to Skiing and this offered the best of both worlds. Heber, to me, is a hidden gem. I’d pick it to stay over other places close to the slopes. It had everything to offer and then some.
I so enjoyed meeting Pace and his family. Great communication and they welcomed me with open arms. I felt right at home and so fun to get to know.
So if you want a hidden getaway in Utah this apartment is ideal!!! Plus tons to do around the area. You would need a car, but so much to see and do and it’s beautiful!
I don’t even know where to begin. Here I was on my first solo trip and I ended up in Lisbon, Portugal not knowing where I’d be staying or having any plans for that matter. I just knew I had about 10 more days to kill before continuing on to Spain for a 3 week pet sit. I didn’t want to have to fly all the way back to the states and turn around and fly back to Spain. In desperation I posted on the PLU site asking if anyone had a spot open for me or knew anywhere I could stay.
That’s when Yvonne messaged me to tell me their flat in Lisbon was available because they happened to be in Greece and I was welcome to use it! I felt like I had won the lottery! I arrived at their beautiful Flat and was so excited to have a safe haven for the next 10 days or so! Their place was amazing!
Their Lisbon flat is not yet offered on the PLU site, however their place in Spain is thus the communication thru the PLU site. I’m Telling you timing was everything and Yvonne really did save me and go out her way to get a key to me. I was solo and scared so by her reaching out to me with this amazing offer I can’t tell you how grateful I was! I will be forever indebted to them for their kindness and generosity.
Yvonne, I just wanted to express my heartfelt gratitude for letting me stay at your amazing home. Your generosity and kindness are truly appreciated, and I had so much fun. Thank you so much.
I just completed a home exchange with the Keane family and had the pleasure of spending time at BOTH of their homes. They were so kind to host a friend and I for 3 nights in their Dover, MA home. It was such a pleasure to finally meet the family and we so enjoyed our time visiting with them and getting to know them. Not only did we get to visit downtown Boston, but also hiked close to their Dover home. We continued our trip by driving north to Casco, Maine where their vacation home is located. Wow, both homes are absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!! The Dover home with it's huge backyard with a pool and a beautiful house. Then their is the Casco, Maine home that is near the Sebago Lake with a beach, hiking, swimming, a tikki bar, restaurants and so much more...
You won't be disappointed on either home you choose. So much to do and see! I Certainly give both homes a 5 star and hope I get to go back one day.
And that is why I love PLU. It's the people you meet who become your friends and are no longer strangers as in the Keane family. :)
I was so excited when Stacy asked me to watch their adorable dog, Francie, while they went to Hawaii. What a great place they have in Heber, Utah. We so lucked out to arrive early enough to meet the whole family. She gave us a choice to stay in the guest apartment downstairs or the house. We opted for the amazing apartment downstairs which had all amenities and is very nice. Then we were also able to enjoy the beautiful living area upstairs as well. Their house is so beautiful with Mountain view’s all around. Also great walking paths to take the dog and very kid friendly. Their house is great proximity to Park City ski area and many other ski spots. So much to see and do! Heber is a hidden gem if you ask me. Close to lots of activity, scenery and several fun spots.
Thank you Stacy and Pace for opening your home to us. So enjoyed it and a 5 star for sure!
First off let me tell you that I was so honored to be the chosen dog sitter for Mitch and Lisa's two dogs! I hit the jackpot let me tell you. I arrived Oakland airport and dumb me got lost so poor Lisa and Mitch had to wait extra for me to arrive. They had an early 4:00am wake up call to catch their flight and I'm sure they wanted to go to bed. I finally arrived and Lisa showed me all around their wonderful home and outside where the chickens were so I would know what to do. It was dark by then, but the cool weather and ambiance of the home were so inviting and lovely. They had dinner waiting for me so we enjoyed a fabulous dinner and shared a bottle of wine! I mean that was extra special being they needed to get to bed and start early! Plus the 2 bottles of lovely wine they left for me from the local Karah winery were a treat as well.
I so loved their home and was so relaxed and comfortable and felt at home myself! What a great get a way for me. Waking up to that beautiful view and the 2 doggies. I loved it. The dogs and I became fast friends and I even moved their doggie beds to my room so they could be next to me. The one younger dog followed me everywhere just like my own(even to the bathroom, yup that's what my dogs always did).lol She was easy to take running with me because full of energy. Then I'd come back and grab the older dog and we would all venture down the street for a short ways because that's as far as the older dog could go. They were such easy dogs to take care of! And of course I enjoyed the hens and especially their fresh eggs!
Mitch and Lisa have a huge garden full of produce. My favorite was the heirloom tomatoes! They were to die for. So much produce that were beautiful! What a green thumb! And the flowers all around her yard were gorgeous. I had to go pick a bouquet and put them in water by the sink so everyday I could enjoy looking at their beauty along with the gorgeous scenery! I could go on and on about all the beauty I saw out of all their windows.
I was lucky enough to take day excursions and visit wineries, the beach,go into town and even meet up with some fellow PLU'ers. So fun.
My 3 weeks came to an end and I was so sad to leave. I'm hoping I will be able to dog sit again some day and stay in Mitch and Lisa's amazing home. I truly was so lucky to be the chosen dog sitter!
Now don't any of you get any ideas and take my job away. lol
And of course even though it was a non-reciprocal trade Mitch and Lisa will always be welcomed to my home anytime!!!
Please go out of town again so I can come back! lol :)
Stacy and fam were great guest. What a beautiful young family of 5! I really don’t know how these young folks can travel with young kids and keep it all together. Lol
Thank you for respecting my home and keeping the lines of communication open. I hope one day y’all will come back when the water level of Lake Travis comes back up.
And to come home and find such sweet artwork and thank you notes written by the kids was so Special. I wished I had the pleasure of meeting your family and hugging those sweet kids. Happy trails to you all. Thanks for being such great PLUers! ❤️
You are welcome back anytime!
I haven't yet had the pleasure of doing my end of the exchange with Tara and family in Boston but sure look forward to it! Of course like all my exchanges I feel I made a new friend with Tara! Look forward to traveling to her home later! :)
First off, let me just say WOW!!! I was so lucky to have an exchange with Marcella! Not only did I enjoy getting to know her during the year it took to complete the exchange but was fortunate to actually meet her in person the night we arrived at her amazing home! I was so happy we came one day early and were able to meet up in person before she flew out early the next day. We arrived after dark and boy was her home amazing in the dark, but when we woke in the morning with all the birds chirping and the beauty of our surroundings it was even more beautiful than we could ever imagine! The pictures just don't do it justice. The snacks, wine, chicken salad, and sandwiches she left for us were very thoughtful and much appreciated and came in handy since we had no time to get to the store coming in late the night before. Anyway, just want to do a shout-out to Marcella for letting me have the best exchange ever. What a gorgeous home and Costa Rica is amazing. I sure appreciated all the informative information she left for us, the books on Costa Rica, and answering all my endless questions because I failed to read her handy information sheet in the first place! Thank you, Marcella, for putting up with me being clueless. Sure enjoyed the kitty coming to visit morning and evening so was a pleasure to feed it. Also enjoyed the various animals that showed up unexpectedly. Such as the surprise visit from the Coati and all the beautiful humming birds along with my favorite, seeing the Toucans in the beautiful trees on her grounds. Her wonderful green thumb and decorative touch are on display throughout the house and grounds. The outdoor shower was spectacular and the house inside and out was so comfortable. I would recommend anyone coming to Costa Rica, use Marcella's house as a home base. We explored many parts of the country and always wanted to return home and relax and enjoy the view, pool, and gardens. Again WOW, WOW WOW!!!!!!!
I already filled out this form last year after a non-sim exchange so it is in the comments. I am unable to send by current review unless this box is filled out. I just returned from Massachusetts for our final exchange.
Please read what I wrote last year when the Keane family visited my home in Lake Travis, Texas. They were awesome guest!!! We are now friends. :) So glad we exchanged and hope we can visit with each other more in the future. I'm stealing her kids by the way. lol
It was a pleasure to do an exchange with Tara and her family. I never got a chance to actually meet them but had messaged back and forth several times and talked on the phone before the exchange, so felt very at ease….as if we knew each other all along. Tara is a lovely person and very accommodating. Since I had to cancel my half of the exchange for a later time she was very sweet about it and flexible for my visit later this year.
My home was left as clean If not cleaner than how I left it. They were also so kind as to leave me wine and handmade thank you cards the kids made for me. So darn SWEET! I look forward to my exchange with this family. Thanks Tara! 🙃
Well I'm happy to say Marcella and fam finally made it to my home. Wow, we had been messaging each other for almost a year now!
Funny how you get to know a person through messaging back and forth. I felt like I've known Marcella forever. I'm so glad she and her family were able to make it to Lake Travis and enjoy the lake. She was great about corresponding, keeping my plants watered, and very respectful to my "rules" I put upon them during their stay. Well....important rules of safety that is. (I do live on the lake and the thought of anyone getting hurt scares me).
My house was left in perfect order when I returned home and I appreciate our open communication with each other.
Thanks Marcella for being a great guest! I can't wait to visit your home in Costa Rica this August!
Glad to of had Kelsey and Wes in my home. I appreciate them taking care of my home and my hens.
All worked out for our exchange and looking forward to my stay in Breckenridge later in December. ❤️
Dana and her family were a joy to have stay at my home on Lake Travis. I've never had someone so appreciative and giving. I feel bad because we did the exchange and then I realized it was Labor Day Weekend which is such a busy time on the lake and I had previous renters. So I had to back out of the exchange. Then last minute my renters bailed due to illness so I went back to Dana hoping maybe they could get out of their airbnb. Sadly, the airbnb would only give them back partial. I think that made me more upset then it did Dana. lol Anyway they ended up coming for a non reciprocal exchange and they were happy about the set up. Thanks Dana, for the beautiful gifts you left for me that were over the top. Also sharing all the fun pictures you took during your stay here at my home. I know your home in Dallas is so lovely and hopefully in the future I can maybe come for a stay. Yall are welcome back anytime. And I so appreciate your hubby taking care of fixing a couple of things for me. As always, Safe Travels.
I had the pleasure of meeting Ginny off of PLU. I needed one nights stay in Charlotte so I could grab my flight from that airport. Ginny was able to accommodate me for a Saturday night stay over and also so kind as to take me to the airport the next day. Great place and such a nice visit. Even though it was short, I know I would be welcomed back and appreciate her hospitality. I just hope I can repay the favor.
Although Vita and I did not do an actual full exchange, I did have the pleasure of meeting up with her and another friend, Eric. They were traveling on a road trip to CA and Austin was a stop over for them. We exchanged a few emails through PLU and I was asked if my house might be available. Just because they only needed one night I was delighted to have the company and had 2 extra rooms to share. Eric and Vita were more than respectful and a pleasure to meet. Now I know I will be able to visit or exchange with Vita in the future. Being this was a first correspondence to have through People Like Us. I was a bit nervous, but everything went as planned and we had a great visit. I look forward to a stay in MA some day and now have a place to actually stay, trade, or just visit. Thanks Vita. A Pleasure meeting you.
Premium
Mary
I am a very outgoing person who enjoys being on the go constantly. In the past I worked for an airline so use to travel a lot. My travels slowed down once the kids were in school. My life changed once I became a Widow in November of 2019. I’ve decided it's time to get out of my comfort zone and start new adventures thus the reason I joined PLU.
I love meeting new people and rarely meet a stranger. I currently live on beautiful Lake Travis. I enjoy being on the lake and all it has to offer. I'm also a lover of animals so would love to pet sit for your pets! I'm also a ride life by the seat of my pants kind of person. Last minute can work for me in other words.
People Like Us is the world's most trusted home exchange community. We believe in sharing, trust, generosity, respect, communication, equality, cooperation, honesty, hospitality, friendship, flexibility and adventure. We take pride in our homes and we care about the environment in which we live: our village, city, country and our planet. We care about the ethos of home exchange and we do it because we love the experience and the friendships that it generates.