Cozy hilltop guesthouse at Barkspin Oaks Ranch. Beautiful views!
The Cowhouse is a charming hilltop guesthouse nestled within Barkspin Oaks Ranch, a 61-acre ranch in the picturesque Texas Hill Country. Located approximately 8 miles southwest of Dripping Springs, this cozy retreat offers breathtaking views that stretch for miles. It’s conveniently close to local wineries, distilleries, and wedding venues, including Alexander at Creek Rd, Camp Lucy, and Cricket Hill Ranch. Other scenic hill country towns like Wimberley and Blanco are within a 30-minute drive, while Fredericksburg is easily accessible within an hour.
The Cowhouse provides a secluded and private haven for relaxation, complete with a fully equipped kitchen and laundry facilities. The kitchen seamlessly opens to the living area, featuring recently updated stainless steel appliances. The living room boasts a large window with an eastward view, perfect for enjoying spectacular sunrises. For entertainment, there’s free Wi-Fi, a Smart TV that also receives local network channels and a DVD player stocked with assorted movies.
Step outside onto the expansive 12 x 30 ft covered porch, which also faces east. Here, you can savor the breathtaking views throughout the day. The porch is equipped with a gas grill and multiple seating areas, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and outdoor dining.
Inside, the bedroom offers a comfortable king-sized bed, a spacious closet, and blackout curtains for restful sleep. The bathroom features a combination tub/shower, toilet, and vanity. Additionally, the laundry room houses a large top-loading washing machine and a sizable dryer.
The Cowhouse has a heartwarming backstory: Built in 2008 by the owners, Andi and Jerry, it originally served as their weekend home. Back then, there was no fence to keep out the livestock, and the curious cows would often approach the house. Their grandson affectionately dubbed it the Cowhouse, as he and his sister loved watching the cows up close. The name stuck, capturing the essence of this rustic retreat.
Barkspin Oaks Ranch, part of a larger ranch settled by Andi’s grandparents nearly 100 years ago, remains rugged and teems with wildlife. Deer, rabbits, and a family of foxes call it home. Bird feeders attract a variety of avian visitors, and occasionally, a pair of hawks graces the skies. It’s a place where nature and tranquility converge, inviting guests to unwind and connect with the land.
The Cowhouse is over 200 feet away from the owners' home and both are on top of a hill inside a 4-acre fenced area. The main house is located where it does not impact the great views seen from the Cowhouse. Outdoor living areas for both homes are separated by trees and there is enough space between them to ensure privacy. The owners and guests will share the private road to the public road but the Cowhouse has a separate parking area. The Cowhouse is 0.3 miles from the public road.
Guests will be allowed to walk around the mowed areas of the fenced 4 acres at their own risk. Guests are not allowed outside of this fenced area except when entering or exiting in their vehicle.
No Smoking or Vaping.
Check-in is 4pm and Check-out is 10am.
No Pets are allowed.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Parking available
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Guests are not allowed outside of the 4-acre fenced area on the hilltop except when entering or exiting the property in their vehicle.
Fireworks are not allowed.
Discharging firearms is not allowed.
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
Cashless transactions are available
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
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
Dripping Springs
Located in Dripping Springs, this cottage is in a rural area. Pedernales Falls State Park and Jacob's Well Natural Area reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Jump Wild and Hill Country Lavender Farm. Labyrinth and The Island are also worth visiting. Relax and indulge in the area's winery tours, or seek out an adventure with horse riding nearby.
Onion Creek Kitchens at Juniper Hills Farm - 14 min drive - 9.0 km
XLR8 Ranch - 16 min drive - 10.9 km
Pedernales Falls State Park - 21 min drive - 23.2 km
Deep Eddy Vodka Distillery - 25 min drive - 28.0 km
Getting around
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) - 55 min drive
Restaurants
Whataburger - 23 min drive
McDonald's - 22 min drive
Starbucks - 22 min drive
Taco Bell - 22 min drive
Mazama Coffee Co. - 22 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Cozy hilltop guesthouse at Barkspin Oaks Ranch. Beautiful views! pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Cozy hilltop guesthouse at Barkspin Oaks Ranch. Beautiful views!?
As of 12 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Cozy hilltop guesthouse at Barkspin Oaks Ranch. Beautiful views! on 20 Dec 2025 start from AU$163, 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.
How much is parking at Cozy hilltop guesthouse at Barkspin Oaks Ranch. Beautiful views!?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Cozy hilltop guesthouse at Barkspin Oaks Ranch. Beautiful views!?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Cozy hilltop guesthouse at Barkspin Oaks Ranch. Beautiful views!?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Cozy hilltop guesthouse at Barkspin Oaks Ranch. Beautiful views! located?
Situated in a rural location, this cottage is within 6 miles (10 km) of Field of Dreams, Onion Creek Kitchens at Juniper Hills Farm and XLR8 Ranch. Dr. Pound Historical Farmstead Museum and Twisted X Brewing Company are also within 12 miles (20 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
The house was nicely stocked with everthing we could need. The view is lovely and the home was just perfect.
Mario B.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Dec 2025
Thank you for your review. I try to provide all of the amenities for guests that I would for family and friends.
Andi B.
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Kelli
30 Sept 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Andi was excellent host—property well stocked, and excellent communication regarding check-in. Will definitely stay again if return to area. Property peaceful and quiet with excellent views!!
This was a quiet and tranquil place to stay. The place was immaculate with everything you could need for a relaxing stay. The host, Andi, lives on the property and was there to welcome us and share details. We enjoyed the outdoor patio and local wildlife! We will rent again!
Deborah B.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Oct 2025
Thank you for the nice review. That's a great photo of the deer. I look forward to having you as guests again.
Our second visit to the Cowhouse. Very comfortable, extremely well equipped and beautiful views from the porch. Our hosts were gracious and we will return!
Lynn S.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Oct 2025
I appreciate you taking the time to leave another great review! Thank you again, Andi B
Verified
10/10 Excellent
David
20 Oct 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Beautiful property; fantastic views. Quiet, lots of deer; host was fantastic. Will definitely stay again. Highly recommend!
Our stay at the Cowhouse was excellent. The amenities inside were above and beyond! Very comfortable bed and luxurious linens, great shower, well stocked kitchen and a living area with comfortable seating and Smart TV and WiFi. Outside the views were wonderful, and the huge front porch perfect for bird watching and relaxing. Our hosts were gracious, respectful of our privacy and easy to communicate with. It was a perfect quick getaway and we hope to return soon.
Lynn S.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 16 July 2025
Thank you for such nice, detailed review. I am glad you mentioned that you enjoyed bird watching because Jerry and I enjoy feeding and attracting songbirds to our property. I look forward to you returning.
Andi B
Perfect for the 2 of us. Quiet, easy check in and very helpful host. Spent the days hiking/birding the state parks and the evenings relaxing at the cow house.
Without a doubt, the Cowhouse was the cleaniest, best stocked, and most organized we've ever stayed and we've stayed at numerous VRBO properties over the years. I would highly recommend this to anyone.
Paula M.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
David
1 Nov 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
A perfect weekend at a perfectly wonderful home. Views are spectacular. Our host was so gracious and provided many extras like snacks and cold drinks. The home was spotless and the bed so comfortable. One of the nicest places we have stayed through VRBO.
We had a very relaxing time at Cowhouse. It has a serene and spectacular view. The house is lovely, very clean, and has everything that you can possibly need.
The CowHouse was a beautiful and comfortable guesthouse with all you would ever need plus spectacular views and stunning sunrises! The deer, foxes, and birds were the topping!! So grateful to the owners for sharing their space with us!
Joey P.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Nov 2024
Thank you for your nice review. I am glad that you enjoyed your visit and the views and wildlife.
Andi
This property was top notch, every detail to make this a great property was considered. The morning sunrise and evening sunsets were amazing from the front porch swing. The host were great and very helpful. It's central location was perfect. Highly recommend!!
Beverly D.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 7 July 2023
Thank you very much for your comments. Glad that you enjoyed your visit and the views.
Andi
Host was phenomenal! What a delightful property. Exceeded our expectations. The very best Vrbo experience we have had. Everyone needs to come to the Cowhouse!!!
Dudley T.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Nov 2023
Glad you enjoyed your visit to the Cowhouse. Thank you for you for your kind words.
This has been one of the nicest VRBOs we’ve ever stayed in. The beautiful hilltop location offers spectacular views of the Texas Hill Country, making it a truly special place. Andi, was the most gracious hostess we’ve ever had—welcoming us upon arrival with a warm greeting and a brief tour. She has meticulously thought of everything her guests might need, from snacks and quick foods to drinks and other thoughtful touches. We truly enjoyed our stay and appreciate all the care that has gone into making this such a wonderful retreat.
Bill & Pam R.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Mar 2025
Thank you for your wonderful review, and also for your nice comments that you left in the Guest Book. I really appreciate your comment about the views because I think that is what makes the Cowhouse so unique. I appreciate you taking the time to share your experience.
This is my second stay this year. I absolutely love the place and the owners are incredible to work with.I cannot recommend this place enough! For me it is a quick weekend "get away" from work, stress, meetings. You can be here and enjoy the silence and beauty of the views. It's a quick trip into town if you need something or want to explore a bit as well.What I use the place for primarily is astrophotography. Great night skies with wide open views for your telescope and very little light pollution.Cannot wait for my next visit!
is here at the cowhouse! this is our second stay. we chose to be here for the eclipse and it was spectacular. we needed nothing during our stay, because andi thinks of everything. she’s the best host. the stars were beautiful, the Olive Company is always fun and delicious and there were deer and birds galore. thank you again for a memorable stay!
Waking in the morning to open the curtains to watch the beautiful color of the sun raising was the ultimate experience!! Enjoying to quite songs of the birds while sipping our morning coffee while hearing roosters in the distance is relaxing. Andi and Jerry were great with commication and providing privacy. Very relaxing and well stocked accommodations. We look forward to returning the next time we need a getaway to re-energize and spend time together. Andi was fantastic in
Karen K.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Mar 2025
Thank you for your amazing review. I am glad to hear that you had a relaxing time enjoying nature and re-energizing. Jerry and I hope you have a chance to return.
Andi
About the host
Hosted by Andi Berry
My mother's parents lived on a large ranch that Barkspin Oaks was originally part of and my father's parents lived on a farm about a mile away. When I was a kid I would ride around the ranch with my uncle. I grew up in Austin and then moved to San Antonio, but continued to spend a lot of time at the family ranch and Dripping Springs. The hill that the Cowhouse is located on was, and still is, my favorite place. And in 2015 I was finally able to move to the ranch and have my home on that hill.
Jerry and I are retired but we are very active doing projects around the ranch. We are here most of the time and are available if you have any questions. We also will respect your privacy. Please let us know if you prefer no contact. Feel free to ask for something you need or to inquire about the area.
Why they chose this property
The first thing everyone who visits does is stop and take in the view. Our 4-acre fenced tract covers most of the hilltop and you can walk and see in all directions in minutes. Sunrises and sunsets can be spectacular. We are far enough away from cities to have great views of the stars. We see storms coming from miles away.
What makes this property unique
The Cowhouse was our weekend home for seven years. We designed it to be comfortable for us and have the amenities we needed. We wanted it to have enough room and feel homey and not like we were in a hotel room. Jerry insisted that we have the 12 x 30 ft covered front porch so we could relax, grill, and eat outdoors, and enjoy the views. We want our guests to enjoy what we also enjoyed for years.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests