Cabin

The Legend of Gilillavilla

Cabin in Abilene with kitchen and patio

Photo gallery for The Legend of Gilillavilla

Living area
Living area
Living area
Room
Room

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good
1 bedroom1+ bathroomSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Pet-friendly
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

View map
Abilene, TX
  • Place, Fort Phantom Hill
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Place, Hardin Simmons University
    ‪12 min drive‬
  • Place, Abilene Christian University
    ‪12 min drive‬
  • Airport, Abilene, TX (ABI-Abilene Regional)
    ‪19 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 2

1 King Bed

Common area 1

1 Double Futon and 2 Child Beds

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only · Jetted bathtub

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden

About this property

The Legend of Gilillavilla

No one knows exactly when it began, but the story was born. Gilillavilla. Here, time doesn’t tick like the grandfather clock. It floats.
Mornings rise with coffee brewed in silence. Nights reveal themselves with stars that don’t just shine, they listen. This is where laughter echoes longer, stories stretch taller, and stillness lingers with anticipation. The trees have heard the stories. The porch walls remember the domino nights and football celebrations. And the lake? She has clapped and cheered for it all.

Comforts of the Cabin
• Full kitchen with stove, fridge/freezer, microwave, coffee maker, and dishware.
• All-electric appliances, washer/dryer, and laundry space (with hanging area).
• Wi-fi and three TVs with AppleTV, Netflix, Prime, Disney+ (use your own logins).
• Stocked bathroom with shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, and first aid kit.
• Sleeping arrangements: King bed, queen sofa bed, two child-size bunks, and one comfy couch.

The Legend of Nemo:
Our lake cat may greet you. He’s friendly, fed and cared for by our neighbor- but not allowed inside. He will leave you alone unless you choose to interact with him.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 12:00 PM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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 (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 20
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a first aid kit

About the area

Abilene

Abilene is home to this cabin. Frontier Texas and Grace Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature and Abilene Zoo. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Anthony Field at Wildcat Stadium or Moody Coliseum.
Map
Abilene, TX

What's nearby

  • Fort Phantom Hill - 5 min drive - 6.4 km
  • Hardin Simmons University - 12 min drive - 20.5 km
  • Abilene Christian University - 12 min drive - 21.7 km
  • Hendrick Medical Center - 14 min drive - 22.0 km
  • Taylor County Expo Center - 15 min drive - 29.9 km

Getting around

  • Abilene, TX (ABI-Abilene Regional) - 27 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Big Country Bait - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Charolettes Cove - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Texas Ju-Jitsu Academy - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Pizza Pro - ‬18 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is The Legend of Gilillavilla pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).

How much is parking at The Legend of Gilillavilla?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at The Legend of Gilillavilla?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Legend of Gilillavilla?

Checkout is at 12:00 PM.

Where is The Legend of Gilillavilla located?

Situated in Abilene, this cabin is 3 mi (4.9 km) from Fort Phantom Hill and within 12 miles (20 km) of Hardin Simmons University and Anthony Field at Wildcat Stadium. Abilene Christian University and Hendrick Medical Center are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Reviews

8.4

Very good

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. 11 out of 18 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 18 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 18 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 18 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 18 reviews

8.2/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Check-in

9.2/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

9.0/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Nancy S.

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

Lake House Beauty

My family and I thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the lake house.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Courtney R.

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

Graduation gathering

We spent the day with family celebrating our son’s graduation. Beautiful place. Thank you so much for letting us enjoy it!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

2/10 Terrible

Pam R.

Liked: Check-in, communication
Disliked: Cleanliness, location, listing accuracy
Dirty floors.Diety fridge. Dirty cupboards. Not enough a/c.Smell of wood rot and wet dog.Dirty jet tub.Very dusty.Giant dust bunnies.Old socks under the bed.Nowhere clean to sit outside. Host refunded.I was only able to stay 1 night.Never again.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Carl C.

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

Beautiful and peaceful

My wife and I stayed here for our 20th anniversary. The property and the view of the lake were beautiful. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Anthony Y., Los Angeles

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

Wonderful family vacation spot

Our kids loved the property! You are right on the lake with stunning views of the water and sunset.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Luisa K.

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

Beautiful stay!

Our family gathered to celebrate a birthday. It was a beautiful house with a huge backyard overlooking the lake. We had a great time and definitely recommend booking!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Great Place to Be!

My family and I stayed here to break up a 12 hour drive across two days. It was perfect for us to stretch our legs rest up and have a true road trip experience.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Victor R.

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

Very nice place

Pictures do not give this place justice. It was a lot bigger than we thought. Would definitely recommend to others.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Malinda S.

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

Abilene Stay

Property was very beautiful and clean. Kids enjoyed the paddle boats and exploring the property. Private and quiet. Very unique home. We will be back.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rich K.

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

Christmas gathering.

It was really nice. We were able to grill hamburgers and hotdogs and open gifts with our children and grandchildren. The house was clean and comfortable. We plan to try and stay again in the warmer months so we can try out the lake!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2023

8/10 Good

Phillip B.

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

Lake house

Great house right on water. Large spacious house. Only prob was lack of hot water, and only using Apple TV
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Carrie G.

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

Cabin on the lake!

This cabin on the lake provided the perfect rustic family hang out spot for our visit to Abilene. It was peaceful & quiet as it sits on the lake outside of town. We were able to drink our coffee each morning while watching the water & saw ducks, crane, fishermen in boats etc. It is a small house but has a large outdoor area with plenty of seating. The only drawback is that there is only one shower, but there is a second half bath & that helps. Thank you for sharing your family cabin with us.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

8/10 Good

Fred G.

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

About as advertised, but need some work

Overall, we enjoyed our stay. Facing East gave us beautiful sunrises in the morning. On the other hand, the home is dated and needs more upgrades. The cabinets are old I need repaired. The front door door did not lock properly when I arrived, and I had to fix it myself. There is also a lot of clutter in the home. On the other hand, the location is great, the price was competitive, and the owner was responsive.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

JENIFER H.

Liked: Communication, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Cleanliness, check-in

Miscommunication

There was a miss communication and unfortunately we didn’t get to stay. David was wonderful to work with and tried everything he could to make it right. It just didn’t fit with our time crunch. Because of the miscommunication the home was not cleaned. But would recommend the home for small families!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

2/10 Terrible

Katie Y.

Liked: Communication
Disliked: Cleanliness, listing accuracy
I was in contact with the host a bit throughout the visit as we experienced very uncomfortable quarters when we arrived. I live in Texas, so I understand the heat, but the ACs (all 3 of them) did not go below 81 at all our entire 2 night stay. If you're going to have guests rent your home and spend just under 600 for two nights we expect comfortable living quarters. The pictures on the ad are old. The landscape was not maintained and overgrown the house looked abandoned outside. BBQ, Washer/dryer, Fire pit were all unusable/unaccessible. We had to buy our own barbecue to cook steaks because the two that were there (see photos) were horrible. Just the lawn had been mowed and nothing else was organized cleaned up or prepared for guests to arrive that afternoon. The toilets didn't flush great the entire time we were there we spoke up and let the host know on our last night. We were close to checking into a hotel it was that uncomfortably hot. Host did refund 100 for that inconvenience, but it didn't change anything. There was a hairball stuck to the wall of the shower from the prior guest in (see photo)That really grossed us out we didn't even want to use it. I really hope its prepared/cleaned properly for the next guests. The host did say they would postpone renting to further guests until he could see it for himself. It sounds/looks like the property manager they hired is not doing all they should.
Everything looked like this outside like it was abandoned and never cleaned up
At least clean the outdoor areas for use-super dirty and spiderwebs everywhere
No one should be cooking on these
Well groomed fire pit in the ad, but not the case in present times
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Judith H.

Liked: Check-in, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Communication

Fun place on lake

We had a fun time with children, grandchildren and great grandchildren from the Abilene area dropping in and out all week. They found everything (paddle boat, kayak, paddles, paddle boards) as well as life jackets for all ages. House and yard were large for entertaining both in an out. Little disappointed in the cleanliness. Interior very eccentric and vintage. Whoever cleans does not dust or clean under or behind the furniture or clean baseboards and along them or shower. No rugs only tile with old grout and large area to have to mop. Got our socks/feet dirty. Communicated with host a couple times he was quick to respond and I appreciated. Back door handle kept coming off but it was doable. I still would recommend and we would consider going back. Never communicated with property manager but reading back on all my texting I guess I should have.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Shawna W.

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

Quick Cabin Getaway

Picked this property because of the waterfront location and they allow dogs. My two got to spend some time in the water in this great little getaway. We will definitely be back!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2022

2/10 Terrible

Ken M.

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

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