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Red Sands Ranch River Resort -- Tennis/Pool/Pickleball, Airstrip -- Sleeps 12-37

Red Sands Ranch River Resort -- Tennis/Pool/Pickleball, Airstrip -- Sleeps 12-37

Photo gallery for Red Sands Ranch River Resort -- Tennis/Pool/Pickleball, Airstrip -- Sleeps 12-37

Resort setting at Red Sands Ranch.
Entry to the nearly 1/2 mile of riverfont on the ranch
Cabana from Grill Area
Poolside cabana/kitchen with a few of the guest cabins in background.
Poolside Cabana with full kitchen. (Main gathering area).

Overview of Red Sands Ranch River Resort -- Tennis/Pool/Pickleball, Airstrip -- Sleeps 12-37

Reviews
9.8 out of 10 Exceptional
9 bedrooms6+ bathroomsSleeps 37465 sq m

Popular amenities

  • PoolPoolPool
  • Hot tubHot tubHot tub
  • FireplaceFireplaceFireplace
  • Pet-friendlyPet-friendlyPet-friendly
  • Breakfast availableBreakfast availableBreakfast available
  • KitchenKitchenKitchen

Explore the area

Map
Mason, TX
  • Popular LocationEnchanted Rock Fissure72 min drive
  • Popular LocationEnchanted Rock Cave91 min drive
  • Popular LocationEnchanted Rock State Natural Area91 min drive

Rooms & beds

9 bedrooms (sleeps 37)

BunkHouse

4 Single Beds

FishCamp

2 Double Beds, 1 Single Bed and 1 Double Futon

Lorenz Downstairs

1 Double Futon

Lorenz Upstairs

2 Single Beds and 1 Queen Bed

Riverside Downstairs

1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Futon

Riverside Upstairs

1 Double Bed and 2 Single Beds

Sunday House (Optional)

1 King Bed

Sunday Loft (Optional)

4 Double Beds

The 'Sixty-Eight'

1 Queen Bed and 2 Single Beds

6 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Airstream

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shampoo

Central Bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo

FishCamp

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Lorenz Bath

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Riverside

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Sunday House

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Sunday Loft

Soap · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Kitchenette
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

Red Sands Ranch River Resort -- Tennis/Pool/Pickleball, Airstrip -- Sleeps 12-37

PLEASE NOTE: CURRENTLY THE VRBO QUOTE SYSTEM WILL ONLY GIVE THE BASE RATE FOR THE RESORT AND THREE (3) CABINS WITH THE SELECTED NUMBER OF GUESTS (WHICH INCLUDES ANY EXTRA GUEST FEES). ANY EXTRA CABINS OR LISTED OPTIONS ARE NOT INCLUDED in the base quote but can be invoiced later when the final payment is due. Larger groups may want the optional extra cabins (all 4 for $295/nt) for a total of 7 units. There's also some optional recreational equipment (golf carts, Jeep, kayaks, mtn bikes, etc) which are priced near the bottom of this description, or you're welcome to bring your own.
_________________________

Imagine flying into your own private ranch resort with charming native-stone cabins, poolside cabana, 140' 4-story waterslide, lighted tennis court, 3000' airstrip, fitness center, full-court basketball, pickleball, game room, horseshoes, hot tub, river rapids, fishing, abundant wildlife, miles of trails, and plenty of other activities for all ages. Red Sands Ranch is located on the crystal clear Llano River between the towns of Mason and Fredericksburg and is the perfect spot for family or friends reunions, corporate gatherings, or even tennis team retreats. There are four self-contained rock cabins plus two separate bunk-type units, a vintage '68 Airstream, a Party Shed with TV/Video games, billiards and ping-pong, and a tennis/pickleball court, all surrounding a massive 53ft pool with spa and grotto. The main gathering area is an open-air Cabana with full stainless kitchen, WIFI, and 65in TV. The nearly 1/2 mile of fast-flowing, rock-bottom Llano River runs from the deep pools and spectacular 200ft red sandstone cliffs (featured on the cover of Texas Monthly Magazine) at the west end of the ranch, to more deep water and limestone bluffs to the east. A meandering path leads down to the perfect spot in the river to set a few lounge chairs and relax under an umbrella while the kids shoot the rapids in a tube or kayak. For fisherman or paddlers, there is an amazing 2-3 hour trip that terminates at the Ranch which is the highlight of one of the top ten paddling trips in the state of Texas. The ranch foreman lives on the property about a mile away and is usually available to assist with whatever arises. For horse owners, there is a corral, tack room, covered stall, and miles of trails. And of course there are plenty of lounge chairs around the pool with separate hot tub and a secret 'mine shaft' cave with a little surprise inside the kids will enjoy. Red Sands Ranch is a special place you'll want to come back to year after year.

Accommodations: Total of seven (7) separate units -- ONLY THREE (3) ARE INCLUDED IN THE BASE PRICE. All are air-conditioned with additional space heating, and hot water (plus spa heat) provided by one of the largest private solar heating installations in the Hill Country.
- There's a Bunkhouse with 4 twin beds, a Loft room with 4 full beds, a vintage Airstream with queen bed and 2 twins, plus four (4) self-contained rustic cabins that sleep from 6 to 8 (with additional cots and sleeping pads for kids), each with a wood fireplace*, full bath, stained concrete floors, covered porch, bedroom or sleeping loft, WIFI, satellite TV, and kitchenette (sink, microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, toaster oven and one-burner cooktop). *Sunday House sleeps two (adults only, no pets) in a king bed and does not have fireplace.

INCLUDED IN THE BASE PRICE (the following 3 units and up to 12 guests):
(1) The Fish Camp - a native sandstone cabin with local river-rock fireplace. The covered back porch includes a hammock and overlooks the river and huge pecan trees below. There is a full size pull-out futon downstairs and two full size beds in a sleeping loft -- accessible via ladder, plus an extra rollaway bed downstairs. The bath features an antique clawfoot tub and an outdoor hot shower.

(2) Lorenz House - the largest of the 6 cabins, named after the pioneer family that settled this section of the ranch in the mid-1800's. There is a queen futon sofa down and stairs lead to an upper loft with a queen bed and a trundle with two twin beds. This cabin is also built with local materials and sandstone walls inside and out from the century old rock fences found throughout the ranch, and includes a covered porch swing with views of the bluffs and mountains across the river.

(3) The Bunkhouse - 4 twin beds and a sink/vanity with beautiful views from a balcony cantilevered out over the pool. Note that access to the detached full bathroom is via lighted gravel pathway so this unit is best for older kids.

OPTIONAL UNITS ARE $95 per night OR ALL FOUR MAY BE RENTED FOR $295/nt):
(4) Riverside Cottage - This Fredericksburg limestone cabin is the most private and has the best views of the river from inside the cabin or on the covered back deck from the hammock, rocking chairs, or cedar porch swing. There is a large masonry fireplace and the unit sleeps 6-8 with a queen bed and futon sofa down and a full bed in the upstairs bedroom, along with two twin beds.

(5) Sunday House (adults only, no pets) - an updated historic representation of the quaint Fredericksburg homes built by the German pioneer ranchers for weekend stays when they came to town for church and supplies. This luxury unit features a king bed with full ADA compliant (wheelchair accessible) bathroom and covered porch with swing and easy wheelchair access to the pool area and Cabana.

(6) Sunday Loft - this bunk-style unit is located on the upper level of the Sunday House (with a separate entrance) and sleeps up to eight with four double beds and a half-bath.

(7) The 'Sixty-Eight' - Beautifully renovated (retro-modern) vintage airstream with a queen and two twin beds plus a kitchenette and full bath.

The cabins are situated around a poolside cabana and a beautifully landscaped grilling area which includes a large charcoal grill, picnic table, smoker, firepit, and covered 'cantina' with four lounge chairs.

Common Area:
- Striking 53' free-form pool and poolside open-air cabana with full kitchen constructed of old barn wood ceilings supported by huge hand-made wooden trusses. There is an over-sized gas grill, 2 small ovens, dishwasher, two refrigerator/freezers, built-in microwave, two sinks, soapstone countertops, marine-grade mahogany cabinetry, WIFI, 65in LCD satellite television, BluRayDVD, and BlueTooth/iPod/Aux inputs with speakers located throughout the pool complex. In the wintertime or during inclement weather, the unique steel and glass doors can be lowered to fully enclose the room.

- 'The Shack' Party Shed. A favorite hangout area for the kids, features a flatscreen TV with Wii game console, billiards with a competition-grade, removable top for table tennis, and lots of eclectic neon lighting and decor.

- Fitness Center with commercial elliptical machine and recumbent bicycle, universal weight machine, sit-up bench, and pull-up/dip bars -- satellite TV, and workout towels provided.

- The fully lighted tennis court includes a practice wall, pickleball lines, and full-court basketball.

EXTRAS:
- Pair of off-road golf carts $375 per stay
- Recreation Pkg (4 kayaks, 3-4 mtn bikes, 4-5 tubes) $375
- All of the above for $695
- NEW: 'The Whole Enchilada' ($1595) includes all of the above plus a red 1948 Willys Jeep (std transmission) with an 8' trailer for ‘hayrides’ and hauling gear/umbrellas/coolers to the river or shuttling kids to tube the rapids. Also included is a pair of Standup Paddleboards (SUPs) and a bag full of RS logo gear (t-shirt/lantern/tumblers/stickers) and more.

Property:
- Rolling hill country terrain with large stands of Live Oaks hundreds of years old and mountain views in all directions. At the ranch entrance you'll notice the Simons House, built in 1860 by Conrad Simons and currently occupied by the ranch caretakers, Danny and Becky. It's a classic German story-and-a-half structure with 2ft thick sandstone walls and hand-hewn oak beams and is beautifully restored to much of its original character and charm. In addition to horses and Angus cattle, wildlife is abundant and includes whitetail and axis deer, antelope, turkey, foxes, coyotes, bobcats, quail, dove, roadrunners, ducks/geese, eagles and more. The breath-taking stretch of river on the ranch includes everything from fast-moving rapids over a solid rock bottom for most of the length (where hard-fighting Guadalupe Bass are common) to slow, deep water at either end (where catfish as large as 35 lbs have been caught). Note: river activities may be affected by drought conditions.

Disclaimer: Red Sands is a working Texas cattle ranch with inherent risks and hazards including, but not limited to, rough terrain, heavy equipment, deep and/or fast-moving water, wild animals, livestock, etc. and may not be ideal for vegetarians or poorly supervised children.

Note: Privately owned family-oriented resort. No Youth groups, grad, Rave, or keg parties. Minimum age of 30 required to register your group. Absolutely NO diving or doubles/headfirst sliding allowed. Slide security camera may be active.

© 2024 Red Sands Ranch, LLC. All materials contained on this listing are protected and may not be copied, distributed, or published without the prior written consent.

Property manager

John Gilbert
Premier Host
Premier Host

Languages

English

Amenities

Pool
Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 30
Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Adequate supervision req'd for toddlers.

Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
No keg parties or 'Youth Groups'. Weddings <45.

Pets

Pets allowed: dogs and cats less than 50 lb per pet (limit 3 pets total)
Considered but discouraged. FEE APPLIES PER PET!

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Not allowed in any structures. No butts.
CANCELLATIONS BEFORE 60 DAYS IN ADVANCE WILL RECEIVE FULL REFUND OF ALL AMOUNTS PAID LESS A $500 REBOOKING FEE. PET FEE IN ADVANCE @$95EA.
QUOTE INCLUDES ONLY 3 UNITS THAT SLEEP UP TO 16, ADD'L CABINS AVAILABLE FOR EXTRA CHARGE. Day Guest fees ($50/day ea) -- not to exceed max.
Required WAIVERS will be emailed. Unauthorized pets/guests may lead to loss of deposit. Under 21 yrs should be listed as 'Kids' in the guest count.

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

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: 45
Note from host: No keg parties or 'Youth Groups'. Weddings <45.
This property uses solar energy
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 indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock

About the area

Mason

Located in Mason, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. The Odeon Theatre and St. Joseph Catholic Church are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Llano River. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Mason, TX

What's nearby

  • The Odeon Theatre - 23 min drive
  • St. Mary's Catholic Church - 70 min drive
  • Enchanted Rock Fissure - 72 min drive
  • Enchanted Rock Cave - 91 min drive
  • Enchanted Rock State Natural Area - 91 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Red Sands Ranch River Resort -- Tennis/Pool/Pickleball, Airstrip -- Sleeps 12-37 have a pool?

Yes, this property has a pool. Pool types include heated pools.

Is Red Sands Ranch River Resort -- Tennis/Pool/Pickleball, Airstrip -- Sleeps 12-37 pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 3 total) with a maximum weight of up to 50 lb per pet.

What time is check-in at Red Sands Ranch River Resort -- Tennis/Pool/Pickleball, Airstrip -- Sleeps 12-37?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Red Sands Ranch River Resort -- Tennis/Pool/Pickleball, Airstrip -- Sleeps 12-37?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Red Sands Ranch River Resort -- Tennis/Pool/Pickleball, Airstrip -- Sleeps 12-37 located?

This family-friendly Mason holiday home is located on the waterfront, 0.1 mi (0.1 km) from Llano River, and within 12 mi (20 km) of The Odeon Theatre and St. Joseph Catholic Church. M. Beven Eckert Memorial Library and Mason County Museum are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Reviews

9.8

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. 159 out of 179 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 17 out of 179 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 179 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 179 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 179 reviews" "

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Laura Kelly H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Heart and Soils Company Tribe Trip
Heart and Soil treats their company employees to a short mid-year working "get away" trip every year. Our CRO, Dillon Randolph, found this great location in Mason County, which is not far from our Dripping Springs HQ! The Red Sands Resort is a 250 acre, working cattle ranch that the owner originally bought for him and his family and he personally built the gorgeous cabins and houses, with beautiful detail and care in each one. It has a big tennis/basketball court which our group never left, a pool AND a huge water slide, not for the faint of heart!!! When the owner, John Gilbert flew over us, out on the river, we knew we wanted to see that view, and at our pleading, took a couple of us up in his plane!! The views are incredible, as are the sunrises and sunsets as well as a great view of a thunderstorm!Don't know when his staff picked up our trash and we had a ton but NO ONE ever saw them! We met his amazing Chef Tammy Rippy Friedrich, who crushed our Animal Based way of eating with sides she came up with and sides from one of our tribe members sister, Ashley Rothstein. We wrapped up the week with entertainment from Justin McFarland, A great guitarist! His voice is beautiful, his originals GREAT and we had fun with his cover choices! This is a perfect location for family reunions and company retreats. Heart and Soil highly recommends this property! Thank you John Gilbert and the Red Sands Ranch staff!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

8/10 Good

Walter C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication
Disliked: Listing accuracy
Problems in paradise
One golf cart would not reverse but was fixed. Another cart had ignitIon problems but was fIxed. Jeep had to have an existing flat tire fixed. Fitness equipment not working right. No treadmill there, though it was advertised. One bicycLe had a broken pedal. No storage space for food in the cabana. The microwave oven broke, but was replaced the next day. The river level was so low it was barely usable. The pool was awesome. The air conditioning was great in the sleeping spaces. All living areas were clean. We loved the tennis court, horse shoes and corn hole toss, ping pong and pool tables. The slide was enjoyed.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

8/10 Good

Stacy C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Elaborate Texas vacay
One and done due to the price. But fantastic time had by all ages! Would not have changed my mind to spend the money. I personally lived in the pool, rode around on golf cart to river and to see wild life, even shot some pool. Stairs to lofts in cabins as well as slide were steep! Difficult for small kids to climb by themselves. We had a wide range of ages and made it work. Some equipment seemed like it had seen better years and time. There is NO OVEN!! Grills only, toaster oven. The GOOD definitely out weights everything else. Didn’t want to come home! Thanks for a great stay
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Carol D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Family Adventure
All 32 of us had a wonderful experience!! We loved everything about Red Sands Resort!! So much to do, for everyone from 2 years old to me & everyone between!!! We loved it!!!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Stacie G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent place to unplug
I was with a large group- 14 in total. Each family had their own cabins to stay in. The cabins were very nice, each having it's own bathroom, kitchenette and air conditioning units. The pool was the main attraction for the kids! They have a trunk FULL of pool toys that we enjoyed the entire time! When they grew tired of that (which wasn't very often) there was always something else to do! Tennis, horseshoes, tubing down the river, ping pong, board games, etc. There is so much to do at this resort that we didn't get to it all! John, the host, answered all questions that we had immediately via text and was extremely helpful throughout our entire stay. He even checked in a few times to make sure we were enjoying ourselves. The cell reception was hit or miss because the resort is in such a remote location, but nobody seemed to mind because it added to the overall experience. Everyone that came enjoyed themselves, ages ranging from 5 years old - 70 and everywhere in-between! It was so relaxing to be able to do what we wanted without worrying about anything or anybody. If you are looking for a place to truly unplug from the world, look no further! The views are amazing and it's truly a one-of-a-kind place!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

About the host

Hosted by John Gilbert

Host profile image
I grew up in Baytown, TX working in construction in the summers and earned Petroleum Engineering and MBA degrees (along with my pilot's license) at Louisiana State University (LSU). After spending a few years in California and Australia with various software companies, I moved to Austin, TX in 1991 and started my own business. Upon selling the company and retiring in my late 30's I quickly learned that I needed more activities than just playing sports all day, and wound up with a nail-gun and 250 acres of raw land on the Llano River. Originally conceived as a few head of cattle and a couple of rustic, riverfront cabins around a firepit mainly to spend time with friends and my wife and three kids -- it's since grown in scale and maintenance to the operation that exists today. Although years later, as a 5th generation engineer and wanna-be architect, I'll probably always be designing or building another 'project' at Red Sands but it has finally evolved to the stage where I can (almost) call it complete.

Why they chose this property

Property tours are no longer provided but you can check out the layout and scenery at: https://youtu.be/Q-ktPvut5CI (paste in new window).

For other aerial tours, news stories, and more:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifJLhda8wbs
http://www.youtube.com/embed/Q-ktPvut5CI?rel=0
https://www.facebook.com/thrillisttravel/videos/326478261440777/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-ktPvut5CI
https://youtu.be/ZTOY_RoU47c
https://www.today.com/home/vacation-rental-houses-indoor-outdoor-slides-t135936

Realtime weather is available at the Red Sands Airport: https://www.wunderground.com/dashboard/pws/KTXMASON3

What makes this property unique

Red Sands Ranch is a unique property specifically for guests that prefer an exclusive, private outdoor resort experience in a rustic, natural setting unlike anything available at the large hotel chain resorts. Although expensive, the total rental for a large group is actually much less than a hotel resort stay even before you buy that first $8 beer -- and you won't have to share the pool with 150 kids in swim diapers.

The ranch elevation (1280-1420ft) and semi-arid climate of the area offers more comfortable summer breezes and cooler nights than most of the large metropolitan areas of the state. Other than the spectacular Texas Hill Country setting, the most unique feature of the property is the layout where the pool, cabana (kitchen/dining), firepit, tennis, and all the other resort amenities are part of the main gathering area (rather than some back parking lot) while the separate cabins offer peace and privacy just a few steps away. In addition to all the activities, kids are always captivated by the abundant wildlife, crystal clear river, and the sheer number of stars visible in the clear night sky. Come make some memories and experience the real Texas!

Languages:

English

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