Stay in a work of art by world-renowned architect José Luis Ezquerra! This private villa in a 'castle' is a piece of history on the Apple Rock golf course. Experience its famous brick dome ceiling–handcrafted by master artisans–and the captivating 40ft spiral staircase. Guests rave about the comfort and stunning balcony sunsets. Watch for the deer that roam the fairway–a tranquil scene the architect himself envisioned–the perfect retreat for your Hill Country golf getaway or romantic escape.
Welcome to Villas Albanas (1980), a private two-story villa and a living piece of architectural history. You will have the entire townhouse to yourself, with a private entrance and no shared interior spaces.
A MASTERPIECE OF "LEJANISMO" ARCHITECTURE
Conceived by the legendary architect José Luis Ezquerra—creator of the famous Las Hadas Resort—this villa is a rare example of his "Lejanismo" style. It's not a copy of the past, but an artistic dream of a distant place, designed to provide what he called a "fantasy quality."
The villa's most stunning features, like the intricate brick dome ceiling, were not merely designed; they were handcrafted on-site by master vault-makers from Mexico, using techniques "handed down from generation to generation since the Middle Ages." You are staying inside a work of authentic, old-world craftsmanship.
THE GUEST EXPERIENCE, ENVISIONED
Perched above the 17th fairway of a Robert Trent Jones Sr. masterpiece, the setting is as prestigious as the architecture. In the architect's own words from 1980, he celebrated that "dozens of deer live peacefully around the houses"—a tranquil experience you can still enjoy today from your private balcony at sunset.
SPACES DESIGNED FOR COMFORT & INSPIRATION
LIVING AREA Relax and unwind in the inviting living room, equipped with a Roku TV and ample seating to gather and share memorable moments.
KITCHEN & DINING Prepare delicious meals in the well-appointed kitchen featuring butcher block countertops and modern appliances. The dining table offers seating for four.
BED & BATH Retreat to one of the two bedrooms or the cozy office, which doubles as a sleeping space. The primary bedroom upstairs boasts a luxurious king bed—praised by one guest as "the most comfortable bed of any rental we've ever stayed at"—a Roku TV, and a full en-suite bathroom. The second bedroom downstairs features the famous brick dome ceiling, a plush queen bed, and a Roku TV.
OUTDOOR LIVING Savor the beauty of the Hill Country from your private balcony or patio. It's the perfect spot to admire the breathtaking sunset views as deer often roam the fairway below. A BBQ grill is also available for your use.
DESIGNATED OFFICE A dedicated workspace provides a quiet and inspiring corner for remote work or creative pursuits.
EXTRA PERKS Enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, a washer/dryer, and a Keurig coffee bar.
For those looking to explore, be sure to check out our guidebook! It’s filled with local gems and our favorite things to do in the Texas Hill Country. We look forward to welcoming you!
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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
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
About the area
Horseshoe Bay
Located in Horseshoe Bay West, a neighbourhood in Horseshoe Bay, this villa is next to a golf course. Apple Rock Gulf Course and Ram Rock Golf Course are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Lake LBJ and Lake Travis. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing, kayaking and waterskiing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with mountain biking.
Pedernales Falls State Park - 40 min drive - 51.5 km
Getting around
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) - 76 min drive
Restaurants
Lakeside Thai Food - 14 min drive
Kynda Coffee - 14 min drive
Waterfront Grill - 12 min drive
Julie's Cocina - 14 min drive
Lost Creek Vineyard - 18 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Architect's 'Castle': Golf Villa w/ Views pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Architect's 'Castle': Golf Villa w/ Views?
As of 30 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Architect's 'Castle': Golf Villa w/ Views on 28 Sept 2026 start from AU$267, 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 Architect's 'Castle': Golf Villa w/ Views?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Architect's 'Castle': Golf Villa w/ Views?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Architect's 'Castle': Golf Villa w/ Views?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Architect's 'Castle': Golf Villa w/ Views located?
Located in Horseshoe Bay West, this golf villa is within 2 miles (3 km) of Lake LBJ, Apple Rock Gulf Course and Ram Rock Golf Course. Colorado River is 2.2 mi (3.5 km) away.
Reviews
9.2
Wonderful
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Barrett is a wonderful host and we loved our stay at the castle! It's located in a beautiful, scenic area with everything you need nearby. We appreciated the comfortable beds, clean linens, and modern furnishings. Overall great, memorable experience for our family!
Nice place. Only one suggestion- spend a few bucks and get some decent towels. Those are thin and rough. My husband said the coffee offerings were awful.
This property was absolutely beautiful from the amazing architecture to the views outside. Everything was very clean and so comfortable! Not to mention, Barrett, was a wonderful host with great communication and so much kindness. If anyone is staying in the Horseshoe Bay area this is definitely the place you want to be staying at!!
The property was well located and easy to check in/check out. Over all the condo was clean, but it is in need of some updates and minor repairs. It is older and needs a bit of updating.
Kristin M.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Verified
6/10 Okay
Gary B.
6 Jan 2026
Liked: Check-in, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Cleanliness, communication
We stayed 12 nights during the Thanksgiving holiday, the place was nice but we had several problems. The thermostat was locked out needing a pin to change settings. We messaged the host first night and he unlocked it for a few hours then it was locked out again. We messaged him the next day but never heard back till our last night. The temperature in Marble Falls went from the 70’s to low 50’s and we couldn’t change the thermostat. So 10 days/nights without being able to control the temperature in the condo. The second day we found ants in the kitchen, again messaged the host but didn’t hear back for 10 days from host. We wiped everything down but the ants kept coming back. The dedicated 2 parking spaces barely heald my full size truck making it very difficult to get in/out. Chances are we would not book this place again
Gary B.
Stayed 12 nights in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Feb 2026
Thank you for your honest feedback. I want to publicly apologize again for the communication breakdown during your stay.
As we discussed privately, I was absolutely mortified to discover that a technical glitch with my app notifications caused me to miss your message on the second day. Responsiveness is my top priority, and it breaks my heart to know you were dealing with the thermostat and ants without support for 10 days. I have since resolved the notification issue and audited the thermostat settings to ensure no future guest faces a lockout.
We also immediately treated the home for ants and noted your feedback on the parking space size for larger trucks. I am truly sorry we missed the chance to make this right during your visit.