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The Ella Norah. A Luxury Retreat. Pool and Spa. Steps to Main Street.

Photo gallery for The Ella Norah. A Luxury Retreat. Pool and Spa. Steps to Main Street.

Exterior
Property video
Pool
Exterior detail
Interior

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Dive into relaxation
    Unwind in the top-rated pool, your perfect spot for relaxation.
  • Outdoor pool
    The outdoor pool is a refreshing retreat under the open sky - a rare gem in this area.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Close to Colorado River
5 bedrooms4+ bathroomsSleeps 10

Popular amenities

  • Private pool
  • Spa pool on site
  • Onsite parking available
  • Dog-friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine

Explore the area

View map
Smithville, TX
  • Place, World's Largest Gingerbread Man
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Place, James H. Long Railroad Park and Museum
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Place, Circuit of the Americas
    ‪47 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

5 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 King Bed

Bedroom 3

1 King Bed

Bedroom 4

1 King Bed

Bedroom 5

1 Double Sofa Bed

4 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer

Bathroom 3

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer

Bathroom 4

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer

Bathroom 5

Soap · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Kitchenette
Balcony
Separate dining area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

The Ella Norah. A Luxury Retreat. Pool and Spa. Steps to Main Street.

Welcome to The Ella Norah, a 1910 Cyprus Greek Revival, that has been fully restored to modern day luxurious glory while still retaining its historic charm. A relaxing & gorgeous haven surrounded by large Magnolia & Oak trees. A bird lover's paradise.This unique place has a style all its own & is in the central historic district of quaint charming, Smithville, Texas where many movies and TV shows have been filmed including Beneath The Darkness, that was filmed at The Ella Norah. Just a short walk to restaurants, art galleries, antique shops. and the Colorado River. A fabulous place to gather with family & celebrate special occasions. We are dog friendly and allow events. Dogs must be pre approved in advanced, paid for and able to follow our strict dog rules. Please do not bring your dog if you plan to leave it alone. Smithville is very dog friendly. Our rates are designed to accommodate 10 guests. Guests over 10 will require pre approval, an event agreement and fees. Please inquire about event pricing. All unauthorized events will be charged a $2500 fine and the reservation will be cancelled.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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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 less than 23 kg per pet (limit one pet total)
We have strict pet rules. Pre approval required.
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
All Events and Dogs must be preapproved, planned in advance and paid for. Our rates are for accommodations for 10 guests only.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 3509090vb
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: 25
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

Smithville

Downtown Smithville, a neighbourhood in Smithville, is home to this holiday home. Bastrop Tennis Center and ColoVista Golf Club are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Buescher State Park and Bastrop State Park.
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Map
Smithville, TX

What's nearby

  • World's Largest Gingerbread Man - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • James H. Long Railroad Park and Museum - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Buescher State Park - 4 min drive - 3.8 km
  • Bastrop State Park - 9 min drive - 14.2 km
  • Circuit of the Americas - 47 min drive - 76.4 km

Getting around

  • Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) - 39 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Dairy Queen - ‬18 min walk
  • ‪El Mexicano Grill - ‬20 min walk
  • ‪Comfort Cafe - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Quinto Patio Restaurant - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Subway - ‬4 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does The Ella Norah. A Luxury Retreat. Pool and Spa. Steps to Main Street. have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is The Ella Norah. A Luxury Retreat. Pool and Spa. Steps to Main Street. pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.

How much is parking at The Ella Norah. A Luxury Retreat. Pool and Spa. Steps to Main Street. ?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at The Ella Norah. A Luxury Retreat. Pool and Spa. Steps to Main Street. ?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Ella Norah. A Luxury Retreat. Pool and Spa. Steps to Main Street. ?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is The Ella Norah. A Luxury Retreat. Pool and Spa. Steps to Main Street. located?

Located in Downtown Smithville, this holiday home is within a 10-minute walk of Colorado River and James H. Long Railroad Park and Museum. World's Largest Gingerbread Man and Ascension Seton Smithville are also within 2 miles (3 km).

Reviews

10

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. 13 out of 13 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 13 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 13 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 13 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 13 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Janet K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Second time to stay here. Very enjoyable.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Oni F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was my favorite rental yet for my birthday celebration. The neighborhood was great, and the aesthetic of the house was beautiful — it honestly inspired me to rethink parts of my own interior at home. We had such a great time and truly enjoyed every minute. The host was quick to reply and very communicative, which made everything seamless. I would absolutely stay here again!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kelly H.

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

Great stay!

This house was clean, well stock and we all slept comfortably! House is well situated for the area! I recommend this house highly!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Maggie D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This property was the perfect location for our girls reading weekend! The house had everything you could possible need and hosts were responsive. House is in amazing condition and the attention to detail with the renovations are impressive.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Giancarlo M.

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

Great House

The place is great and the host is very responsive.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bonnita G.

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

Great house and fun area

The house is great for 9 people. It’s well appointed and had everything we needed. We enjoyed the charm of the house and area. The house is very updated but has the charm of a stately mansion.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Charles E.

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

Awesome place to stay

Property is a trip back in time with all the modern amenities!!! Really easy to kick back and relax!!! Owner is perfect with communicating with.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jamie L.

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

Girl’s Weekend

This property is more amazing than the photos. We will be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sarah S.

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

Exceptional experience!

We were in town for a wedding and stayed at the Ella Norah. What an amazing home! Every detail is perfect and well thought-out for beauty and comfort. The hosts could not have been more gracious or helpful. This is hands down the best place we have ever stayed and we hope to return one day.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had such a wonderful time at the Ella Nora in Smithville, TX! We were impressed as soon as we opened the front door. The home was spotless, beautifully decorated, and had everything we needed for a comfortable stay. The kitchen was well-stocked, the beds were super comfortable, and the little touches made all the difference. The home was very spacious with ample parking onsite. Everything featured in the photos and property description was perfect.Incredible location for exploring the area! We loved being able to easily walk to the downtown shops and restaurants. All communication with the host was excellent. I received prompt replies, and they were always very courteous. The host made us feel right at home.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Dec 2025
Thank you for the wonderful review Elizabeth. We are so happy to hear about your wonderful stay at The Ella Norah. Please come back anytime.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christi E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a group of ten and we enjoyed our weekend so much. There was enough room for us all to gather and eat together in the kitchen, soak in the hot tub, or hang out on the porch or balcony. In addition there was enough space and activities for everyone to break off and do their own thing, whether it was laying by the pool, walking to antique stores, watching tv, frisbee golf, or taking a nap. The house is beyond beautiful and we took lots of great family and group photos. I’ve started a tradition of doing the Tejas Trails Wild Hare with friends and family every year for my birthday. Since this was my 50th, we splurged for The Ella Norah and it was worth every penny. You definitely will want to stay longer.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David H.

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

Incredible House - Beautiful & Clean

My family stayed here for a family reunion. The house is even better than the pictures on VRBO. We've stayed in lots of VRBO's and this is right at the top. I literally have nothing negative to say, all positive. The house was clean, kitchen well stocked, everything worked (including the pool and hot tub), etc. Also, communications with the property manager was awesome. Response was usually within 8 hours of my question. If you're ever looking for a unique and awesome place to stay, this is it!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Apr 2024
Thanks so much for the nice review!!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kari K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

About the host

Hosted by Tinisha Stone

Host profile image
We bought The Ella Norah when it was gutted and did a major restoration that took 2 years. It was built in 1910 and is a Greek Revival Architecture. We tried to save as many original things as we could which include the floors, doors and windows and stained glass. The dining room light was also restored and we love it!

Why they chose this property

Walkable and beautiful stunning trees.

What makes this property unique

All of the bedrooms have ensuite bathrooms. The upstairs porch is so dreamy overlooking the old Magnolias and Oaks, that are as old as the house. We have a flowing water fountain and lots of birds! The spa is very theraputic and can hold 10 people.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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