Entire home

The House on the River

Photo gallery for The House on the River

View from deck of house down to the river.
Property grounds
Pool
Property grounds
Children’s area

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 12

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Barbecue
  • Deck or patio

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 12)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

3 Double Beds and 1 Single Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

3 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 3

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden

About this property

The House on the River

The river house retreat is the perfect place to get away from it all. The two and a half acre lot is located on the beautiful San Marcos River, nestled under a canopy of pecan and cypress trees. It's your ideal home base for Texas State events, river fun and outlet shopping. We are a short drive from Austin so keep our property in mind for F-1 Circuit of the Americas, SXSW, ACL Fest & more!

AMENITIES
Amenities include a full kitchen (stove, refrigerator, oven, dishwasher and cookware), a washer, dryer and three bathrooms. The main attraction of this property is the river and beautiful yard.

The house features one large master bedroom with a king bed and en suite bathroom. Upstairs has one small bedroom with a queen size bed, and one large room with three full size beds and one twin bed that allow for dormitory style sleeping. There is also a bathroom upstairs with a newly installed tub/bath combo. The main living area has a large sectional which seats 4 people, along with 2 other chairs. The second entertaining area which is located off of the kitchen has 2 couches with reclining seats. . Both rooms have smart TV's. and DVD players. The house offers a deck off the back of the house for relaxing as well as a large covered pavilion down closer to the river with a BBQ pit and large smoker. We have several long folding tables to place food, as well as a picnic table for seating. The cement bank allows for easy access to the river via a triangle metal swing or ladder. You will enjoy sunbathing or reading your book on the floating dock.

FOR THOSE WITH CAT ALLERGIES: Though there are no cats living in the house, the property is home to five felines friendly felines, who are known to show up in the backyard for some impromptu petting.


HOUSE RULES:
--> Please read before booking with us!
CHECK IN / CHECK OUT
Check in after 2 pm. Check out 11am. We'll happily accommodate special requests whenever possible.
NO PARTIES OR EVENTS
Non-negotiable. Please don't even bother asking.
QUIET HOURS
Since this is a residential neighborhood, we ask that you please keep noise levels at a minimum throughout your stay, and that you especially observe quiet hours after 10 p.m. and before 8 a.m.
NO UNREGISTERED GUESTS
If more than the number of registered guests arrive, you will be asked to leave. Per VRBO policy, YOUR RESERVATION WILL BE CANCELLED WITHOUT A REFUND.
Booking with us means you agree to All Things. Do us both a favor and book only if you find our rules acceptable.

The short term rental city ordinance requires that no more than 12 people be allowed to stay on the property during the rental. We have limited driveway space so all cars must fit in the driveway and cannot be parked out on the street. WE WILL NOT RENT OUT TO COLLEGE STUDENTS looking to have a party and violate noise ordinances or damage property.

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About the area

San Marcos

Located on the waterfront, this holiday home is in Rio Vista, a neighbourhood in San Marcos. Quail Creek Golf Club and Three Dudes Winery are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those in the mood for shopping can visit San Marcos Premium Outlets and Plaza East. San Marcos Discovery Center and Meadows Center for Water and the Environment are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking, scuba diving and snorkelling nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking/biking trails.
Map
San Marcos, TX

What's nearby

  • Rio Vista Park - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • San Marcos River - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • San Marcos City Park - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Texas State University - 8 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Strahan Coliseum - 12 min walk - 1.0 km

Getting around

  • San Marcos Station - 18 min walk
  • Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) - 36 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Industry - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Herbert's Taco Hut - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Sean Patricks - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Fuego Tortilla Grill - ‬14 min walk
  • ‪Toma Taco - ‬2 min drive

Reviews

9.6

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. 65 out of 79 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 9 out of 79 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 79 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 79 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 79 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Aubrey F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was great! The location is hard to beat if you want to stay on the river but also be close to HEB, the square, and restaurants. The beds and bathrooms were perfect for a group stay.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

darnelle w.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Jennifer is the best host to a fabulous property!! It’s a beautiful place setup perfectly for fun and relaxation!! We played on the river, cooked out family style under the pavilion, read books in the gazebo, & played cards at the huge dining table. Our family would highly recommend this wonderful home.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Steve B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This place is really amazing from the house to amenities and back yard! Hands down a great place to stay especially when its on the river and has about 250' of waterfront! The host was great and gave us the history on the home as well as how long the home has been in their family!Had the best time with my three boys and will definitely be staying here again!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kristen T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place to stay! Perfect for just two of us.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Megan C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The host was fantastic - super responsive, friendly, and helpful. The property was perfect. Fantastic location, lots of space, and exactly what we were hoping for! Will absolutely book again next time we’re in the area!!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sabella H.

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

Family trip

Beautiful property!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Stephen C.

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

Great Time, Great Place

Awesome spot, a little antiquated but overall had all we needed! Would recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nancy F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful yard. Great location. Very comfortable. Complete kitchen. It had all we needed. Thank you for an enjoyable experience.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Angela M.

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy
Property is beautiful. House has everything we needed. Thanks for a great time.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jaqueline C.

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

Beautiful family vacation

It was such an amazing home! Had everything we needed comfortably slept everyone the yard is large and beautiful and gave plenty of space for the kids to play. The pavilion was excellent it provided shade, while the adults bar b que and prepared the food. Eagerly waiting for another trip here
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Great weekend retreat

It would be hard to ask for a better gathering spot for friends and family! Great place for a cookout by the river
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Samuel H.

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

Great spot

Perfect spot for anyone looking to spend time on the river. Really helpful host and a great experience.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dwain A.

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

The location is perfect, the weather cooperated!

Just perfect for family / friends quiet get together. LOTS of space inside and by the San Marcos River.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 10 July 2024
Thank you Dwain. I really enjoyed meeting you and your family.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Pam G.

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

Loved this property

The authenticity of this charming home with the contents of decades of life there is something that cannot be staged or reproduced. The nostalgic feel is priceless. Our group of all ages loved it and didn't want to leave. The Green Family.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Neil F.

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

Great River House

This house was perfect for our group of guys. Not fancy but the location and big yard along the river were perfect.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sharon K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Our Visit

We had an amazing time!! The house is a little dated, but the yard and river access made up for that!!!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Casey C.

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

Paradise away from home!

What an amazing property! I wish we could have extended our stay! We could not have asked for more, the house was amazing and the grounds and river access were icing on the cake. Our host Jennifer was so helpful and available for any questions.If you want to stay in a home that has a rich history and more character than a cookie cutter hotel, this is the place for you! We hope to return the next time we are in San Marcos!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Apr 2025
Thank you Casey. It was so nice visiting with you and your family. We look forward to hosting you again. Jennifer
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brooke T.

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

Great Lake stay

This house is great for family and friend reunions. We rented in the winter for a fishing tournament on the river and all said we are going to try and come back in the summer when you could really experience the property more. Great for kids too
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Christina V.

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

Great river house

Lots of space in the home, and access to river is ideal! It’s what your looking for
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023
Verified

4/10 Poor

Paul F.

Liked: Location
Disliked: Cleanliness

River house

Great property with river access. Old house with the need for a deep clean.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Matthew W.

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

BOYz trip

After spending days of our lives floating past this home, it was a dream come true to stay here. The house and property were beautiful and it was the perfect place to stay for a large group. The host was very accommodating and friendly. I can’t wait to come back here again.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Debra S.

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

Fabulous stay!

We loved the house and property! Jennifer was an excellent communicator and provided lots of details when I asked questions before our stay. It was great to be right on the river - the house and yard were the perfect place for our family to gather. The house has a lot of character and the property is gorgeous - we would lover to go back - thank you Jennifer!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mykel-Anne B.

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

Best place in San Marcos, Tx

This place is AMAZING! The location is so close to downtown, but feels like a little piece of paradise on the river! All the feels of home. We will definitely be back on all our visits to San Marcos, Tx! We are so thankful we found it and it was available! Couldn’t have been more happy with it!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 10 July 2024
Thank you. I really enjoyed meeting your family and I'm glad you had a wonderful time. Look forward to having you stay again in the future.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nichol S.

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

River Paradise!

My friends and I had a wonderful weekend get-a-way staying at Rio Vista! This house provided plenty of sleeping space for the 12 of us along with the ability to jump right into the River from the backyard. We will definitely be back!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Aug 2021
Glad you and your friends enjoyed your stay. We look forward to accommodating you in the future.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

tammy w.

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

Wonderfull get-away

We love this property and house. Location in on the water, great to hang out, grill, and watch people float by. This is the 2nd time I have rented this property and will definitely be booking again next summer. Our group, loved it. Owner is very nice and will walk you through the entire house to show you everything.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 6 May 2020
Thank you Tammy. We look forward to you visiting us again next year. You should also consider visiting in the fall/winter. San Marcos has one of the largest outlet malls in the county. Perfect for all of your Christmas shopping.
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