COZY, RIVER-FRONT CABIN, GATED, PRIVATE, ROMANTIC AND UNIQUE
PENNY RIVER is perched on a bank above the beautiful Colorado River with a million-dollar view of its wildlife and surroundings.. Happy families can be seen below picnicking, camping, fishing and boating. As though the view from the deck weren't special enough, the property is gated, privacy-fenced and located a mere 15-20 minutes average from every main center of north, central and south Austin.
You must travel through an old trailer park to get to us, but as one guest recently noted, "Everything on the PENNY RIVER side of the entrance gate is a little paradise." We rigrously sanitize and disinfect the property inside and out. Kids love the 3rd bedroom (bunk bed) we just added and the ability to "camp out" on air mattresses (provided) in our small but cozy living room is welcomed.
Mom and dad get a master bedroom on a beautiful new Tuft N Needle King Size bed, along with their own private bathroom. A combination Guest Room/Study accommodates a single adult who also gets his or her own private bathroom. At the far end of the cabin is the all-new Bunk Room, accommodating a single child or adult, who shares the Guest Bathroom. We get lots of families with kids, so we've added air mattresses and put them in a cedar chest in the living room where the kids can access them and "camp out" at night. It's been a big hit!
KICK BACK... in PENNY RIVER'S Athens Mountain Pine Cabin. It is super-efficient, comfy and features decor that leans antique. Hit the deck and take in the beautiful Colorado River with all its wildlife and hundreds of songbirds. Moms, pops, kids, seniors, friends, all welcome. Parties are allowed but please advise us at the time of the booking of your plans and the speicfic number of anticipated guests you will invite. and the expected duration of their stay and the duration of the party. . A huge plus at PENNY RIVER is that your cabin is basically 100% private; the owner lives on the property as well, but in a fenced-off, separated area. A reminder safety-wise is that the entire property is gated and fenced (except the side open to the river), adding a major degree of safety for you, your family, possessions and automobiles.
Management patrols the propertyseveral times daily at no extra charge. Night lights feature motion-detection activation. Management does not enter the cabin while rented unless some emergency prevails (issue with water or electricity, etc.)
Nights at Penny River can be nearly magical. An impressive 115' x 30' back yard, plush with St Augustine grass, opens to a huge night sky above. Moonlight lights are especially captivating. Grill on the new Mexican Brick Patio below, which in combination with the deck can handle up to a dozen bodies comfortably. A sliding glass kitchen window allows through-food-service to the deck for convenient serving and quick clean-up.
A traveler's bonus is that you do NOT have to go through Austin to get to PENNY RIVER. For just a few bucks, the 130 Toll Road will deliver travelers from the North and South to an exit mere minutes from the cabin; similarly, the all-new Highway 71 freeway allows East-West arrivals to skirt a bustling Ausin traffic. Both accesses can cut up to 45 minutes from your trip !
If it's a quiet, peaceful, secluded getaway you want, we can say with absolute certainty that you will NOT find anything in all of Austin at any price even remotely like PENNY RIVER. It is positively unique. You'll want to fill your pipe with your favorite tobacco, pop a favorite bottle of wine and never again move from your relazing chair on the deck. Promise. Kick back and drift off into the peace and quiet of our river retreat.
INSIDE THE CABIN: Every attempt is made to stock the cabin with essentials (paper towels, bathroom tissue, mosquito spray, shampoo, charcoal starter, etc.). Should you throw a party for guests other than those booked, please give us a body county in advance and, most especially, AN AUTOMOBILE COUNT. This is to make sure you can advise guests in advance as to where on the street overflow parking is permitted, avoiding towaway.
If you do decide to explore downtown Austin don't miss beautiful Zilker Park, which abuts an amazing botanical garden. There are hiking trails everywhere. Ask locals what THEY like and don't be afraid to ask them what you'd like to see and explore. Austin is extremely friendly. There are dozens of pamphlets in the Cabin's living room that feature Austin and surrounding-area highlights.
Once again, as we are subject to scheduled and sometimes unscheduled maintenance (lawn mowing, a plumbing problem, an electric failure resulting from a brownout or blackout) we will always attempt to give you as much advanced notice as possible before accessing the general area of your cabin. If we can't reach you, we may need to access your area unannounced. Unscheduled maintenance emergencies may not allow much advanced notice and possibly none. Thank you for understanding. It is your safety and well-being that are front and center.
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Principle may not rent for others; minor not allowed alone on property. Mandatory cabin tour. Advanced notice required for arrivals after 10pm.
No pets. Smoking outside; 2 autos max. No fireworks. Bunk Guard Rail must be used when bunk is engaged. Property for residential/leisure use only..
Privacy paramount, but alarms, sprinkler sys, gen. maint. and unanticipated situations are attended unannounced. No filming, videos, commercialism.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 7158393
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
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, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the area
Del Valle
Located in Del Valle, this cabin is in the city centre and on a river. Sixth Street and Rainey Street are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Lady Bird Lake and Zilker Park. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Circuit of the Americas or Moody Center. Take in the nearby slopes with skiing, or try out other outdoor activities such as ice skating.
University of Texas at Austin - 14 min drive - 16.5 km
Moody Center - 14 min drive - 16.9 km
Sixth Street - 16 min drive - 16.9 km
Getting around
Austin Station - 23 min drive
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) - 5 min drive
Restaurants
Starbucks - 6 min drive
Circle K - 3 min drive
Tacodeli - 8 min drive
Hut's Hamburgers - 6 min drive
24 Diner - 6 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is COZY, RIVER-FRONT CABIN, GATED, PRIVATE, ROMANTIC AND UNIQUE pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at COZY, RIVER-FRONT CABIN, GATED, PRIVATE, ROMANTIC AND UNIQUE?
As of 15 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at COZY, RIVER-FRONT CABIN, GATED, PRIVATE, ROMANTIC AND UNIQUE on 12 Aug 2026 start from AU$236, 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 COZY, RIVER-FRONT CABIN, GATED, PRIVATE, ROMANTIC AND UNIQUE?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at COZY, RIVER-FRONT CABIN, GATED, PRIVATE, ROMANTIC AND UNIQUE?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at COZY, RIVER-FRONT CABIN, GATED, PRIVATE, ROMANTIC AND UNIQUE?
Checkout is at 1:30 PM.
Where is COZY, RIVER-FRONT CABIN, GATED, PRIVATE, ROMANTIC AND UNIQUE located?
Located in the heart of Del Valle, this cabin is 1 mi (1.6 km) from Colorado River and within 9 miles (15 km) of Sixth Street and Lady Bird Lake. East Sixth Street and Walter E. Long Park are also within 9 miles (15 km).
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Penny River is a little slice of heaven. Really nice place that is close to everything you would want to do in the city but is secluded and makes it feel like you’re out in the country on the river. Just a super comfortable place to stay, and Mr. Jim is a great host, one of those people you’ve felt like you’ve known your whole life. Couldn’t say enough great things about Penny River and Mr. Jim. When we go back to the Austin area, it’s the only place we would stay from this point forward. Thanks again, Mr. Jim, for opening your place to us. Can’t wait to come back!
Christopher S.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 12 May 2026
The Smith family was amazing! Wonderfully friendly, very neat and clean and fun to be with. You can feel 100% comfortable booking them!
This place is fantastic. Host could not have been nicer. Just minutes away from COTA. WE will definitely be staying there again.
Mark O.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Mar 2026
Mark and Christie arrived tired after a long road trip from Abiline to Austin and were ready to take advantage of the quiet of PennyRiver (on the beautiful Colorado). They were terrific guests and you can open your rental space to them in the confidence they will take perfect care of it. They the kind of folks who always have a smile of their face. Wonderful guests! We look forward to your visit again in the years to come! Jim. =)
We enjoyed our stay at Penny River during a race weekend at COTA. Jim has a beautiful home on the banks of the Colorado thet almost makes you forget your in a bustling city like Austin The home is an easy 15 minute drive to COTA, and the airport is even closer. I would definitely recommend staying for a race weekend, or just a getaway.
Caleb B.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Sept 2025
Caleb and his party of 5 were terrific guests. Book them in a hurry, no second thoughts needed!
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Patrick A.
16 Oct 2025
Liked: Check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Disliked: Location
Overall the stay was nice. The host was very communicative and extremely nice. The neighborhood is not great but the home is gated in the back and has a much different feel than the neighborhood in which you enter to arrive which makes it nicer. Although I never saw any alive bugs in the home there were dead ones in corners of the home throughout. Even though I had some concerns it was a very pleasant stay and would probably stay there again if I was coming back to the area. 8/10
Patrick A.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Oct 2025
Bugs are our only nemesis, Patrick. You won't see any live ones because between guests the home is sprayed inside and out, so any that make it into the home die quickly. Unfortunately, we're on the river -- that's a whole different habitat in addition to being in the country. Believe it or not, even worse is that many guests arrive on flights (as you did) and the cargo hold of jetliners is crawling with stuff most passengers would lead most passengers to de-plane if they knew! Those are transferred to passenger luggage, to rental cars and to homes, hotels, motels, etc. It's an ongoing fight, but as you were kind enough to note, no live critters in the home because we're diligent in keeping it sprayed.
Really nice property. Setting on the patio at night it was hard to tell that it was like a 10 minute Uber from downtown. Really enjoyable and clean property. Manager is very friendly and enjoyed the stay throughly.
Clinton L.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 7 May 2025
Having a fellow Army brother as a guest waqs special. The group was quiet, friendly, very neat and quiet. Rent to them with confidence...they're great guests!
This place was perfect for us to go watch our school compete at the state track meet!
Keri W.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 13 May 2025
Keri and her kids were a happy, active bunch. They are a 10 when it comes to rating guests, so rent to them in total confidence. They are terrific in every way.
We were giving a detailed tour of the place. Jim was very communicative and answered our questions. The beds were comfortable. The space was perfect for our group.
Karina R.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Apr 2025
Karina and her party treated the place as if it were their own home. The best guest is the one who arrives with respect and is considerate at all times. Thanks to Karina's party for being such a group.
Jim is a nice host, gated property. Good location to many parts of Austin.
Steven J.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Oct 2024
Steven and his party of four were especially polite and proper. They were wonderfully respectful of my home and left the cabin clean as a whistle. Feel comfortable in booking this group -- they're terrific!
James was a gracious and professional. The view from the balcony was awesome
Richard H.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 12 May 2025
Rick and his wonderful wife -- who speaks impeccabloy beautiful Spanish -- were fun and then some. Here's yet another pair of guests you are encouraged to book --- they're terrific.
Jim is a wonderful host and is always there to greet you. The home is so charming and is just as described. We’ve stayed here more than once and if we are going to COTA I look early so I can stay with Jim.
Shannon M.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Sept 2024
Shannon and her party were wonderful guests!
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Rochelle I.
11 Mar 2019
We loved it! We would come back if possible.
We were I'm town for a wedding. It was so nice to be close to the airport. Lovely cabin! Great host.
Rochelle I.
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Apr 2020
Rochelle and guests were exceptionally thoughtful of the premises and treated the place with respect. I'd have them back in a heartbeat!
Quaint and cozy, great communication with the host
Hubby and a co-worker had a job at Tesla for a few days. This property was literally 5 minutes from the airport and 5 minutes to Tesla - it couldn't have been more convenient. The host was very easy to communicate with, and we'll book again with him in the future if another Tesla job comes up for us
We had a very enjoyable stay! The host (Jim) is a super nice guy who made our stay even better. The kitchen was very well stocked, which is important to us as we cook our own meals whenever possible on our trips. It is located very close to COTA so that made it very easy to get to the track and back.
Kent W.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Mar 2024
You guys are just one more of the couples I'd like to clone as the
only kind allowed to use the cabin! Thanks so much for leaving it spic
and span and for being so much fun. I thoroughly enjoyed sharing a
glass of wine with you on the deck on what just happened to be a
perfect spring day. Come back soon!
This is a particularly interesting couple, well-traveled, wonderfully educated and great fun. The house was almost new when they got through with it, another 5-star guest. How lucky I've been. Thanks "Suzie" and Calvin.
This property is really lovely and the on-site owner is very responsive and hospitable. it was clean and just as advertised, the deck and garden below was especially relaxing and QUIET.
Patricia O.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 22 June 2021
It was especially wonderful to have this couple's grandkids running around on the grass having fun. So glad you enjoyed yourselves...we were very happy to have such very nice folks!
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Karen M.
19 May 2019
Great weekend
We loved the place! The deck is amazing , birdsong fills the air and Jim was a wonderful host who helped us whenever needed. We all slept well while here and hated to leave on Sunday
Karen M.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Apr 2020
We hated to see you go, too! Wonderful guests, all 4 of this family, polite, clean, quiet, orderly, as though it were there own home. Please come back again!
We were in town for our daughter's graduation. The location was perfect for us as it was outside of town, but very close to the airport. The backyard view is beautiful, and the host was very helpful.
Randy J.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 16 May 2024
Great folks! Very clean and orderly! Don't hesitate to book them,
they're terrific!
We had the best time staying at Jim’s riverside house! He was the most attentive and accommodating host I’ve ever had the pleasure to be around, and I’ve been to A LOT of vacation rentals. Don’t hesitate in booking, it was an amazing experience!
John W.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Dec 2022
Suzanna and Buddy were "top drawer" as the saying goes, not to mention great conversationalists and a load of fun. Looking forward to their return visit soon!
My friends and I came for a bachelorette trip, and we enjoyed our stay. Everyone commented on how cute the cabin was and enjoyed the stay. Mr. Jim was very nice and accommodating. I apricated the tour of the property when I arrived to go over the rules and regulations of the cabin. We all had a great time and would book again.
Verified traveller
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Oct 2024
Erica's party were polite, fun, well-behaved and left the house in wonderfully clean shape. A great group you should book immediately if you can!
This property was a perfect location for our family time, trip to Waco and proximity to Austin airport. Jim was so extremely accommodating and even drove me to the airport early in the morning. If you are looking to getaway this place is perfect.
Laurie S.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Mar 2023
Laurie and her mom were a treat, full of fun and energy, wonderfully knowledgable and go-getters! They are easy-going and worth sharing
chat time. Host them! You won't be sorry!
This property was just like the photos and better. The area is secluded and quiet with a nice view of the Colorado River. The property owner was communicative and responded promptly. The property offers a very functional kitchen to cook for a family and excellent washer and dryer to get your laundry done before you end your trip!
Samantha W.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
About the host
Hosted by Jim Lacey
"STAY 3 NIGHTS, GET A 4th NIGHT FREE!"
Jim is a native Texan of Laredo, Tx, and a Vietnam War Era vet, a pianist, guitarist, composer, artist and inventor, now retired. He proudly boats past recordings with major recording artists the likes of Dusty Springfield, Dame Cleo Laine, JJ Johnson, Kai Winding, Georgie Fame, SONY films and numerous jingles written for WalMart, Paddington Beer and others. Always anxious to meet new folks and hear their stories, he understands many guests are renting Penny River for privacy, quiet and communing with nature. In all of Austin, regardless of what you're willing to pay, you will find nothing to match the breathtaking beauty of Penny River with its million songbirds, abundant wildlife and full moon nights, set perfectly along the beautiful Colorado River. ] SLEEPING ACCOMMODATIONS INLUDE: KING BED (2)....................................Master (has full private bathroom) GUEST BED (1) .................................Murphy Bed (Guest Room, full bathroom adjacent) BUNKBED (1)....................................Bunk (Guest Room #2, uses Guest Bed #1 bath) LIVING ROOM (use Guest Bed #1 Bath) b, KIDS CAMPOUT FUN (2)....Air Mattresses c, LEATHER SOFA (1).................NON-FOLD OUT
Why they chose this property
-Tucked into the far back corner of an old farming community, Pennyr River is east of Austin, meaning it catches the prevailing south-easterly winds and virtually zero pollution of a growing Austin. Nights on the deck are positively spectacular bathed in a choice of two different soft lighting options -- or no light at all, other than the moon. You won't forget Penny River, that's a promise.
What makes this property unique
No question about it, the QUIET out here is everyone's favorite thing.. The pure, clean air us unmatched. Sit on the deck with a glass of your favorite wine, roll your own and watch the pelicans and ducks and fish hawks for hours. Because it rests on a bluff 42 feet above the river while the far bank is only 25 feet above it, the far bank is in the flood plain and can never be built upon, locking in the amazing view that opens for miles and miles.
Within a very short drive there are numerous walking trails and retreats, Austin ranking among the top Greenway Belts in the nation. Trails here are extremely well marked and maintained, identifying length of walk to be expected and often include terrific photos of the wildlife you can expect to encounter. Histories, mating practices, eating habits and evolution are explained.
Once here the last thing you'll want to leave is the peace and quiet, but should your needs be to venture into Austin you'll be happy to learn that the cabin is situated mere minutes from the 3 main arteries into Austin that connect the North, Central and South sides, respectively. To give you just a quick idea, you are 3 blocks from toll road 130, connecting to San Antonio and the Mexican Border at Laredo; 4 minutes from Bergstrom Airport, 6 minutes from Circuit of the Americas Formula One racing track, 1 minute from the arterty connecting to Houston and the Gulf Coast and 2 minutes from connecting to Hwy 71 if the call you're hearing is "Go West young man, go West!". The one thing you can count on when it's time to leave Penny River is that you'll be back. That's a promise.
Languages:
English, Spanish
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests