Summary:
Welcome to the Designer's Dream! This home is stunning combination of brick, steel, and large windows to offer a seamless indoor/outdoor experience. Featuring a cowboy pool, large kitchen, and lovely patio, this place is the perfect setting to relax or reminisce after a day on the town.
Even better, you can walk to South Congress, Downtown, and Lady Bird Lake!
The Space:
Please note, all guests staying at a Portoro home are required to sign a rental agreement.
Local architect Mark Vornberg transformed this site using components of the original 1920 home to create a light-filled modern Guest House in the heart of Travis Heights. This Guest House is located behind the main residence and includes your own private deck, cowboy pool and yard. You'll have the entire place to yourself. Walking distance to South Congress, just 1 mile to downtown, and 4 miles to the UT campus, this house is located in a quiet downtown neighborhood and in the center of everything Austin has to offer.
Thoughtfully curated to host up to 5 guests, this home offers all the amenities and modern conveniences you need to relax and enjoy a few days in one of Austin's most cherished neighborhoods.
Indoor and outdoor living is encouraged. Big Stacy Pool (one of Austin's landmark public swimming holes) is steps away and is open year-round (heated in the winter).
Enter the home off the outdoor deck and dining area and you land in the light-filled living room, kitchen and dining room and music room. This open floor plan encourages everyone to gather and spend time dining, watching TV, play records, games or just talk about all the adventures you are having here in Austin. The music room converts to a 3rd bedroom or private space whenever folks need to work or have some quiet time away from the group. One of two bathrooms is also located on the first floor.
The modern kitchen is equipped with Frigidaire appliances, several types of coffee makers, and all the cooking utensils and equipment your group will need to prepare a gourmet meal. Basic cooking supplies and coffee are complimentary.
When it's time to rest, retreat upstairs to the bedrooms and the 2nd bathroom. Both bedrooms offer cozy queen beds with high-quality linens and towels. The North bedroom features a balcony and Smart TV. The other bedroom features a work desk and west-facing corner windows that highlight the Texas sky and sunsets.
The outdoor area offers a dining table, tiki bar, and gas grill when you want to bring the fun outdoors.
Notable hot spots within walking distance:
Joe’s Coffee, Guero’s (Mexican), Homeslice Pizza, Perla’s (Seafood), June’s (Fine Dining), Otoko (Sushi), Hopdoddy Burger Bar, Continental Club (Historic Music Venue), C-Boys (Music Venue), and the best retail shopping in Austin – mostly local and designer brands.
More recommendations will be provided in the guest manual.
NOTE: We follow the CDC and Airbnb Recommended Cleaning Guidelines. You can rest assured this property has been completely sanitized prior to check-in.
If you are interested in staying longer than 29 nights, please review the LONG-TERM STAY - ADDITIONAL FEES section below. Stays over 29 days are waived from paying the State and Local Hotel Tax. However, there are additional fees we need to collect for damage coverage and housekeeping.
LONG TERM STAY - ADDITIONAL FEES FOR STAYS OVER 29 days.
In compliance with our policies for long-term stays, we need to collect a few additional fees from you before guaranteeing this reservation. Please see below and reply here with any questions. Your guest ambassador will reply shortly and be available to assist you where needed.
Additional Cleaning Fee:
We do require additional cleaning fees for guests staying longer than 3 weeks. Your Guest Ambassador will coordinate the cleaning schedule for a minimum of once every 2 weeks. You can request cleanings more frequently if desired. Additional cleaning charges will be sent using a payment request or resolution request, immediately following the cleaning.
Guest Access:
We offer self-check-in. Portoro uses smart locks.
•We cannot guarantee early check-ins or late checkouts in advance. If the house happens to be ready earlier than our standard 4 pm check-in time on the day of your arrival, we, in most cases will allow an early check-in. For a reliable alternative with guaranteed check-in or check-out timing, it's recommended to book the night before or after your scheduled arrival or departure.
The Neighborhood:
Historic Travis Heights
As one of the first neighborhoods to be developed in South Austin, Travis Heights is beloved by residents and visitors alike. With easy access to some of the most coveted hotspots in Austin, it’s easy to see why. Popular attractions such as Lady Bird Lake, the hike and bike trails, SoCo, and Downtown are all right at your doorstep. Its central location also provides easy access to the airport, East Austin, and more.
Originally established in the late 19th century, Travis Heights features a range of unique homes, from small bungalows to large modernized estates. It’s also a haven for urbanites and nature-lovers alike; Little Stacy Park, Big Stacy Pool, and Blunn Creek Nature Preserve are all close by and add to the picturesque natural environment, while also serving as a communal space for residents to enjoy.
Travis Heights is also fiercely proud of its heritage and place in Austin’s music history. Many residents are committed to preserving its historical integrity and the eclectic vibe of the neighborhood and homes. Come stay here for a true dose of Austin living at its best!
NEARBY MARKETS/GROCERY STORES
H-E-B: 2400 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
Farm to Market Grocery: 1718 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
Thom’s Market: 160 E Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704
RiverCity Market & Deli: 2209 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
NEARBY COFFEE
Mañana: 1603 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
Jo’s Coffee: 1300 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
Bennu: 515 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
TOMS: 1401 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
NEARBY BREAKFAST
Cafe No Se: 1603 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
Magnolia Cafe: 1920 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
Joann’s Fine Foods: 1224 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
Torchy’s Tacos: 1822 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
South Congress Cafe: 1600 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
Guero’s: 1412 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
June’s: 1722 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
Vinaigrette (Saturdays & Sundays only): 2201 College Ave, Austin, TX 78704
Enoteca Vespaio (Sunday Brunch only): 1610 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
Getting Around:
Austin offers plenty of transportation options. Ride sharing, micro-mobility, and mass transit are available everywhere. The airport is just 15 minutes away.
Other Things to Note:
Prior to check-in, we will send you detailed directions to ensure a seamless arrival. Pack n Plays or High Chairs must be requested prior to arrival.
Guests can park in the alley behind the home (enough for 2 cars) or on the street in front of the home. The driveway is reserved for the home's owner. This is a quiet neighborhood so no outdoor noise after 10 pm.
HOTEL TAX COLLECTION: Both the City of Austin and the State of Texas require all hotel and vacation rental hosts to collect hotel tax. We collect these two taxes within the booking transaction. The state requires 6% and the city requires 11%.
YOU ARE HELPING: A portion of the city hotel tax helps support Austin's musicians and related businesses.
If you plan to stay longer than 29 days, please ensure you review the section about LONGER TERM STAYS located in the section above called "The Space”
Interaction with Guests:
Portoro offers self-check-in. As your hosts, Portoro will be available to answer any questions you may have about the home or the surrounding area.
Guests will have access via an electronic smart lock and the access code will be provided prior to your arrival.
NOTE: We follow the CDC and Airbnb Recommended Cleaning Guidelines. You can rest assured this property has been completely sanitized prior to check-in.
