Our experience staying at this stunning house was simply exceptional. My wife and I marveled about how we simultaneously felt like we had "gotten away from it all" while still being within a five minute walk of so many beautiful public spaces and excellent restaurants.
Both the interior and the outdoor patio provide peaceful, breathtaking views and a feeling of real connection with nature. These spaces offer ample opportunities for solitude as well as warm, open areas for couples or groups. Spending time on the patio was particularly rejuvenating - we felt like we had a tiny mountain all to ourselves!
The design of this house is a warm, calm, zen embrace. Each space welcomes you. The decor is delightful. And most charming of all, our host left a series of tiny post-it notes in inconspicuous locations throughout the house with recommendations for books and other tips for enjoying ourselves. It added a fun element of discovery to our stay, like a delightful little treasure hunt. It was unmistakable that the owner had a profound wish for their guests to have an exquisite experience in this wonderful place. There was even a note encouraging us to take any book that we found interesting. (I took a copy of the Artist's Way!)
We also made the most of our close proximity to so many wonderful restaurants. There are several good options within a five-minute walk down on Barton Springs road. My wife and I are big walkers, and we opted for a longer walk to South Lamar blvd (about 20-30 minutes, or a 3-minute drive) where you can find some of the best restaurants in the city, including Uchi, Odd Duck, Loro, and our new favorite - Eberly. You can take Barton springs for a more vibrant city-walk or cut through the neighborhood for a quieter stroll.
The house is also directly across the street from Barton Springs pool and a short walk to Town Lake. It was a little cold for swimming during our stay so we stuck to the patio and the restaurants, but when we come back in the summertime we'll certainly take advantage of the close proximity to these beautiful swimming spots.
My wife and I have been together for 20 years. This was the most relaxing, rejuvenating vacation we have ever had. Do yourself a huge favor -- if you're coming to Austin, stay here!