Entire home

The House on the River

Riverside holiday home with kitchen and patio

Photo gallery for The House on the River

Property grounds
Property grounds
Exterior detail
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Pool
Escape to The River House Retreat, nestled on the beautiful San Marcos River under a canopy of pecan and cypress trees. This serene getaway features a full kitchen, washer, dryer, three bathrooms, and plenty of space for relaxation with its large deck and covered pavilion by the river.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 12256 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Barbecue grill
  • Air conditioning

Add dates for prices

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

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.

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Car not required
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Hob
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Day bed

Bathroom

  • 3 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room
  • Separate dining area

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
  • Stereo

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property
  • Note from host: Smoking outside is permitted.

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Location highlights

  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • On a river
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Kayak
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Rafting nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Snorkelling nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water tubing nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit

General

  • Garden
  • Unit size: 2,760 square feet

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Minimum check-in age - 30

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Smoking outside is permitted.

Important information

You need to know

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 first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

We should mention

A car is not required for transport to and from this property

Property is also known as

River House Retreat San Marcos
River House Retreat
River Retreat San Marcos
The River House Retreat Marcos
The River House Retreat San Marcos
The River House Retreat Private vacation home
The River House Retreat Private vacation home San Marcos

About the area

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
  • ‪Fuego Tortilla Grill - ‬14 min walk
  • ‪Herbert's Taco Hut - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Ivar's River Pub - ‬6 min walk
  • ‪Chimy's - ‬1 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is The House on the River pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at The House on the River?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at The House on the River?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The House on the River?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is The House on the River located?

Located in Rio Vista, this holiday home is within 1 mi (2 km) of Ramon Lucio Park and Texas State University. Ramon Lucio Memorial Park and San Marcos Discovery Center are also within 10 minutes. San Marcos Station is 18 minutes by foot.

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Reviews

The House on the River Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

8.8

Cleanliness

9.8

Location
Rating 10 - Excellent. 60 out of 74 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 9 out of 74 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 74 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 74 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 74 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Sabella H.

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

Family trip

Beautiful property!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Matthew S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
I've stayed here twice this place is AMAZING. It truly has Waterfront access, massive backyard, lots of hangout areas gazebos covered areas barbecue grills nicely manicured yard. Again direct River access. Maybe a mile from downtown? Maybe. HEB right across the neighborhood Street. Great place for a get together with several people, even families. It's rustic. It's interesting. Just all around. Great place to stay. I plan on coming back every year for the foreseeable future.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kristen T.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is an absolutely beautiful 2.5 acre property right on the river between Sewell Park and City Park. The house has a unique Spanish style vibe with room to sleep 12 in beds and loaded with just about everything you need. We brought a pump and got 15 tubes at HEB (which is 4 minutes away). The property has kayaks and an area to load and unload then making it super easy. The ladder and floating dock were also very convenient. The train goes by several times a day/night but I found it to be charming. My family of five had a great time and we’ll definitely be back!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10/10 Excellent

Mike C.

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

True Spirit of San Marcos

This property is an example of the spirit and soul of San Marcos. In mid town, close to everything, 2 acres of pecan tress and cypress, deer and of course frontage to the River between Sewell Park and Rio Vista. If you want the real deal in San Marcos this is it!! Property Manager and Owner is just fantastic!!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

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

10/10 Excellent

Nichol S., College Station, Tx

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

6/10 Okay

Amy T.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Cleanliness

Lovely river house

Our stay was fantastic, proximity to campus is great, the river, the beds are fantastic, tons of towels-we loved its old school river house vibe. We had some folks in our party who were a little concerned about the cleanliness, I can only imagine how hard a deep clean would be but may be appreciated by guests. We loved it, thank you!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

tammy w., Livingston

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

10/10 Excellent

Nichol S., College Station, Tx

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

We’ll be back for a third year!!!

We love this place! This was our second summer here and you just can’t beat the location. It’s right on the river, the backyard is beautiful, and so spacious. The house provides lots of room for our group of 10-12 friends that come together for a weekend getaway every summer. It’s our little paradise and we love it!!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022