The Cowhouse, a cozy hilltop guesthouse at Barkspin Oaks Ranch. Beautiful views!

Top rated by guests
Front porch with panoramic view
Kitchen view from the living area.
Left kitchen counter.
Right kitchen counter.
Cowhouse front porch and swing, 12 ft x 30 ft covered porch
review stars
10Outstanding
(38 Ratings)
"The house was nicely stocked with everthing we could need. The view is lovely and the home was just perfect. "
Mario B.
Don't miss out! Price and availability may change
10 / 10
Outstanding(38 Ratings)

Cottage in Rio Grande

2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bath

Reasons to book

Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Well priced for this locationPriced under area average
Book with confidenceWe partner with the top travel sites so you know you're getting a great deal on the perfect rental

About this cottage rental

The Cowhouse is a charming hilltop guesthouse nestled within Barkspin Oaks Ranch, a 61-acre ranch in the picturesque Texas Hill Country. Located approximately 8 miles southwest of Dripping Springs, this cozy retreat offers breathtaking views that stretch for miles. It’s conveniently close to local wineries, distilleries, and wedding venues, including Alexander at Creek Rd, Camp Lucy, and Cricket Hill Ranch. Other scenic hill country towns like Wimberley and Blanco are within a 30-minute drive, while Fredericksburg is easily accessible within an hour.

The Cowhouse provides a secluded and private haven for relaxation, complete with a fully equipped kitchen and laundry facilities. The kitchen seamlessly opens to the living area, featuring recently updated stainless steel appliances. The living room boasts a large window with an eastward view, perfect for enjoying spectacular sunrises. For entertainment, there’s free Wi-Fi, a Smart TV that also receives local network channels and a DVD player stocked with assorted movies.

Step outside onto the expansive 12 x 30 ft covered porch, which also faces east. Here, you can savor the breathtaking views throughout the day. The porch is equipped with a gas grill and multiple seating areas, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and outdoor dining.

Inside, the bedroom offers a comfortable king-sized bed, a spacious closet, and blackout curtains for restful sleep. The bathroom features a combination tub/shower, toilet, and vanity. Additionally, the laundry room houses a large top-loading washing machine and a sizable dryer.

The Cowhouse has a heartwarming backstory: Built in 2008 by the owners, Andi and Jerry, it originally served as their weekend home. Back then, there was no fence to keep out the livestock, and the curious cows would often approach the house. Their grandson affectionately dubbed it the Cowhouse, as he and his sister loved watching the cows up close. The name stuck, capturing the essence of this rustic retreat.

Barkspin Oaks Ranch, part of a larger ranch settled by Andi’s grandparents nearly 100 years ago, remains rugged and teems with wildlife. Deer, rabbits, and a family of foxes call it home. Bird feeders attract a variety of avian visitors, and occasionally, a pair of hawks graces the skies. It’s a place where nature and tranquility converge, inviting guests to unwind and connect with the land.

The Cowhouse is over 200 feet away from the owners' home and both are on top of a hill inside a 4-acre fenced area. The main house is located where it does not impact the great views seen from the Cowhouse. Outdoor living areas for both homes are separated by trees and there is enough space between them to ensure privacy. The owners and guests will share the private road to the public road but the Cowhouse has a separate parking area. The Cowhouse is 0.3 miles from the public road.

Guests will be allowed to walk around the mowed areas of the fenced 4 acres at their own risk. Guests are not allowed outside of this fenced area except when entering or exiting in their vehicle.

No Smoking or Vaping.

Check-in is 4pm and Check-out is 10am.

No Pets are allowed.

Amenities at The Cowhouse, a cozy hilltop guesthouse at Barkspin Oaks Ranch. Beautiful views!

Non-smoking
No pets allowed

Map of Rio Grande

city location on map

Ratings and reviews

10 / 10
Outstanding(38 Ratings)
10 / 10Outstanding·Dec 2025
The house was nicely stocked with everthing we could need. The view is lovely and the home was just perfect.
10 / 10Outstanding·Oct 2025
This was a quiet and tranquil place to stay. The place was immaculate with everything you could need for a relaxing stay. The host, Andi, lives on the property and was there to welcome us and share details. We enjoyed the outdoor patio and local wildlife! We will rent again!
10 / 10Outstanding·Sep 2025
Andi was excellent host—property well stocked, and excellent communication regarding check-in. Will definitely stay again if return to area. Property peaceful and quiet with excellent views!!
5 / 10·Nov 2022
spectacular views, short trips to so many outdoor or indoor activities, night sky to die for, and a host who’s thought of every comfort. couldn’t ask for better. quiet, private heaven on a hill overlooking gorgeous land. will be back!

$$$$
vrbo logo

FAQs

Is parking included with this cottage?

Parking is not specified as an available amenity at The Cowhouse, a cozy hilltop guesthouse at Barkspin Oaks Ranch. Beautiful views!. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.

Is there a pool at this cottage?

We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this cottage. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.

Is The Cowhouse, a cozy hilltop guesthouse at Barkspin Oaks Ranch. Beautiful views! pet friendly?

Unfortunately, this cottage is not pet-friendly. Try searching again and filter for "Pets Allowed"

What amenities are available at The Cowhouse, a cozy hilltop guesthouse at Barkspin Oaks Ranch. Beautiful views!?

We found 2 amenities for this rental. This includes non-smoking, and no pets allowed.