With it's high elevation and unique design, Hilltop Cabin is the most unique home you will find in the Guadalupe South Fork area. Where else can you find such a charming home with expansive views, wooded privacy and private river access? What more could you ask for? The Cabin is loaded with both hill country charm, and modern amenities. This is a full size home that leaves nothing to be desired, while providing the charm and fun of a rustic Texas hill country cabin. There are 3 bedrooms, all with queen beds, and each with its own full bathroom, comfortably sleeping a total of 6 adults. There is also a full sleeping sofa and several blow up mattresses and a half bath downstairs for additional sleeping arrangements for several children. The kitchen and dining areas are very large, which make for great meal prepping and gathering for large groups. The laundry room is what you would expect to find in a larger home, with a full size washer and dryer. The main living space is large enough for a big gathering with plenty of places for everyone to gather around the wood burning fireplace. We keep the house well stocked with toiletries including wet wipes, toilet paper as well as shampoo, conditioner and his and hers body washes for your convenience. Outdoor living spaces include multiple options for sun and shade as needed. A large porch sits off of the main living space with rocking chairs and ceiling fans. From this porch you can step down to a large outdoor gathering area with plenty of seating and a fire pit. We have extensive decking in the back of the house with seating right off of the dining area, upper decking with two picnic tables under cover , as well as a large charcoal barbecue pit for outdoor grilling. There is a wrap around porch along the front and side of the house with chairs and a bench swing to take in the hilltop views across the Guadalupe River Valley. There are also several sitting areas around the 2.5 acres for enjoying the many different areas of the secluded and private property. Although the property is not riverfront, the private river park is a quick 3-5 minute walk from the front door (we've timed it). You can also access the park via a shorter drive for anyone that has mobility issues. The River Inn Crossing section of the Guadalupe is at the headwaters of the south fork, giving you the cleanest, clearest water that the river has to offer. The depth and width of the river in this section is perfect for all water activities. Many other sections of the river are either too shallow for swimming and canoeing, or too narrow for real exploring. An added bonus this far up the river is the clarity of the water. On a typical day, the water is virtually as clear as a swimming pool. This is one of the only locations on the Guadalupe where snorkeling is a real option, so don't let the kids forget their goggles. Parents won't have to worry about the little ones, because you can see straight to the bottom, and the average depth in front of the park is about 3.5 feet. There is also a very neat section where you can get out of the kayaks and walk around and explore the shallow channels and pools (probably our kids favorite spot). Although the cabin is far enough out that you have true privacy, serenity and quiet, it is a perfect home base for hitting all of the different places that people like to go. You can make a quick and very picturesque 25 min drive over to Vanderpool for a couple of hours of hiking or picnicking at Lost Maples State Park. You can head over to Fredericksburg, which is only 20 minutes from Kerrville, and spend a few hours shopping or antiquing. Maybe you want to go horseback riding or fishing in another location. Maybe you are a motorcyclist and want to hit the infamous Twisted Sisters which are very close to Hwy 39.. Then again, maybe you just want to hang at the river and cabin, and get a full weekend of relaxation in, while the kids wear themselves out with all the fun and activities. The great thing about staying at the cabin, is that the activities are endless and are all right at your fingertips. You may also enjoy the various type of wildlife around the cabin and area. Axis and whitetail deer, raccoons, ringtails, opossums, skunk, porcupines, foxes, bobcats, turkey, roadrunners, javelina, armadillo, rabbits and all types of birds etc.
These are some of the typical things our own family does when we stay at the cabin:
Ride the Harley's to the Twisted Sisters 336, 337, 335 as well as Hwy 16 and Hwy 39 and the many other beautiful roads in the area.
Drive to Leakey area for the scenic drive and get some lunch.
Go to Lost Maples State Park (hiking and photos) be sure to watch for wild turkey during the drive as well as exotic game along the fences of the many ranches.
Go to Enchanted Rock State Park (hiking and photos).
Go to Garner State Park (hiking/swimming and photos)
Visit Fredericksburg (lunch/shopping/winery visits)
Grill Burgers or Barbeque at the cabin or river
Swim/kayak/canoe/Explore the river
Fish the river in late afternoon (right at the park).
Go eat dinner in Kerrville.
Go horseback riding with an outfitter.
Go watch the Bat Flights in Concan.
Leave cabin Saturday 8am- be at Six Flags Fiesta Texas at 9am. Stay 4-5 hours
and be back at cabin or river by 3pm for swimming or fishing.
Go to movie theater in Kerrville.
Go to Kerrville City Parks on the Guadalupe river (walk/picnic/fish etc.)
Go to Kerrville outdoor skate park.
Go to the museums or galleries.
Go tubing on one of the nearby rivers.
Hang around the river crossing areas (Schummacher Crossing, Hunt Crossing, River Inn Crossing) for pictures, fishing and fun.
Hang around the cabin, (porches, decks, seating areas inside and out) and be with the family.
Lay around the cabin and be worthless.
Star gaze at night. (Watch for shooting stars and satellites (give prizes for first sightings)
Night time canoeing and kayaking with glow sticks at the park.
Enjoy the summertime firefly bonanza at the river park at dusk.
Hang around the outdoor fire pit at night and make S'mores.
Watch a movie or game on Direct TV.
Play Xbox (my son and myself)
Spot wildlife on distant hills with binoculars.
These are just some of the activities available. You can also golf, visit wineries, visit James Avery, go birding or antiquing, or whatever else it is that makes you happy.
