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Vista Cottage on Exquisite Hill Country Ranch-Giraffes, Rhino & Zebra encounters

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Your private hilltop acommodations at The Artemis Cottage.
Stop by to feed our friendly giraffes!
The view from the Cottage... miles upon miles of unspoiled Hill Country.
Living room area, comfortable seating and a large-screen TV (Hulu & streaming).
Master bedroom - king

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8130.1 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Dining area

About this property

Vista Cottage on Exquisite Hill Country Ranch-Giraffes, Rhino & Zebra encounters

Escape to Artemis Cottage: a luxurious safari retreat in the Texas Hill Country. Nestled on a sprawling 3,700-acre ranch, Artemis Cottage offers an extraordinary getaway blending luxury, adventure, and unparalleled wildlife encounters. Enjoy breathtaking views and the unique opportunity to see wildlife in their natural environment. And included with a stay of 3 nights or more you'll get a once in a lifetime encounter with our tower of six friendly resident giraffes and African white rhino and a 1.5-2 hour tour of the ranch. Where else can one feed and interact with giraffes or feed a white rhino. Unfortunately for 2 night stays we charge an additional $250 for the tour and feeding.

Your stay includes:

- Private pool, patio, and 6-person hot tub with Bluetooth audio for ultimate relaxation.
- Outdoor firepit and grill setups, including a pellet grill, perfect for memorable meals under the stars.
- Exclusive hiking and biking trails through serene Hill Country landscapes.
- Fishing in our stocked private ponds-we supply the equipment.
-Mountain bikes for your use.
- Lynch Creek, a seasonal waterway ideal for peaceful walks and wildlife spotting.

Artemis Cottage is part of a private wildlife ranch home to over 27 exotic African species and boasts 2.5 miles of pristine Colorado Riverfront, If you are looking for a relaxing time or a time to reconnect, Artemis is for you. With its spectacular views and sunsets, incredible night skies, hiking, biking or building an old fashioned mesquite fire, Artemis is quite unique. With its dark sky designation, it’s a stargazer’s paradise – a magical way to end your evenings. We can provide private chef's services onsite and the nearby Artemis Lodge (now open) is available for group events, weddings, retreats and corporate escapes.

Whether you're planning a romantic escape or a family adventure, Artemis Cottage offers an unforgettable blend of comfort and awe-inspiring experiences. Book your stay and discover the magic of Texas like never before.

Optional Services to make the most of your visit:

Polaris Ranger Side by Side Rental
Private Chef Services if you are planning a special dinner
Wildlife tour for stays of 2 nights ($250/group)

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Pool
Hot tub
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not 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
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 11
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 fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

About the area

Lampasas

Located in Lampasas, this cottage is in a rural area and on a river. Fiesta Winery and Hancock Park Golf Course are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Colorado Bend State Park and Colorado River. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
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Map
Lometa, TX

What's nearby

  • Fiesta Winery - 6 min drive - 11.6 km
  • Colorado River - 11 min drive - 20.5 km
  • AdventHealth Rollins Brook - 15 min drive - 26.5 km
  • Rollins Brook Community Hospital - 15 min drive - 26.5 km
  • Lampasas County Courthouse - 16 min drive - 27.2 km

Getting around

  • Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) - 96 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Stoneledge Vineyard and Winery - ‬3 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Vista Cottage on Exquisite Hill Country Ranch-Giraffes, Rhino & Zebra encounters have a pool?

Yes, this property has a pool.

How much does it cost to stay at Vista Cottage on Exquisite Hill Country Ranch-Giraffes, Rhino & Zebra encounters?

As of 18 March 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Vista Cottage on Exquisite Hill Country Ranch-Giraffes, Rhino & Zebra encounters on 16 June 2026 start from NZ$1,024, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is Vista Cottage on Exquisite Hill Country Ranch-Giraffes, Rhino & Zebra encounters pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Vista Cottage on Exquisite Hill Country Ranch-Giraffes, Rhino & Zebra encounters?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Vista Cottage on Exquisite Hill Country Ranch-Giraffes, Rhino & Zebra encounters?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Vista Cottage on Exquisite Hill Country Ranch-Giraffes, Rhino & Zebra encounters?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Vista Cottage on Exquisite Hill Country Ranch-Giraffes, Rhino & Zebra encounters located?

Situated on a river, this cottage is 5.5 mi (8.9 km) from Fiesta Winery and within 12 miles (20 km) of Colorado River and Colorado Bend State Park. AdventHealth Rollins Brook and Rollins Brook Community Hospital are also within 16 miles (25 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 52 out of 52 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 52 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 52 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 52 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 52 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Angie B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had the best time on our girls trip to Artemis Ranch! The Vista Cottage was the perfect place to get away and relax while enjoying the beautiful scenery and wildlife! The cherry on top was feeding the giraffes and rhino! We had such a blast getting to know the owners as they took us around on a tour and told us about the property and animals. You can tell they not only care about the ranch and animals but also your experience while visiting! There are not many places that you can have the experiences they offer and our entire group is already planning our next visit.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Melisa M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We went to Artemis Ranch for a weekend get away to hike and enjoy spring in Texas. The cottage is cute, clean and well stocked. The views are amazing since the cottage sits on a rise. Ty was so welcoming and gave us a tour of the property. He is very knowledgeable about the animals on the ranch and local tree and flower species. I don’t think there is anywhere else in Texas where can you feed a rhino and giraffes in the morning and hike by a heard of gazelle on the same property in the same day. I’d highly recommend the cottage at Artemis Ranch! We thoroughly enjoyed staying there.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

yesenia s.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
My sons and I stayed here last year for Thanksgiving and they wanted to return with my sister and niece this year to celebrate Christmas. We had a fun week. There was so much to do and see, we didn't need to leave the property for entertainment. Visiting and feeding the giraffes, rhino and zebras was the highlight of the trip.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a fantastic stay at this Vista Cottage! It was a beautiful cottage in a very quiet setting. The grandkids loved feeding apples to “Tank” the Rhino and lettuce to the Giraffes! They had many other animals as well! The pool and hot tub were excellent and very relaxing! The owner and staff were very friendly and helpful! I’m sure we will come back and stay again!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amanda H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had an absolute amazing time at the Artemis Ranch! The chef / concierge Kourtney was the absolute best! Adrian the ranch manager even went out of his way to help us get a picture for a school project. Leon was very helpful too. We loved exploring the property and animals and we felt very welcome and comfortable here. We give 10 stars if we could!!
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

HERO M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The ranch was amazing. The house felt secluded yet we had everything we needed at our fingertips. The wildlife was a huge plus and the pool/hot tub combo made this place 5 stars!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nicolas S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Hands down the best host we’ve ever had. Ty put in extra time and effort to make sure our stay was perfect and went so far as to set up the cottage for a special celebration. The took ownership of our stay and went out of his way to make sure our daughters first vacation was something truly special. To top it all off, he made us feel like family, not just guests.The wildlife, the cottage, and the land are like a little slice of perfect Texas hill country cut out just for you. Wouldn’t have changed a thing. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for sharing your ranch with us and thank you for the outstanding experience
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sheila H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This property is so beautiful and my grandsons loved feeding Tank the rhino and giraffes. It’s very quiet and the exotic wildlife you will see is breathtaking. I highly recommend this property. See ya next time
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Anne P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a fabulous time here! The owner and staff are wonderful, the place is beautiful, and it really is an African experience in Texas! We definitely want to return!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cody F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Adrian and Kourtney were amazing! The cottage and amenities were on point! We will definitely be staying here again!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our stay was awesome. Seeing the animals and feeding the giraffes was a huge hit for the whole group. We had adults and little kids. We caught fish in the pond. The ranch manager was available to help with anything we needed and they were very accommodating. The cottage itself is in really great shape. The pool is not heated, so if you are booking during colder months be prepared for that.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sylvia D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing. Loved everything about this place:).
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jared S.

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

Unique Property

This is a really unique place. Great for families and a relaxing time with opportunity to enjoy up close interactions with exotic animals.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andrew C.

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

Hidden Gem

The Artemis Ranch cottage was absolutely amazing. Our family of 6 had an incredible visit. The property is beautiful, the animals are stunning, excellent communication with the staff, could not have asked for more. Can’t wait to stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Josh S.

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

Great Adventure

Artemis ranch is a great place for a hill country adventure! Lots of animals to see and Ty and his crew are top notch professionals who can show you a great time! Accomodations are excellent and the property is even better!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Johnna S.

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

Our Favorite VRBO

We loved our stay. Gorgeous property and the owner is very friendly and helpful. Definitely recommend.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This place was amazing. The owner was fantastic. Made us feel right at home. The cottage was very clean with amazing view. Every morning when you awake and walk out onto the 2nd floor deck your subject to see any of different species of animals Ty has on this amazing place. Our last morning we awoke to see a Sika deer standing by the pool. Adriaan was an excellent tour guide. He was very patient with the grand kids while feeding the Rhino and giraffes. Very knowledgeable about the animals and the land. Caught some nice bass in stock pond. We will definitely be back.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joseph M.

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

Great Stay!

Our extended family of 6 ranging from 10 to 75 stayed at the Cottage and all had a wonderful time. Ty is a great host and he and his wife gave us a tour of the property which is absolutely amazing! We were able to feed the giraffes and TANK! My daughter said feeding princess the giraffe was the best experience she had during our week long adventure in Texas! Only wish we would have stayed longer! Thanks Ty for a wonderful time.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Carrie S.

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

Perfect Vacation

This place is an absolute jewel! The owners are incredibly nice, friendly & welcoming. The cottage is clean & beautiful with everything you need. We were happy making our “stay” our destination. Lush lawn, refreshing pool & inviting hot tub all to yourself with a beautiful view and occasional exotic deer spotting. The stock pond to fish was an added bonus. And the private tour of the ranch, which included visits with the rhino and giraffes, sealed the deal - this was a perfect vacation!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Thomas S.

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

Breathtaking

We explored Texas for 16 days and had our best time in the 3 days we stayed at Tys Ranch. Everything was perfect. The lodge, the Ranch itself, the animals and Ty and his wife are 5 Star. We would recommend it for everybody.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ryan S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our family had the time of our lives at Artemis Ranch. It honestly feels like the closest you can get to being on safari without leaving the U.S. The peaceful quiet of the ranch combined with the incredible variety of animals made for a magical stay. Watching the wildlife roam was fascinating, but the highlight for us was getting to feed Tank the rhino – a once-in-a-lifetime experience!Chef Kortney’s meals were absolutely delicious, and every dish was prepared with such care that dining itself became a highlight of the trip. Adriaan’s tours around the ranch and animal excursions were equally unforgettable – his knowledge and passion for the wildlife added so much depth to our experience.Artemis Ranch is the perfect blend of adventure, peace, and hospitality. If you love wildlife and are looking for a truly unique and serene getaway, this is a must-stay. We can’t wait to return!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Betty V.

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

Great relaxing weekend!

Ty is a fabulous host
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Obdulio R.

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

Best weekend getaway

From check in to check out, everything was amazing. The pool was a hit of course. The safari tour in the morning was stellar with Koutney. Feeding the giraffes and seeing tank the rhino was an experience up close n out of this world. My wife had the best birthday ever. The stunning views sunrise and sunset leave you in awe. Definitely will be coming back. Thank you for everything.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Karen R.

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

Amazing Ranch and Cottage in TX Hill Country near Lampasas

Our recent stay in The Vista Cottage on the beautiful Artemis Ranch was incredible! Not only was the cottage - with its pool, hot tub, grille and fire pit outside - perfect for our stay, but the cherry on top was a safari tour led by the ranch owner, Ty, of his amazing ranch filled with exotic animals. We were even able to feed the giraffes and the rhinoceros! We couldn't have felt more welcomed!A huge thank you to the Owners, Ty and Leslie, and to Kaili, the Property Manager.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Blanca G.

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

Family getaway 2025

The property was beautiful and pictures were exactly what we experienced. The vista cottage was perfect. We enjoyed this whole heartily. Grandkids enjoyed pool and hot tub. This was a great experience for our annual family getaways in which we enjoy our family and forget about the busy every day life we live. The safari was a great addition to our trip from feeding Tank the rhino to giving romaine to the giraffes. Enjoyed and would recommend 100%. Thanks to Kourtney for being there for us and aLeo Adrian for the tour. Thanks
Family pic with Giraffes
Pool time
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

About the host

Hosted by Ty Eggemeyer

Host profile image
My wife and I are both from West Texas. We lived out of State for about 25 years but returned to our Texas roots. We love hosting guests and sharing our beautiful ranch. Trying to create a special place is what excites us. We have just opened our world-class lodge featuring 11 guest rooms, a beautiful library, great room, chef's kitchen, wine cellar and spectacular patio and views - unrivaled in the surrounding area. We hope that our guests can appreciate and enjoy Artemis Ranch and the endangered animals that live here.

Why they chose this property

The ranch was the perfect place to create a world class resort. It was in major need of care and investment - putting things back to their natural state. We have cleared over a million invasive junipers (cedar) and have reseeded hundreds of acres with natural grass/plant seeds. We currently have 27 species of exotic animals that roam the ranch. The ranch has over 100 caves (sorry, for safety only professionals can go in most of them), 2.5 miles of riverfront, a major wetwater creek, numerous ponds, ridges, gullies, rills and gorges. You'll experience thousands of beautiful live, red or post oaks.

What makes this property unique

There are so many unique things about the ranch. It is one of the darkest places in Texas with night skies so dark and beautiful that you feel like you can touch the stars. And if you can't then it is probably due to the full moon that you can almost pluck from the sky. The sunsets are gorgeous and make for perfect outdoor grilling over a mesquite fire, and yes we will provide you with an ample set of mesquite. Great steaks are available at the local butcher shop. Unlike the concrete jungle of the city, the evenings and mornings are very pleasant even on the hottest day. We have 2.5 miles of riverfront, 27 species of exotic animals, hiking, biking, fishing and exploring. If you are looking for a beautiful, serene setting where you can enjoy nature and spend time with close friends and family, then this is the place. And to top it off you have your own private pool and hot tub complete with lights and bluetooth music connected through your phone. The ranch borders Colorado Bend park on the South and West, and near 2 great wineries. You can visit the Bend for live music, take a short trip to San Saba or just enjoy the ranch.

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