The Famous FloatHouse • Stay ON Lake Travis • Unlike Anything Else
OVERVIEW:
Part LakeHouse. Part HouseBoat. But way better than both. 100% Lake Travis fun. Truly one of a kind!
Featured in the Austin Statesman, The Famous FloatHouse is a full-size, two-story floating home designed from the water up for one thing: having an unforgettable time on the lake.
Walk down the steps and you’re instantly on the water. Lake Travis is your front yard. The large, shaded, breeze-cooled deck is your playground.
This isn’t just a place to stay. It’s a place to experience.
Book it—and be the hero.
THE PLACE:
The FloatHouse is proudly old school. We work hard to make it an affordable memory-maker for families.
This is an old-style lake cabin that floats. Not a five-star hotel with granite countertops and luxury amenities.
It’s built for people who want to be together on the lake, not just look at it.
Everything about the FloatHouse is designed for fun, not formality. There's even a full-size table shuffleboard inside.
The decor leans vintage (much of it from Ann’s family home), and the feel is relaxed, personal, and a little nostalgic - in the best way.
Sleeps up to 12 with two twin beds and a bunk bed per room. (Twins can be pushed together for King upon request.)
If you want real lake life - where people laugh, swim, play, and make memories together - this is the place.
If you’re looking for a polished, luxury hotel-style stay, this isn’t it.
Perfect for: Families who want kids in the water all day Groups who care more about fun and togetherness than fancy finishes People who want to step outside and be on the lake instantly Guests who appreciate a relaxed, lived-in, “old Austin” vibe
THE DECK:
The deck is where people gather. It's shaded in the afternoons, usually breezy, and surprisingly cool & mosquito-free even in the Texas summer.
The deck is front-row seating to the main stage: Lake Travis . The famous “Crane” rope swing, water slide, swim dock, fish light, and water toys - including the all-time favorite “Kid Boat.” You’ll have to beg the kids to come in at night.
Tie your boat directly to the house and stay in the action all day.
THE LOCATION:
Location type: Not just waterfront, actually ON the water.
If you know Lake Travis, you know it’s a beautiful lake, but it has a “flooding problem.” Houses have to be built out of the flood plain. That means they are a brutal in-the-summer hike from the water. Not here.
Park your car, walk down the steps, and you’re on your floating home. When you want a cold beer, it’s 10 feet away - not back up the hill.
It is the closest-in on the more desirable, more undeveloped North Side of Lake Travis. 15 minutes to major grocery store, but feels so far away.
It’s the first house in a no wake zone, so the lake is so close, but boaters are not in your face.
Across the cove is all parkland which increases the feel of being “out there”.
A FEW THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE BOOKING:
This is a floating lake cabin with character - not a luxury hotel.
Vintage decor and a laid-back, old-school vibe.
This is not a “remove-it-for-liability” kind of place. You’ll need to use common sense. (for example: climbing a ladder without a safety harness). No hand rails on stairs.
Not toddler-proof. Our kids grew up here - but with close supervision.
If you’re looking for over-the-top modern luxury, this may not be your place.
If you’re looking for a fun, memorable, one-of-a-kind lake experience… you’re in the right spot.
Book it—and be the hero.
ABOUT REVIEWS:
We’ve been doing this since the late ’90s - back when vacation rentals were just getting started.
We’ve hosted hundreds of groups with almost no complaints.
We lost our ~30-year-old listing (long story), so the online reviews didn’t carry over. There used to be hundreds - all 5 stars.
Our old-school, handwritten guest books (up to three now) are packed with hundreds of notes from past guests. A few excerpts from our favorites:
“We brought our boat, but we hardly used it—we just didn’t want to leave.”
“Every time I turned a corner, I smiled. Everything’s so clever.”
“One of the BEST family vacations we’ve ever had.”
"Rick & Ann always under promise and over deliver."
“The kids played until they dropped - and the parents relaxed.”
“They've thought of everything.”
“Love the labels and so many hooks.”
“Nothing else on the lake even comes close.”
“You can’t get this anyplace else.”
“For three days we lived the American Dream.”
“This is the greatest thing going on Lake Travis.”
“Best idea EVER!”
“One of the most unique places I’ve ever stayed.”
OWNER INTERACTION:
We’re hands-on in the best way.
You’ll get a personal walkthrough when you arrive so you know where all the fun stuff is how everything works.
After that, we give you space - but we’re nearby if you need anything.
We WANT you to call us if there is something wrong!
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Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
Day guest require self-reported self-collected $20
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Pets
Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
Dogs require $50 per fee.
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Smoking
Smoking allowed: in designated areas
Clean up your butts.
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: 20
Note from host: Day guest require self-reported self-collected $20
Host has indicated that there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
About the area
Leander
Located in Leander, this holiday home is on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Travis and Lake Austin. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at H-E-B Center or The Crossover.
Kalahari Indoor Water Park - 40 min drive - 48.8 km
University of Texas at Austin - 42 min drive - 51.9 km
Moody Center - 43 min drive - 55.3 km
Sixth Street - 44 min drive - 54.5 km
Getting around
Austin Station - 39 min drive
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) - 58 min drive
Restaurants
Mojo Coffee Cedar Park - 12 min drive
Sonic Drive-In - 21 min drive
Bajo La Luna - 16 min drive
Lone Star Bar - 16 min drive
Quetzal Tex-Mex - 16 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is The Famous FloatHouse • Stay ON Lake Travis • Unlike Anything Else pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).
How much does it cost to stay at The Famous FloatHouse • Stay ON Lake Travis • Unlike Anything Else?
As of 21 April 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Famous FloatHouse • Stay ON Lake Travis • Unlike Anything Else on 6 May 2026 start from NZ$959, 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.
What time is check-in at The Famous FloatHouse • Stay ON Lake Travis • Unlike Anything Else?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at The Famous FloatHouse • Stay ON Lake Travis • Unlike Anything Else?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is The Famous FloatHouse • Stay ON Lake Travis • Unlike Anything Else located?
Set amidst the mountains, this ski-in/ski-out holiday home in Leander is 0.1 mi (0.1 km) from Lake Travis and within 9 mi (15 km) of The Parke Shopping Center and Austin Steam Train Association Museum. Crystal Falls Golf Course and Veteran's Memorial Park are also within 9 miles (15 km).