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The perfect family lake house made even better by the fact that it is floating!

The perfect family lake house made even better by the fact that it is floating!

Photo gallery for The perfect family lake house made even better by the fact that it is floating!

Taken by Austin Statesman photographer Ralph Barrera. (lake was full)
The FloatHouse as seen from driveway.
Ski-In, Ski-Out
 FloatHouse style.
Note the rope swing and 3 jump platforms. (Bunny, Blue & Black)
The FloatHouse as seen from the lake.

Overview of The perfect family lake house made even better by the fact that it is floating!

Reviews
10 out of 10 Exceptional
3 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 14130 sq m

Popular amenities

  • FireplaceFireplaceFireplace
  • Pet-friendlyPet-friendlyPet-friendly
  • Air conditioningAir conditioningAir conditioning
  • WasherWasherWasher
  • DryerDryerDryer
  • KitchenKitchenKitchen

Explore the area

Map
Leander, TX
  • Popular LocationH-E-B Center20 min drive
  • Popular LocationLake Travis22 min drive
  • Popular LocationVolente Beach Water Park30 min drive
  • AirportAustin, TX (AUS-Austin-Bergstrom Intl.)47 min drive

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 14)

Bedroom 1

2 Single Beds and 2 Single Bunk Beds

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds and 2 Single Bunk Beds

Bedroom 3

2 Single Beds and 2 Single Bunk Beds

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 3

Shower only

Half Bath Downstairs

Toilet

Upstairs Full Batroom

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Dining Area

About this property

The perfect family lake house made even better by the fact that it is floating!

01/04/2024 update: Unfortunately, the long, devastating drought continues. Lake Travis is still over 50 feet low and the FloatHouse is not floating. No one can know the future. We are reluctant, at this time, to take any reservations for the upcoming season.

Go here (https://www.golaketravis.com/waterlevel/) for current lake levels. The house floats at 640".

Owners Notes:

1. Don't be misled by the low number of reviews. It's not our style to ask for a review - we’re old school - but our guest book is over-flowing with over-glowing comments. Maybe they want to keep it a secret. We've had many hundreds of rentals with zero complaints. We've been on VRBO since it's infancy - back when it was truly peer-to-peer.

2.. It's a cabin. No granite countertops, no big screen TV with all the channels.

3. Not really "toddler friendly", but our toddlers absolutely love it!

OF COURSE, everyone's going to say their place is the best. But I'm telling you, this is truly the most unique, the coolest, the best-value rental on Lake Travis. It's so unique the Austin Statesman did a three page story on us. Pics and words just don't do justice.

Part House Boat ~ Part Lakefront Cabin, but so much better than both. It’s kinda like a houseboat but a whole lot cheaper (like about 3-4x's cheaper) and a whole lot better. It’s a two-story, three-bedroom, full-size (smallish) house, with all the amenities, that floats on the water.

On the front, there's a large deck with an oversized picnic table that's in the shade for most of the hot afternoons. The breeze is almost always blowing. 100° in August? - no sweat. Very few, if any mosquitoes. The land across our cove is natural preserve, so it feels isolated. Lots of boat parking along side the house. (several guests have said that next time they’re not going to bring their boat, because they never wanted to leave.) There's a balcony above with two hammocks.

The rope swing is king - undoubtedly the best in Texas - it will take your breath away (it still does mine after thousands of times). We have a canoe and two novice kayaks. There's a water slide, and a float pad. Inside, there's a full size shuffleboard table, a pool table and lots of games. The underwater fish light attracts tons of fish to watch (or catch if you must). It sets off a beautiful green glow. The moon rises can be exquisite.

Top to bottom, it's designed for fun. You will absolutely fall in love with this place - everybody does. Awesome is the most commonly used word in our guest book. "The owners have thought of everything" is another.

A great location. We are one of the closest-in waterfront locations on the less developed “North Side” of the lake. 13 minutes to Walmart, HEB, et al, et al, et al. 45 to downtown, 60 to the airport, yet so secluded.We are the first place inside a no-wake zone on the “Big Sandy” arm. You have quick access to the main body without all the annoying traffic & commotion.

If you know Lake Travis, you know it’s a great lake, but you know it’s a bitch to get to the water. It’s a flood control reservoir, and you have to build above the flood plain. The water is either way down a steep cliff, or way out a shallow slope. Not here. Park your car at the shore's edge, and walk down some steps (15 average - more in a drought - less when full) to the house. Out on the water, and need a beer? It's 10' to the "fridge". Sweet. Tie your boat to the side of the house. When you are ready to get-out-on-the-lake, heck, you’re already there.

The FloatHouse is booked solid in the summer, but actually the fringes are the best. Hot enough for swimming by day, and cold enough for a fire at night is as good as it gets. Plus, no one is out - it’s so deserted. Winter is amazing, too. Especially for holidays like Christmas or Thanksgiving.

While its the perfect place for families or extended families, it’s also beyond the perfect place for bachelor/ette type groups. We are somewhat unique in the business to allow these types of groups. Most places ban them. We don’t, because the FloatHouse is just so darned perfect for these types. No driving, and lots of fun things to do. We rarely have regrets.

If you are the “trip organizer” - "book it dano" - you will be the hero. Trust me.

Rick & Ann

Property manager

Ann & Rick DuRapau

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Air conditioning
Lake view

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

Events allowed
$150 fee for all male groups such as bach parties

Pets

Pets allowed
$50 cleaning fee for dogs.

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Outside is OK.
Basic rate is for 8 adults. If you have more than 8 adults, it is an additional $50 per person per night.
Groups of all males such as bachelor parties are subject to an additional $150 "bachelor party fee".

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

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 are allowed on site
Note from host: $150 fee for all male groups such as bach parties
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether 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. Travelling with kids? Consider Austin Steam Train Association Museum, or check out an event or a game at H-E-B Center. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Leander, TX

What's nearby

  • H-E-B Center - 20 min drive
  • Lakeline Mall - 22 min drive
  • Lake Travis - 22 min drive
  • Hippie Hollow - 29 min drive
  • Volente Beach Water Park - 30 min drive

Getting around

  • Austin Station - 40 min drive
  • Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) - 48 min drive

Restaurants

  • Sonic Drive-In - 23 min drive
  • Quetzal TexMex - 16 min drive
  • Shack 512 - 27 min drive
  • Beachside Billy's Restaurant & Bar - 30 min drive
  • Lucky Rabbit - 17 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is The perfect family lake house made even better by the fact that it is floating! pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at The perfect family lake house made even better by the fact that it is floating!?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The perfect family lake house made even better by the fact that it is floating!?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is The perfect family lake house made even better by the fact that it is floating! located?

Located on a lake, this Leander holiday home offers ski-in/ski-out access within 9 mi (15 km) of Veteran's Memorial Park, Austin Steam Train Association Museum and Crystal Falls Golf Course. H-E-B Center and Cedar Park Regional Medical Center are also within 9 miles (15 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. 74 out of 78 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 78 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 78 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 78 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 78 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer N., Spring, TX

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing!
We had the best time. They have thought of everything you could need in any situation. Location is beautiful and house is perfect. Will definitely be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Carla H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fun place to stay
The Floathouse is great! Unfortunately the lake is very low right now so the slide and rope swing are not usable and at the time of our visit there were 60 stair steps from car to house. Our stay was still waterfront and we were able to launch shallow water craft right from the little dock there. May flies were an issue for a few days, but we did not have any mosquito problems. The blower provided helped with the bugs. The house is not fancy, but well equipped with everything we needed. We really appreciate the use of fishing poles, canoe, little trolling motor craft, and games. Our family loved this place and we would definitely like to come again and we highly recommend it to others. I booked this through VRBO, but next time would definitely use Ann’s direct line as shared on the Famous Floathouse website to make sure I had all the up to date info.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dave E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very cool spot
Enjoyed the family time.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Float House
Super smooth process and great amenities on site.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

8/10 Good

Angel D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Would Go Back
Float House gives you everything you need to have an amazing vacation. Well stocked, organized and planned out - perfect for short or long stays. Loved the 70s vibe, comfortable beds, fishing gear and trolling boat. Lots of extra linens, towels and kitchen utensils. Sitting on the deck soaking in the sun, drinking coffee or beer and watching the turtles was perfect morning, noon and night. My only complaint was we should have been more warned about the lake level. While it is out of their control, they didn't let us know about the steep incline/decline to get to the Float House until days before check in, after refund was no longer available. The steps need major work as well as better lighting and a hand rail. My Aunts in their 50s struggled. Anyone with any mobility issues in the slightest would not be able to get up or down. I will say, they did offer to ferry over any heavy items but the pictures need updated to include the current situation (steps specifically). Still loved the Float House! Thank you for everything.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

About the host

Hosted by Ann & Rick DuRapau

Host profile image
Ann & Rick DuRapau. Early 70's, married 45+ years, two kids, 6 grand kids (best thing ever). Rick's an inventor type, and new product designer (i.e. he invented the original, black & yellow, plastic folding sawhorse). Inventors tend to see things different than most. The house reflects that. The amazing Ann stays busy, mostly just having fun.

Why they chose this property

We had a place just around the bend in the late 90's. We wanted something closer to the water that didn't face west. Rick went into his realtor friend's office, and pointed to a spot on the big map on the wall. "If I could have any place on the lake it would be right ...here." Realtor said "funny you should mention that, we just got the listing today". Beautiful cove, first property towards the lake, natural area across cove, great breezes, it's perfect.

What makes this property unique

It's a floating house, and that would be enough. But, the rope swing, the pool table, the shuffleboard table, the layout, the overhang for shade, etc, all make it even better.
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