Fun House in a Fantastic Location w Hot Tub, Great for Groups
Get lost in the twisting and winding hallways and staircases that lead to hidden rooms, a clocktower and cozy rooftop decks with a giant Live Oak tree growing through it. This is a magical house on a large private estate with tons of charm and personality and spacious indoor and outdoor spaces to enjoy including three stories of decks, a state of the art jacuzzi, and a hidden arcade in a large walk-in closet with a classic Ms. Pacman video console with 60 of the most popular video games (including: Ms. Pacman, Pacman, Galaga, Donkey Kong, Frogger, Galaxian, Space Invaders, Centipede, Phoenix, and many others). Plus, the location is amazing!
The house has it all including a gourmet kitchen, a large jacuzzi, high speed wifi and A/V system. When you are ready to explore Austin, you can walk to just about anything you could want as the house is in the heart of the city a mile south of downtown and a block off charming and entertaining South Congress Avenue (SoCo). Minutes away to all kinds of restaurants, shops, clubs, cafes, Rainey Street, 6th Street, Barton Springs, or to see the bats! This large, comfortable home is a dream rental for people looking to be in the heart of it all, yet feel at home in a creative house on a large, private and peaceful estate.
Perfectly situation for easy Austin enjoyment, we have hosted quite a few families, reunions, a small wedding, girls' weekends, corporate groups for SXSW, and other similar gatherings. We are sorry, no bachelor parties or wild parties of any type please.
From the house, you can walk or bike to hundreds of great restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, music venues, you name it. And the best part is that at the end of a day of exploring and adventure, you are able to return "home" to a comfortably furnished house, cook a meal in the gourmet kitchen, watch a movie on the large screen AV system, enjoy a cocktail on the third story deck with a downtown view, or soak in the large, outdoor jacuzzi. The property is large, heavily treed, and private, and the house, an architectural fantasy, straight out of a C.S. Lewis novel. Spacious and beautiful, artistic and original, this unique house is a true gem and in an exceptional location.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION Only a two minute walk to South Congress or one minute to South 1st Street, both loaded with many Austin treasures. Without having to get into a car, you are able to easily … people-watch while sipping a cup of coffee at: Jo's, Once Over, Mañana or quite a few other unique coffee houses; have breakfast at: Bouldin Creek Cafe, Polvo's, Magnolia Cafe, Torchy's Tacos; have a fresh juice at The Soup Peddler; dine at Guero's, Vespaio, Hopdoddy's, Enoteca, El Mercado, South Congress Cafe, Home Slice Pizza, Lenoir, Boticelli's, Winebelly, Uchi, Elizabeth Street Café, Thai Fresh, Café No Sé or one of fifty restaurants of every cuisine type within a ten minute walk from the house. Also, you can listen to some world-class quality live music at the famous Continental Club, the Hotel San Jose, Guero's, C-Boys, one of a hundred clubs downtown, or stroll past the street performers on South Congress. And then there is the famous Amy's Ice Cream, Gordough's Gourmet Donuts, the many food truck courtyards, visit awesome vintage clothing stores, or pick up groceries from one of the gourmet markets nearby. The list goes on and on. This is truly one of the best locations in all of Austin.
Also, within twenty minutes, you can walk downtown, to 6th Street, 2nd Street, Rainey Street, Auditorium Shores, The Ladybird Lake hike and bike trail, see the bats by the South Congress bridge, or if you are in town for SXSW, make it to the Convention Center. If you don't have time to walk, it is easy to catch a bus or ride-share, rent a bike, or hire a pedi-cab.
The house is ideal for festivals. Whether SXSW, ACL, Formula 1 or one of the many others. It is the best of both worlds. You are close enough to get there easily and quickly, and you also have a spacious and quiet house to come home to for relaxation.
AMENITIES The house's amenities include a large, deluxe, Jacuzzi-brand hot tub with powerful jets, a landscaped yard with lush gardens, a gas barbecue, three stories of balconies (including one with a downtown view), a sunny and private back deck, two massive and ancient Live Oak Trees, secret passageways, a spiral staircase into a clocktower, an office, an A/V system with 55 inch screen, and a chef's kitchen. Free parking is available, and the house is clean and private.
QUIRKY CHARM This house exudes charm. No two rooms are alike. It leans more toward the creative than traditional. Aside from the kitchen, living room, dining room and bathrooms, there are six additional rooms that can be bedrooms or fun rooms depending on the size of your group. There is also a queen-sized sleeper sofa in the living room if extra sleeping space is required. There are two bathrooms, including a high-ceiling cathedral shower with a window in one, and an antique clawfoot tub/shower in the other. The kitchen is full of windows and light, with Thermador stove and appliances, and there is a laundry room with washer and dryer. The living room is spacious and warm. Wifi is available.
This house is precious, and precious to us, so responsible guests only please. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do.
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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: 50
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 and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Frequently asked questions
Is Fun House in a Fantastic Location w Hot Tub, Great for Groups pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Fun House in a Fantastic Location w Hot Tub, Great for Groups?
As of 2 April 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Fun House in a Fantastic Location w Hot Tub, Great for Groups on 28 June 2026 start from NZ$751, 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.
How much is parking at Fun House in a Fantastic Location w Hot Tub, Great for Groups?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Fun House in a Fantastic Location w Hot Tub, Great for Groups?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Fun House in a Fantastic Location w Hot Tub, Great for Groups?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Fun House in a Fantastic Location w Hot Tub, Great for Groups located?
Located in South Congress, this family-friendly Austin holiday home is within a 5-minute walk of South First Street and South Congress Avenue. Sixth Street and University of Texas at Austin are also within 3 miles (5 km).
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
We had a great stay in this quirky home. Location was great - walking distance to South Congress (and downtown if you’re ambitious). Living area was large enough for our group of 5 to comfortably gather for relaxed mornings and evenings. Brian was responsive and accommodating when we needed a last minute late check out due to a cancelled flight.
Brian’s place worked well for our larger group and is in a convenient location. There was plenty of space for everyone, which made it easy to gather and spend time together.It’s an older home with some character, and as expected with that, there are a few quirks. Brian was responsive and quick to communicate when we reached out. Overall, it met our needs for a group stay.
Very impressed with the house and its design. Super fun and accommodating for a large or small group of friends and family. Cannot beat the proximity to south Austin and incredible restaurants/night life. Highly recommend staying here.
Jay T.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Kate G.
28 February 2018
Wonderful location
The house was able to beautifully accommodate our large group. We would definitely stay here again!
Our group really enjoyed our stay and the location was perfect. The house had plenty of space for our group and was decorated with so much character. We loved our place!
Plenty of space for our group, the house was very clean and well maintained, and the location was perfect to walk to many different cafes, restaurants, and bars. We also really enjoyed the hot tub/outdoor space to relax.
From top to bottom wonderful. Check-in and out was a breeze, as was communication. The place was incredibly fun and had great character- we loved it. Wonderful location as well, we were never far from where we wanted to be. Would highly recommend!
Great stay! House has lots of character and all kinds of nooks and crannies. If you’re looking for a unique stay in Austin, this is it!
Jackson W.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 4 September 2023
Thank you Jackson, I have dedicated a lot of time to make this house special for guests and I am happy you appreciate the efforts. Please come back again.
A few friends flew in to escape the cold and enjoy Austin. Super unique decorated spot with awesome hot tub, roof deck, location, and excellent communication with the manager who was always available.
Brian was great and communicative, and we had a blast staying at his house. We were three families with 5 kids under 2.5, and the kids loved the house as well. We were also walking distance to South Congress and lots of great restaurants. Would definitely recommend!
The stay was absolutely perfect! We had an amazing time for a large group for a bachelorette party. Brian was very responsive on the chat, and answered and accommodated requests. The house is so cool with lots of character throughout! Would highly recommend
We had an adult outing in Austin with the goal of being close to the action for music and nightlife. The house was perfect for our group. We could walk to several restaurants, coffee shops, bars, and stores. Downtown was a short Uber ride but the stuff by this house is better than the downtown scene anyway. The beds were comfortable, the location was great, and Brian was an awesome host. Highly recommend staying here if you are looking for an Austin getaway with a larger group.
We had several ladies staying the weekend. The house was so fun and cute! The location couldn't have been better! It was 5 minutes to walk to south congress or south first street. Host was communicative and helpful. Highly Recommend!
LISA B.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Susan L.
26 November 2018
Time in a castle
Our family of 9 had a delightful get-away in Austin with this marvelous property. It is so down to earth, fanciful, and far out home. Everyone loved it and it fit perfectly with our Thanksgiving trip to lovely Austin. We have NO complaints. The house is charming and just feels like home. We will be back!
Susan L.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 4 September 2023
Thank you for staying with us. You are welcome back any time!
We were five adult women friends. Home was well appointed, comfortable and special. Owner was very responsive. Area is fabulous. Special details of house—stained glass, tree house and vintage pieces were spectacular. We would come again.
We were unfortunately unable to make our trip due to illness. However, Brian was so helpful before out trip and so understanding. I'm sorry we didn't get to enjoy the house.
Ann S.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023
About the host
Hosted by Brian Hammer
Why they chose this property
This house is amazing, I knew it the first time I saw it. Large, funky, interesting, crafty and in the perfect location to enjoy what Austin has to offer without needing to drive anywhere.
What makes this property unique
Plus it has a large nice jacuzzi in a private, landscaped yard.