Summary:
At Rustic Barnyard, we believe that hospitality is more than a service—it's our calling. With over 70 years of combined experience, the Fonzie Family is dedicated to creating memorable experiences through genuine care and intentional hospitality. We are here to serve and make every guest feel valued and cherished. Welcome to our home, where every stay is infused with warmth, joy, and a sense of belonging. We can’t wait to share our passion for hospitality with you-come relax, rejoice, & repeat.
The Space:
Welcome to the Rustic Barnyard (dotcom) in SMTX! Our mini-farm is a unique place consisting of a lovingly hand-built enclave of homes, agricultural space, crops and fields and wildflowers scattered throughout. Not to mention you will most likely be greeted as soon as you set foot on the property by our super friendly and docile Great Pyrenees farm dog, KIKO. Enjoy the sights of curious chickens roaming, guinea hens pecking and goats baaing. We are now sharing our super cool, very secluded log cabin built using cordwood construction. This unique cabin has amazing history and was built by the original owner with the very cedar trees found on the property! The cabin features a fully stocked kitchen with a coffee bar, a dining area (with all the cabin feels), a living room with a 45” T.V., a walk-in shower for two, a washer and dryer inside, and a single rustic bedroom with a queen sized bed and a dressing area. It has two ornately designed spacious covered porches; a front porch to swing away your worries while you enjoy your morning coffee and a rear porch to sit back and relax while soaking in a mermaid inspired claw foot tub while enjoying the sound and sights of nature and a glass of wine to help you unwind. There is a lovely wildflower garden with the tranquil sound of trickling water from a goldfish and lily pad filled fountain/pond. Need to indulge in a campfire with S’mores…we’ve got you covered! Two oversized wooden Adirondack chairs surround the campfire and there’s also a hammock for two hanging in the trees that can be found adjacent to the pond. Let the array of twinkling lights bedazzle you each night with lighted designed pathways and arches. Free parking on the side of the cabin. Wheelchair accessible. Discounts available for extended stays. If your dates are unavailable, see the three other cabins on our Host Profile!
When you drive through the gate, you'll discover a magical place; a compound of family and friends who share a love of small yield farming and the peace and quiet of the country life. For a peaceful evening, build a fire in your fire pit (we provide the wood) and on a clear night-be mesmerized by the abundance of stars.
Want more? We're just 7 miles from Texas State University and Downtown San Marcos with its college-fired entertainment options that include great food & pub options as well as fun trekking and tubing opportunities. We highly recommend The Flying Armadillo; a highly rated disc golf club that is fun for all levels! And there is also world-class shopping at San Marcos's famous Premium Outlets, which feature more than 240 stores! We're also just a hop, jump, and a skip away from New Braunfels (for those summer day trips to Schlitterbahn) and the charming historic city of Gruene (check out the Gruene Hall-Texas’ oldest dance hall built in 1878). Those seeking the big city lights can be in Austin or San Antonio in 45 minutes.
Guest Access:
Guests have access to the entire property, though we of course request that you use common sense and respect the privacy of the other guests staying here. ***There are four additional cottages on site…so we’re hoping you’ll want to return and try them all!!!
The Neighborhood:
The Rustic Barnyard is nestled in the majestic oak groves of San Marcos. This beautiful area is known as part of the Texas Hill Country! This property is safely located towards the top of a hill at the end of a cul-de-sac, surrounded by amazing people who love mini-farming.
Getting Around:
Although we are in close proximity to all the wonders of San Marcos, we highly recommend renting a car to really explore all that the Hill Country has to offer.
We're found in farm country, but there's still lots to do!
We're just 1 mile from the Flying Armadillo Disc Golf Club Course.
We are 7 miles away from Texas State University-Bobcat Stadium.
We love the Five Mile Dam Parks, a fabulous spot for river swimming, fishing and picnicking.
The Old Lime Kiln trailhead is 6.5 miles away; it leads to the beautiful 250-acre spring lake natural area.
Or jump into the San Marcos River with an inner tube or kayak!
Reserve a spot with the Clear Kayak Sunset Glow Tour, reservation necessary!
Check out Wonder World Cave and Park, a one-of-a-kind theme park, known as the first show cave in Texas.
Or check out the opportunities for dining and drinking. San Marcos is home to fine restaurants and a half dozen craft breweries.
Beyond that brief (and admittingly woefully inadequate) list there are dozens more recreational opportunities. Let's talk!!!
Other Things to Note:
You'll have access to a well stocked kitchen with everything you need for cooking a tasty meal. But Uber eats will deliver as well!
**Washer/dryer available inside the cottage**
Parking is available in front of the Rustic Cordwood Cottage and is accessible by following the dirt road on the right side of the property. When you enter the gate, make an immediate right and follow around to the back of the property; the Rustic Cordwood Cottage is the one on the left.
A smart TV has streaming capabilities for Netflix, HULU, Amazon Prime and YouTube.
The Rustic Cordwood Cottage has internet and Wi-Fi; even in the Hill Country.
Please don't smoke inside. Smoke whatever you have outside.
Sorry, no pets. There are free range/wandering chickens and guinea hens on site as well as corralled goats. ***WE KINDLY ASK THAT YOU “DO NOT” FEED THE ANIMALS UNLESS GIVEN PERMISSION TO…IF THE ANIMALS ARE GIVEN THE WRONG FOOD, THEY CAN POTENTIALLY GET VERY SICK.***
Interaction with Guests:
Our family of Super Hosts strive to provide an exceptional guest experience, through intentional hospitality and servitude. We are grateful and honored for the opportunity to serve you, friends and family!
