Located 3 mi (4.7 km) from Highland Lakes, this cottage is within a 10-minute drive of Exotic Resort Zoo. The cottage includes a kitchen, a fireplace, and a patio.
Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park - 9 min drive - 6.5 miles
Texas Hill Country Wineries - 12 min drive - 8.0 miles
Getting around
Austin-Bergstrom Intl. Airport (AUS) - 79 min drive
Restaurants
7-Eleven - 8 min drive
Dairy Queen - 9 min drive
Pig Pen BBQ Johnson City - 9 min drive
Pecan Street Brewing - 9 min drive
Ronnies BBQ - 9 min drive
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Pedernales River Guesthouses - PONDER
Unique luxury one-bedroom guesthouses on the Pedernales River in Johnson City. Spectacular views. Perfect for a memorable getaway to the Texas Hill Country and wine trail. Each house is ~650 sq. ft., with king bed, a modern bathroom, a living room/fully equipped kitchen, and an outdoor patio. One queen or two twin airbeds can be provided to sleep up to two more, or two couples could rent both houses. (The other house is in a separate listing: Pedernales River Guesthouses - BLUE.) Stairs take you down to the river. No pets. Free Level 2 EV charger for Tesla or J1227. The two guesthouses are on 15 acres overlooking the Pedernales River. The view from the houses is gorgeous. We (your hosts) live on the property with our cat and golden retriever. We share the environment with an abundance of wild creatures. The river is clean and when the water is high it's good for swimming. When the water is low you can explore on the rocks. We also have two friendly horses and a dozen chickens you can visit. This listing for PONDER. There's a separate listing for an identical adjacent house named BLUE.
The cottage is air-conditioned and features a kitchen and a patio, and there's space to spread out with a separate bedroom. Guests can enjoy a Smart TV and stay connected with free WiFi. The bathroom offers hair dryers and bidets. Other standard amenities include a fireplace, a coffee maker, and a desk.
No carbon monoxide detector or gas appliances (host has indicated there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
Deadbolt lock
General
At least 80% lighting from LEDs
Bicycle parking
Bicycle storage
Double-glazed windows
Electric car charging station
No plastic water bottles
Reusable cups
Reusable tableware
Solar energy
Unit size: 650 square feet
Water-efficient showers
Water-efficient toilets
Policies
Check-in
Check-in time starts at 2:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 21
Check-out
Check-out before 11:00 AM
Special check-in instructions
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Rules
Be sure to book for the number of guests that will actually be staying. We make specials provisions so that guests 3 and 4 will be comfortable.
Maximum stay is 14 days without pre-approval.
Pets
This property doesn't allow pets
Children and extra beds
Note from host: Children need to be supervised carefully outside.
Events
No events allowed
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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
This property uses solar energy
Host has indicated there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Check-in: 2:00 PM
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Minimum check-in age: 21
We should mention
Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:
This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
This property uses solar energy.
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock.
Frequently asked questions
What can I see around this cottage?
This cottage is located in Johnson City, close to Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park, Exotic Resort Zoo, and Texas Hill Country Wineries. Highland Lakes is also within a driving distance of 3 mi.
Is parking available on site at this cottage?
Yes, there is electric car charging and bicycle parking available.
Is this cottage adjacent to a casino?
No, this cottage is not connected to a casino.
Is there an indoor pool at this cottage?
No, there is no indoor pool at this cottage.
What do couples enjoy most about Pedernales River Guesthouses - PONDER?
Amenities that appeal to couples at this riverfront cottage include a fireplace, a kitchen, and a smart TV.
Are there hot tubs at Pedernales River Guesthouses - PONDER?
No, there isn't a spa tub at this cottage.
Does this cottage include breakfast service?
No, this cottage doesn't offer breakfast.
Does this cottage allow pets to stay for free?
No, pets aren't allowed at this cottage.
Are there connecting rooms at this cottage?
No, this cottage doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.
Are there rooms with balconies that I can book at Pedernales River Guesthouses - PONDER?
Yes, every accommodation at Pedernales River Guesthouses - PONDER comes with a deck with some featuring mountain or water views.
Pedernales River Guesthouses - PONDER Reviews
Reviews
10
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 9 out of 9 reviews
10 - Excellent
9
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 9 reviews
8 - Good
0
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 9 reviews
6 - Okay
0
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 9 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 9 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
10/10
Cleanliness
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Tracy A.
Aug 23, 2025
Tracy A.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
K J.
Jul 6, 2025
K J.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
Brett K., Houston
Jun 21, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Brett K.
Stayed 1 night in May 2025
10/10 Excellent
Alexandria T.
Apr 28, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Anniversary Stay
Wonderful property; absolutely gorgeous
Alexandria T.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025
10/10 Excellent
Verified traveler
Mar 31, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Sweeping Views overlooking the Pedernales River
We stayed two nights at “The Ponder.” It was a perfect spot for us. We were in the area for some family business, so we were sad that we didn’t get to spend as much time at the property as we wanted. We could have sat for hours on the deck overlooking the river. Just so beautiful and relaxing. We did work in a hike; down to the river and along about a mile along the riverbed. We had planned to go for a short hike in a nearby park, but why? When you have your own park to enjoy peacefully! Entry instructions were clear and easy to follow and everything was in order in the house. The home is the perfect size for a couple to enjoy some time together. We have to be back that direction again later this summer and are hoping that the event we are attending is close enough to stay here again…if it works logistically, we will definitely be back… Highly recommend!
Verified traveler
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
10/10 Excellent
Vinny B.
Mar 30, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
A smooth rental at a beautiful property
I can't say enough good things about this property. The owner was very communicative and made the check in process buttery-smooth. The design of the unit is very unique, and opens up onto a stunning view of the river below. We really enjoyed sitting on the patio in the evening watching the wildlife. The deer are literally everywhere, and the birding was excellent. The owner was accommodating in loaning us an air mattress for our son since there was only 1 bed-- and it was a very well made one.Inside the rental, the kitchen was fully stocked with anything you could want. The room was immaculately clean and comfortable. We only stayed for one night... but honestly, I could have done a week without flinching.If you want peace and quiet in a beautiful bit of nature, this is for you.
Vinny B.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025
10/10 Excellent
Tim Y.
Mar 29, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect stay!
Such a great experience from start to finish. Even before booking the host was very respectful and responsive. After they supplied numerous great suggestion and tips on local places to try. Very grateful for the hospitality and stay.
Tim Y.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025
10/10 Excellent
Robbie T., Crawford, TX
Oct 18, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect getaway…nature at its best!!
The Pedernales River guesthouse is amazing as it sits on the banks of the river with great views and plenty of wildlife. The house is modern and sleek, with every convenience to make your stay perfect. Loved everything about our stay and would definitely return. The owners were overwhelmingly accommodating and quick to answer questions! Easy access and 100% clean. Great spot!