For Texas Hill Country travelers, Llano River House offers a window onto the area’s natural beauty.
New here? Get our free newsletter.
Situated 8 miles west of darling Llano, the Llano River House (Instagram | Facebook) is perched on a small hilltop overlooking the Llano River. Surrounded by water, wind, wildflowers and native fauna, it’s a rare chance to escape the world of cell phones and to-do lists. And to think your sleeping quarters evoke an upscale home decor magazine, too.
Enchanted by all of it on Instagram – from the nearby river to the Pinterest-worthy butcher-block kitchen, we invited owner Chris Parker to tell us more about the property, which opened last year.
Prior to opening Llano River House to travelers, Chris and his wife, Calla, spent three years of weekends tinkering with the house, preparing to open it for guests.
As you’ll see below, he enjoys sharing the darling, two-bedroom house with world-weary travelers.
Can you describe a stay at Llano River House for us?
Though the property is only 1.5 acres it seems like 10 or more, with our expansive views and access to the river. The screened-in back porch boasts views of the wild river basin and beyond for miles.
Our property backs right up to the river. A 100-year-old pecan tree marks the transition from our property to the wild and untamed riverbed. Once you step foot into the riverbed you’re technically on state/government property. From there, it’s a quarter-mile nature walk through crushed granite, small rushing creeks and polished river rocks to the main channel.
For those who desire a more flat-footed experience you can always take the short walk down the county road.
Unless we’re under extreme drought conditions, we have a decent amount of water at the bottom of our property where you can cool off on a hot day. Or sit and listen to the water rush over the granite boulders.
Being a Texas native I am particularly fond of native plants. Our property is home to plants I have cultivated and planted. The short list includes live oaks, persimmon, pecan, mesquite, yucca, holly, and – my personal favorite – the mountain laurel. All of that comes along with too many different wildflowers to name.
It sounds heavenly. What else is nearby?
Whether you choose to stay at the Llano River House or not, Llano itself is well worth a visit.
The town’s a short drive from Austin or San Antonio, making it a perfect getaway destination for a local staycation or quick overnight trip. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve driven out to Llano to watch the sunset, do some stargazing around the campfire and then rise early for a drive back to work the following morning.
Even 12 hours in Llano seems to be a refreshing amount of decompression from city life. Time really slows down in this sleepy town.
Despite the fact it’s small, the town still has much to offer.
Whether it’s a special occasion dinner at Badu 1891, walking the historic town square or finding a treasure in one of the many antique stores, there’s something for everyone.
If you have kids, Llano is perfect for a Saturday adventure. Let them explore the inside of an old caboose in the train yard or hangout at the splash pad in Badu Park and then follow all of that up with ice cream at Dairy Queen.
Can we talk about local barbecue?
Some folks make the historic drive from big cities just to see the original Cooper’s Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que. If that’s on your bucket list be sure to try the chop. My personal favorite is the blackberry cobbler. I get a scoop of that to go and take it back to the river house. I think it tastes even better if you eat it while soaking your feet in the river on a summer day.
While Cooper’s is famous for their barbecue, I’m famous among family and friends for mine! I personally like stopping in at Miiler’s Meat Market and Smokehouse on the way out to the river house to grab a slab of baby back ribs, a tri-tip and some poppers. I like putting this on the smoker while I do yard work.
You just can’t beat the smells and feeling of smoking your own barbecue with the Llano River as your backdrop.
Beyond Llano proper, what else holds appeal?
Often I’m asked, what kind of guests stay at the river house and why do they go out there? This answer is so multi-faceted because there is so much to do in the Hill Country, especially with the Llano River House as home base.
We have guests of almost every age, be it for a girls’ weekend, a couple’s getaway, fly fishing an uncrowded stretch of the river or even for a special occasion. We recently had a young man propose to his girlfriend fireside at the river house!
As far as adventures go, a favorite for many is Enchanted Rock. This granite outcropping is high on the bucket list for many that call Central Texas home. It has become increasingly popular in recent years, so be sure to make reservations or call ahead. They only take so many into the park until capacity is met.
If E-rock (as locals call it) becomes too crowded, you should try some of the other gems this area has to offer such as the Eckert James River Bat Cave Preserve, Inks Lake State Park, Longhorn Caverns, Castell General Store, Hilda United Methodist Church (Mason County’s first church and school house, dating back to the early 1800’s.), Fort Mason, or the endless window shopping and wine tasting in Fredericksburg.
Other than the LEAF festival held in early spring, what are some other annual/seasonal events in the area worth booking a stay?
I personally enjoy Llano – and more specifically the Llano River House – when the crowds are low or during the week when the “weekenders” are still busy in the city.
If you are looking for some peace and quiet and want the best rates possible stay during the week.
Although each season of the year provides its own perks, our most coveted season is the spring and early summer. That’s because of the wildflowers. The colors are unmatched as you drive country roads. There are a million picture worthy moments when the Hill Country is in bloom.
If you find yourself looking for a good excuse to come to Llano other than the things I’ve mentioned, then some of our annual events might be worth checking out: Fiddle Fest and Chuckwagon Cookoff (first weekend in April); Llano Crawfish Open (third weekend in April); Llano Rock’n River Fest (July 4th weekend); Llano X-treme Bullriding (third weekend in October); and Starry Starry Nights in Badu Park (December).
Llano River House carries the Air BNB’s coveted “Super Host” designation. What keeps you motivated to serve visitors so well?
Being a Texas native, some of my fondest memories have been made in the great outdoors in this special place on God’s earth we get to call home. The amount of awe and beauty that exists in the Texas Hill Country is not to be taken for granted – nor kept a secret.
I wish for many to experience the adventure and rest that the Llano River offers. Deep down, I love the Hill Country, but people mean more to me. I believe as the world turns every person is on a journey, both physically and spiritually. I consider it a privilege to host the weary traveler, the couple celebrating a wedding anniversary, or perhaps a father and son who are heading out on their first fly fishing trip together.
Memories are to be made, and it’s my privilege to be a memory maker for those that choose to stay at the Llano River House. I want their stay to be a great part of their story.
Want more Hill Country stories? Get our free newsletter.
