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The Famous FloatHouse • Stay ON Lake Travis • Unlike Anything Else

Ski-in/ski-out vacation home near Lake Travis

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Photo gallery for The Famous FloatHouse • Stay ON Lake Travis • Unlike Anything Else

A wooden houseboat with a deck, windows, and a lifebuoy.
A room with bunk beds, a table, and large windows with a view of a dock and water.
A pool table with chairs, a billiards rack, and a view of the lake.
A kitchen with a counter, chairs, a refrigerator, and a view of the water.
A boat with a blue slide, a lifeguard tower, and a flag.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms2 bathrooms1400 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Pet friendly
  • Air conditioning
  • Water view

Explore the area

View in a map
Leander, TX
  • Place, Lake Travis
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, University of Texas at Austin
    ‪52 min drive‬
  • Place, Sixth Street
    ‪54 min drive‬

Room options

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About the neighborhood

Leander

On waterfront.A stay at this vacation home places you within half a mile (1 km) of Lake Travis and 6 miles (10 km) of Veteran's Memorial Park. The Good Lot is within 6 miles (10 km) and The Lucky Rabbit is within 9 miles (15 km).

What's nearby

  • Lake Travis - 2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Zilker Park - 50 min drive - 33.6 miles
  • University of Texas at Austin - 52 min drive - 34.3 miles
  • Sixth Street - 54 min drive - 34.6 miles
  • Texas State Capitol - 54 min drive - 33.7 miles

Getting around

  • Austin Station - 39 min drive
  • Austin-Bergstrom Intl. Airport (AUS) - 58 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Sonic Drive-In - ‬21 min drive
  • ‪Mojo Coffee Cedar Park - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Good Lot - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Alba Wine Bar - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Bajo La Luna - ‬16 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.

The Famous FloatHouse • Stay ON Lake Travis • Unlike Anything Else

OVERVIEW:

Part LakeHouse. Part HouseBoat. But way better than both. 100% Lake Travis fun. ​Truly one of a kind!

Featured in the Austin Statesman, The Famous FloatHouse is a full-size, two-story floating home designed from the water up for one thing: having an unforgettable time on the lake.

Walk down the steps and you’re instantly on the water. Lake Travis is your front yard. The large, shaded, breeze-cooled deck is your playground.

This isn’t just a place to stay. It’s a place to experience.

Book it—and be the hero.


THE PLACE:

The FloatHouse is proudly old school. We work hard to make it an affordable memory-maker for families.

This is an old-style lake cabin that floats. Not a five-star hotel with granite countertops and luxury amenities.

It’s built for people who want to be together on the lake, not just look at it.

Everything about the FloatHouse is designed for fun, not formality. There's even a full-size table shuffleboard inside.

The decor leans vintage (much of it from Ann’s family home), and the feel is relaxed, personal, and a little nostalgic - in the best way.

Sleeps up to 12 with two twin beds and a bunk bed per room. (Twins can be pushed together for King upon request.)

If you want real lake life​ - where people laugh, swim, play, and make memories together​ - this is the place.

​If you’re looking for a polished, luxury hotel-style stay, this isn’t it.

​Perfect for:
Families who want kids in the water all day
Groups who care more about fun and togetherness than fancy finishes
People who want to step outside and be on the lake instantly
Guests who appreciate a relaxed, lived-in, “old Austin” vibe


​THE DECK:

The deck is where people gather. It's shaded in the afternoons, usually breezy, and surprisingly cool ​& mosquito-free even in the Texas summer.

The deck is front-row seating to the main stage: ​L​ake Travis . The famous “Crane” rope swing, water slide, swim dock, fish light, and water toys - including the all-time favorite “Kid Boat.” You’ll have to beg the kids to come in at night.

Tie your boat directly to the house and stay in the action all day.


​THE LOCATION:

Location type: Not just waterfront, actually ON the water.

If you know Lake Travis, you know it’s a beautiful lake, but it has a “flooding problem.” Houses have to be built out of the flood plain. That means they are a brutal in-the-summer hike from the water. Not here.

Park your car, walk down the steps, and you’re on your floating home. When you want a cold beer, it’s 10 feet away - not back up the hill.

It is the closest-in on the more desirable, more undeveloped North Side of Lake Travis. 15 minutes to major grocery store, but feels so far away.

It’s the first house in a no wake zone, so the lake is so close, but boaters are not in your face.

Across the cove is all parkland which increases the feel of being “out there”.


A FEW THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE BOOKING:

This is a floating lake cabin with character - not a luxury hotel.

Vintage decor and a laid-back, old-school vibe.

This is not a “remove-it-for-liability” kind of place. You’ll need to use common sense. (for example: climbing a ladder without a safety harness). No hand rails on stairs.

Not toddler-proof. Our kids grew up here - but with close supervision.

If you’re looking for over-the-top modern luxury, this may not be your place.

If you’re looking for a fun, memorable, one-of-a-kind lake experience… you’re in the right spot.

Book it—and be the hero.


​A​BOUT REVIEWS:

We’ve been doing this since the late ’90s - back when vacation rentals were just getting started.

We’ve hosted hundreds of groups with almost no complaints.

​We lost our ~30-year-old listing (long story), so the online reviews didn’t carry over.​ There used to be hundreds - all 5 stars.

Our old-school, handwritten guest books (up to three now) are packed with hundreds of notes from past guests. A few excerpts from our favorites:

“We brought our boat, but we hardly used it—we just didn’t want to leave.”

“Every time I turned a corner, I smiled. Everything’s so clever.”

“One of the BEST family vacations we’ve ever had.”

"Rick & Ann always under promise and over deliver."

“The kids played until they dropped - and the parents relaxed.”

“They've thought of everything.”

“Love the labels and so many hooks.”

“Nothing else on the lake even comes close.”

“You can’t get this anyplace else.”

“For three days we lived the American Dream.”

“This is the greatest thing going on Lake Travis.”

“Best idea EVER!”

“One of the most unique places I’ve ever stayed.”


OWNER INTERACTION:

We’re hands-on in the best way.

You’ll get a personal walkthrough when you arrive so you know where all the fun stuff is how everything works.

After that, we give you space - but we’re nearby if you need anything.

We WANT you to call us if there is something wrong!

Similar properties

Property amenities

Ski

  • Ski-in/ski-out access

Internet

  • Available in the house: Internet access

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming dogs only
  • 2 pets total

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Designated smoking areas
  • Note from host: Clean up your butts.

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Ski-in/ski-out access

Safety features

  • 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)

General

  • Unit size: 1,400 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18

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

Pets

  • Pets are welcome
  • Only dogs are allowed
  • Maximum 2 pets
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Note from host: Dogs require $50 per fee.

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Note from host: Toddlers must be closely monitored.

Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
Day guest require self-reported self-collected $20

Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas
Clean up your butts.

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: 20
Note from host: Day guest require self-reported self-collected $20
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
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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 20. Note from host: Day guest require self-reported self-collected $20 For guests' safety, the property includes a smoke detector in each accommodation.

Frequently asked questions

How close is The Famous FloatHouse • Stay ON Lake Travis • Unlike Anything Else to the airport?

This vacation home is 37.3 mi (58-min drive) away from the Austin-Bergstrom Intl. Airport (AUS) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

Does The Famous FloatHouse • Stay ON Lake Travis • Unlike Anything Else have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at this vacation home.

Does The Famous FloatHouse • Stay ON Lake Travis • Unlike Anything Else offer free breakfast?

This vacation home does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at The Famous FloatHouse • Stay ON Lake Travis • Unlike Anything Else?

No, there is no casino at this vacation home.

What time is check-in at The Famous FloatHouse • Stay ON Lake Travis • Unlike Anything Else?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

Is there free parking at The Famous FloatHouse • Stay ON Lake Travis • Unlike Anything Else?

Free parking is not available at this vacation home.

Does The Famous FloatHouse • Stay ON Lake Travis • Unlike Anything Else have a pool?

This vacation home does not have a pool.

Does The Famous FloatHouse • Stay ON Lake Travis • Unlike Anything Else have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this vacation home.

How close is The Famous FloatHouse • Stay ON Lake Travis • Unlike Anything Else to downtown Leander?

This vacation home is 7.9 mi away from Leander.

The Famous FloatHouse • Stay ON Lake Travis • Unlike Anything Else Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 2 out of 2 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 2 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 2 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 2 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 2 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Dannielle V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a family group of 9, to celebrate August birthdays, and it could not have been more perfect for our family! The vintage pieces within the house was also nostalgic and it was awesome. The home has everything you will need to spend days at the lake, except your groceries. The rope swing, the water slide, the beautiful lake, and fishing in the evening kept us busy creating memories. I highly recommend this place for those who wish to create memories on the lake! You will not regret it!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Humberto

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Great location, right on the water. Excellent family vacation spot
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026