• We celebrated my brother’s wedding at the Hill Country Nature Retreat and this place was perfect.

    We celebrated my brother’s wedding at the Hill Country Nature Retreat and this place was perfect. Marlena was extremely helpful and responsive during the planning process. We used the workshop for dining and the pavilion farmhouse to setup the food/drinks. They provided speakers for music, plates, glasses, and beautiful wood tables / chairs. The lodging was great too. The rooms are so cute, and just a short walk away but not visible to the event area. My family traveled in from out of town so being able to stay on the property was nice. We are so thankful we found this place, it was more perfect than I imagined. Thank you, Marlena and Eugene!

  • My second visit was as awesome as the first!

    My second visit (family reunion) to Hill Country Nature Retreat was as awesome as the first (sisters wedding). The property sits at the top of a hill and offers amazing views of the surrounding Texas beauty. Eugene and Marlena have carefully planned the property and lodging areas for a great balance of peace and comfort. The wedding was exciting and fun for my family. The reunion was perfect, with my kids constantly engaged in the outdoors. Highly recommend for events or just to get away from the grind. Thanks E&M, y'all keep it up!

  • "This place is such a hidden hill country gem!"

    Our stay exceeded our expectations and the pictures just don't do this place justice. We really needed a moment to be in nature and get out of the city, and this place hit home for us in every way! We woke to the birds chirping and had a lovely outdoor shower experience. The stars are unbelievable here and great swim spots nearby.
    You can really tell how much this placed is loved in all the little details. Very clean, serene and aesthetically on point. We will absolutely be back!

  • "The location is absolutely gorgeous."

    I had my wedding here in Oct 2022 (around 90 guests). The location is absolutely gorgeous. The decor combines modern, new-age, and rustic elements in harmony with the serene woodsy setting. The venue owners worked closely with our caterer, tent company, bus driver, and DJ before and during the event so that we didn't have to worry about any logistics. Most importantly our guests are still talking about how much they loved it! Our guests could take nature walks, hang out in the outdoor kitchen/picnic tables, dance in and next to the event center, and roast s'mores at the fire pit in the evening. Staying in the cabin was magical with a 360 view of the sunrise in the morning.

  • "I am speechless; such an amazing place for a getaway with your partner."

    – We were in awe when we walked in! Such a cute space with thoughtful touches. Off grid living is an interesting experience and we made a lot of memories walking around the property and watching the sunset and sunrise on top of the roof!

  • "Highly recommend for anyone wanting to escape the outside world for a bit and reconnect with the land."

    – Absolutely wonderful. Pristine views, the rooftop deck provides a 360 view of the surrounding Texas landscape and is a great spot for sunset/sunrise viewing and stargazing. 10/10

  • "Definitely one of my favorite Airbnb experiences thus far."

    – This place is magical, I came for a solo birthday retreat to paint and read and just meditate on life! Could not have asked for a better environment for just that. You really feel immersed in the nature of the hill country there. The bed was so cozy, everything you needed was there. Directions were very clear to get there and plenty of notes left around the house explaining everything.

  • "It is stunningly beautiful, with an unbeatable view and remarkable quiet and calm"

    Conveniently located to the area’s wineries, nature parks and other attractions, and nearby downtown Blanco is fun to explore. We can’t wait to visit again!

  • "It felt amazing to slow down from the hustle and bustle of life."

    Spent a lot of time sleeping in, reading, hiking the ancient tree trail, watching sunset on the rooftop, and cooking on the grill. The hosts did a wonderful job of creating such a cozy and quiet retreat into nature!

  • "Literally the best Airbnb ever."

    The pictures do not justice to this amazing, unique, clean bliss of beauty in the woods. Seeing the sunset and sunrise...oh ya and the stars at night was beautiful touch.

  • "This is a one of a kind experience."

    It was private, quiet, and so serene. I highly recommend a stay here to connect with nature, a partner or friend, and yourself.

  • "Could not recommend more!"

    The hill country views were just amazing, and there were so many personal touches and places on the property to sit and enjoy nature.

  • "Greatest freakin airbnb ever."

    Marlena was extremely accommodating, super nice. The directions for check in were spot on. The site is perfect for experiencing pure serenity. Also, only got ONE mosquito bite! The entire time I was thinking Marlena scattered magic dust around the area to drive away mosquitos. So much fun. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

  • "Marlena is an excellent host & truly has gone above & beyond."

    If you like camping, you will LOVE this place. I think it’s amazing how they have used old wood to make the kitchen and bathroom, I felt inspired while I was there!! Love seeing what other people can dream up. I loved it so much I stayed an extra day! Oh, & the outdoor shower is AMAZING! I can’t wait to visit again, I imagine I’ll be staying here a couple times a year! Dreaming of mornings with a hot cup of coffee in that little kitchen.

  • "It felt like I was being cared for every second I was there."

    Even though it is off the grid and "rustic," it never felt like neither comfort nor elegance is sacrificed. This is a very special place and perfect anyone looking for solitude, rest, and a new view on life.

  • "One of my favorite Airbnb experiences of all time."

    The place was gorgeous, every detail was so well curated, the check-in instructions were so clear - it honestly felt like a dream. I love how eco-friendly the place is and the beautiful story behind it all - Would 10/10 recommend that you stay here, this just might be your next favorite spot!

  • "This is an Airbnb unlike any I’ve experienced."

    With the windows open, the crickets and cool breeze soundtracked the nights. It was remote, though not far to town, which had its own delights like a delicious barbecue place, a massive antique shop, and the state park.

  • "Leave the rest of the world behind as you drive up the mile-long driveway to this beautiful sanctuary."

    This place is a true gem! The views are spectacular at all times of day.

  • "Simply an incredible stay."

    The workmanship is stellar, the clear instructions for things are really helpful, and the setting is beautiful! We’d strongly recommend staying here to anyone; the hard work and love put into building [it] is evident everywhere. Sitting on the roof watching sunset was a bonus memorable experience

  • "If you want to truly experience “glamping” this is definitely the place to go!"

    Very impressed with the entire experience!

  • "An amazing/unique stay for people trying to get away and forget about everything going on in the world and just relax."

    It’s a great place to to immerse yourself in nature and focus on what’s important in life.

  • "I have stayed in many many Airbnb’s all around the world. I have experienced many special places and this private, serene, peaceful little spot is now in my top 5."

    Do yourself a favor and book it. And then do yourself an even greater favor and stay for a few days. [It’s] stylish and cute enough to still have a touch of glamor and just rustic enough to help you let go of the outside world.

  • "If you’re looking for a quiet place out in the beautiful Texas countryside, this is your spot."

    The place is absolutely amazing.

  • "One word to describe this place: sacred."

    To be able to escape society and reconnect with your roots is something sacred, and Eugene and Marlena have created such a space for this.

  • "We left wishing we could stay forever!"

    This was remote, yet a reasonable drive to towns. Simple yet had everything and more you could need. We loved every moment here and can’t wait to go back!

  • "We left feeling rejuvenated, inspired and committed to creating more experiences like this one."

    We fell in love with this hidden gem deep in the woods. It was easy to access yet felt completely secluded. Every little detail was thought through and came together to provide a such a perfect, memorable stay. Thank you to Marlena and her husband for being such gracious hosts and for bringing such a dreamy spot to life!

Who we are:

Hill Country Nature Retreat Center is an eco-friendly space for weddings, retreats, team-building workshops, and nightly stays. We’re in an hour outside of Austin and San Antonio, in the beautiful and historic town of Blanco, Texas. Our center sits on 37 acres and utilizes rainwater and solar power.

retreat center outdoor kitchen
taken by Image and Grace Photography
Picture by Image and Grace
indoor workshop space at texas retreat center
  • Our max number of overnight guests is around 40. Not including a beautiful cleared campsite that can fit 20+ tents, our center has 5 standard queen beds: 2 in the cabin, 1 in the airstream, 1 in the studio, and 1 in the treehouse. There is 1 super comfortable 6” queen size floor bed available, if needed, for extra indoor sleeping.

  • Retreat/Group pricing: $800-$1200 night, subject to change based on event, date, and number of guests. Contact us directly for wedding pricing.

  • Inquiry:
    Submit an inquiry with event details through our website or contact us at connect@hillcountrynatureretreat.com.

    Availability Check:
    We will check venue availability and respond promptly.

    Site Visit:
    Schedule a site visit to explore the venue and discuss your event.

    Customized Quote:
    Receive a customized quote outlining rental fees and details. We accept credit card and cash payments.

    Contract Review:
    Review and sign the contract, and pay the $500 refundable damage deposit to secure your date.

    Reservation:
    Your reservation is confirmed, and the venue is exclusively yours for the specified date!

    For more information or to start the booking process, contact us. We're here to help you create a memorable event at our venue!

  • Our space is perfect for nature based retreats, meditation retreats, art and yoga workshops, small weddings, team building workshops, family/friend reunions etc.

    The lack of city bustle and traffic noises make this space truly special for those wanting a peaceful experience, fully immersed in nature.

  • Starting in spring of 2024, the cabin, the treehouse, the studio, and the workshop will have fully available air conditioning.

    All buildings use either woodstoves, propane heaters or electric heaters during the colder months.

    We have Wi-Fi in all of the lodging buildings and there is cell reception in almost every spot.

    All of the water used at the center is rainwater and most of our lodging options use a composting toilet (except for the bathrooms at the Bath House and Treehouse; those are flushing toilets).

  • We recommend booking at least 3 months in advance. Weekend dates tend to fill up fast, especially in spring and fall. You can always cancel at least 30 days before your event date and receive the $500 refundable damage deposit (minus 10% handling fee) back.

  • The outdoor/screened in kitchen has:

    -1 deep sink w/garbage disposal
    -double shallow sink w/garbage disposal
    -dishwasher
    -full stove/oven
    -2 full refrigerators
    -coffee maker (bring your coffee)
    -2 crockpots (6 quarts each)
    -2 large soup pots
    -large, medium, small pots/pans
    -cooking utensils
    -knife set
    -scissors
    -vitamix blender
    -glasses/coffee mugs/plates/bowls/cutlery for 20+ guests
    -pasta strainers
    -small/medium/large mixing bowls
    -serving bowls/platters
    -3 water/drink dispensers
    -lots of other random things that typical kitchens contain. Reach out with any specific questions!

Frequently Asked Questions

Plan your stay today!