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.
Welcome to the Rustic Barnyard (dotcom) in SMTX! The recently renovated “Farmhouse”, includes a king size bed with an added twin trundle set (sleeps 2), a 45” T.V. and a magnificent clawfoot tub (chandelier included)! If you’re one of the many returning guests, don’t fret – you’ll find each change to be an upgrade and a pleasant surprise (thanks to the prior hosts, Mark & Linda)! If you’re a first timer, you’ll quickly learn that 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 the sights of curious chickens roaming, guinea hens pecking and goats baaing. The Farmhouse, our “big house” is a roomy two bedroom, two bath cabin that features a fully stocked kitchen with coffee/tea bar, a comfy living room space with a 55” smart T.V. and a quaint country dining table. The cabin also includes an inside washer and dryer and an amazing screened in front porch. Come enjoy the peaceful scenery and rock in a porch swing while enjoying your morning coffee, eat breakfast or play some games at the patio table, and wind down with an adult drink while gathered around the campfire and enjoy S’mores on us. The Farmhouse is a great place for friends and families alike (kid friendly) with games located in the living room. Free parking on the side of the cabin. Discounts available for extended stays. If your dates are unavailable, see the four 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-enjoy an abundance of stars. There’s also lots of room for outdoor activities.
We may approve small social gatherings with advance notice, but if you’re looking for a place for a noisy late night party, this is not the place for you!
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 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.
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!!!
You’ll have access to a well stocked kitchen with everything you need for cooking a delicious meal. But Uber eats will deliver as well!
***In unit washer/dryer available***
Parking is available in front of the Farmhouse and is accessible by following the dirt road straight to the Farmhouse. When you enter the gate, proceed traveling straight and park to the left of the Farmhouse. Please park 1-2 vehicles tandem. Do NOT park on left side of driveway, space reserved for the Country Cottage guests.
A smart TV has streaming capabilities for Netflix, HULU, Amazon Prime and YouTube.
The Farmhouse has Starlink internet for rapid WIFI speeds!
Please don’t smoke inside. Smoke whatever you have outside.
Sorry, no pets. There are free range/wandering chickens and guinea hens on site, corralled goats and a loving, working farm dog, Kiko. ***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.***
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!
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.
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!!!
