Notes from the host
Bella on Ella Near Stonehenge II
First Things First: Being managed by a local Owner (instead of an absentee owner who hired a management company), we don't have complicated rules. Your stay shouldn't be burdened with the fear that you'll "get in trouble" for something. We want you to relax and enjoy! Use common sense, and don't damage, steal, or trash the property; we'll all be happy! (Have you read the rules, chores, and FINES some properties want to impose on you? That won't be happening when staying with us!)
The whole house is yours. Following an extensive "beyond-the-studs" remodel completed in September 2020, this three-bedroom, three-bath home is the ideal getaway for adult couples and small families. Enjoy the giant Hill Country view from the covered back porch and deck.
The house has modern appliances, including GE's Cafe brand appliances. In addition, there's a small fire pit and an outdoor grill (wood/charcoal grill - NOT a gas grill). An initial supply of charcoal for the grill will be provided at no charge, but you may need more, depending on your grilling adventures.
Bedroom 1: King bed, larger bath, with comfort-sized walk-in shower and walk-in closet.
Bedroom 2: Queen bed with walk-in shower in the full bath.
Bedroom 3: The Murphy bed folds out to a Queen bed. The adjacent full bath has a walk-in shower. There is no TV in this room.
This house sits on 2.6 acres, so you won't feel crowded. The house has never been lived in full-time since the remodel, so it's as fresh as they come.
Water softener with an iron filter.
Full-sized washer and dryer. Tide Pods are provided.
Full-sized attached Garage.
Solid Quartz Countertops throughout the kitchen and bathrooms.
Two central a/c - heat units.
The pool is NOT heated but is open all year.
Kitchen items and cleaning supplies are provided, as well as towels and initial toiletries for each bathroom.
Added May 2022, a medium-sized (30x20x20) dog crate with a comfort pad. It is stored in the third bedroom. (It's very nice and simple to use!)
Added May 2022, an outdoor "fire table" on the deck. Propane is provided with no fee.
Added August 2022: You'll drift away to sleep with your personalized, adjustable sound machine beside the bed. (In bedrooms 1 and 2 only.)
Added September 2022: Outdoor cooking has never been better! We added a Blackstone 36-inch griddle on the back porch, in addition to the custom-made wood/charcoal grill/smoker. Propane for the Blackstone is provided at no fee, with an extra tank in the garage.
Added July 2023: This large smoker was built using a propane tank; see photo. This serious smoker can handle brisket, ribs, chicken, sausage, and more! It is available BY REQUEST ONLY. There is no fee for the smoker, but you will need to bring wood.
We charge a minimal cleaning fee, but we hope you will help us prepare for the next guest. (A HUGE Thank You to all our previous guests who have been sooo tidy!)
In re-designing, the we chose to make it comfortable—modern, comfortable. So rather than maximizing the number of people the house will sleep, it's maximized for casual living. No bunk beds, air mattresses, or "grandma decor" here! And with a maximum capacity of six, you won't be crowded.
The dining/kitchen area has a built-in coffee/serving bar with a Keurig and a supply of pods, a microwave drawer, USB charging plugs, and a weather station. The living room has a rock fireplace (an initial wood supply is provided at no charge). The original paintings displayed in the home are by the Owner, Kathy Simmons, and most are available for purchase.
The two main bedrooms and the living room have 55-inch TVs with Roku built-in on all TVs. Be SURE TO BRING YOUR LOGIN INFORMATION for your streaming services! There is no satellite or cable TV, but there is free unlimited fiber-optic wireless internet (maximum of 300 speed, very reliable, but the speed will be marginally lower at times). You can enjoy music with the Sonos "Move" speaker, which may be easily picked up and moved to any location or room inside or outside on the back porch. The Move will stream with a Bluetooth connection from your device.
You won't be roughing it here. Everything is like new and ready to be enjoyed - this house has never been lived in since the extensive remodel. Since a "picture is worth a thousand words," please review the posted pictures, which tell the story of this exciting new house with a central location in the Hunt/Ingram/Kerrville area. The house is off Cade Loop near the Ingram dam for those familiar with the local area. (If you look at a satellite map view, you'll see the property BEFORE the remodel... it's nothing like that now.)
If you are searching for a rental in the Hill Country, you already know about the area's extraordinary adventures. This modern, nicely appointed home is the perfect base for local adventures in Hunt, Kerrville, or Fredericksburg (an easy-driving, nicely scenic 30-ish minutes - but there is a private car service; see below*). Or... stay in and enjoy the pool, the views, and the uncrowded space! Keep in mind that this is a new, modern house. If you're looking for "rustic" or "cabin,"... this ain't it.
*****
Bella on Ella is perfect for spending a night or two before/after camp drop-off/pick-up. Our location gives quick access to 'town' but is still close to the camps.
Distance to area camps:
La Junta - 5.3 miles
Waldemar -11.4 miles
Mystic - 12.0 miles
Stewart - 9.2 miles
Honey Creek - 10.0 miles
Vista Camps - 1.3 miles
Heart O' the Hills - 10.8 miles
Mo Ranch - 16.3 miles
*****
Review from August 2023:
"I cannot say enough about how wonderful this home is. We had a long, hot, exhausting weekend at camp pickup —- and it was such a relief (and a joy) to come back to William’s house in the evenings and enjoy sunset from the pool. The place is immaculate. The beds are gloriously comfortable. Most importantly: the A/C keeps the whole house nice and chilly — on 105+ degree days, no less. This is a very quiet spot, perched on top of a hill…perfect place to relax at the end of a long day. Also, Ingram, Hunt, and Kerrville are very easy drives. We would not hesitate to rent this home again!"
Review from March 2022:
"Upon entering the home, I noticed that the home was immaculate, warm, and inviting. The home was beautiful, extremely well-stocked, and clean. The views were lovely—even better than the photos. No detail inside or outside of the home was overlooked. My family is already eager to return during the summer!"
And another from May 2021:
"The first thing we noticed when arriving was the amazing view! We arrived around sunset, and the windows/patio door along the back wall was the perfect picture of the gorgeous hill country, the sparkly clean pool, and the setting sun. The rest of the house matched the same level of perfection. Each room was clean and furnished with quality furniture and bedding/linens. The kitchen was just as beautiful! We cooked dinner there the first night and then two breakfasts with such ease. Everything we could have needed was there! We would definitely go back!"
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Please carefully read the cancellation policy regarding what fees will apply if you cancel. No refunds or reservation changes will be made due to weather conditions (forecasts or actual). IMPORTANT: Please consider purchasing travel insurance to cover unexpected issues (including medical, family, or work issues) that prevent you from traveling. The cancelation policy has been set to afford you the maximum flexibility.
>>>>>>>> There will be no refunds outside of that policy. <<<<<<<<<
Two sites that give you an aggregate of travel insurance providers and quotes from several companies are Squaremouth and InsureMyTrip (add on the .com, or do a search on the names).
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PLEASE NOTE: Occupancy at this property is strictly limited to SIX PEOPLE (whether day guests or overnight guests, including adults + kiddos). More than this number of people at any time is not permitted. Exceeding this limit may result in you being asked to immediately vacate the premises without a refund. If you have particular circumstances, please contact the owner BEFORE booking.
* Want to take a day trip to Fredericksburg wineries or go shopping? Hill Country Private Car Service will pick you up at the house, drive you (up to six people) to Fred, stay as long as you like, and drop you back at the house. They charge by the hour (check current rates!), starting when they pick you up and ending when they return you home. You may drink in the car, BYOB. Before arrival (recommended), let us know, and we will send you the contact information to book your private car trip.
* Do you enjoy live music? We put together a guide to local live music venues that may be helpful as you look for a place to go. A copy is on the dining table in the book.
Legal Stuff:
As insurance requires, all renters must review and accept the Release of Liability Waiver and Rental Agreement before their reservation is fully accepted.
Hosted byMike & Kathy Simmons
