Looking for a Staycation in a
Cabin or Home Near You?
By 2023, travel was finally returning to a sense of normal, and many people were eager to get out and explore again. Then the economy shifted, costs rose, and by 2024–2025, household budgets felt even more squeezed. As a result, staycations have become increasingly popular — choosing destinations closer to home where guests can rent an entire cabin or home within a comfortable two- to three-hour drive.
What began during 2020–2022 as a response to COVID has evolved into a smart, intentional way to travel: less time on the road, fewer expenses, and more time to truly relax.
If you’ve been looking for a peaceful staycation in a private cabin or home near you, Scurlock Farms offers the perfect solution — a quiet, boutique farm retreat that feels far away, without being far from home.
A family from India moved to Austin and they chose to spend a week at Scurlock Farms for their family vacation last summer. She commented, “why spend a lot of money flying somewhere or driving long distances when there are so many things to explore locally.” They loved their farm stay with us!
We have had guests from 30 countries and all 50 states. We see more guests booking from Houston and the surrounding area than any other part of Texas. Without exception, they comment on the peace and quiet of the farm, saying they can actually hear the owls hooting at night, rather than sirens and traffic.
Rural Cabin and Home on Riverfront Property
If you have been looking for a staycation near you, look no further! Scurlock Farms is located in central Texas in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, less than a three-hour drive from Dallas, Houston, and only 1.5 hours to San Antonio. The Palette Pad cabin sits in the middle of the 172-acre farm. The beautiful San Gabriel River forms the one mile north border of Scurlock Farms. Guests have access to the river, hiking trails about the farm, access to visit and interact with the farm animals – horses, goats, and cattle. They can even gather eggs from our free-range hens for breakfast.
The river is a five-minute walk from the cabin or a short drive down through the pasture. Bring your fishing poles and wet a hook. Many fish have been caught at the farm! Bass, catfish, bluegill, perch and gar.
The homes are listed on Airbnb and many savvy guests find us there, read all the reviews, then book direct at https://Scurlockfarms.com/book-now. Who doesn’t want to save those hefty, pesky booking fees that the online booking agencies collect? BOOK DIRECT AND SAVE.
Many guests choose to come in the fall so they can enjoy the cooler weather, fall wildflowers and the fire pits and fireplaces.
Rocky Overlook – Family and Couple-Friendly Farm Retreat
Rocky Overlook is a spacious 2,500-square-foot home on Scurlock Farms, perfect for families or couples seeking a peaceful Texas Hill Country staycation. Guests can enjoy the farm lifestyle while staying in comfort, with plenty of activities for all ages.
Children and adults alike love:
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Gathering fresh eggs from free-range hens
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Riding in the jump seat of our tractors during hay season (or anytime!)
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Interacting with horses, goats, and cattle
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Searching for arrowheads and fossils along the limestone banks of the San Gabriel River
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Fishing along the riverfront
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Relaxing in a hammock or playing in the large, open yard
Rocky Overlook offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, making it an ideal destination for a romantic couples’ retreat, a multi-generational family getaway, or anyone looking to unwind in the serene countryside.
These guests are enjoying fishing and playing with the baby goats during their staycations.
Kayak Anyone?
When water levels allow, kayaking is a favorite activity near Scurlock Farms. Each summer, kayakers often pass by the farm along the San Gabriel River, and many of our guests enjoy renting kayaks to paddle on nearby Lake Georgetown.
River conditions can vary with rainfall, but it doesn’t take much rain to refresh the river and restore paddling opportunities. When the water cooperates, kayaking and tubing are a wonderful way to experience the natural beauty of the area—just another reason guests love a staycation at the farm.
Bring Your Fur-Baby With You
Well-behaved, non-aggressive dogs are welcome at Scurlock Farms! We know pets are part of the family, and many guests enjoy bringing their dogs along for a true farm stay experience.
Our resident farm dog, Jill, is a gentle Maremma Sheepdog who loves children and gets along well with other dogs. Since other guests may also have pets, we simply ask that all dogs are friendly and respectful.
Dogs especially love:
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Exploring the open acreage
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Running off-leash in safe areas
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Cooling off with a swim in the river
Furniture covers are provided in both The Palette Pad and Rocky Overlook for pets who like to relax indoors after a day of adventure.
One favorite guest memory? Nina, a 9-month-old Boxer, met Ginger the horse for the very first time—and greeted her with a curious “doggy kiss” over the fence!
Cleanliness is Next to Godliness in These Times
A Commitment to Exceptional Cleanliness
We understand that cleanliness matters more than ever. Our longtime housekeeper, Connie, is known for her incredibly thorough approach—starting with ceiling fans and cleaning all the way down to the floors. Many of our hundreds of guest reviews specifically mention how spotlessly clean the homes are.
Each stay includes:
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Comprehensive cleaning
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Careful disinfecting
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Extra attention to frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, light switches, handles, and faucets
Your comfort and peace of mind are always a top priority.
A Staycation, Your Way
Some guests come to Scurlock Farms to fully unplug—relaxing in the hammock, listening to birdsong, spotting the Great Horned Owl that often visits in the evenings, hiking down to the river, or simply reading a good book in total peace and quiet.
Others enjoy exploring nearby attractions at their own pace before returning to the calm of the farm. Whether you’re seeking total seclusion or a gentle mix of adventure and relaxation, The Palette Pad or Rocky Overlook offers the perfect staycation retreat in the Texas Hill Country.
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