3H Ranch Mountain Retreat sits on 60 private acres in the hills between Medina and Vanderpool, along the same road as the old townsite of Tuff. A spring-fed creek and a private pond are less than a minute's walk from the house, good for catch-and-release fishing, kayaking and tubing. Bandera, Tarpley, Utopia and Medina are all within a short drive.
The house is a 1960s ranch home, remodeled in wood and corrugated metal and furnished with vintage pieces. It was set up for groups: five bedrooms and ten beds for up to fifteen, a large kitchen with plenty of pantry space, two dining areas and a bar, a pool table, a separate TV room and a dedicated office for anyone who has to work. Family reunions and church groups have found it easy to share.
The large covered patio gives everyone a place to gather, and the fire pit is where most nights end. Bring binoculars for the birds; deer and other wildlife are common. Pets are welcome.
Cell service is limited out here, which many guests count as a feature. Wi-Fi runs throughout the house. Lost Maples and Hill Country State Natural Area are both within a short drive.
Early check-in may be available; ask us. Your stay includes the Texas Hill Country Travel App, a local guide for exploring the area.
WHY WE LIKE IT
The first thing we tell people about 3H is how quiet it is. The house sits far off the road between Medina and Vanderpool, and once the sun goes down the sky is as dark as anywhere we book. It suits families who want everyone under one roof. And bring a rod: we have caught fish in that pond ourselves.
— Spencer and Jess, Backroads Hill Country
SLEEPING
Bedroom 1: queen bed
Bedroom 2: queen bed
Bedroom 3: double bed
Bedroom 4: queen bed, double bed and two twin beds
Bedroom 5: two bunk beds and a double bed
Two full bathrooms and one half bath
GOOD TO KNOW
The ranch is down a long country road with some low-water river crossings. Bring a truck or a car with good ground clearance.
Window AC units cool the house in warmer months and are turned on before you arrive.
Pond levels may be lower than in the photos, and the floating dock may not always be in use. A map in the house shows the property boundaries.
Pets are welcome; any pet fee is shown when you book.
Check-in is 3 PM and check-out is 11 AM.