Hilltop Retreat

Charming French-Inspired Lakefront Cottage|Acres of Serenity & Scenic Beauty Perfect Getaway|Fishing

2 BR
1 Bath
Sleeps 4

About

Welcome to the Hilltop Retreat– a Van Alstyne gem that seamlessly blends historic charm with contemporary comfort! Nestled in the country among trees and a lake this one-of-a-kind vacation rental promises an enchanting stay with a dash of nostalgia.

The primary bathroom is getting a refresh, and we are excited to share the new photos in April!

Escape to this enchanting 2-bedroom rural lakefront cottage, a perfect blend of charm, tranquility, and rustic elegance. Resting atop a hill on 42+ acres of picturesque countryside, this French-inspired retreat overlooks a private 20+ acre lake, complete with a fishing dock and rowboat for leisurely outings. Whether you’re seeking a romantic escape, a family retreat (children must be 10+), or simply a peaceful place to unwind, this cozy haven invites you to relax and reconnect with nature.

Cottage Highlights:

• Idyllic Lake Views & Private Dock: Wake up to stunning views of the lake from your back porch, and spend quiet moments together at your own private dock, ideal for fishing or just enjoying the beauty of the water.

• Charming Antique Décor: Step back in time with the cottage’s thoughtfully curated French country antiques, blending nostalgia and comfort in every room. The retro French farmhouse kitchen adds a touch of whimsy, making it perfect for cozy meals in the vintage kitchen.

• Romantic Outdoor Spaces: Watch the sun set as you sway in the porch swing, or share intimate conversations on the covered lawn patio while wildlife grazes nearby. The peaceful atmosphere is perfect for a couple’s getaway.

• Nature Walks & Wildlife Watching: Take scenic walks along the country road, explore the 42 acres of natural beauty, and enjoy spotting deer, birds, and other wildlife right outside your door.

• Comfort for Four Guests: This charming standalone retreat accommodates up to four guests, with two beautifully furnished bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and all the modern amenities you need for a relaxing stay.

• NO WIFI, NO STREAMING, 5G cell service

• Pet Friendly: One (1) well behaved dogs under 20 lbs pursuant to approval. No exceptions and no cats. A pet fee will apply.

• Checkin will is required during daylight hours as the rural roads are dark and offer no street lighting.The house is accessed via a

private gravel road that is well maintained, but difficult to locate at night for the first time.

Just 10 minutes from downtown Van Alstyne, the cottage offers the perfect mix of seclusion and convenience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, planning a romantic weekend, or simply in need of a peaceful escape, this lakefront retreat promises an unforgettable experience.

Book now and create lasting memories in this tranquil, romantic haven!

Situated in Van Alstyne, 3.8 mi (6.2 km) from Grayson Hills Winery and within 12 mi (20 km) of Tiger Stadium and Whitewright Nature Park. Sherman Museum and Austin College are also within 20 mi (32 km).

House Notes & Expectations:

We want you to feel at home and enjoy your stay. To help set clear expectations, please review these important notes about the property and the area:

• Rural Area: The home is located in a quiet rural setting surrounded by trees and nature. While this makes for a peaceful getaway, it also means that power outages can occasionally occur due to weather or utility work. These are typically resolved by the local power company within a reasonable timeframe, but they are outside of our control.

• No Wi-Fi / Limited Cell Service: The home does not have Wi-Fi, and while most guests find 5G works for calls, messages, and light browsing, it does not reliably support streaming. This property is designed as a retreat, a chance to disconnect, relax, and enjoy the peaceful rural setting.

• Water Heater: The home is equipped with a standard water heater that is in good working order. Like all systems, hot water can be depleted after extended use and will need time to replenish.

• Air Conditioning: The HVAC units are serviced regularly and function properly. The home has many windows and abundant natural light, which can make some spaces warmer during peak summer heat. Please note that the home is vintage, including the windows, which adds charm but may also affect cooling efficiency.

• Pests / Bugs: Being in a rural lake community means pests can occasionally be a part of life. The home receives regular pest treatment; however, it is not possible to guarantee that you will never see one during your stay. For your comfort, we kindly ask that food not be left out, as it can attract unwanted wildlife.

• Respect for Residents: There are residents who live on-site. We kindly ask that you respect their privacy and avoid disturbing them during your stay.

• Parking: Please note that there is no covered parking at the property to protect vehicles from storms or weather conditions.

• Severe Weather: North Texas can experience strong storms at times. In the event of severe weather, please move indoors away from windows and monitor local weather alerts on your phone or television. If a tornado warning is issued, the safest location inside the home is the lowest level, in a small, windowless interior room (such as a bathroom or closet).

We appreciate your understanding and hope these notes help set the right expectations so you can relax and enjoy your stay.

Sleeping Arrangements

Primary Full
Guest Twin (2)

Bathroom Configuration

Bathroom: Shower, Toilet

Property Rules

Check In: After 4pm
Check Out: Before 11am
Smoking: Not Allowed

Amenities

Ac
Air Conditioning
BBQ Grill
BBQ Grill Backyard
Bed Linens
Bird Watching
Cable
Carbon monoxide Detector
Checkout
Coffee Maker
Common Surface Disinfectant Cleaned
Conditioner
Cooking Basics Covered
Covered Patio
Dishes and Silverware Dishes and Utensils
Dishwasher
Dryer
Fire pit
Fireplace
Fishing
Fishing Fishing_Freshwater
Full Kitchen
Games
Garden or Backyard
Hair Dryer
Hair Dryer Hair-Dryer
Hangers
Heating
Kitchen
Kitchen Island
Lake
Laundry
Laundry Linens Linens High Temp Wash
Living Room
Microwave
Nature
Oven
Parking
Private-Entrance
Quiet
Refrigerator
Romantic
Rural
Satellite TV
Satellite or Cable
Self Check-In
Self Checkin
Shampoo
Smoke Detector
Sojo Amenity Kit
Stove
TV
Television
Towels
Trees
Views
Washer
Washing Machine
Water View
Wildlife Viewing

Map

Frequently Asked Questions

Name- Hilltop Retreat
Headline- Charming French-Inspired Lakefront Cottage |Acres of Serenity and Scenic Beauty Perfect Getaway
Ch Headline- Charming French-Inspired Lakefront Cottage |Acres of Serenity and Scenic Beauty Perfect Getaway

Reviews

mouse house
1/5 stars
We were very disappointed with the vrbo that we stayed at in van alstyne texas. there were mouse droppings in all of the drawers in the kitchen...in the pots and pans and on the utensils.. mouse droppings on the pillows, bed coverings and towels...The knobs for the stove were not working and we were unable to turn the burners off ...the maintenance person was on site and had to turn off the breaker. Overall...the house was dysfunctional and dangerously unsanitary. When we reported these disturbing issues the itrip rep was apologetic ....and offered a compensation of 100.00...Very Disappointing experience...Hopefully this report will be helpful in correcting these issues. Regards, Barbara and Michael Kapp
- Michael

Dear Barbara and Michael, Thank you for your feedback. As we discussed both in writing and on the phone during your stay, I’m truly sorry to hear that your experience at the property in Van Alstyne did not meet your expectations. We take guest concerns very seriously, and I appreciate you taking the time to share your observations. Following your report, we’ve taken several important steps to correct and improve the guest experience at this property, including: • A thorough deep cleaning of the home, including all linens, kitchenware, and high-touch surfaces • Full service from a licensed pest control company • Replacement of the stove • Additional maintenance updates throughout the home to enhance safety and comfort • A refund was also provided in recognition of the disruption you experienced The property is situated on 42 acres of quiet countryside, offering guests a peaceful and private setting. However, the region experienced an unusually wet spring and significant flooding, which led to a rise in pest activity across the area. Additionally, this is a vintage country home, and while it offers charm and character, it may not be ideal for intensive uses such as event catering or large-scale food preparation. We understand you were preparing food for your niece’s wedding and working on a wedding cake—an undertaking we truly respect and admire. However, it’s worth noting that the presence of large quantities of food may have further attracted pests into the home, especially given the rural setting and recent environmental conditions. We regret that these factors affected your stay, and we’re committed to continuous improvement. Your feedback has directly informed the actions we’ve taken, and we appreciate your help in ensuring a better experience for future guests. Warm regards, Jennifer iTrip Lake Texoma

- Manager Response
Van Alstyne Cabin
5/5 stars
The cabin is always a great stay. Secluded and quiet. We have stayed here several times in the past and have always enjoyed calm and serenity. The fishing is awesome too! Great catch and release lake.
- Jeff

Thank you so much for staying! I'm thrilled to hear that you continue to enjoy the calm and serenity of Hilltop Retreat. It's wonderful to know that the fishing at the catch and release lake adds to your experience. You're always a great guest, and you're welcome back anytime!

- Manager Response

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Toll Free (866) 883-9662