Entire home

A rustic stone cottage on an estate close to the Texas State Railroad.

Photo gallery for A rustic stone cottage on an estate close to the Texas State Railroad.

Exterior
2 bedrooms, free WiFi, bed sheets
Terrace/patio
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Smart TV, fireplace, books

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 684 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Washer
  • Parking available
  • Pet friendly
  • Barbecue grill
  • Air conditioning
  • Kitchen

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

A rustic stone cottage on an estate close to the Texas State Railroad.

A rustic stone cottage, a quiet retreat, a romantic getaway - whatever you call it, it's a little piece of heaven nestled in the tall trees of East Texas. It's so close to the Texas State Railroad you can hear the gentle call of the steam whistle. A 4-acre lake is just waiting for you to reel in your bass, or perhaps you'd like to help your son or daughter enjoy catching their first sunfish or crappie on a cane pole from the available pier. There's even a mini-pontoon peddle boat for exploring the lake or for another way to catch the "big one"! Bird Cottage is well named because of all the various species of birds native to the area that as bird lovers we often enjoy, so don't forget your binoculars and camera if you are a bird watcher, too. If you just want to escape all the noise, traffic and bustle of the city and need to recharge your batteries, then relax on the soft cushions of the metal gliders under porch fans with a gentle breeze blowing through your hair and with a good book in your hand and a wine glass nearby, or oversleep in the cozy bedroom until the birds wake you to another wonderful day. You'll feel at home when you breathe in the fresh pine scented air should you decide to take a stroll on the grounds or even jog to the end of the 1-mile county road and back. Participating in local activities and festivals, taking a one-hour trip to Canton for First Monday antique and curio shopping, or picking up fresh produce from local farmer's markets may just be what you’re longing to do, and Bird Cottage can be your starting point for those adventures and more. However you decide you’d like to spend your time here, we’ll do our best to make your stay as care free and special as possible. And, if you have a special request, just ask. Now what are you waiting for? Let’s start making memories!

Property manager

ROLAND OR SUSAN HARTZOG

Languages

English

Property amenities

Internet

  • Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Onsite parking
  • Car required

Kitchen

  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Spices
  • Toaster
  • Paper towels
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Ice maker

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided

Bathrooms

  • 1 bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided
  • Hair dryer
  • Soap
  • Shampoo
  • Toilet paper

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Smart TV with cable/satellite service
  • Books
  • Games

Outdoor areas

  • Patio
  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Washing machine
  • Near laundromat

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • 2 total (up to 20 lbs per pet)
  • Welcoming dogs only

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property
  • Note from host: This is a strict NO SMOKING property.

Location highlights

  • On the lake
  • In the city center
  • In a rural location
  • Near a hospital

Things to do

  • Bicycle on site
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Theme parks nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Hiking nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector installed (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector installed (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit

General

  • Unit size: 900 sq ft (84 sq m)

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
2 total (up to 20 lbs per pet)
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property at the number on the booking confirmation
Note from host: We prefer small to medium pets with 2 as a maximum

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site; maximum attendees: 80
Note from host: Picnic pavilion available for additional fee.
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

We should mention

A car is required for transportation to and from this property

Property is also known as

Rustic Stone Cottage Estate Texas State Railroad Palestine
Rustic Stone Cottage Estate Texas State Railroad
Rustic Stone Estate Texas State Railroad Palestine
Rustic Stone Estate Texas State Railroad
Rustic Stone Cottage Estate Texas State Railroad Palestine
Rustic Stone Cottage Estate Texas State Railroad
Rustic Stone Estate Texas State Railroad Palestine
Rustic Stone Cottage Estate Texas State Railroad Palestine
Rustic Stone Cottage Estate Texas State Railroad
Rustic Stone Estate Texas State Railroad Palestine
Rustic Stone Estate Texas State Railroad
En Rustik Stenhus på en Ejendom tæt på Texas State Railroad

About the neighborhood

Map
Palestine, TX

What's nearby

  • Texas State Railroad: Palestine Depot - 4 min drive - 2.9 km
  • Anderson County Courthouse - 8 min drive - 8.0 km
  • Redlands Hotel - 8 min drive - 8.6 km
  • Davey Dogwood Park - 10 min drive - 10.2 km
  • University of Texas at Tyler Palestine Campus - 11 min drive - 11.4 km

Getting around

  • Tyler, TX (TYR-Pounds Regional) - 57 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Chick-fil-A - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Whataburger - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Sonic Drive-In - ‬9 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is A rustic stone cottage on an estate close to the Texas State Railroad. pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 20 lbs per pet.

What time is check-in at A rustic stone cottage on an estate close to the Texas State Railroad.?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at A rustic stone cottage on an estate close to the Texas State Railroad.?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is A rustic stone cottage on an estate close to the Texas State Railroad. located?

Located in the heart of Palestine, this cottage is 1.8 mi (2.9 km) from Texas State Railroad: Palestine Depot and within 6 mi (10 km) of Anderson County Courthouse and Palestine Community Theatre. Redlands Hotel and Green Park are also within 9 mi (15 km).

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

A rustic stone cottage on an estate close to the Texas State Railroad. Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 106 out of 108 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 108 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 108 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 108 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 108 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Patti S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful peaceful relaxing
Clean well maintained and hosts were amazing and friendly
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tiana T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful stay at this lovely Cottage
We recently stayed at this Cottage in early Springtime when the TX mountain laurel were in bloom. It’s beautiful and the owners have every detail covered for a wonderful stay. Thank you and we are looking forward to another time.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Robert W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We went to ride the train and found a heavenly oasis.
I’ve been to many places that promise solitude but you never really feel it, you DEFINITELY will here. So quiet, so beautiful. I will definitely come back if nothing else just to stay here.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sheri F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Friendly hosts
Beautiful place!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Amanda P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Sweet and fun cottage
Bird Cottage is adorable and the owners are friendly. It’s located on their main home property but we never felt uncomfortable. They are very welcoming. Our kids played ball in the yard, fished the lake, took out the boat and fed the chickens. The cottage is clean and well stocked. The beds are comfy too! Excellent place to stay especially if you’re going to the Texas Railroad.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Victoria S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Relaxing tranquil getaway
This home is well taken care of by the couple who actually built it for their own use.They have made a lovely property for guests to visit and share its amenities. Our grandkids loved the pond and visiting their chicken coop.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sarah M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Romantic Cottage!
Bird Cottage was the perfect sanctuary for our wedding anniversary! Roland and Susan could not have been more accommodating! We look forward to returning soon!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Brenda B.

A Heavenly Haven
A lovely little cottage on beautiful grounds where mind, body and spirit find rest and renewal. The most hospitable hosts EVER and not a single need unmet. Highly recommended and we WILL return!!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2018

10/10 Excellent

Sarah L.

Peaceful and beautiful time with my family....
Roland and Susan are amazing hosts and made us feel like family! The property is beautiful and was so relaxing. The cottage is very clean and updated inside but still feels true to being rustic. Our kids were able to be kids and run around and enjoy the beautiful nature of Texas. We would love to return... top notch VRBO!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2019

10/10 Excellent

Diana N.

Far from big city stress but close to home
Just what we hoped for in a country retreat. All the amenities needed, plenty to see and do but still felt like miles from nowhere. Three kids and two adults fit perfectly with plenty of outdoor space to roam. Our hosts were more than accommodating and added to the experience by suggesting in town restaurants, excursions and even provided the worms for fishing in their pond.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2019

10/10 Excellent

Mary M., Magnolia, TX

So cozy and nice!
Such a cute little cottage! Lots of attention to details, including a towel warmer. Beds were very comfy, and Roland kept us supplied with wood for the fireplace. It was the perfect setting to get away to celebrate my birthday with my sisters. The hosts put up a birthday banner and left cupcakes. Very sweet and attentive.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2019

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Just Perfect for Thanksgiving!
My two adult children stayed with us here for Thanksgiving and it was wonderful. The cottage is simply darling and has everything we needed. The kitchen is amply supplied, the living area cozy and comfortable; and we loved using the fireplace that cold weekend. Beds are very comfortable and all the decorative bird touches to make it truly Bird Cottage were charming. It is set on a gorgeous piece of property that is delightful to roam. Our hosts were so welcoming and helpful, even when we had a medical emergency. Also very close to the Texas State Railroad which was so convenient Polar Express was AMAZING . Small note: The spiral staircase to the upstairs sleeping soft is quite small and tricky, but even my hefty adult son managed it. Many thanks to our hosts for a tour of the property and a delightful stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Andrew R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing vacation and even better people
Cottage was very clean and had all the amenities needed. We spent most of our time outside in the large green space in the middle of the estate, on the boat, or tractor. My two toddlers loved every bit of it. Roland and his wife were very friendly and made sure our visit was nothing but top tier. They made sure we had everything we needed and respected our space during COVID19. We will definitely be making a trip back.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jasmin D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nothing short of AMAZING!!
We had such a wonderful time during our stay. The property is AMAZING along with it's hosts. There is so much to do we never left the property during the 3 days we were there. The kids loved wondering around and exploring and we felt safe allowing them to do so. The chickens were so much fun, my kiddos loved watching them and following them around. They thought it was so neat to collect eggs. The lake is beautiful and the paddle boat was a huge hit with my kids. I would highly recommend this place and we will definitely be going back. None of us were ready to leave.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2021

10/10 Excellent

Lonni M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful!!!
Our hosts, Susan and Roland are just amazing. For our second time staying at Bird Cottage, they attended to our special requests and opened up their lovely property to us and our grandchildren. Our grandkids loved fishing and using the paddleboat on the lake, playing soccer on the massive lawn, and eating breakfast on the huge, comfortable porch of the cottage. The beds are comfortable, the kitchen is great for cooking a meal, and the bathroom is huge with a great shower. Even our little pup enjoyed his stay! Thank you again Susan and Roland for another great stay on your beautiful property. See you next year!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Lonni M.

Our very best HOMEAWAY stay ever!
We were in town for our 50+ family reunion. I stumbled upon Bird Cottage on Homeaway. What an amazing find! The cottage is adorable and very comfortable. The porch has fans and gliders and is an amazing place to sit and drink coffee or just talk to family. The kids fished in the beautiful pond, played baseball on the gorgeous grounds, and enjoyed the loft in the cabin. Our host, Roland, is so kind and helpful and left us danish for the morning, orange juice, creamer, as well as a loaded Keurig for coffee. We loved the huge stone shower and all the comfortable beds. We are looking forward to coming back every year!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2018

10/10 Excellent

Kendra G., Houston, TX

Adorable quiet retreat!
Everything about this bird's nest cottage is 5 star, including the owners, Roland and Susan. Great communication before, during and after my stay. The moment you drive onto the property, the stress melts away. It's beautiful! The cottage is well equipped with everything you need for a great stay - including a towel warmer in the bathroom and some amazing homemade blueberry bread!! It's perfect for relaxing, watching the cows in the neighboring pasture, or taking a quiet walk down to the pond. Likewise, it's close enough to Palestine where you can grab groceries or a bite to eat, or hit the Piney Woods Wine Trail. I booked the cottage for a weekend away by myself, and will definitely be back!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2019

10/10 Excellent

Tracey J., Palestine, TX

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Anniversary getaway
Most relaxing place we’ve ever stayed! Absolutely beautiful, peaceful, quiet, secluded, cozy, and comfortable. I believe our favorite spot was the porch, which was always nice and breezy. From the moment we arrived, we could tell that Susan and Roland had gone out of their way to make this a special weekend for us. They were very accommodating, from the welcome anniversary flag, champagne on ice, and homemade blueberry bread. The decor inside and out was very meticulous. I can't count how many bird items are on display. The grounds are immaculate, and the fishing was pretty decent too. We would not hesitate to stay here again. Thanks so much for sharing your beautiful cabin.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
SPRING BREAK FOR THE GIRLS
Everyone caught a fish except the wifey poo! she evidently was not holding her rod correctly! lol the girls had a great time and learned to drive! i think !!! bet Roland was tired of seeing my golf cart go by the house all day!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2021

10/10 Excellent

Richard P., Cypress, TX.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great and relaxing time.
The cottage met our needs. The stairway to the loft needs to be better explained. It is very narrow and steep spiral stairs and older adults cannot use it easily. My daughter and nephew slept there. My wife or I could not fit on it. We were also inundated with inch worms everywhere in the cottage the whole week. But otherwise we enjoyed the quiet and good weather we were lucky to have and the fishing was very good and relaxing. The porch was enjoyed by all of us. Great get away.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

allison r., Dallas

It doesn't get any better than this !
They have thought of every detail. Not only is it beautifully designed ( & I'm a registered designer ) but the champagne was on ice, the "Happy Anniversary" flag was flying, the fire was going in the fireplace, water in the coffee maker, and the amazing blueberry bread was in the refrigerator for breakfast! Cleanliness goes without saying,immaculate grounds,beautiful plants, heated towels in the bathroom, on & on ! Roland and Susan were fantastic hosts and it was the most relaxed we've been in months. I want to live there! Since that's not possible, we WILL be back, over & over! Thank you again and we so look forward to seeing you soon. - Kyle & Allison Russell
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2018

10/10 Excellent

Chris S.

Wish we could have stayed longer!!!!
My Husband, 8-month old son and I stayed at the Bird Cottage this past weekend and had a wonderful time. My husband is from Palestine so it was nice to be back in his hometown for the weekend to visit with friends and family. The amenities were wonderful, especially with a young baby. We had everything we needed! We especially enjoyed having coffee in the morning overlooking the well-manicured property and seeing the lake just a short distance from the front porch. Our dogs enjoyed chasing each other in the lot and running down to the lake and back. The bed was incredibly comfy, the cabin is decorated beautifully and having a hot towel to dry off with after a shower was a huge treat! My husband and I are already planning to come back in the fall to enjoy the fireplace and outdoor cook area by the lake. Roland and Susan were incredible hosts and we look forward to visiting with them more on our next trip. Candice
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2018

10/10 Excellent

John E.

Great Property - Well equipped and truly relaxing
First off, as usual the pictures do not quite capture the beauty of this property. Roland and Susan have done an incredible job not only with this cottage but the entirety of the property. They are two of the nicest, most accommodating people you will meet. The lake is a real amenity that is both serene and full of good sized fish. Kids and I fished there for two days and caught 23 fish in a short amount of time. If you do not have any fishing equipment, don't worry as Roland and Susan have plenty of extra poles and tackle. As you enter the property, you almost think you are entering an English countryside manor. As for the cottage itself, we had 2 adults and 4 children under the age of 12 and never once felt cramped. The loft is quite large and accommodating and the cottage is very efficiently laid out. Lots of patio/deck space and seating. We will definitely be back for the fishing and the tranquility.
Stayed 10 nights in Dec 2018

10/10 Excellent

Tina C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
PERFECT CABIN!!!!
The cabin was perfect in every way and the property was absolutely breathtaking! Roland and Susan greeted me upon arrival and went above and beyond to make my stay enjoyable. They even added little sweet touches like mini Bundt cakes and orange juice, so I had breakfast the next morning. The cabin is adorable and has some extra plush amenities such as a resort style extra-large stone shower and towel warmer. There is a large covered porch that wraps around the cabin so you can sit and look at the extremely well maintained landscape to the front and side of the cabin and the beautiful white cows on the back side. Susan and Roland allowed me to roam around the property so I walked down to the lake on both days I was there. It was so peaceful and calming. The lake is only a 3 minute walk from the cabin and you can walk through the shade trees and landscape so it truly felt as though I was at a resort but all by myself as it is very private. I went to Palestine for a family wedding and had never thought of going back but after meeting Susan and Roland and staying at their precious cabin I will for sure go back for some peaceful time as much as I possibly can!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Arlen A.

Charm and tranquility, but yet close to activities in Palestine
We reviewed over 300 potential vacation rentals across the State of Texas before we found the Bird Cottage. This rustic cottage left no detail to chance. The building was designed especially for a peaceful atmosphere and the furnishings made you feel like you were in the home you always desired but did not live in. The expanse of green grass and beautiful massive trees reminded me of the best parks we had ever visited. The large porch offered wonderful sitting areas that enhanced the cool breezes that continually passed thru the porch. It was 100 degrees but sitting on the porch felt like it was only the upper 70's. For those that are star gazers you will not be disappointed in the view of the heavens from the large open grass areas. You just need to bring a blanket and look up to view the massive number of stars. The property behind the cottage is a rolling pasture that contains white brahma cattle that come near the fence and serenade you and then move on. For the fisherman in you the property contains a large pond that is fully stocked with fish. You are invited to drop a line in and test your skills or teach your children how to fish. You can play badminton, croquet, or horse shoes with equipment provided by your host. The property is located in scenic gated entry that is made of stone and the road is cobble stone made by the owner on site. I can not even begin to describe how special this property is and the immense potential for anyone looking for a vacation rental for adults or families. The charm and graciousness of the property as wonderful as it is comes in second to that of the owners Susan and Roland. They go out of their way to provide a setting for a wonderful stay that ranges from the immaculate condition of the property to heated towels. You will want to get to know them and learn their story of the property and its development. We plan on staying again but next time we will want to stay a lot longer. This will be our "go to place" when we need to escape the craziness of Houston where the loudest sound you will hear at Bird Cottage is from the birds. Thanks Susan and Roland. Jackie and Arlen Allison
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2018