The Iconic Bloomhouse | Romantic Austin Escape

This was the perfect getaway! As a woman, solo trips can sometimes be a little daunting but this stay was a perfect balance of being peacefully secluded yet close to others. I went to college in Austin, stayed a year after, then moved away and yet despite being familiar with the city, staying in this home felt like I was visiting a place I’d never been before! Highly recommend. It was beautiful!

The Bloomhouse is the most fun and interesting home I’ve ever visited. We admired the builders creativity. If there is one down side to the Bloomhouse it is the multi levels and long winding walk down to the house with luggage, etc. very steep. But once you open the door it removes that memory and you enter fantasy.

We loved staying here! It was one of the most unique properties I've ever seen. The house was clean, welcoming, peaceful and in a gorgeous area. Every nook and cranny of this 1200-square-foot property is very well thought out and no space is wasted. The sound system hooked up was much appreciated!

Renting this property is about investing in a unique experience and that it is. Probably not the best choice for a larger Austin trip, but great to cocoon in and right or read or cuddle. I’d write a book or a song there happily.

This is a beautiful whimsical space that is fun to explore. The fog in the morning on the hillside is beautiful to wake up to. Everything you need is provided in this one of a kind space.

The Bloomhouse is nothing less than Spectacular!!!! We will DEFINITELY be returning! XoXxoo

Caveat: This is not a property for small children or those with limited mobility. I've always wondered what it would be like to live in a high design house (i.e. a home that is as much art as it is architecture). Charles Harker (the architect of the Bloomhouse) created a truly unique space that evokes Gaudi. The location is wonderfully peaceful and quiet. Our stay was truly a once in a lifetime experience. Now for practical matters. The kitchen is well outfitted and meticulously clean. The wifi works. The heating and cooling work perfectly. The bathroom is adorable (not the largest bathroom that you'll ever see, but you're basically staying inside a giant conch shell, so what do you expect?) but it is thoughtfully outfitted, functional and clean. Importantly, the water heater provided nice and toasty showers without fail. The bed and bedding are quite comfy. The sound system is a little tricky to use but it was nice that they had supplied a sound system so it was worth the few minutes to figure it out. I spotted a few flecks of dust (I am a bit of a maniac about dust so most people would never notice), but overall the property was very well maintained and clean. The property management was excellent about communication. I texted with an issue at 5pm on Good Friday and had a response within minutes. MINUTES. That alone earns extra bonus stars and I would highly recommend this property management firm (Lodgewell) for other rentals. This is a home in a nice neighborhood in Austin so it's not a place to have a party or make noise. We had a few local friends over for cocktails one afternoon but we were very respectful of the neighbors in terms of parking (there is sufficient parking but you must follow the instructions!) and in terms of noise. Although this house is stunning in photographs, in the end, we didn't take a lot of photos. It's an amazing property, yes, but experiencing the space was far more enjoyable than mugging for instagram. With that I would suggest those staying here take all the photos you want, but for just one morning put down the camera, open the patio doors, listen to the birds, and use the outdoor shower. Experience the space. I'm so happy that this architectural gem was rescued from certain ruin and is available to the public. This house isn't for everyone (see note about small children and people with limited mobility), but it is a wonderful, well-maintained property that fit the bill.

Overall excellent!

This house is truly a one of a kind! There is nothing like it - we loved every minute we spent here admiring the architecture, the quiet woods, and the swanky interior. This place was a world of its own and it felt miraculous to have the opportunity stay in such a unique and exquisite space!

PROS: A very interesting structure! This is a one-of-a-kind experience and opportunity. A very cool house indeed. Easy keyless/hostless access. Full kitchen. Climate control. Comfortable (albeit small) bed and seating. Easy communication with rental agency. Private. Views of mostly nature. CONS: Remote (no where near town, which can be good if you’re looking to get away.) Broken, and nearly dangerous dirt/rock road that can’t handle smaller cars and will dirty up even the biggest SUV. *Very* steep, windy, narrow path with sparse and dim lights is the only way to access the property. No driveway access (off limits for being even steeper than the path, but not by much.) The house has a very chemical smell (probably from all the sprayed on ceiling and plastic foam) that can be very unpleasant if you are sensitive or have allergies. Not at all quiet during the day. Major construction going on nearby means constant beeping and rumbling from industrial trucks coming in and out of the shared road and building the nearby houses. We had hoped to get away from the city noise and couldn’t even keep the windows open because it was so disruptive. Which means we were trapped in the closed up house with the irritating plastic smell. This was a big downer for us because we were looking for a little peace and quiet and fresh air while on vacation. There is a small detached utility shed nearby that gives off a whining hum constantly, which can be a nuisance if you have good hearing or are sitting on the patio. TIPS: Arrive in daytime when you can see where you’re going. Drive a vehicle capable of navigating off road, not a cute convertible rental that will get damaged from flying rocks and debris. Grocery shop before getting there because stores are not nearby and once you get all your stuff carted down from the access road above you’re definitely not going to want to go all the way back up the hill and out again. Make sure to bring all the food and ingredients you want, as the property does not provide even simple basics like sugar. Pack light or you will be carting big suitcases up and down this dangerous path, possibly in the dark. Ask manager if the construction has been completed before renting if you are concerned about ambient noise. The house is totally unique. Aside from the above mentioned issues, we were generally comfortable and enjoyed the ‘experience’ of staying in such a special place, but we just cannot give it a full 5 stars.