Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Accessibility
Is your property handicapped accessible?
As private single-occupancy residences, our units are not required to meet ADA accessibility standards, and so most of them do not. Some of them would be flat-out impossible for the wheelchair-bound. If you're not sure, feel free to contact us. It is best to discuss your specific needs with us before you make your reservation so you'll know what to expect. We can let you know the exact number of stair-steps for each property.
Amenities
Does the ranch have laundry facilities?
Only the Ranch House has a laundry room.
Do you provide wood for the fireplace or campfire pit?
We do not provide wood. You can purchase it at Walmart, HEB or a hardware store in town.
Do you provide gas for the grill?
If your unit is equipped with a gas grill, it is either piped to a fixed tank, or propane canisters and spares are provided. In the unlikely event you should need a third canister, we can also pay you back if you replace it yourself to save time - simply email us the receipt.
Do you provide charcoal for the grill or fire pit?
No, we do not provide charcoal or lighter fluid for liability reasons. You would need to bring charcoal and/or lighter fluid with you. Check the description of each unit to see which ones have a charcoal grill in addition to or in place of a gas grill. You can purchase it at Walmart, HEB or a hardware store in town.
What cooking / eating utensils will I need?
Our kitchens include all standard cooking equipment, including pans, cutlery, dishes, and grilling tools (where there's a grill). Unless you have a specific and unusual requirement, you should not need to bring anything to cook with. You can bring special kitchen gadgets or spices. We provide basics like salt and pepper.
Do I have to bring my own bedding / sleeping bags/pillows?
No, bedding is provided for all beds in our units, including clean sheets, blankets, comforters, and pillows.
Is there an extra charge to use the hot tub?
No, the hot tub and all other amenities are included at no additional charge. NOTE: do not use soaps, bubble baths, scents or add anything into the tub. It can damage the setup and we will charge for any repairs or extra cleaning.
Will my cellphone work on your property?
It depends on your phone, service provider, weather and so on. The ranch offers free Internet and WiFi. We advise to have your information ready prior to arrival (probably before you turn off 290) so you do not have any issues prior to arriving at the gate or accessing your stay.
Are there any limits on Internet usage?
Bandwidth is provided thru Starlink and shared across the ranch. Download speeds are approximately 10-20 mbps and <5 mbps upload. Speeds can vary based on weather and collective use on the ranch.
How do I know if there is a burn ban in place?
Visit https://www.fbgtx.org/AlertCenter.aspx?CID=Burn-Ban-In-Effect-5 for information on burn bans.
Do you offer breakfast?
For guests who book directly through our website, breakfast is included. Breakfast consists of a box of locally sourced baked goods, which is placed in your unit before your arrival. We also offer coffee, oatmeal, and an assortment of snacks.
Can I bring my own ATV / UTV / dirt bike / golf cart, boat or any recreational vehicles?
You may not bring any to use on the ranch. If you are traveling with such vehicles, they have to fit in the parking areas and are not be used.
Animals
Can I bring my pet?
Our properties do not allow pets.
Do you accept service animals?
Our properties do not accept pets or emotional support animals. We do accommodate service animals by prior arrangement. Damage caused by service animals may incur a fee, as would any other damage. The ADA makes a distinction between psychiatric service animals and emotional support animals. If the dog has been trained to sense that an anxiety attack is about to happen and take a specific action to help avoid the attack or lessen its impact, that would qualify as a service animal. However, if the dog’s mere presence provides comfort, that would not be considered a service animal under the ADA.
As a farm/ranch/livestock producer we have certain rights and requirements of service animals. Your service animal must be leashed and with or under handlers control at all times unless the leash interferes with the animals duty. Your animal is restricted to your guest house yard that you have reserved. Waste pick up is required, bags and a pail will be provided for disposal. Natural predator/prey relationships can upset farm animals or potentially be a source of disease transmission. The service animal is not allowed in livestock pastures, or livestock enclosures or our business’s food preparation facilities/kitchen. We are not responsible for the safety of your animal outside of restricted area. We are in a rural location and wild natural predators do exist. If the service animal is behaving in a way that indicates they are not under the control of their handler, or if the handler is unable to control the animal, you may be asked to leave. Examples of this type of behavior would be: urination, marking, or defecation in the restricted areas, excessive barking, or aggressive behavior.
Do you accept emotional support animals?
Our properties do not accept emotional support animals. The ADA makes a distinction between psychiatric service animals and emotional support animals. If the dog has been trained to sense that an anxiety attack is about to happen and take a specific action to help avoid the attack or lessen its impact, that would qualify as a service animal. However, if the dog’s mere presence provides comfort, that would not be considered a service animal under the ADA.
Can I pet the animals on the ranch?
For your safety and theirs, please do not approach the animals on the ranch.
What animals live on the ranch?
We have a permanent family of mini-hereford cattle on the ranch. There's a rotation of other farm animals such a horses, mules, (mini) donkeys, zonkeys, sheep and ducks that may be around at any given time. We cannot guarantee that any type or specific animal would be there during your stay.
Access
How do I get into the unit I rented?
Several days before your scheduled arrival, we send you an email with directions and an access code. This way, you can arrive however late suits your schedule and you don't have to worry about meeting anyone in person. If you have multiple cars coming, you can give everybody the code, and whoever gets there first can unlock the door and get in. NOTE: If for some reason you don't receive this email, check your SPAM folder or write us to have it re-sent to you.
Can I check in early?
We cannot accommodate early check-in. Our team has a tight schedule to get all cleaning, inspecting, and maintenance completed before you show up. Please understand this helps us do the best we can to prepare for your vacation.
Can I check out later?
We cannot accommodate later check-out. Our team has a tight schedule to get all cleaning, inspecting, and maintenance completed.
Do I have to clean up after myself?
At checkout, piling sheets and towels up are appreciated. Please wash the dishes, silverware and cookware you use. We do not expect you to do your own laundry. However, we may assess an extra cleaning charge if the cabin is left in an unusually filthy state, e.g. mud tracked all over the carpets, dirty caked-on dishes, etc.
Will I be hit with charges for consumables or minor damages?
We expect a certain amount of wear and tear, as well as consumption of products. We expect you to use the toilet paper, dishwasher detergent, etc., and there'll be no charge. We also understand that light bulbs burn out and there may be the occasional scratch on the wall. We charge only for unreasonable damage or missing items that can't be considered normal usage – lost towels, torn sheets, ruined comforters, a hole bashed in the wall, a whole case of paper towels vanished, etc. We just ask you to let us know should any of these things happen.
Dining
Where should I eat?
Please refer to our Guidebook for suggestions. There are many restaurants in the Fredericksburg area. Information on area restaurants can also be found via https://www.visitfredericksburgtx.com/.
Leisure
Where can I fish, and what licenses do I need?
You can fish in the pond at the front of the property (the back pond AKA "tank" is seasonal and for livestock to drink from) on the property without a license. You will have to provide your own fishing equipment. Fishing is catch and release only.
Is horseback riding available?
We recommend nearby Bit+Bridle Stables (https://bitandbridlestables.com/) for horseback riding.
Can I hunt on the property?
Hunting is not permitted, but you can fish in the pond at the front of the property (the back pond AKA "tank" is seasonal and for livestock to drink from). It is catch and release only.
Parking
Can I park my bus, RV, motorcycle, motorcycle trailer at the property?
You are welcome to park any vehicle that you can make fit and not disrupt any nearby guests. However, our units are designed as private residences and not as commercial parking lots. You will generally have a very difficult if not impossible time squeezing very large vehicles into the driveways, and of course you would be liable to any damages to the property or grounds. For motorcycles and their respective trailers, most of our properties can probably accommodate. Please email us to confirm 100%!
Where do I park?
Please park inside the fenced areas (or in the circle beside the ranch house) to protect your car from the livestock. Be sure to secure it with the chain as animals can access within if you do not. We are not responsible for any damages to vehicles from animals.
Photos How can I share photos on social media? (TBD) Please check us out anytime on Instagram and Facebook. Simply tag us with _________. See you online!
Photos Do you have any recommendations for a photographer so we can have forever memories of...engagement, honeymoon, anniversary, family, fun?? Of course! Please email what you're interested in and we're glad to help set it up!
Policies
Do your units allow smoking?
Smoking AND vaping is strictly forbidden inside all of our units. However, you are free to smoke and vape in the beautiful great outdoors surrounding each unit. Please DO NOT allow smoke and vapor to drift in through open windows and doors as it will still impact the interior condition. Please use good sense and courtesy regarding your ashes, butts, or other potentially hazardous materials.
Can I wander the property?
Yes, you are free to roam the property. Please do not hop fences to enter any neighboring property.
Where do I put my trash?
If your trash overflows and you need to take it out mid-stay, there is a rolling bin between the Barnhouse and Ranch House. There is also a dumpster at the edge of the property by the maintenance building.
Can I set off fireworks at the ranch?
Fireworks and sparklers are not permitted due to risk of forest fire and to protect the ranch animals.
Are children allowed?
Children are allowed in the Ranch House and Barnhouse. The two cottages are designed for adults only.
Reservations
What if my number of guests change after I make a booking?
This is not a problem as long as it is within the maximum allowed number for that property. You can simply change your guest numbers up or down by letting us know, and we'll adjust the charges accordingly. Please contact us for confirmation.
What is your cancellation policy?
Your cancellation policy will be displayed prior to booking for you to accept before finalizing. NOTE: We highly recommend buying travel insurance - either standard or CFAR (cancel for any reason) - when booking a vacation rental property. Needing to cancel or move dates is extremely common and it greatly helps to have travel insurance if the unforeseen happens. We sell travel insurance directly through our software and can provide you links to buy it with your booking. Please contact us about this if you have questions. It typically costs about 7% for standard and about 9% for CFAR.
Can some of my party camp out on the lawn in a tent?
Sorry, only the booked number of guests are allowed on the property and inside the ranch gates.
Can I host my wedding at the ranch?
Yes! We host small weddings in our on site event venue.
Travel
Do I need 4WD / AWD to access the property?
No. The roads to the ranch are paved. The roads within the ranch gates are gravel and easily driveable with a 2WD vehicle.
Can I use a rideshare service (Uber, Lyft) to get to and from the ranch?
For wine tours, we recommend using a local ride service, such as Kirchman’s Private Tours, Wine-Heimer Tours, Majesty Tours. Note that Uber and Lyft may be limited depending on season and time of day.