As the sun began to set, we decided to traipse around outside and get a lay of the land. On the deck, we found two folding cushioned patio chairs that reclined. Yes, I believe I will. We sat there as the sun dipped below the tree line and took in the dusk air around us. Down below, I could hear the babbling brook meandering its way through the woods. I peeked over the railing to see the brook flowing. If it were summer, I bet I could hear cicadas in the trees. “We’ll definitely be back,” I thought out loud. My husband nodded in agreement.
Photo: Erin Baxter
And that’s when I knew we had found “our place” in the Hill Country. This tree house. This swing. This babbling brook. It all fell into place—a place I didn’t want to leave. We had three days and nights to enjoy this little slice of Hill Country heaven, and we enjoyed every minute. We trekked Pedernales Falls State Park, which is about 20 minutes away, and did a little hiking and fishing. We had a great time, even if we didn’t get a single bite. We hiked up the hills there around the tree house, and we came upon some fleeting wildlife. Right in the middle of the circle of tree houses is a small, manmade pond with baby goldfish swimming away. If you catch the sun glancing just right, you’ll see a streak of gold dart through the rocks.
Our time at Arbor House wasn’t quite long enough, but we’re already planning our next stay. Once the workweek is through, and the starry night has descended upon the hills, you’ll find me at my favorite place—even if only in my mind.
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For more information about Arbor House of Dripping Springs, please visit them online at www.arborhouseofds.com, follow them on Facebook at ArborHouseofDripping and on Instagram at @arborhousedripping.
Garden House is just one of four tree houses on the property. There are other tree houses with entirely different designs and themes that can accommodate from 2-6 people, and all of them have a view of the brook from their decks. Each visit can be in a familiar place with a new adventure in a different tree house! Visit the “Wine Capital of Texas” and enjoy your stay nestled in nature.
Article originally published in Heart of Texas Magazine, Spring 2019
