Weekend Homes & Wise Investments: Jenn’s Wimberley Airbnb Story
In 2023, I bought a little slice of Hill Country paradise—and turned it into both a weekend getaway and a smart investment. My Wimberley vacation rental has become a place where my family, friends, and guests from all over can enjoy the charm of Texas Hill Country, all while covering its costs and building equity. Here’s the full story of how it came to life.
Falling for Wimberley
The idea for this property began during a Valentine’s weekend getaway with my husband, Devin. We’d been exploring small towns—Taylor, Lockhart, San Marcos—but Wimberley had something extra: a charming town square, rolling Hill Country views, three natural swimming holes, nearby hiking trails, and proximity to wedding venues and a college just 20 minutes away.
We knew we weren’t ready to move there full time, so we envisioned a place that could be an income-producing Airbnb while still giving us the flexibility to block off weekends and holidays for ourselves, our dogs, and our families. A short-term rental felt like the perfect balance.
Finding the Right Property
Devin actually spotted the listing first. At the time, the photos didn’t do it justice—the decor wasn’t my style, and I struggled to see past it. But when we toured the home in person, everything changed.
The property had privacy, an incredible view, a hilltop setting, and so much potential. I was looking for Hill Country charm, a kitchen big enough for holiday dinners, a downstairs bedroom for my elderly dog, extra rooms for family, and space to expand in the future. The bonus? A large garage and a garage apartment—two rental units right from the start.
We purchased with a 20% down conventional mortgage through First United Bank, and I quickly learned the ropes of rural property ownership, from septic systems to private utilities.
Renovating & Designing with Guests in Mind
The property needed some cosmetic and system repairs. My dad, a licensed electrician, helped with the electrical work, and I brought in a handyman, painters, and a general contractor for projects like:
Adding a backsplash in the main kitchen
Installing new flooring in the primary bedroom
Updating lighting, fixtures, and countertops
Expanding the patio and rebuilding the staircase
Creating a fenced yard for pets
For decor, I leaned into a cozy 70’s-style country vibe—horses, cacti, warm oranges, and earthy greens. I sourced furniture from Facebook Marketplace, local boutiques, vintage dealers, and estate sales to avoid the generic “Airbnb look” and make the space feel truly lived-in.
Hosting & The Numbers
I self-manage the property, listing the main house and garage apartment separately (or together) on Airbnb. The garage apartment also appears on Furnished Finder, and I’ve leased it seasonally to Texas State students.
Performance-wise, we average 60% occupancy.
Main house (sleeps 10): ~$300/night
Garage apartment (sleeps 2): ~$80/night
Whole property (sleeps 12): ~$350/night
That translates to about $6,000/month gross, covering the mortgage, utilities, and cleaning fees. We still block off time each quarter to enjoy it ourselves—sometimes for holidays, sometimes for our Open House Austin retreats.
Lessons Learned
Hire cleaners carefully. I’m on my fourth crew—now I vet thoroughly, confirm pricing, and require a 12-month commitment with an option to end early if issues arise.
Automate guest messaging. Pre-answering common questions saves time and improves the guest experience.
Invest in quality. High-end furniture, bedding, and thoughtful touches (snacks, water filters, basic toiletries) keep our ratings high—currently 4.98–5 stars.
Professional photos pay off. A must for attracting bookings.
Advice for Aspiring Vacation Rental Owners
Talk to experienced owners.
Visit the area like a guest.
Run numbers on the worst-case scenario.
Keep an emergency fund.
Invest in high-quality furnishings from day one.
Looking ahead, I plan to list the space on Peerspace for corporate events, opening a new revenue stream.
My Wimberley Favorites
Restaurant: The Leaning Pear
Quick Hike: Mount Baldy for stunning views
Must-Have Amenity: Hair dryer, tampons, and coffee—always.
Stay Here
Main House: Airbnb Link
Garage Apartment: Airbnb Link
Full Property: Airbnb Link
Owning this property has shown me it’s possible to break even, build equity, and still enjoy your investment with the people you love. Whether it’s a family getaway, a retreat, or a weekend escape, Wimberley has a way of making everyone feel at home.
