Austin holiday house

My husband, my 19 month old daughter and I just had the most amazing stay at Sunnyside over the 4th of July weekend. I prefer to stay in houses over hotels with the baby so that she can have her own room to bed down early and take naps, and I can do the laundry and cook some meals for her. This place was perfect! Very warm and cozy, yet lots and lots of space for us to spread out. Stylish, comfortable and very clean with everything you could possibly need. If there isn't something you need, you can always ask Maria, the owner who lives behind the house is a beautiful Mexican style hacienda, who is more than accomadating. We walked to bars and restaurants from the house with the babe, including Taco Express (a.k.a Maria's) for breakfast every morning! We had a small group of old friends over on one evening for a BBQ on the deck and everyone raved about the place. It is on a large lot and was very quiet and secluded yet in the best location. When I found out it was Maria's I knew it was karma that we would rent it. The only surprise is that the pictures do not do it justice...it is so much better! We will be back next year Maria...Gracias!

I stayed in both of Maria properties and both were joyful experiences. This is an spacious but homey house, full of light, elegantly decorated, comfortable and clean. I stayed for a week and everything worked well, Maria was always prompt if I needed something. The whole property is surrounded by trees, giving the feeling of a place outside the city although is only blocks away from downtown, clubs, movies, Whole Food’s Market. Maria is very helpful and kind, with a great personality, the perfect host.

This was my third Austin rental and by far the best. Despite first impressions—South Lamar Blvd. is ugly and the traffic can be bad—it's really a great location: convenient—within 10 minutes more or less—to both Downtown and Town Lake, Barton Springs and Zilker Park, and to all the shops, clubs and restaurants on South Congress Ave and South Lamar. Also quick and easy access to the major highways. The house is spacious and decorated with flair (though nothing like the stunning decor of the owner Maria's own home, if you're lucky she might show you around) with a pleasant neighborhood feel, and you'd never know you were a minute off Lamar once there. Sitting on the large rear deck you see mostly trees and sky. Above all, the ebullient, charmingly quirky and accommodating personality of Maria—a genuine South Austin character—makes it special. There's no 3-page contract, payment 60 days in advance, with Maria. It's "What are your dates Honey? Yes, I can do that." I haven't eaten there yet but she also owns the most gaily decorated restaurant in Austin, which is a minute from the house. A "shrine to trippy folk art and fantastic Mexican food" says the Austin Chronicle, with killer margaritas and great music. Also nearby is Kerbey Lane, open 24 hours, full of interesting characters, with a warm and friendly vibe and good inexpensive food. I stayed at Sunnyside for over a month in Feb./March and was sorry to leave.