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12 Unique and Quirky Stays in the Highland Lakes: From Bunkers to Treehouses (Your Guests Will Love Them!)

Discover 12 truly cool places to stay in the Texas Highland Lakes! Whether you're planning a one-of-a-kind getaway or need amazing accommodations for visiting family, there's a plethora of options — historic train cars, a Cold War bunker and luxury glamping near Marble Falls, Burnet, Lampasas and Llano. Plus, we've added popular local breakfast spots to start your day.

Therese Brandenburg

Therese Brandenburg

12 Unique and Quirky Stays in the Highland Lakes: From Bunkers to Treehouses (Your Guests Will Love Them!)

Bunkers, Boxcars, and Breathing Room: The Highland Lakes Guest Guide

BURNET, Texas — We love family, but any Hill Country local knows the specific "joy" of a full house when the relatives descend for a long weekend - air mattress leaks, overwhelmed septic systems, and endless kitchen clean-up.

Sometimes, the best hospitality you can offer your guests is a place of their own. Providing "breathing room" doesn't just save your sanity — it turns their visit into an iconic Hill Country experience. From refurbished 1901 railcars to an authentic Cold War-era bunker, these 12 unique independent lodgings offer your visitors a story to tell. Local breakfast and coffee tips are included, letting guests start their day independently while your home remains a peaceful sanctuary.

The Historic & The Outlawed

1. The Antlers Inn (Kingsland)

History buffs in Kingsland can step back in time with a stay in authentic, 19th-century railroad cars. Originally opened in 1901 by the Austin and Northwestern Railroad, the Antlers Inn served as a luxury resort for passengers arriving by train. While the main Victorian hotel remains the centerpiece, the property’s most unusual accommodations are its refurbished cabooses and a wooden troop train car, converted into guest suites that retain their original industrial character while adding modern comforts.

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The Antler's Inn

2. The Dabbs Railroad Hotel (Llano) Constructed in 1907, the Dabbs Railroad Hotel is recognized as the last of the original Texas railroad and river hotels. It served as the terminal stop for the Austin and Northwestern Railroad. The property is famously noted as a former haunt of the outlaws Bonnie and Clyde. Unlike modern hotels, the Dabbs maintains a "living museum" atmosphere. Guests can stay in newly renovated suites or an enclosed sleeping porch, all of which provide direct views of the Llano River and the historic bridge.

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Dabbs Railroad Hotel

3. Mustard Seed Bed and Breakfast (Llano) This property is centered around a 19th-century Folk Victorian home built circa 1895. The most unusual aspect of the stay is its connection to local craftsmanship; the original builder was a master carriage-maker for Polish royalty before settling in Llano. The lodging includes Perry’s Cottage, which features a private hot tub with a view of the Llano Bridge, and the Ratliff Retreat, which offers a traditional screened-in porch.

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The Mustard Seed Bed and Breakfast

Industrial Innovation & Subterranean Serenity

4. Container City (East Lake Buchanan, Burnet) Located at the base of Spider Mountain Bike Park on Lake Buchanan, Container City offers a modern, "outside the box" approach to lakeside lodging. The resort consists of several repurposed shipping containers transformed into luxury cabins. Designed specifically for the adventure traveler, these cabins provide "bike-in, bike-out" access to the only lift-served mountain bike park in North America.

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Container City Lodgings

5. The Grain Silo Cabin (Lampasas)

Located in the Lampasas area, this lodging is the town's only refurbished grain silo. The circular corrugated steel structure has been expertly converted into a multi-level cabin that offers a cozy, modern-industrial interior not far from the Colorado River and Colorado Bend State Park. The circular architectural footprint creates a unique acoustic and spatial experience rarely found in traditional hotels.

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The Grain Silo Cabin

6. The Bunker Bungalow (Marble Falls)

While the primary residence is a charmingly renovated three-bedroom home, the real draw is hidden beneath the backyard patio. Guests can descend into an authentic Cold War-era bunker that has been converted into a climate-controlled lounge. It is "decked out" with a television, comfortable seating, and a game area, serving as a soundproof retreat or a unique conversation piece for a late-night gathering.

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The Bunker Bungelow

Geometric & High-Design Stays

7. The Retreat on the Hill (Cottonwood Shores)

Perched on a dramatic ridge overlooking Lake LBJ and Lake Marble Falls, this is not a traditional hotel but a premier collection of high-design cliffside structures. While the Mirror House is its most famous resident — featuring reflective exterior walls that make the building "disappear" into the limestone cliffs — the property offers a variety of other architectural wonders. Guests can choose to stay in the Stardome, a clear-roofed geodesic structure designed for sleeping under the Texas stars, or one of the luxury safari tents that blend canvas walls with high-end bathroom suites and private decks. For those seeking a more solid structure, the Eagle's Nest offers a lofted view from the highest point of the ridge.

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The Retreat on the Hill

8. Dome in Bertram

Located on a private farmstead in Bertram, this high-design geodome is a "bucket list" stay for those seeking silence and dark skies. The interior features a spacious open floor plan with two queen beds — one of which is perched in a cozy loft directly beneath a massive ceiling window with an automatic blind, perfect for watching the constellations from bed. The dome is fully equipped with a modern kitchen, a spa-like bathroom and high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi. Outside, the experience continues with a large cedar deck featuring a hot tub, gas fire pit and a s'mores kit.

Website: Dome in Bertram, Texas

Physical Location: 6950 Co Rd 252, Bertram, TX 78605
Local Fixes: Gathering Grounds | The Standard on Vaughan

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Dome in Bertram, Texas

9. Morii at Missing Hotel (Marble Falls)

Tucked into the Balcones Canyonlands, Morii is a vintage-inspired geodesic dome that sits at an elevation of over 1,000 feet. This Airbnb favorite features a transparent "window wall" for panoramic valley views and a private plunge pool on a sprawling deck. Guests can interact with the property's resident mini cows and explore private hiking trails that lead to meditation swings.

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Morii at Missing Hotel

Nature-Focused Retreats

10. Bent Tree Ranch Treehouses (Lampasas)

Located at Bent Tree Ranch in Lampasas, three luxury treehouse are elevated among centuries-old live oaks, offering guests a true canopy retreat. The ranch features three distinct units, each with its own personality and high-end finishes:

  • Fleur de Tris: A flagship of rustic elegance, this unit features reclaimed barn wood, elegant stained-glass windows, and a crystal chandelier. The interior is highlighted by a classic clawfoot tub set against bold checkerboard floors, offering a spa-like experience high in the trees.
  • Lover’s Lair: Designed specifically for romantic getaways, this unit emphasizes cozy luxury with a private deck that allows guests to fully immerse themselves in the surrounding nature.
  • Bird’s Nest: This unit offers a unique perspective of the ranch, providing a peaceful, bird's-eye view of the Texas Hill Country landscape from its elevated position.

All three treehouses blend artisanal craftsmanship with modern amenities, featuring private bathrooms, kitchenettes, and expansive windows that serve as living art galleries of the oak canopy.

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Bent Tree Ranch Treehouse

11. Starlit Hideaway (Llano/Castell)

Situated along the banks of the Llano River near the historic community of Castell, this Airbnb tiny home offers a minimalist retreat focused on the outdoors. It features two sleeping lofts and a private porch with direct views of the river. The location is renowned for its "dark sky" quality, making the private deck an ideal spot for stargazing.

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Starlit Hideaway
  • 12. The Modern A-Frame (Marble Falls) This tiny home features a transparent window wall that serves as the entire front face of the home. The most unusual feature is the indoor-outdoor bathroom, which allows guests to shower under a glass ceiling while remaining fully climate-controlled. It is an architectural gem located near Hidden Falls Adventure Park.
  • Booking: Airbnb - Modern A-Frame
  • Physical Location: Marble Falls, TX 78654
  • Local Fix: Numinous Coffee Roasters | Blue Bonnet Cafe | Tea Thyme Cafe
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Modern A Frame House