Oklahoma: Broken Bow & Carlton Landing | Texas: The Hill Country, Granbury Lake, Mingus, and Austin
Vacationing with a family that desires a fragrance-free, eco-friendly or chemical free environment can be a challenge, and packing for such a trip is no small feat. We've experienced the stress firsthand, loading our car down with all the comforts of home: laundry soap, our own sheets, household cleaners, a water filter, cooking pans, dish soap, hand soap, organic coffee, sugar, coconut oil, and so much more. It often leaves you wondering if the hassle is worth it.
On top of that, there's the worry of encountering overpowering artificial fragrances upon arrival, or worse, being that high maintenance guest who requests their removal beforehand.
We understand these concerns all too well. When we bought The Lodge on Twinkle Lane in Carlton Landing, OK, we set out to create something different. Our goal was to provide a sanctuary that lightens your packing load and minimizes your toxic exposure. In our quest, we discovered that finding similar homes was no easy task, so we decided to compile this vacation rental guide for health-conscious families like ours.
We hope this guide will be a valuable resource and make your vacation planning a little easier. If you find it helpful, please consider sharing it with other health-conscious friends & holistic practitioners. Enjoy your travels and may you find the perfect getaway that meets your vacationing needs.
I am excited for you to learn about and experience these 10 beautiful, fragrance free, low-tox vacation rental homes in Texas and Oklahoma. They are within a 5 hour drive of the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex with the most thoughtful hosts who genuinely care about providing you with a delightful vacation experience.
VIEW THE FULL VACATION GUIDE HERE!
1. The Lodge on Twinkle Lane in Carlton Landing, OK is anywhere from a 2.5 to 3.75 hour drive, depending on which part of DFW you live.
The Lodge has 4 bedrooms, 7 beds (+ 2 super comfortable tri-fold mattresses), 3.5 baths and sleeps 10-12. The patio with chiminea (firewood provided), two balconies, & private courtyard with propane firepit allow you to easily host a large group with ample room for escape for those needing solitude.
Amanda and Adam Coleman’s commitment to healthy living shines through in their vacation rental. They’ve created a sanctuary for health-conscious and chemically-sensitive guests, ensuring the air is fresh and clean. Their all-inclusive approach lightens your packing load, making your stay feel as comfortable and personalized as being at home.
Carlton Landing is a Rosemary Beach-style resort community nestled in the hills of Eastern Oklahoma on Lake Eufaula. CL values family, simplicity and creation, which you’ll see is woven through every event & feature that surrounds you. You’ll love the ample outdoor activities & your kids’ ability to safely run wild & free.
2. Grandview Wildlife Ranch in Fredericksburg, TX is a 4.5 to 5 hour drive from DFW and offers 2 bedrooms, 5 beds, 1.5 bathrooms and accomodates 6 guests.
Your hosts, Mary & Ken Seynaeve, a retired Houston Fire Department family from Katy, TX, have turned their stunning ranch into a tranquil retreat from city life. They’re eager to share this serene escape with you, offering a chance to experience secluded peace and quiet amidst their beautiful countryside haven.
At GWR, you'll have exclusive access to the entire 57-acre property and enjoy complete privacy, with no neighboring cabins in sight. Unlike other places in the area, you can fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty through exploring, hiking, and taking advantage of the stunning landscape. For added adventure, consider renting the Kawasaki mule to make the most of your stay.
The property benefits from a unique micro-climate, thanks to its deep valleys, keeping temperatures 3-5 degrees cooler than nearby cities like San Antonio, Austin, or Dallas, and even cooler than downtown Fredericksburg.
Upon arrival, one of the owners will greet you and provide a brief tour of the property to help you get acquainted with the vast space. Since the area is large and there are many private ranch roads, it’s a good idea to use the Waze app for accurate directions.
3. East Maple Avenue Guest House in Austin, TX is just under or just over 3 hours, depending on your point of origin in DFW and offers 2 bedrooms, 2 beds, 1 bathroom and accomodates 4 guests.
East Maple Avenue Guest House offers a prime location just 5 minutes from downtown and a few minutes from the University of Texas (UT) campus, with over 15 East Side bars, restaurants, and coffee shops within walking distance. Enjoy abundant natural light in our spacious all-glass living room, which is beautifully surrounded by bamboo. You can relax by the pool, unwind in the hot tub, and sleep soundly on our comfortable mattresses and pillows.
This home exudes an Austin Bohemian vibe with a Rock 'n' Roll twist. The cozy pool and hot tub area is perfect for unwinding in any weather. Inside, you'll find records, books, and a guitar for your enjoyment. The walls are adorned with art from local artist friends, along with numerous photos of musicians and concerts your hosts have attended, adding to the vibrant, eclectic atmosphere. Your host, Michelle Smith-Polanco, looks forward to welcoming you!
4. Count It All Joy in Carlton Landing, OK is anywhere from a 2.5 to 3.75 hour drive, depending on which part of DFW you live and offers 5 bedrooms, 11 beds, 3.5 bathrooms and accomodates 14 guests.
The decor in this home is vibrant and fun, with each room offering its own unique charm. It’s spacious enough for larger groups to enjoy quality time together, and the property is conveniently just a short walk from the pool. The screened porch with table & outdoor furniture provides a wide open view, perfect for relaxation. With plenty of bathrooms and a fully stocked kitchen with a wealth of cooking utensils, you'll have everything you need. If you're looking for a lakeside town ambiance without the hassle of traveling across states, this is the perfect spot!
The bright colors, nature-themed light fixtures, intricate wallpaper, and charming cubbies will make your exploration of the house a delightful adventure. Each detail is designed by your hosts, Samantha & Casey Thomas, to captivate and inspire, turning every corner into a visual delight.
5. Mi Vida Loca in Broken Bow, OK is a 2.5 to 3.5 hour drive from DFW, depending on your point of origin and offers 2 bedrooms + bunkroom + loft, 8 beds, 2.5 bathrooms and accomodates 12 guests and is hosted by the Engle family.
Mi Vida Loca is a dog-friendly, family-focused, homeschool favorite. Nestled in the rolling hills of Eastern Oklahoma, this beautiful luxury cabin is crafted to offer a serene escape where life slows down, distractions fade away, and families and friends can reconnect with each other and nature. This cabin provides a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and resort convenience, with thoughtful living spaces designed for relaxation and immersion in nature. Experience a genuine "back to basics" retreat and see for yourself how refreshing a true nature immersion can be!
Mi Vida Loca is part of the only full service resort community in Broken Bow, Oklahoma. When you stay with Mi Vida Loca, you not only have first-class service but exclusive access to high-end amenities such as resort pool & stocked fishing ponds that you can't get anywhere else. It's truly a full-service resort experience.
6. Lodger Than Life in Broken Bow, OK is a 2.5 to 3.5 hour drive from DFW and offers 4 bedrooms, 9 beds, 4.5 bathrooms and accomodates 14 guests.
Welcome to this luxury retreat designed with the whole family in mind. Enjoy expansive spa bathrooms and thoughtful accommodations for babies and children. The massive outdoor living deck features dining, an outdoor fireplace, and a hot tub for 8, perfect for relaxation. Explore the hillside woods or take advantage of the 3-minute proximity to ATV trails. With a spacious driveway for your boat and surrounded by tall pines, our retreat in Hochatown is the ultimate haven for comfort and adventure.
Something that makes this cabin special is the three families that came together to bring it about. When friends Ilona and Andrey Gorokhovskiy; Jose and Alex Sanchez; and Trevor and Michelle Reed began building their dream Broken Bow, Okla., retreat, they wanted it to be an elegant destination that felt like home for all future guests. They wanted to keep all the amenities of a modern home, with the vibes of an all-wood cabin.
7. Fancy Like at Canyon Lake in the Texas Hill Country offers a total of 6 bedrooms, 12 beds, 5 bathrooms, accomodates up to 20 guests and is pet friendly. Your hosts, Valarie & Jonathan Sparks, offer a main house as well as a casita, making this a perfect vacation home for large as well as small groups. The main house boasts 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms while the adjacent casita provides 2 more bedrooms and 1 bathroom.
Escape the hustle and bustle of city life to the luxurious and secluded Hill Country retreat, Fancy Like at Canyon Lake. This expansive 3,660 sq. ft. haven is filled with natural light and designed for entertainment, featuring resort-like outdoor living spaces and sought-after gathering areas. Set on five private acres down a gated driveway and surrounded by picturesque deer, you'll enjoy the ultimate in privacy and tranquility. With water recreation just five minutes away, the location is unbeatable. Additionally, a charming casita offers privacy for part of your group, complete with a two-bedroom mini home and a coffee bar.
When the sun sets, this retreat becomes an enchanting haven, illuminated by year-round string lights that twinkle from tree to tree and around the (heated) pool & hot-tub.
Enjoy the serene, private ambiance as you continue the evening’s fun in this surreal setting. Gather around the fire pit for cozy conversations and memorable moments. Your hosts provide kindling, firewood, and s'mores sticks to enhance your experience.
8. The Hideout on Lake Granbury in Granbury, TX is a 30 minute to 1.5 hour drive from DFW and offers 3 bedrooms, 5 beds, 2 bathrooms & accomodates 8 guests.
Escape to The Hideout on Lake Granbury, a beautiful new lakefront cabin hosted by Doris Sullivan and designed for ultimate relaxation and fun. This newly built and decorated property (August 2023) boasts all-new mattresses, bedding, appliances, and more. Enjoy the sparkling clean hot tub, cozy fire pit, foosball table, grill, and outdoor dining area.
Start your mornings with coffee on the deck, taking in the tranquil lake views, or rock away on the covered porch. The fire pit area is perfect for evening gatherings under the stars, or just relaxing by the lake. Spend your days on the water with activities like boating, kayaking, jet skiing, paddle boarding, or fishing. Explore Historic Granbury Square for antiquing, shopping, and dining, or visit local wineries and breweries. For a unique adventure, take the kids on a real safari!
Located in a quiet, wooded neighborhood with a very private yard, The Hideout on Lake Granbury is the ideal retreat to reconnect with nature, friends, and family. Please note on your booking request you found The Hideout on the Low-Tox/Fragrance Free Vacation Rental Guide.
9. Slover Ranch in Mingus, TX is a 1-2 hour drive from DFW (head west on I-20 and take Exit 370) and provides a variety of experiences. They currently offer day passes and RV Boondocking but, COMING SOON, they'll also offer RV sites and tiny home rentals!
Modern city life can be overwhelming, with constant distractions and the daily grind keeping us from what truly matters. But what if you could break free from the hustle and bustle and discover a new sense of peace for yourself and your family? That’s exactly what Slover Ranch offers.
Slover Ranch is located at Legends Comanche Moon in Mingus, Texas. Comanche Moon is the latest private gated community expertly planned by the Legends Texas owners and spanning 2,300 acres of majestic Texas hillside, its your opportunity for escape into the great wide open.
At Comanche Moon, you'll immerse yourself in the natural beauty of native Texas hardwoods, breathtaking ridgeline views, and abundant wildlife. Enjoy private gated keypad entry and take advantage of community amenities such as stocked fishing ponds, pickleball courts, and a shooting range.
The property’s gorgeous ridge-lines offer stunning vistas throughout, and you’re just minutes away from local culinary delights—5 minutes to Smokestack Restaurant, 15 minutes to Mary’s famous chicken-fried steaks, and 20 minutes to Hard Eight BBQ. Plus, you’re only 20 minutes from the soon-to-open Palo Pinto State Park. Discover a serene retreat where you can reconnect with nature and each other.
10. Parklane Guest House in Austin, TX is a 2.5-3.5 hour drive from DFW.
Escape to tranquility just two blocks from the vibrant heart of the SoCo district of Austin. At Park Lane Guest House, you'll discover an eco-friendly haven, offering the perfect balance of city excitement and peaceful retreat.
Unwind in one of their three uniquely designed, solar-powered cottages. Enjoy the privacy and comfort of your own sanctuary, complete with a mosaic glass-tiled pool, an outdoor shower, and lush organic gardens. Treat yourself to an onsite massage, or simply soak in the serene surroundings.
Start each day with a freshly prepared, organic breakfast, featuring vegetarian or vegan options. Savor free-range eggs, homegrown fruits and vegetables from their garden, and locally sourced ingredients. Whether on your private deck, by the pool, or in the main house, breakfast is a moment of indulgence.
We take pride in offering eco-conscious amenities. From complimentary fair trade coffee and tea to cruelty-free bath products, every detail is designed with sustainability in mind. Plus, enjoy free parking and electric vehicle charging during your stay.
At Park Lane Guest House, you'll find the perfect blend of nature, comfort, and urban living. Recharge, relax, and rejuvenate in our eco-oasis.
Vacation Rental Guide
This 29-page guide (pdf) answers all these questions about each of the above-mentioned vacation rentals:
What cleaning products do you clean the surfaces & floors with?
What laundry soap do you wash the towels and sheets in?
What brand of shampoo, conditioner, body wash and handsoap do you provide?
What dish soap & dishwasher pods do you provide during our stay?
Is the water filtered & if so, with which brand of filter?
Do you provide stainless steel or cast iron cookware (or other types like All-Clad)?
Is your grass safe for grounding/walking around barefoot or are chemicals used to treat the area?
Do you ever use air fresheners/plug ins?
Do you provide an air filter to keep the air extra fresh?