Description
In this installment of NBC's 'Open House: Outrageous' co-hosts Megan Batoon and Tim Chantarangsu hit the road across Texas in search of vacation rentals that push the boundaries of architecture, design, and the traditional getaway. Their journey begins in Austin with a stop at La Barbecue, the celebrated barbecue destination owned by Ali Clem, where slow-smoked brisket and ribs offer a proper introduction to the city's food culture. Fueled up and ready to explore, the duo sets out to experience Texas from the perspective of a local...with some decidedly unconventional accommodations along the way.
First on the itinerary is Bloomhouse, an extraordinary architectural landmark tucked into the wooded hills of West Austin at 5400 Encinas Rojas Street. Designed by architect Charles Harker and commissioned by Dalton Bloom in 1973, the one-bedroom home took more than a decade to complete. Its defining feature? Not a single straight line or right angle. Hand-shaped forms, flowing stucco walls, and curved ceilings give the house an almost otherworldly appearance, while the interiors reveal intricate wood inlay floors, a sculptural seashell-inspired fireplace, built-in seating, and intimate reading nooks. Natural light filters through the curved windows, and an elevated terrace opens onto sweeping views of the surrounding trees. For Megan and Tim, exploring Bloomhouse feels less like touring a vacation rental and more like stepping inside a surreal architectural sculpture.
The road trip then leaves the city behind for Las Casitas, a secluded five-acre retreat in the Texas countryside. Behind a massive weathered wooden entrance, winding paths reveal two distinctive casitas surrounded by lush greenery. The interiors balance rustic character with unexpected design details, from glass-block accents and colorful wallpaper to expansive windows that bring the landscape indoors. But the property's biggest surprise lies beyond the houses: a secluded grotto and a natural rainwater swimming pool, complete with fish swimming beneath its surface. With quiet outdoor spaces, cozy accommodations, and a setting that feels worlds away from the city, Las Casitas offers a different kind of luxury—one built around slowing down and enjoying the surroundings.
As for their final stop? This fun duo heads to Mason, deep in the Texas Hill Country, to explore Red Sands Ranch, located at 5727 Red Sands Road. A working Black Angus cattle ranch and riverside resort, this sprawling property combines rugged Texas scenery with an unexpected collection of resort-style amenities. Owner John Gilbert, an engineer with an interest in architecture, designed the property's standout features, including a four-story water slide that sends guests straight into a massive swimming pool. Golf cart rides connect the expansive grounds, where custom details, covered patios, sports courts, and riverfront views create an experience that feels more private resort than traditional ranch stay. Surrounded by red earth, native brush, and the sweeping landscape of the Llano River Valley, Red Sands Ranch delivers an entirely different kind of Texas escape.
From an architectural fantasy in Austin to a hidden countryside retreat and a ranch with its own towering water slide, each property offers a completely different way to experience Texas. Three distinctive properties, three unique experiences: Which one would YOU book?
00:00 Meet Megan and Tim | Open House: Outrageous
00:57 A Texas BBQ Stop at La Barbecue
01:36 Experiencing Austin Like a Local
02:12 Inside Bloomhouse
04:32 Exploring Bloomhouse's Curves and Sculptural Interiors
06:12 Hidden Nooks, Natural Light & Hill Country Views
07:30 Exploring Las Casitas
08:15 Behind the Gates of the Five-Acre Retreat
09:17 Touring the Two Casitas
11:47 Searching for the Hidden Grotto
13:00 The Natural Rainwater Pool
14:02 Next Stop: Red Sands Ranch
16:07 Meet the Owner of Red Sands Ranch
17:21 Touring the Ranch
18:09 River Views, Resort Amenities & The Four-Story Water Slide
19:44 The Red Sands Ranch Experience
20:03 The Final Decision: Which Property Would You Book?
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