River is Flowing and Beautiful!Utopia Texas Waresville River Retreat Donoho Farm

Why wrestle with the crowds at Garner State Park, or fight for a float spot on the Frio River? Instead you can enjoy the serenity of a private historic family ranch and farm, complete with park-like picnic grounds, BBQs, smoker, fire pits, nature trails, rope swing, swimming areas, and fishing holes protected by a canopy of majestic old-growth cypress trees embracing above the beautiful, secluded banks of the Sabinal River.

A note about our water: while drought headlines often warn that “the Hill Country rivers are dry,” that’s where our property stands apart. Much of the Sabinal does run low or disappear underground in a dry summer — but our particular stretch is spring-fed and holds deep, shaded pools of open water year-round, even in the driest years. It’s one of the few places on the river where you’ll find this kind of water when others have little to none, so you can count on real swimming, wading, and fishing all season long — a private river summer that’s increasingly rare on this stretch of the Hill Country.

We welcome you to experience our family homestead, located less than an hour and a half from San Antonio, just outside the appropriately named town of Utopia. Our ancestor, Capt. William Ware, recognizing this amazing water resource, built the original one-room cabin on the property in 1852, which has been lovingly protected and preserved to this day. The historic farmhouse where we welcome you to come stay with your family and friends was built by his son John Crane Ware in 1870 and was most recently renovated in 2023 – including newly updated bedrooms, bathrooms, A/C, kitchen appliances, oversized laundry facilities, and a great outdoor patio under Grandma Inez’s beloved pecan tree.

Days here unfold at river pace. The spring-fed Sabinal is crystal clear and filled with bass and catfish — wade in for a swim, cast a line, launch off the rope swing, or simply read in the shade of the cypress. Our family created a wildlife management plan for the property, so between adventures you’ll spot axis and white-tail deer, rabbits, turkeys, songbirds, and maybe even a now more elusive armadillo. As the sun drops, the whole riverbank comes to life with dancing fireflies, and when night arrives our skies turn genuinely dark — far from any city light. Spread a blanket on the patio and watch the Milky Way come out over the water; the stargazing here is simply unforgettable.

However you like to spend your time, there’s room here to do it. Guests have used the property as a private canvas for all kinds of getaways — painting and photography by the river, birdwatching along the cypress banks, quiet yoga and wellness mornings, family reunions and multi-generational gatherings, milestone celebrations, and small group or church retreats. With the whole homestead to yourselves, the only limit is your imagination.

Our family homestead is fully furnished and appointed and sleeps 20 – 2 king beds, 2 queen beds, 1 double bed, 2 twin beds, 2 twin over double bunk beds, and 1 twin over twin bunk bed. All bed linens and bathroom and river towels are provided. There’s a pool table and ample board and card games, as well as satellite television, WI-FI, and an old organ in the front parlor. The kitchen was recently updated and has everything you need for entertaining, meal and picnic prep, along with a wet bar. With room to sleep 20 plus generous indoor and outdoor gathering space, the homestead is an ideal home base for larger groups and special occasions.

We also have water and a 30-amp hookup if you’d like to bring your RV or camp trailer for just an additional $50/night (though no dump station). While enjoying the home and property you’re right near other great sites you may also enjoy: Utopia Golf (directly next door), Sabinal Canyon Museum, the Blind Boar Brewery, Lone Star Motorcycle Museum, Elm Creek Stables, Frio Canyon Vineyards, and
many more Texas Hill Country attractions!