We stayed in early July 2021. Parents, four kids ages 3-11, and short visits from extended family. Short review: we will almost surely book this home again. Highly recommended. It's clearly a labor of love for the owners, it's well-managed by Turnkey, and truly an outstanding value for private lake access on the north shore.
Home, layout, decor, etc.: we've mostly stayed in newer master-planned communities on the north shore, but I'm so glad we looked at this home. It isn't new, but it is beautifully redone. Flooring, paint, new kitchen, quality bathroom finishes. You'll be very comfortable here. The basement game room is the most simple space with a painted concrete floor and area carpeting, but it's very clean and comfortable. Our "big kids" loved sleeping here all in the same space. All the beds and other furnishings are comfortable throughout the house. Everything is newish or very well-maintained. The kitchen included a small and welcomed selection of staples, and every pot, pan, or utensil you'd need. The hosts were great about providing reverse osmosis water for drinking and way more bottled water than we could have needed. (Also a bottle of champagne!) There are great TVs in every room with a wide selection of channels plus Smart TV features for Netflix etc. The wifi was great.
The setting: WOW. Awesome views from the back patio and carport patio. Wooded cove all around you, and a view of the lake out the cove to the east. The dock access is also beautiful. (Know that it's a lot of steps down to the lake.) Two kayaks and six floats for meandering through Hatters Cove. Wildlife includes fish and turtles in the cove, armadillo in the garden, deer in the back yard, and dozens of hummingbirds eating at the feeders hung around the property.
What's nearby: Arkansas Bend Park is about ten minutes away, with a rocky beach access, several walking trails, and a great playground. You're not far from the amenities of Lago Vista or Jonestown, including decent restaurants for kids or adults (we especially enjoyed Rounders Pizza and The Grille at Highland Lakes). There are boat rentals at Liquid Thrillz, which is about 15 minutes from Chez Elmo whether by land or by water. We also spent a day in Round Rock, about a 45 minute drive. Check out Old Settlers Park.
I think this property is great. Give it a try. We were really lucky to find it when we did, and we hope to be back.