TMTM

Vrbo

Cheapism is editorially independent. We may earn a commission if you buy through links on our site.
Vrbo

Big D Digs

A pandemic-prompted remote-work trend has folks scouring the country for spacious, comfortable real estate, but with house prices at approximately stratospheric, the market favors the rich. There are ways, though, for the more fiscally limited to sample the dream, sans the commitment of a second-home mortgage. A big family or a group of traveling friends can land a Wi-Fi-enabled villa with surroundings so luxe that relaxing, playing, writing that romance novel, or even catching up on emails comes easier. The bright side to Dallas sprawl? Rural retreats, state parks, lakes, and rambling acreage is generally just minutes from uptown estates, city-center party scenes, museums, historical sites, sports venues, and world-famous restaurants. Upon surfing the surfeit of Dallas area vacation rentals, these offer the best of both worlds and the most room to spread one’s wings at per-person costs that, by far, beat the expense of posting up at a relatively cramped bourgeois hotel. 


Related: 30 Jaw-Dropping Yet Affordable Mansions for Rent Across the Country

Vrbo

Cedar Hill House

Sleeps 16
Book It


Guests determined to engage in fruitless Facebook arguments with distant relatives while traveling should at least do so from the comfort of a mansion nestled in a private neighborhood far from the noise, with an option to detach with a rom-com in the upstairs theater or soak in the jetted jacuzzi?

Vrbo

Cedar Hill House: More

Book It


In this wide-open manse on a full acre of yard, the word of the day is “namaste” — settle into a nook or join the group for dinner in either indoor or outdoor dining areas.


Related: Most Luxurious Rentals in Every State

Vrbo

Grand Escape Villa

Sleeps 16
Book It


Visitors want for nothing while watching movies on their choice of multiple Disney-and-Netflix-loaded 4K TVs or playing pool in the cheery game room of this North Dallas area Tuscan-style manse.

Vrbo

Grand Escape Villa: More

Book It


From the moment they enter the wrought-iron front doors to the time they nestle under exquisite linens on memory foam mattresses, the pampering game here is on point. The nearby North Dallas Tollway makes for lickety-split trips to Downtown Dallas, the Design District, or the restaurants of Trinity Groves.


Related: The Coolest Mountain Hideaways You Can Rent Across America

Vrbo

Newhouse Manor

Sleeps 18
Book It


Reunions, fancy fishing trips, quality time with one’s horses — this sprawling estate pleases vacationing humans and equines alike, featuring a separate fenced-in yard and an open barn for stalling.

Vrbo

Newhouse Manor: More

Book It


Guests who can bear to part with the prepossessing property and its toys (trampolines, a pool, hot tub, a half basketball court) will find Cedar Hill State Park, with its rugged limestone hills and hiking trails, and Joe Pool Lake, less than five miles away, not to mention Texas’ largest zoological experience, the Dallas Zoo, within 10.


Related: The Best Lakefront Vacation Rentals Across America for a Peaceful Getaway

Vrbo

Pilot Point Palace

Sleeps 12
Book It


Watch movies on a 120-inch screen or the sunrise from a private balcony, warm aching muscles in a hot tub, or fish in a private pond without leaving the homestead.

Vrbo
Vrbo

Lavish Celina Ranch

Sleeps 16
Book It


Without leaving the site, this property perchance meets the R&R-related desires of every weary traveler in the gang. From the ping pong-, foosball-, air hockey-, and double poker table-equipped game room to a fully appointed kitchen and outdoor dining area plus firepit, each lavishly rustic room of the 5,100-square-foot estate tempts one to stay and savor the amenities.

Vrbo

Lavish Celina Ranch: More

Book It


Nevertheless, charming Downtown Celina, Texas, with its precious boutiques and bistros, located just outside the three-acre ranch, beckons. And downtown Dallas is but a half-hour jaunt.

Vrbo

Arlington Abode

Sleeps 18
Book It


So baronial is this five-bedroom property that one guest chilling in the pool, dining al fresco on a covered patio, or snapping selfies in the pavilion won’t even hear the racket coming off the game room and its 14-foot shuffleboard, air hockey, big-screen TV, and poker tables.

Vrbo

Arlington Abode: More

Book It


Should on-site amusement run its course, the original Six Flags Over Texas theme park, woodsy River Legacy Parks, and the Living Science Center — with aquariums, terrariums, and interactive exhibits — all are right around the corner.


Related: Amazing Airbnbs and Vrbos Across the Country

Vrbo

Historic Oasis

Sleeps 18
Book It


While faithful to its historic neoclassical style, this mini-mansion in the heart of East Dallas offers all the modern amenities a wandering soul could desire — blazing-fast, high-capacity internet; outside kitchen aside a heated lagoon, waterfall, and heart-shaped spa; and an old-fashioned wood-burning fireplace, all just a block from brand-new public tennis and basketball courts.

Vrbo
Vrbo

Rooms in Rowlett

Sleeps 19
Book It


Like a castle, near a nature preserve, close to both a small town and a big city — the welcoming, magnificent façade offers up a preview of the good things inside. Expensive hardwoods amid wainscoted walls take on natural brilliance let in by loads of ground-to-ceiling windows. A kitchen nook overlooks a far-as-eyes-can-see luscious lawn and an oasis that includes a colossal pool and firepit.

Vrbo
Vrbo

Blue Ridge Ranch

Sleeps 15
Book It


Cornhole, foosball, a playground for the kids, state-of-the-art outdoor speakers, or a soak in jetted bathtubs — it’s all possible here, with historic Downtown McKinney a 10-minute drive and Downtown Dallas about 40 minutes away.

Vrbo

Blue Ridge Ranch: More

Book It


The 33-acre property offers scenic serenity and Insta-worthy aesthetics in a private setting. Outdoor amenities include a refurbished gazebo, a stone fire pit surrounded by plush patio chairs, and even a golden pond.


Related: A-Frame Cabins That Are Perfect for Fall Getaways

Airbnb

Mediterranean Mansion

Sleeps 8
Book It


The Mediterranean milieus of Morocco or Croatia may be out this season, but this palatial getaway with lofty domed ceilings and five fireplaces for optimal coziness is tucked inside a quiet gated neighborhood just a few convenient miles from Dallas-Fort Worth International airport.

Airbnb
Vrbo

Luxe Lakeside

Sleeps 10
Book It


Guests who come prepared with paddle boat, canoe, jet ski, or fishing rod will find fun and recreation exceedingly convenient — the sweeping four-bedroom estate is just a few steps from the shore of Lake Lewisville, a Dallas-area water-sport hotspot.

Vrbo
Vrbo

Mansfield Mansion

Sleeps 16
Book It


Situated on 10 acres in the Dallas suburb of Mansfield, this eye-popping three-story Victorian-style villa promises an outdoor pool, generously equipped game room, and nearby bike trails all amid rolling topography, sounds of nature, and not much else.

Vrbo

Mansfield Mansion: More

Book It


Off-grounds, the town is home to Elmer W. Oliver Park which, during Texas spring or even a warm-ish winter, offers the ideal setting for a quintessential family photo in a field of bluebonnets, the state flower.


Related: The Most Remote Vacation Rentals Around the World