The Cottage offers 2 master suites and a bunk room, 2 1/2 bathrooms and a full kitchen with gas range. The wood burning fireplace will keep you cozy on the cooler nights. The back porch swing will invite you to take in the spectacular hill country vistas. Or perhaps gather around the firepit and re-live the stories of old. Adjacent to the tarmac, the Cottage has the convenience of accessibility, yet feels miles away.
Located in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, our location provides beautiful vistas of the Frio Canyon, over a half-mile of crystal clear, spring-fed Frio River frontage and views of natural and exotic wildlife. Cyclists will enjoy close proximity to Highways 336 and 337 and the houses are an airman's dream, being only steps from the tarmac of Four Niner Romeo, otherwise known as Real County Airport.
The Cottage sits atop a small bluff overlooking a large field with imported Kentucky bluegrass. At dusk and dawn this field is known to have over one hundred axis and whitetail deer grazing, which can be viewed while you relax on the back porch. Just looking for a good night's rest? Check out the Buzz-Inn for comfortable accomodations and a quick recharge.
Discover what makes Frio River Landing a unique experience, plan your next vacation and set out to create your own legends.
R.P. Orrell was a First Sergeant in the Field Battalion of the Texas Rangers, serving under Capt. Leander McNelly, the famed "tamer of the Nueces Strip". His service began in 1874 when Capt. McNelly gathered a select group of individuals to accomplish a feat that at the time seemed impossible - bring order to the Nueces Strip, the lawless area between the Nueces and Rio Grande Rivers overrun by bandits under the rule of Mexican Generals Juan Cortina and Juan Salinas.
Sergeant Orrell was one of five mounted Rangers, along with 6 or 7 Rangers on foot, to make up McNelly's famed "Death Squad". This group of fearless men crossed the Rio Grande (against orders from the U.S. Secretary of War) in mid- afternoon to confront Salinas and his band of 400 men on Mexican soil. The Rangers were victorious, capturing Salinas and returning over 400 head of cattle to Texas ranches.
R.P. Orrell had a family of 13 children, one of which was Jenny Orrell. The Cooper ranch bordered the Orrell Ranch to the East and across the Frio River. Jenny fell in love with Samuel Cooper, son of S.T. Cooper - a civil war veteran in his own rite and another intriguing story - and were soon married. The 1,400 acres of the Cooper- Maxwell Ranch encompass the homesteads of the Orrell and Cooper families.
The Cottage was the original homestead of the Orrell family.
