Volente B&B evolves into popular getaway for families and couples

Anne Steichen is not short-selling her experience as an innkeeper when she claims to have stumbled into the business.

In fact, before opening GrandAnne's on the Lake in 1998, Steichen had never even stayed at a bed and breakfast. The location has evolved over the years in its uses, starting off as Steichen's weekend getaway destination before she eventually called the cabin home in 1975.

She raised her son in the quiet Volente neighborhood, expanding the house in 1990 to include an upstairs addition. Before settling in her new home down the road, Steichen began taking in guests while still living on location.

"Little by little we just kept improving everything, and I kind of creeped into it," Steichen said.

Nearly 15 years later, her Volente cabin has become the temporary home to hundreds of guests seeking reprieve from the real world.

Houston native and longtime friend Sissy Couvillon called the transition natural for Steichen, who she considers a wonderful cook, entertainer and "a wealth of knowledge of Austin and the Lake Travis area."

"She's so gracious and such a good hostess because she takes the time to get to know the people," Couvillon said. "She's interested in them, and I think that makes a huge difference. I've talked to people who have stayed there, and they just fell in love with Anne."

Couvillon, like many out-of-towners, is attracted by the prospect of staying next to Lake Travis, which continues to be the bed and breakfast's prime attraction despite last year's record drought.

"Well, last year was terrible—it was the worst," Steichen said. "Surprisingly, this year we've had people come here to get away, almost like a 'staycation.'"

The celebration starts right away for GrandAnne's guests, who are treated to homemade Brandy slushies made by Steichen immediately after touring the home. While sitting down over drinks, she will then discuss what time to come over and make breakfast, when she and her guests get to know each other even better.

"It's just so friendly," she said. "I get to meet so many people with so many different lifestyles."

Steichen has met a variety of interesting people throughout the years who span the globe, including a family from Dubai who stayed 19 days one Christmas season. She has also accumulated some interesting stories over the years.

"If I started on that, we'd be here all day," she said, adding only that she learned "textile-free" is the politically correct way to refer to nudists.

While clothing is not optional, the rest of the stay is up to the guests.

"You're away from everything, and I never leave [the cabin] when we go," Couvillon said. "I find it very peaceful to get away from the big city and just relax over there."

Additional information

Rates per day (excluding taxes)

• Upstairs: $150
• Downstairs: $200
• Whole house: $300

Nearby attractions

Aside from Lake Travis, many guests take advantage of the various restaurants, boat rental shops and tourist attractions nearby.

GrandAnne's on the Lake, 15953 Booth Circle, Volente, 677-6110, www.bedandbreakfast.com/texas-volente-grandannesonthelake.html