Located just a stone’s throw from downtown, Mayfield Park & Preserve is a true Austin hidden gem.  Within park's 23 acres you'll find unmatched serenity, beautiful gardens, and one of the last places where you can enjoy the experience of entering the bygone era of Old Austin. Mayfield is home to a variety of other wildlife as well. Blue and green herons dot the trees while koi fish and turtles swim in the ponds beneath the water lilies. Palm trees - the largest stand of Sabal Texana palm trees north of the Rio Grande River -  provide a shady respite from the summer sun. Walking paths twist through cottage gardens full of heritage plants maintained by community volunteers.

The cottage was built between 1860-1880 and in 1909 was purchased by Allison Mayfield, along with 23 acres of land as a weekend retreat for his family. Mr. Mayfield was a former Secretary of State of Texas and, at the time, Chairman of the Texas Railroad Commission. During his life he added greatly to the cottage, including most of the porches and the stone and wood pergola patio.

In 1922 the property passed to his only daughter, Mary Frances. She and her husband, Dr. Milton Gutsch, continued improvements to the cottage and channeled their passion for native Texas flora and water lilies into creating the garden we see now. The couple’s beloved peacocks, now one of the property's most iconic features, were gifted to them, in 1937 and from those birds has grown a sizeable flock still roaming about today.

The Gutsches' expanded and maintained their vision with the help of gardener Esteban “Steve” Arredondo for 40 years until 1971 when Mrs. Gutsch willed the property to the City of Austin as a public park.

Mayfield’s history, beauty, and tranquility have been recognized both locally and nationally with its induction into the National Registry of Historic Places and being regularly listed as one of the most peaceful places in Austin and the United States. It is a genuine oasis amidst Austin’s urban sprawl.

The Gardens - The gardens may be visited inside the stone walls when not rented for an event.  This is commonly most Mondays - Thursdays, and holiday weekends when the site is available.

NO events, commercial uses, classes or concessions are allowed on site without a permit or rental.

• Pets are NOT allowed in Mayfield Park or Mayfield Preserve, please leave your pets at home.
• The gardens and paths are historic, varying surfaces from dirt, to grass, to cobblestone and sidewalk. Wear appropriate shoes for walking on uneven surfaces and watch your step.
• View and smell the flowers but leave them for others to enjoy. Stay on formal paths and out of flower beds.
• Each pond is a unique ecosystem. Specimens for study (i.e. tadpoles, water samples), should only be removed by City of Austin staff, then gently returned to their homes. Fishing is NOT allowed.
• No dumping of wildlife or plants, including turtles and fish.
• No climbing, sitting or standing on the rock walls is allowed in order to preserve them.
• Please be respectful of rentals. All signage, barriers, and staff instructions must be adhered to.  

Peafowl Safety -

• The peafowl and their ancestors have lived at Mayfield for 70 years. This is their home. For your safety never approach, touch, or feed the peafowl or other wildlife.
• Please treat peafowl with respect and do not chase them.
• Do not leave unwanted peacocks at Mayfield. Birds abandoned here are often rejected by the flock and do not adapt well. Flock integration requires the involvement of a wildlife specialist.

The gardens, as well as the rest of Mayfield Park's features, are reminiscent of an earlier era. Since the passing of Mary Frances Mayfield Gutsch in 1971 and her willing of the  home and acreage to the City of Austin as a park, the Austin Park and Recreation (APR) has had tremendous support in maintaining Mayfield Park. 

Restoration of the cottage and gardens was coordinated by the Mayfield Park / Community Project, which has an agreement with APR to facilitate improvements within the rock walls at Mayfield. The group works from a preservation master plan, and restoration proceeds as funds become available.

Volunteer gardeners receive help from the Mayfield Park / Community Project when choosing heritage plants for their gardens. Randomly mixed flowers provide year-round color, texture and fragrance to the 32 volunteer beds. The sweet aromas and bright colors of the flora planted in the gardens - along with the soft breeze and cool shade provided by the park's multitude of trees - lure visitors and volunteers alike to the area.

Austin's own Karen Cannatti has been active with the volunteer organization since it started receiving funds in 1986. She hopes the organization will continue to share Mayfield's impressive history with others. "Few people know the historical significance, which is an important part of the park," she explained. "Basically, because [the organization] developed a master plan, our purpose has been to restore the cottage and ponds to its original time...We like to say that we, all of us, are guests of the Gutschs."

Restoration efforts have been very successful thus far. According to Cannatti, members have "basically restored the house from roof to plumbing." All of the park's features, from the bright cottage to the colorful gardens, enable visitors to envision the area as it once existed - including its beloved peacocks. Cannatti said that the birds "were given to [the Mayfield-Gutsch family] as gifts in the 1930s." The peacocks of today's Mayfield Park descend from that first flock.

With all of its beauty and splendor, it is no surprise that so many volunteers and visitors regard Mayfield Park as an Austin oasis. When asked what she would say to attract others to the park, Cannetti replied, "You've got nature and trails. You have just beauty, quiet beauty. You have a historically significant bungalow-style cottage from the 1800s. You have the oldest extant gardens in this part of Austin. It's all historically significant, and it's peaceful...and a lot of people just come here for respite.

Personal photography sessions do not require a rental, however purchase of a photography permit is required. Proposals and weddings may not use photo permits in lieu of a rental. 

For filming or commercial photography a commercial filming/photography permit is required. This would include student films, influencers, promotional or marketing photography, filmed or photo interviews, professional cosplay, etc. For more information on acquiring a permit, please visit:

https://www.austintexas.gov/page/special-events-policies-procedures

In just under two acres of walled land, nestled amongst acres of preserve, sits a picturesque white cottage brimming with Old Austin charm surrounded by verdant gardens, lily ponds, and wild peacocks. The beauty and intimate nature of Mayfield Cottage & Gardens make it a perfect setting for a variety of events. Mayfield welcomes meetings, lectures, classes, and small retreats, as well as more personal events and social gatherings including weddings, baby showers, proposals, memorial services, and birthdays throughout the year.

Rentals are required for all events in the cottage and/or gardens without exception and visitors may not use photo permits in lieu of a rental. Due to the historic nature of Mayfield and in an effort to preserve it, we do not allow rentals for children’s birthdays, family reunions, or large public or ticketed events.

Information on requesting a rental at Mayfield can be found on the website for Office of Special Events and our pricing, policies, and restrictions can be found in our Rental Guidebook (PDF). For a detailed look inside the cottage and around the grounds feel free to browse our Photo Gallery or take a Virtual Tour. For more information, to place request or to check availability please email us at MayfieldRentals@austintexas.gov. 

City practices do not allow for external agencies to hold press, media, or news conferences at city facilities nor does it allow for political candidates vying for office within City of Austin government to hold press, media, or news conferences, fundraisers, political rallies or canvassing events.  

We reserve the right to refuse any request for a rental that does not adhere to the policies and rules or that is in conflict with the operational needs of this facility.