Terlingua Ranch Retreat: Enviro Friendly Home
House in Big Bend National Park, TX
3 guests · 2 bedrooms · 1 bath
Reasons to book
Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Well priced for this locationProperty prices in this area are generally higher
Includes essentialsGarden, Kitchen or Kitchenette, Air conditioner and more
About this house rental
Summary:
Terlingua Ranch Retreat: Solitude in Natural Harmony. 90 acres near Big Bend National Park.
• Amazing 360-degree Mountain Views
• Solar and Wind Powered Home
• Screened Porch & Covered Porch
• Books, Games, Puzzles and More
The Space:
IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES. PLEASE READ BEFORE BOOKING:
LIMITED AIRCONDITIONING:
-Cooling is provided by an evaporative cooler OR two small window unit ACs. The air-conditioners are only intended for use during days with full sun, while the sun is high. They can be run at other times IF the gas-powered generator is also running. Guests expecting inside summertime temps in the low 70’s or wanting to run the AC constantly should consider a different property. We would be happy to recommend other lodging options.
SOLAR-POWERED HOME:
-No electronic devices other than those provided or chargers for phones and consumer electronics.
-Absolutely no electric device with heating elements of any type.
-If you rely on medically necessary electronics, we would be happy to recommend a different property.
This cozy one-bedroom vacation retreat located on 90 acres offers unparalleled 360 degree views, quiet, and comfort in a remote setting. No nearby lights to interrupt the starlit sky of the Big Bend. Sleeps two people in upstairs bedroom queen, plus a twin/daybed with a high-density foam mattress. The nearest house is a half mile away. You can go weeks without a passing car.
House is light and modern, with bamboo floors, tile, and modern ceiling fans. The retreat is oriented so that at any time of the day, one of the two porches is in the shade. One is screened and the other open.
This is a great vacation rental. An escape from everyday life with a beautiful view of Nine Point Mesa to the north, Jack Eden Mesa to the northeast and Corazones Peaks to the south. The property is true to its desert climate, with dozens of species of cacti, along with ocotillo, yucca, and many varieties of prickly pear, strawberry pitaya, and rainbow cactus in abundance. In addition, bluebonnets, the Texas state flower, and resurrection ferns are found on the 90 acres. The property provides ample opportunities for watching birds and wildlife. We see foxes and deer regularly, and at night frequently hear coyotes howling in the distance.
To explore West Texas, the house is 30 miles from the Big Bend National Park gate; 23 miles to Study Butte/Terlingua ghost town and 35 miles to the famed Lajitas Resort.
The house is located three-quarter mile along a dirt road from the main ranch paved road, and the dirt road takes you over a rise so that traffic on the paved road is not visible or audible. All vehicles can make the short trip (but as always in this part of the world, have a spare tire just in case).
The property's solar and wind energy powers the lights, fans, appliances, and the radio/CD player, while propane gas powers the stove, wall heaters and hot water heater. The modern and eco-friendly separator toilet uses zero water. It separates liquid waste from solid and collects the solid wasted for composting.
To back-up the solar and wind power, there is a very quiet gas-powered generator. This will recharge the batteries if needed and will power the window air conditioners in the hottest months.
Thank you for understanding that there is a burn moratorium in Terlingua Ranch, and no campfires are allowed due to dry climate fire danger and fragility of desert vegetation.
One note of caution: the stairs to the upstairs bedroom are steeper than normal and may not be the suitable for those who have difficulty managing stairs
Interaction with Guests:
We manage several properties and live a few miles away. We are available by phone, text, email, or messages through Airbnb. We are typically only on site for cleaning or maintenance issues.
Terlingua Ranch Retreat: Solitude in Natural Harmony. 90 acres near Big Bend National Park.
• Amazing 360-degree Mountain Views
• Solar and Wind Powered Home
• Screened Porch & Covered Porch
• Books, Games, Puzzles and More
The Space:
IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES. PLEASE READ BEFORE BOOKING:
LIMITED AIRCONDITIONING:
-Cooling is provided by an evaporative cooler OR two small window unit ACs. The air-conditioners are only intended for use during days with full sun, while the sun is high. They can be run at other times IF the gas-powered generator is also running. Guests expecting inside summertime temps in the low 70’s or wanting to run the AC constantly should consider a different property. We would be happy to recommend other lodging options.
SOLAR-POWERED HOME:
-No electronic devices other than those provided or chargers for phones and consumer electronics.
-Absolutely no electric device with heating elements of any type.
-If you rely on medically necessary electronics, we would be happy to recommend a different property.
This cozy one-bedroom vacation retreat located on 90 acres offers unparalleled 360 degree views, quiet, and comfort in a remote setting. No nearby lights to interrupt the starlit sky of the Big Bend. Sleeps two people in upstairs bedroom queen, plus a twin/daybed with a high-density foam mattress. The nearest house is a half mile away. You can go weeks without a passing car.
House is light and modern, with bamboo floors, tile, and modern ceiling fans. The retreat is oriented so that at any time of the day, one of the two porches is in the shade. One is screened and the other open.
This is a great vacation rental. An escape from everyday life with a beautiful view of Nine Point Mesa to the north, Jack Eden Mesa to the northeast and Corazones Peaks to the south. The property is true to its desert climate, with dozens of species of cacti, along with ocotillo, yucca, and many varieties of prickly pear, strawberry pitaya, and rainbow cactus in abundance. In addition, bluebonnets, the Texas state flower, and resurrection ferns are found on the 90 acres. The property provides ample opportunities for watching birds and wildlife. We see foxes and deer regularly, and at night frequently hear coyotes howling in the distance.
To explore West Texas, the house is 30 miles from the Big Bend National Park gate; 23 miles to Study Butte/Terlingua ghost town and 35 miles to the famed Lajitas Resort.
The house is located three-quarter mile along a dirt road from the main ranch paved road, and the dirt road takes you over a rise so that traffic on the paved road is not visible or audible. All vehicles can make the short trip (but as always in this part of the world, have a spare tire just in case).
The property's solar and wind energy powers the lights, fans, appliances, and the radio/CD player, while propane gas powers the stove, wall heaters and hot water heater. The modern and eco-friendly separator toilet uses zero water. It separates liquid waste from solid and collects the solid wasted for composting.
To back-up the solar and wind power, there is a very quiet gas-powered generator. This will recharge the batteries if needed and will power the window air conditioners in the hottest months.
Thank you for understanding that there is a burn moratorium in Terlingua Ranch, and no campfires are allowed due to dry climate fire danger and fragility of desert vegetation.
One note of caution: the stairs to the upstairs bedroom are steeper than normal and may not be the suitable for those who have difficulty managing stairs
Interaction with Guests:
We manage several properties and live a few miles away. We are available by phone, text, email, or messages through Airbnb. We are typically only on site for cleaning or maintenance issues.
Amenities
Air conditioner
Kitchen or Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Parking
Balcony or Patio
Garden
Map of Big Bend National Park, TX
$$$$
Reviews
10.0
We highly recommend staying at this property! We fell in love with the serenity the retreat offers and would gladly return. The drive to Big Bend is around 40 minutes making this location a good spot for travelers to the park.
The retreat is fully equipped and we recommend a stop to Alpine for supplies before arriving. Much of what is offered by the owners prior to arrival helps in the planning process.
The retreat is off-grid so be prepared to consider conserving resources. The stairs are steep for those who might want to sleep in the main level as a twin bed is provided. The evenings are cool and opening windows gives you a refreshing cross
breeze.
The absolute best selling point are the views! Cannot be stated strongly enough, absolutely stunning and beautiful! The position of the 2 porches is perfect for viewing and photos.
We also suggest arriving before dark on the first night to aide in location.
Thank you to our host for sharing a beautiful memory!
Pete and Kim
10.0
This is the perfect spot if you want to enjoy the area and still have your own space. The house and property were great! The owners have a great thing and I'm glad to have experienced it. Great place to stay to reconnect while you disconnect. Looking forward to returning!
10.0
No neighbors at this quiet desert cabin.
Did not need to test cooling system except for few hours one day due to timely northers and nearby thunderstorms each PM. Plenty of space for walks around desert in cool mornings. Quail and other birds were plentiful, as were cactus blooms. Shower and toilet sure beat camping, but took some getting used to. Our 2 mutts got to run aound and quickly learned to avoid cactus.
10.0
We loved our stay here. While it is very remote and may not be for everyone, we had a great stay! We loved the two decks, one on each side to take advantage of the beautiful sunrises and sunsets! The house had everything we needed. The small kitchen met our needs. We prepared all our meals without a problem. The bedroom was roomy and comfortable. Thanks for a great stay!
6.0
Very few unspoiled views. Remote location.w/..plenty neighbors. The house was clean but not ment for large people. No couch. or comfortable chairs in the house. No box spring on bed. Dinning table/chairs were child sized.
10.0
Unique stay in off-grid property. Listing is super accurate in setting expectations on what an off-grid stay entails, specifically for this property, so read carefully to make sure it's for you. Very clean and super happy with how truly remote it was. Un-obscured gorgeous views of the hills and desert. Not at all the fault of the property but we did have a blow-out on the unpaved road, so just word of caution to make sure you have a spare on hand for emergencies if you're arriving on street tires. Diego's Tire Repair in Terlingua took excellent care of us getting a replacement. Overall an awesome stay on an awesome property
10.0
Remote house with awesome views. Clean and comfortable. We did have problems with getting hot water in the shower and we did call the owners for assistance. They did get back in touch with us quickly. It still needs to be addressed. Overall we do recommend this house.
10.0
I was looking for a quiet time away, and the Terlingua Ranch Retreat is the place. Seeing the stars at night was amazing! Thanks for a wonderful place to unwind!
10.0
Great views from the house in all directions.Simple ecofreindly yet comfortable and highly enjoyable.Located away from everything so read and heed the owners directives to take best advantage on the trip $$$. Clears the mind what a vacation is about.
10.0
This property was all we could hope for and more. Our goal was stargazing and visiting Big Bend during the day for hiking and biking. We were able to do it all the evenings exceeded our hopes. The property was as describes and the cleanest we've ever been to. Thank you!
10.0
Great time at the West TX retreat!
We had a great and relaxing stay, the views are incredible and the location is a perfect jumping off point for trips to Big Bend, Terlingua, Marfa, etc. Easy check in and great communication from the host, would highly recommend!
10.0
Secluded desert vacation house
We had a great time at this cozy, secluded cabin. Although less than a mile from a paved road, it seems to have been dropped in the middle of a desert wilderness. We were struck by the absolute silence outside during the day, and by the clarity of the night sky. Both porches provide views of the ruggedly beautiful landscape and directly face the rising and setting sun. The kitchen includes a good-sized refrigerator and 4-burner gas oven, so eating all our meals in was no problem. We had no trouble getting hot water from either the indoor or outdoor showers. The compact yet comfortable living area downstairs includes a single bed, desk, bookcase, and couch. Upstairs, a skylight allows star-gazing while lying in the queen-sized bed.
Both Big Bend State Ranch Park and Big Bend National Park entrances are about a 40 minute drive.
10.0
Relaxing time
My husband, David and I loved our short time here!! The house was just as described. The star viewing at night was incredible!!! In all my years of traveling I have never seen so many stars in the night sky. The house was the perfect place to unwind and hike in the desert. Big Bend state and national parks are nearby and Terlingua Ghost town was a fun visit. But the best part was the remoteness of the house and how cozy it was for us. Our dog Nikola loved running up and down the hills as we hiked around. Thank you for sharing this wonderful off the grid house with us!!!
10.0
Great place to stay!
We enjoyed our girls trip stay at this cottage! We even watched deer across the street at the golf course one evening. Close to everything in town!
10.0
Great place!
We enjoyed our stay! Conveniently close to BB and great food in Terlingua.
10.0
Wonderful Stay at Terlingua Ranch Retreat
Our 3rd time to stay at this property. A wonderful place for solitude and beautiful desert views. Everything worked fine and the place was as described. Will visit again!
10.0
comfy and cozy
This is my 6th visit to BB over MLK weekend. We opted to stay a little further from the park for the seclusion and uninterrupted views that this place offers. The two porches were perfect for catching the gorgeous sunrises and sunsets. Being able to bring my dog and share this magical place with her was the icing on the cake. The cabin had everything we needed for a comfortable weekend getaway!
10.0
First Trip to Big Bend
Very comfortable way to see and experience the area. Close enough for convenience and for enough to be alone and experience peace and quiet. Great sky for star gazing.
10.0
Amazing Retreat - great gem for a getaway stay!
The retreat is an absolutely great little getaway treat. It was perfect! Information about the place was provided right away - weeks before the stay. (This allowed us to start making plans for day hikes and to get our bearings.)
While some reviews mentioned steep stairs, the stairs were not unreasonable and there are sturdy railings.
It is nicely decorated and the front screened in porch and back porch provide amazing views. We enjoyed our stay!
10.0
Desert Retreat & visit Big Bend
Cozy retreat out in the middle of nowhere. We traveled to visit Big Bend National & State park but wanted a nice place to lay our heads at the end of the day. This place was the perfect place to do that. The management stayed in contact with us from day one to day six to make sure all was well.
10.0
Great Get Away
The house is not the Ritz but was really cool. Lots already said about the secluded location and the unbelievable sunrises and sunsets. The stars were incredible. The upstairs bed was not real comfortable but it was ok. Highly recommend.
10.0
Beautiful and peaceful and free roaming donkeys!
Terlingua Ranch Retreat is now one of our favorite places to stay in Terlingua You are alone in the desert with very few neighbors far, far away. The stars, the calmness, and the quiet was exactly what we needed as a break from our busy lives. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay here. The scenery alone is enough to make us come back, but the cabin was quaint and cozy and had everything we needed. Hosts were fantastic and emailed to check in with us a few times.
If you’re looking for a quiet stay to enjoy the sunsets and sunrises, this is your place.
Oh, and I can’t forget to mention the wild donkeys roaming around this area! So neat.
Excellent place and highly recommend.
10.0
Wonderful experience!!!
Beautiful views, great screened in porch and comfortable house. Be sure to read EVERYTHING about the house before you go. With solar power and water differences from what you may be used to, you need to know all this information.
10.0
Incredibly beautiful setting!
We could not have asked for a more beautiful setting! Every evening the sunsets were absolutely stunning!
Never having stayed in the desert before, I was enthralled with the variety of cacti blooming. Our reason for coming to Terlingua was to visit Big Bend, and with just three days to explore, we spent most of our time out in both Big Bend Ranch State Park and Big Bend National Park. However, we could have easily stayed on the retreat property and had a perfectly wonderful and relaxing time.
We had one minor problem with the power going out, but the property owner responded immediately and fixed the problem in short time.
While the owner did say in the description that there were steep stairs to the bedroom, I didn't realize how steep they were, and as an older couple (ages 62 & 71) this was a bit challenging. That is entirely on me. So, while I probably would not choose this particular property again for myself, I would absolutely rent from this owner again.
5.0
If you want to get away from it all, this is the place. So peaceful and quiet. We loved it. Only thing thay stood out was the toilet, if you are a city person like us, it takes a bit to get used to. But at the end of the day, you are in the middle of nowhere so can’t complain. Will definitely keep this one in mind if we come back to Terlingua.
10.0
An awesome location to unplug
The owners were attentive when I had a couple of requests and it was a tremendous experience. I would recommend this to any of my friends.
10.0
Peaceful getaway
If you want to get away from it all, this is the place. So peaceful and quiet. We loved it.
Only thing thay stood out was the toilet, if you are a city person like us, it takes a bit to get used to. But at the end of the day, you are in the middle of nowhere so can’t complain. Will definitely keep this one in mind if we come back to Terlingua.
5.0
Our experience was similar to a lot of others who have reviewed. We went to visit Big Bend National Park and this was the closest we could get to the park where we could call "home base". Our stay was during mid September 2020 and the pandemic has been ongoing. The weather was in the 80s during the day and lowered into the 60s at night. PROs:1. The house is lovely and very cozy. Perfect for a couple to get away. 2. There is a small bed underneath the stairs for a 3rd guest which is nice. 3. There are 2 porches that overlook the mountains and other homes. You are pretty high up and the views are great. 4. The weather was great so we didn't have to use the A/C, only the fans. We typically keep our house at 78 during the summer so it didn't bother us.5. Kitchen had everything we needed (propane stove and refrigerator). We cooked in advance and brought food in a cooler and kept it in the fridge to warm up later. We only cooked breakfast and we had no problems with the stove. 6. There is a street sign now so you can find the property easier. This was great!CONs:1. Somehow the bugs get in and can give you a surprise, if you're not into bugs.2. The stairs are steep when going upstairs. Use extreme caution if you have difficulty walking or getting around. There is a handrail on the righ hand side only when going up.3. Cold water mostly out of the shower. I had a spurt of hot water come through once. I ended up heating a small amount of water on the stove to compensate for the cold. You mainly have to get wet, lather up and then rinse off to preserve water.4. The fan above the bed upstairs spins at its highest setting and there is no speed control that we could find. Use Caution. Suggestion for the owner: Slow the fan down and it will reduce the vibration on it. 5. 5Overall, we enjoyed our stay and would definitely visit once again.
8.0
Just what we were looking for
We wanted to get away and find some peace and quiet. This home was just the ticket.
10.0
Super Place
My friend and I loved staying at this Big Bend Getaway :)
10.0
Great place to enjoy peace and quiet
Our experience was similar to a lot of others who have reviewed. We went to visit Big Bend National Park and this was the closest we could get to the park where we could call "home base".
Our stay was during mid September 2020 and the pandemic has been ongoing. The weather was in the 80s during the day and lowered into the 60s at night.
PROs:
1. The house is lovely and very cozy. Perfect for a couple to get away.
2. There is a small bed underneath the stairs for a 3rd guest which is nice.
3. There are 2 porches that overlook the mountains and other homes. You are pretty high up and the views are great.
4. The weather was great so we didn't have to use the A/C, only the fans. We typically keep our house at 78 during the summer so it didn't bother us.
5. Kitchen had everything we needed (propane stove and refrigerator). We cooked in advance and brought food in a cooler and kept it in the fridge to warm up later. We only cooked breakfast and we had no problems with the stove.
6. There is a street sign now so you can find the property easier. This was great!
CONs:
1. Somehow the bugs get in and can give you a surprise, if you're not into bugs.
2. The stairs are steep when going upstairs. Use extreme caution if you have difficulty walking or getting around. There is a handrail on the righ hand side only when going up.
3. Cold water mostly out of the shower. I had a spurt of hot water come through once. I ended up heating a small amount of water on the stove to compensate for the cold. You mainly have to get wet, lather up and then rinse off to preserve water.
4. The fan above the bed upstairs spins at its highest setting and there is no speed control that we could find. Use Caution. Suggestion for the owner: Slow the fan down and it will reduce the vibration on it.
5. 5
Overall, we enjoyed our stay and would definitely visit once again.
10.0
Happy Guest
If you like staying off the grid and enjoying peace, nature and alone time, this place is for you! The seclusion is the ample setting for perfect mornings drinking coffee and watching the sun rise, to cool evenings star gazing on one of two porches. Plus the owners are super nice people. Highly recommend for those planning a visit to the Big Bend area.
10.0
Perfect!!!
This is our second time staying at this property and it definitely won’t be our last. We absolutely love the privacy, the views, and the peaceful nature of this wonderful home. I can’t wait for our next visit!
10.0
Great view
We really enjoyed our stay here. The view was gorgeous and the location was secluded. Janet and Daryl were really helpful during the booking. Strongly recommend.
10.0
Peaceful retreat
Great spot to get away from it all. Lovely mesas and mountains in every direction. Quiet- you won't see or hear people or traffic noise. Bonus- the area is super dark at night for astronomy.
10.0
Relaxing and beautiful!
This was a well needed mini vacation. The cabin was quiet, comfy and the view was unbelievable. This will not be our last time to stay.
10.0
An Ideal Escape
We stayed at the Retreat recently and will absolutely return. I've never seen so many stars in a pristine and tranquil setting. The accommodations are cozy, clean, and full of everything you need to really get back to nature and relax. It can be hot here in summer, but there is access to a pool and so much hiking, exploring, etc.
10.0
Our favorite spot
I love this place and its solitude the sustainability and the outdoor shower after a long hike. We even stayed here beefier we got married at big bend a few years ago. Already wanting to go back for my next stay.
10.0
Unforgettable
This not only a beautiful setting, but the property itself compliments and takes advantage of the surroundings. The directions and information sent ahead of our stay were super thorough, detailed, and accurate (and much appreciated). The dirt road leading to the house is indeed bumpy and rough in patches, but nothing super-crazy (or different than the dirt roads inside BBNP). The house is really well laid out and maximizes the space - it feels very spacious and perfect for 3 people. We had everything we needed, and the book collection was a real treat. It's obvious the owners love the land and the property and that carries over into the space. Make sure to read the guest book! We feel lucky to have been able to stay here for a few days and already want to return.
10.0
Alone with the stars!
What a wonderful place! Don't let the drive worry you; our rental sedan did it just fine. The house is wonderful with desert views all around. The night sky is fabulous. Property managers were responsive and helpful. Highly recommended for those who enjoy a remote experience.
FAQs
How much does this house cost compared to others in Big Bend National Park?
The average price for a rental in Big Bend National Park is $422 per night. This rental is $91 less expensive than the average.
Is parking included with this house?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at Terlingua Ranch Retreat: Enviro Friendly Home. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this house?
We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this house. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.
Is Terlingua Ranch Retreat: Enviro Friendly Home pet friendly?
Unfortunately, this house is not pet-friendly. Try searching again and filter for "Pets Allowed"
What amenities are available at Terlingua Ranch Retreat: Enviro Friendly Home?
We found 6 amenities for this rental. This includes air conditioner, kitchen or kitchenette, internet / wifi, parking, and balcony or patio.
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