The Retreat - Views of Nine Point and Jack Eden Mesas and Corazones Mountains
Location: Terlingua, Big Bend Country, Texas, USA (27 mi. N of Study Butte/Terlingua; 67 mi. S of Alpine)
Accommodations: House, 1 Bedroom + Loft, 1 Bath (Sleeps 2-3)
Absolute solitude in stunning setting, near Big Bend National Park. Off-the-grid new construction (completed in 2006). Cozy one bedroom retreat home located on 90 acres offers unparalleled hilltop 360 degree views, quiet, and comfort in a remote setting, with no lights to interrupt the starlit sky. Sleeps two people in upstairs bedroom queen, but there is a twin/daybed with a high-density foam mattress and also an inflatable mattress (maximum 3 people due to composting toilet capacity). A new skylight has been added upstairs. Watch the stars from the upstairs bed. The nearest house is miles away and you can go weeks without a car going by -- and then usually because the occupants are lost!
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 now and then at night you hear the 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.
PLEASE NOTE: 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 or two just in case). The property's solar and wind energy power the lights, fans, appliances, and the radio/CD player, while propane gas powers the stove, refrigerator, wall heaters and hot water heater. The composting toilet (Envirolet) is modern and odorless -- not the primitive drop toilet you may know from national or state parks.
We do have a very quiet gas-powered generator for window air conditioner in the hottest months. With the upgrade in the evaporative cooler and the skylight the home stays cooler. Thank you for understanding that there is a burn moratorium in Terlingua Ranch, and no campfires are allowed due to dry climate's fire danger and fragility of desert vegetation. Finally, the stairs to the upstairs bedroom are slightly steeper than normal and may not be the best for those who have difficulty managing stairs.
For a larger group as the Retreat can at most accommodate 2 adults and 2 children or 3 adults, comfortably, consider checking out the possibility of renting also our friends Getaway just 3 miles away along the PAVED Ranch Road (we are just past milepost 7 and they are at milepost 10). Email us for more details!
Visit the website at trretreat com for more photos and information.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning : Updated evaporative cooling ("swamp cooler") and ceiling fans, but also in hottest times a window air conditioner that helps cool the entire house, require use of very quiet Honda generator.
- Linens Provided
- Off Street Parking
- Beds
- Queen Bed : Comfy Tempur-Pedica mattress.
- Twin/Single Bed
- Entertainment
- CD Player
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill : Please, no charcoal grilling or fires. This is a very delicate ecosystem and we have spent weeks cleaning up coals and ashes. Thanks for your understanding. Gas is good!
- Deck/Patio
- View/Location
- Mountain View : 360 degree views: Corazones Mountains, Nine Point Mesa, Jack Eden Mesa, and more.
- Communications
- Telephone : No TV. Other than CD player and FM radio, we really try to maintain it as a retreat from the demands of everyday life. Cellphone coverage is pretty good along the paved road 3/4 mile from the Retreat.
- Free Long Distance : Free long distance is for domestic U.S. only. Thank you.
- Broadband Internet
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Other Amenities
- Indoor bathroom has a shower, but there is also a hot/cold outdoor shower with N views.
- Suitability
- Pet Friendly
- Minimum Age Limit for Renters : Somebody must be 21.
- Smoking Not Allowed : Please be careful with smoking outside and dispose of all smoking materials in trash, not on ground. Thank you!
- Activities
- Rafting
- Hiking
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Other Activities
- Please note lists below of activities and amenities. But must stress wonderful hiking in Big Bend N.P. Also please note that stairs up to bedroom are somewhat steep and shallow. They have sturdy railings and non-skid runner and should be fine for most everyone. NO HUNTING OR TARGET PRACTICE.
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
TRULY A STUNNIG PLACE – GUEST TELL US THE VIEWS BEAT OUR DESCRIPTIONS!!!!
Low Season (6/1-8/31) -- 129.00/ night – 775.00/week -- 2 night minimum
Regular Season (9/7-2/28, 5/1-5/31)--139.00/night--835.00/week -- 2 night minimum
Holiday Season (3/1-4/30, 5/25-5/29, 8/31/94, 11/1-11/7, 11/21-11/25, 12/21-/3)
.149.00/night -- 899.00/week - 3 night minimum THESE PRICES SUPERCEDE OUR WEBSITE
Hotel Tax of 13%, Cleaning Fee - $65(one-time fee), Pet Fee - $50 (if applicable)
Cancellation Policy– Full refund(minus $50 & PayPal fees) > 30 days before arrival
NO HUNTING OR TARGET PRACTICE. Maximum 3 people ( due to composting toliet)
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
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Credit Cards Accepted:
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Owner's Profile
Year Purchased: 2007
Property Photos
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- The Retreat - Views of Nine Point and Jack Eden Mesas and Corazones Mountains - Terlingua Travel House
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- Jack Eden Mesa at sunset from the Retreat. - Terlingua Travel House
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- Looking at the Retreat from the South. - Terlingua Travel House
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- Comfortable open living room with a day bed
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- Screen Porch to the East and Open Deck to the West
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- Upstairs Bedroom with new skylight.
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- Kitchen
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- Corazone Mountains
Traveler Reviews (15)
The beautiful sunsets were the "cake" and the stars at night were the "icing"!!
Guest: Debbie and Kevin
(Wisconsin)
Date of Stay: 04/27/11
Review Submitted: 07/18/11
This is the place for anyone who truly wants to get "away from it all"! We had a fantastic time at The Terlingua Ranch and enjoyed every minute of our stay! I always look for places that meet our 3 "C" requirements: Clean, Comfortable and Cost. The Terlingua Ranch Retreat surpassed all of them! Words just can't do justice to the scenic views, piece and quiet that surounds the retreat. A big THANK YOU to the owners for sharing a little part of their heaven with us and the caretakers for ensuring that everything was perfect!!
Owner response:Thank you for your very kind words. We think the views from the house are great. The only thing we know to do that will make the scenery more enjoyable is to keep the house as easy and comfortable as possible while minimizing any impact on the surroundings. That seems to suit most folks, and we are glad you enjoyed your stay. Thanks again, Dee and Wayne.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, sightseeing, age 55+, romantic getaway.
beautiful solitude - just as described
Guest: sandy
(San Antonio)
Date of Stay: 03/05/11
Review Submitted: 03/14/11
If you've read the other reviews they all sound just alike. Why? Because this retreat home is beautiful and located out away from everything. It is equiped with anything you need and is extremely clean, cozy and comfortable. The view from any directions is breathtaking Texas rugged beauty. when we heard there was no TV we brought books and magazines to relax - but never even got to them. with the choice of porches you can watch the sun come up or go down, be in the breeze or away from it. between sitting on the porch, cooking on the grill, watching the stars - we "ran out of time" to read. it was wonderful and relaxing. Our dog Toby loved laying out on the porch and exploring the land and sniffing out wonderful doggie smells. I think he was as sad to leave as we were. We look forward to our next visit!
Recommended for:Pet owners, adventure seekers, sightseeing, age 55+, romantic getaway.
Perfection personified
Guest: Rachelle
(Moody, TX)
Date of Stay: 02/17/11
Review Submitted: 03/08/11
Spent only four days out in this lovely home. The silence was so loud! No airplanes, trains, cars ...just pure nature. There is a family of deer that come very close to the house in the early morning hours. Took an outside camp shower with us because it was winter and the outside shower wasn't attached. Wow! How very cool! The home itself is gorgeous and you can tell that every effort was employed to make this a green home. The enviro-let was different but not an issue. Every day was windy and sunny so there was always plenty of electricity. Make sure to hike the surrounding land. I left a couple small rock sculptures. I think that others have done this as well...never made it to the labyrinth. Another reason to go back! Hiked every day in Big Bend. Not a single bad thing to say about Terlingua; only a warning that La Kiva is a very local restaurant. It is interesting but the service ... meh... Better off going to Starlight. Don't miss out on the cemetery. So many things to do and we only just scratched the surface. Cannot wait to go back!!!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, sightseeing, girls getaway, romantic getaway.
A REAL TREAT
Guest: Eric & Frannie
(California)
Date of Stay: 11/04/10
Review Submitted: 11/10/10
My husband and I stayed here a week and could stay much longer. It was exactly as described - so quiet, peaceful, beautiful vistas and night skies with all the comforts of home. We enjoyed the reference library, searching and identifying cactus, nice music, well supplied little kitchen. We appreciate the gentle-on- the-earth attitude. The attention to details make this place a very nice home away from home. We did visit other places around but were always glad to return to our own little place for the night.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, sightseeing, girls getaway, romantic getaway.
Most Awesome
Guest: Diana & Lex
(Andrews, TX)
Date of Stay: 10/22/10
Review Submitted: 10/25/10
My husband and I stayed at the Ranch Retreat for the weekend. It was quite and peaceful. The house was just the right size and set up nicely with lots of room for what seemed like a small house from the outside. The Sunset and Sunrises were breathtaking. We hiked, had supper out on the porch, sat at the Labyrinth, my favorite part, read, played cards, toured Big Bend and Terlingua Ghost Town. All in all we had a wonderful time. We will definitely return, there is still so much to see.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, sightseeing, girls getaway, romantic getaway.
Guest: Kathy and Jason Lund
(Marion, Texas)
Date of Stay: 10/26/09
Review Submitted: 10/26/09
WOW!! We spent 3 nights at the retreat and enjoyed every moment. It's everything and more. You need it, trust me it's there. Dee and Wayne you did a great job with all the info, thank you. We hated to leave, but came home with a new outlook and spring in our step. Again thank you!!! Can't wait to go back.
Recommended for:
Guest: Charlie Warren
(Little Rock, AR)
Date of Stay: 05/08/09
Review Submitted: 05/08/09
Photos of the house, as good as they are, do not begin to show the beauty of the setting. A camera cannot capture the 360-degree panorama view. It’s like trying to photograph the Grand Canyon. You can only get a small part in a photo, but the awe is in the panorama.I am in my 60s, married for 38 years, but this was my first ever vacation without my wife and/or children. I love them dearly, but it was nice to be alone for awhile and do what I pleased whenever I pleased. It was fantastic to get away from the pressures of my job and chill out in such an awesome environment. I recommend the house highly and hope to return someday.
Recommended for:
Guest: Donna Hebner
(Austin Texas)
Date of Stay: 01/25/09
Review Submitted: 01/25/09
Everyone has already articulated quite well the serenity of the retreat. So I will just add some comnments for folks who are on their way. The directions were great...the 7 mile marker is yellow and on the right. We set the odometer to .2 and saw the road. We did not realize that Dee meant the poles with the red markers...we were looking for poles with red flags...duh...but we found it easily. The road in is a bit bumpy...we had an SUV. But no worries...all manageable. We always had hot water...everything worked. All user friendly. Had everything available for cooking, etc. And the books on Big Bend and surrounding areas are many. You do not need to purchase any. The Book that Dee and Wayne have made is very good...So you really don't need to bring anything unless you have personal reading you want to take care of. Cell phones do not work except in the area of Study Butte. Computers do...if you need that contact. I realize that some do, like my husband. We cooked our meals at the house except for the last night when we went to the Starlite in Terlingua Ghost Town...nice country music with good food. We walked the area around the house..and concur with one of the guests who requested a marking of the perimeter. Labyrinth is fantastic. We saw very few animals...while hiking big bend we saw two coyotes...did hear them howling at the ranch..a beautiful sound. Saw scat of Jackrabbits and finally saw one on the final day. Saw Mule deer. The area is really dry but did take a few pictures of bluebonnets if you could believe that. All in all...a great place. Thanks Dee and Wayne and Daryl also even though we did not meet him. Donna and Bob from Austin Texas
Recommended for:
Guest: Kathryn Sublett
(Waco, TX)
Date of Stay: 12/17/08
Review Submitted: 12/17/08
My husband and I fell in love immediately with this beautiful property. No matter what direction you look, from any window or either porch, the views are truly beautiful. Lowlands to mountains, it's all gorgeous. The quiet is soul-soothing. We were there during a no-moon phase so at night you can see every star in the universe and it literally will take your breath away. I love seeing the Milky Way arcing across the sky. The cabin is so comfortable and cozy. The bed upstairs is very, very comfortable as is the little day bed downstairs. I loved having coffee out on the porch in the mornings. The sunsets are fabulous from the west porch...colors changing minute by minute and welcoming Jupiter and Venus to the night sky. We look forward to our next visit which we are already planning. I highly recommend this vacation spot!
Recommended for:
Guest: Brian Hunt
(Bellevue WA)
Date of Stay: 10/14/08
Review Submitted: 10/14/08
VRBO is such a great resource and I'm delighted to submit comments about Terlingua Ranch Retreat. I was looking for quiet and solitude. The Retreat offered that in a wonderfully solid, contemporary, well-built house. I was so comfortable there, I didn't leave the property the entire week. The weather in early Oct was nearly perfect (hot, dry). The scenery, sunsets, and stars were magnificent. And the plants and critters were fascinating. There were wildflowers all over the place! The property is in the middle of the acreage and the only neighbors in residence were 1.5 miles away. This area of W Texas is starkly beautiful. Dee was wonderful in giving information and getting me booked. I ran into Daryl on the way into the property and had a nice chat about the house. I would happily spend another week here if I'm so lucky again.
Recommended for:
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #144954
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