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). 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 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'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.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning: Evaporative cooling ("swamp cooler") and ceiling fans, but also in hottest times two window air conditioners cool 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 (on site and nearby)
- Rafting
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Hiking
- 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.
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
Truly a stunning place; guests tell us the views beat our descriptions!
$129/night .. $775/week (one night free)
May 15-Sep 15 (2 night minimum); Sep 16-May 14 (3 night minimum)
3-person maximum (due to capacity of composting toilet). 13% hotel
tax and $65 cleaning fee additional. 50% deposit; 100% refund for cancellations
30 days in advance of arrival. We accept checks, Visa and Mastercard.
Dogs by arrangement. To reserve, please email with dates.
For availability, please see calendar below; we do our best to keep it up to date.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Credit Cards Accepted:


Property Photos
- Twilight moon view, W porch - Terlingua Travel House
- On property, looking N to Retreat, 9 Pt Mesa and Jack Eden Mesa - Terlingua Travel House
- Wooden writing desk in living room - Terlingua Travel House
- Master bedroom upstairs
- Bed in Living Room
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #144954
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Date last modified - November 24, 2009


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