Entire home

Dobson House--Famous Taos Earthship Inn

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

1 bedroom2+ bathroomsSleeps 46500 sq ft

Popular amenities

Parking available
Fireplace
Kitchen
Outdoor space
Parking included
Free WiFi

Explore the area

Arroyo Hondo, NM

Rio Grande Gorge Bridge
‪17 min drive‬
Earthship BioTecture
‪20 min drive‬
Taos Plaza
‪27 min drive‬
Taos, NM (TSM-Taos Regional)
‪14 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 4)

Suite #1

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 3

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 3

Toilet

Suite #1 Bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio

Kitchen

Kitchenette

Garden

Dining area

About this property

Dobson House--Famous Taos Earthship Inn

Two beautiful bedroom suites are available in this magnificent 6,500-square-foot earthship (see photos). The second suite is automatically added for parties of 3-4. Should parties of 2 want both suites, book for 3. You will be the only guests during your booking. Dobson House sits high on a hill ringed by mountains overlooking the Rio Grande Gorge. The two suites occupy the entire lower level of the inn and connect to the magnificent living room and gourmet commercial kitchen via a grand underground staircase. Each adobe and Mexican-tiled suite has gorgeous views, a private patio, queen bed, sitting area, bathroom, mini fridge, microwave, and coffee and tea service. Cook meals in the gourmet commercial kitchen. Dine with gorgeous views. Hike, bike, or snowshoe beautiful trails. The rim of the gorge, where you'll find breathtaking views of the canyon and Rio Grande 800-feet below, is a 10-minute hike from your door. Mineral-rich hot springs are a hike away. Gorgeous sunsets and starry skies await. This exquisite 6,500-square-foot earthship, built to be an exclusive inn, requires a caretaker, and my sweet dog, Ruby, and I reside in private quarters on premises. Wonderfully off the beaten path, vehicles with AWD or 4WD and good clearance are necessary in inclement weather.

Property manager

Brenda Wilhelmson

Premier Host

Languages

English

Protect your payment — always book on Vrbo

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Find out more

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen

Parking included

Free WiFi

Outdoor space

Parking available

Mountain view

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Kitchen
Parking available

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 21

Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Adults only

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed, service animals permitted

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy

Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges

Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed

On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited

This property uses solar energy, plus a grey water recycling system

Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property

Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

Property Registration Number HO-14-2022

If you cancel your booking, you'll be subject to the host's cancellation policy. In accordance with UK consumer law, property booking services are not subject to the right of withdrawal.

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Arroyo Hondo

Located in Arroyo Hondo, this holiday home is in the city centre and on a river. Rio Grande Gorge Bridge and Taos Plaza are notable landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Carson National Forest and Kit Carson Park. Earthship BioTecture and Taos Mountain Casino are two other places to visit that come recommended. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Arroyo Hondo, NM

What's nearby

Manby Hot Springs - 14 min drive - 3.0 km
Rio Grande Gorge Bridge - 17 min drive - 11.9 km
Earthship BioTecture - 20 min drive - 16.0 km
Taos Plaza - 27 min drive - 21.9 km
Kit Carson Park - 27 min drive - 21.6 km

Getting around

Taos, NM (TSM-Taos Regional) - 15 min drive

Restaurants

‪Taos Mesa Brewing - ‬12 min drive
‪Midtown Bistro And Lounge - ‬22 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Dobson House--Famous Taos Earthship Inn pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

How much is parking at Dobson House--Famous Taos Earthship Inn?

Self-parking is free at this property.

What time is check-in at Dobson House--Famous Taos Earthship Inn?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Dobson House--Famous Taos Earthship Inn?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Dobson House--Famous Taos Earthship Inn located?

Located in the heart of Arroyo Hondo, this holiday home is within 9 mi (15 km) of Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, Carson National Forest and Earthship BioTecture. Kit Carson Park and Taos Mountain Casino are also within 12 mi (20 km).

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

10/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Adam B.

30 Jun 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Gorgeous house!

This property os beautiful, we loved every minute of it.

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Todd R.

7 Jun 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome, unbelievable location, better than describe. Brenda is top-notch.

Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Richard P.

27 Jun 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

DOBSON HOUSE

We had a great experience! I wish I had read the posting more thoroughly. Shared space! I didn't realize this until the property owner texted directions that also said we would share the fridge with her. No big deal. My bad. We wanted privacy and peace and that's what we received. Gorgeous!!! Peaceful rest. The road from hwy to Dobson is rough! I drove my Prius there. We were bouncing all over the place. All wheel or 4 wheel should suggested.

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kristin M.

18 Mar 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Truly Unique Taos Experience

This property is absolutely beautiful! We were so grateful that Brenda shares the Dobson house. She was a responsive, friendly, and gracious host, and the house is really incredible. The location feels remote and offers breathtaking scenery, but you're still close to town. We would love to stay here again!

Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sally K.

1 Jun 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A One of a Kind Property

We were greeted by Ruby the VRBO dog when we arrived for our 2 night stay. She's an awesome pup! We enjoyed talking to Brenda and learning about the property from her. Her collection of art in the house is wonderful. We made two dinners and breakfasts and found everything we needed in the kitchen. Sunsets were amazing. Walking down to the view of the Rio Grande was an experience. We didn't make the trek to the river itself. From the house, we went to the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, visited the Harwood Museum (loved it), toured the earth house community, had lunch at Michaels Kitchen (delicious huge servings), explored cemeteries and churches. Cyd's was a good place to grocery ship for what we needed. Smiths has a bigger selection. The gravel road is a bit teeth rattling but the house makes it all worth it.

Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Douglas L.

6 Oct 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Gorgeous Property

We loved staying here and look forward to coming back!

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Heather H.

23 Jun 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A true getaway

Getting to the house is a bit of an adventure as it’s many miles down a washboard dirt road however, one you arrive and come and go you get comfortable with the driving options. We arrived at about 6pm after driving up from Albuquerque. We had check in info and our code worked to get into our private entrance. We were immediately greeted by Ruby, the house dog! The entrance is spectacular and opens onto the doors to both suites and the grand staircase that leads up to the main part of the house. Since only two of us stayed we had suite 1 and suite 2 was closed off. It’s a mirror of the suite we had with different decorations. We unloaded the car and then Brenda, our host and the owner came down to say hello. She was very friendly and helpful. We got settled and got our food upstairs to the kitchen. This is a shared space though we mostly had it to ourselves. We cooked dinner Friday night and enjoyed the beautiful panoramic view of the valley, mountains and the Rio Grande Gorge. We got up Saturday morning and headed out to the Gorge for a hike. Ruby joined us as we walked down the driveway and we found she knows her way around and happily lead us and waited and made sure we knew the right way to go then got us back to the house! So fun to have her along! Today we got up and hiked the other way and made it down to the river with Ruby as our guide. This was a wonderful experience and we enjoyed ourselves so much! We will be back!!

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Susan C.

18 Aug 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Neat place

We enjoyed our stay and Brenda was very accommodating!

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Deanne Z.

3 Dec 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful beauty

My adult son and I have always wanted to stay in an Earthship house, and The Dobson House did not disappoint. There is a very healing stillness and quiet in the home and the views are spectacular. Ruby the hosts dog is very sweet, and the owner was fantastic.

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jon G.

21 Jun 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Stay!!!

This home is amazing and we loved our stay!!! Beautiful sunsets every night, tons of stars!! Great private location but close to everything.

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

Ted W.

12 Mar 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Partner's 40th

This house is a gem! Huge layout and interesting "gala" appropriate stairs. Hosts live in back hall from kitchen, which is not listed, so this is importnat to know. We felt like teenagers sneaking around a bit, but hosts were also really awesome folks. The one encouragement my partner had was a more cozy atmosphere in the downstairs bedroom. It really could have used a large comfy area rug below and above, and more areas to hang belongings. Electric stove did not work, but sun helped warm the place up on the warmer of the three days. Loved the spot, location, vibe and architecture....a "homier, cozier" vibe would be our only gripe. Thanks Brenda!

Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Terry P.

12 Oct 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect

Great place to stay to see the sunset and the amazing stars at night. Would suggest staying there i9n the much cooler months. It was hot in there, but worth it

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Julie K.

3 Jun 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place to stay thank you

We stayed for one night for a concert it was an awesome place slept great beautiful views. The Star gazing was amazin; g

Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

stephani B.

11 Dec 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Much needed Getaway

We intended to relax, hike, and enjoy beauty. This place looks amazing in photos but does not compare to its look and feel. There are so many interesting details about this home; the owner engages with her guests and is happy to discuss the home's construction and history. The short walk to the Rio Grand is not difficult and has places to take photos and read a book. We left feeling sad our time was over and already miss the views from the bedroom. We will be booking again.

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

YVONNE P., Where do you live?

19 Jun 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Stay

Unique, large home, comfortable stay

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

8/10 Good

Timothy S.

3 Feb 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very cool!

Brenda is a great host, and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay. The place is absolutely silent, which is good for the soul. We walked in the fresh snow to the edge of the gorge and it was beautiful. My only disappointment was that the fireplace in the suite is off limits due to some totally legitimate technical issues. Knowing that ahead of time wouldn't have made a difference except that I wouldn't have got my hopes up for a fire next to the bed. Arriving close to sunset while it was snowing meant that our suite was quite cold the first night and the radiator had trouble keeping up. But by morning it had warmed up and all was well.

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brent C.

2 Jan 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A pretty amazing and unusual place

Built into the hillside, the suites are cozy and stay a nice temperature night or day. Up the stairs, the kitchen is amazing if you like to cook, with a huge oven and sink with plenty of places to hang out around the central wood stove. The water, fed from mountain springs, is super cold and tasty. The host was great, and showed us cool places to go.Bring a vehicle with good suspension, as the road in is a little bumpy on the way in. Some bits are a little funky, like you have to be little mindful of overloading the electricity - this is an off-grid house after all - but it's not a big deal. The house and views are definitely worth the little extra effort, and you're only 30-40 minutes away from skiing, fishing, or sitting in hot springs.

Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Teal W.

15 Mar 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

This was a very cool experience staying here very fun!

I really enjoyed the property and Brenda was very nice

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Brittany G.

3 Mar 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Absolutely would stay here again!

Brenda is lovely and welcoming. The property is one of a kind and I really felt like I got my money’s worth!! Kitchen was fantastic and the views were incredible.

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jessa L.

12 Oct 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Getaway with my mom

This was the most spectacular diamond I’ve ever stayed at. Everything about it was so profound. It was like staying in a piece of art. Brenda is the most phenomenal, glowing and warmhearted human. She is the perfect host, so open and gracious welcoming you into her peace and tranquility. I would return back without a doubt. And definitely keeping this one on my to do list.

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Robyn D.

8 Mar 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing getaway

The property was beautiful and somewhat secluded. Not difficult to find. I enjoyed a hike, the stillness, and the scenery. A very relaxing place to stay!

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jamey S.

29 Jan 2025

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A wonderful stay at the Dobson House

We were looking for a getaway location away from Taos along the Rio Grande Gorge. The Dobson House was perfect for our needs. Our bedroom suite was tucked away with good views, and the grand steps up to the living room, dining room, and kitchen led to incredible 270º views of the Gorge. Brenda and her pooch Ruby were super friendly. If you want complete privacy during your stay, ask Brenda beforehand. If not, Brenda is available in a private part of the house if needed. Note that the temperature of the rooms in the Earthship varies widely during the daytime and nighttime. As we were there in the heart of winter, we lit a fire in the evening and sat near it in the living room. The bedroom cooled down at night, but we were cozy in the bed and had a heater if needed. The hiking nearby is fabulous, dramatic, and quiet. Early one morning, we hiked down to the hot springs and had them to ourselves at the bottom of the gorge. We will be back again in the future!

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Edwin B.

26 May 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wow

A one of a kind! Wonderful place to stay if you visit Taos. Incredible!!!

Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mike S.

15 Sept 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Scenic and wonderful stay

The Dobson House is an amazing place to stay. Incredible property history and scenery is incomparable! Stars like nowhere I have seen and hike into the gorge is awesome! Brenda and Ruby are outstanding hosts!

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Brian

14 Jan 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication

Everything was wonderful, check in was flawless, she invited me for a hike with her dog Ruby, recommended other hiking trails, great place

About the host

Hosted by Brenda Wilhelmson

This Chicago native's dream of skiing, horseback riding, and hosting guests in a glorious setting came true.

Why they chose this property

This property is remote, yet near town and the ski valley. Feel like you're outside when you're inside. The house has incredible views from massive windows that will blow you away.

What makes this property unique

Pure mountain drinking water straight from the tap. Solar power. Solar heat. Adobe walls. Flagstone floors. Pillars of Ponderosa Pine. Enormous windows. Premier Taos earthship.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests

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Dobson House--Famous Taos Earthship Inn

Photo gallery for Dobson House--Famous Taos Earthship Inn

Reviews

Popular amenities

Explore the area

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 4)

Suite #1

2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 3

Bathroom 3

Suite #1 Bathroom

Spaces

About this property

Dobson House--Famous Taos Earthship Inn

Property manager

Languages

Protect your payment — always book on Vrbo

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Have a question?

Similar properties

Spectacular Earthship

Spectacular Earthship

House Rules

Children

Events

Pets

Smoking

Important information

You need to know

We should mention

About the area

Arroyo Hondo

What's nearby

Getting around

Restaurants

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

Exceptional

10/10

9.0/10

10/10

10/10

10/10

10/10

9.6/10

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Adam B.

Gorgeous house!

Adam B.

10/10 Excellent

Todd R.

Todd R.

10/10 Excellent

Richard P.

DOBSON HOUSE

Richard P.

10/10 Excellent

Kristin M.

A Truly Unique Taos Experience

Kristin M.

10/10 Excellent

Sally K.

A One of a Kind Property

Sally K.

10/10 Excellent

Douglas L.

Gorgeous Property

Douglas L.

10/10 Excellent

Heather H.

A true getaway

Heather H.

10/10 Excellent

Susan C.

Neat place

Susan C.

10/10 Excellent