Cabin
Log Cabin & Hut, WIFI, 13 acres; borders Nat Forest; 8 min. to town! Sleeps 9
Photo gallery for Log Cabin & Hut, WIFI, 13 acres; borders Nat Forest; 8 min. to town! Sleeps 9





Reviews
9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms 2 bathrooms Sleeps 10 1900 sq ft
Popular amenities
Explore the area

Durango, CO
- Fort Lewis College12 min drive
- Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad12 min drive
- Animas River Trail12 min drive
- Durango, CO (DRO-La Plata County)38 min drive
Rooms & beds
4 bedrooms (sleeps 10)
Bedroom 1
1 King Bed
Bedroom 2
2 Single Beds
Bedroom 3
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 4
3 Single Beds
2 bathrooms
Bathroom 1
Bathtub or shower · Toilet
Bathroom 2
Toilet · Jetted bathtub
Spaces
Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area
About this property
Log Cabin & Hut, WIFI, 13 acres; borders Nat Forest; 8 min. to town! Sleeps 9
PLEASE READ ENTIRE DESCRIPTION BEFORE BOOKING!… Please keep in mind that we are a private home and former goat farm, one of the first homesteads in the valley, surrounded by woods/forest/wildlife, and not a luxury hotel.
Charming & rustic historic, hand made log/wood sided cabin and guest hut. King sized custom log bed in upstairs primary bedroom w/ large closet; cowhide/leather queen bed in 1st level BR; 2 twin Old Hickory beds on second level in main home. 2 Old Hickory twins in guest hut, and twin fold-a-way. There is no plumbing in the hut; it does have electric, to include baseboard heaters and a ceiling fan in the vaulted ceiling. It has large windows because it was the weigh station of the Gold King Mine, brought to our property in the 1970’s and completely renovated by us in 2013. The expanded deck with built-in seating was completed in 2021. Guests who stay in the hut must use the main home for bathroom facilities or find a tree.
Entire property sleeps a maximum of nine persons and one infant/toddler. (10 humans total.) There is a portable crib, but please bring your own bedding if you plan to utilize it. New hardwood flooring throughout; stainless appliances, butcher block counters, jetted tub in upstairs bath, laundry, aspen tongue & groove ceilings. Large open decks, sun room, side porch. Large rock fireplace w/blower to keep you warm during chilly nights, which can be all year. Newer furnishings mixed with antiques and Colorado Mountain decor; professionally decorated. There is inherited taxidermy throughout, to include: pelts, deer mounts, stuffed fox, cowhides/cowhide furniture, longhorns, feathers on dream catchers, etc… If you are allergic to fur/pet hair/feathers or offended by these items, then this property is not a fit for you. The decor also includes artwork from local and well-known artists. Please do not touch the art or rearrange it.
We are a Christian family and recognize Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. You will see many crosses and religious artwork. If you are offended by this, then our property is not a fit for you.
Located 30 minutes to sk/snowboard/snowmobile/dog sled/tube/shop/dine/have best Bloody Mary’s ever at Purgy’s, etc…. at Durango Mountain Resort; 7-10 minutes to town of Durango; 45 minutes to Mesa Verde; 20 minutes to the Durango airport (DRO). Near and across from Turtle Lake which is privately owned but one may enjoy the views from the Homestead, just a short hike up the hill or beyond the fire pit. One mile to the Colorado Trail; our property includes the Pioneer Trail and is steep, and joins with many miles of other trails but they are not marked, so use a hiking app. We recommend high quality ankle boots for the rocky trails, and always carry bear spray even during hibernation months. Acclimate first to the altitude if arriving from sea level or Texas. We own 13 acres for privacy, yet located only 4 miles to all of the restaurants, shopping and amenities that Durango has to offer. Various wildlife visitors: mule deer, elk, mountain lions, turkey, skunks, chipmunks, bears and more! Preventing rodents from entering our property is facilitated utilizing mothballs, so you may smell those, especially in the cold weather months when they are seeking warmth in our interiors. If you are allergic to MOTHBALLS or offended by their smell, this property is not a fit for you. Mothballs are also kept around the exterior of the property which is necessary because it’s in the country. If the smell affects you, then you need to stay at a hotel or a place downtown. 
DO NOT leave trash outside or in your vehicle. Bears, mountain lions, and other types of our furry neighbors have been known to help themselves to these free treats. Your well-behaved, housebroken canines are welcome at no extra charge (they are family!) but please keep them off of the furniture (or at least try, they can be on your lap) and for their safety, don’t let them play unsupervised outside with the skunks or big cats. Dog feeding/water bowls provided. Children should be well-behaved. PLEASE MONITOR YOUR CHILDREN! Hammock, tire swing, hiking trails, large decks, sunroom, covered porch and fire pit for outdoor living and fun for all! Amazing Boulder Garden is next door and may be accessed via the trails. THERE IS NO TV, but one may enjoy movies on a laptop if you must entertain your children or yourselves with a screen. Enjoy the mountains, lakes, rivers, hiking trails, views and all the beauty nature inspires.
WIFI in case you need to connect with work while in paradise. Plenty of space for ZOOM classes and meetings at the various seating areas: breakfast bar, dining table, and chairs/tables in every bedroom. WIFI also provided in guest hut.
Property is RURAL, on water well/cistern/filter/septic system. ONLY toilet paper may be flushed! (NO feminine products, diapers, "flushable" wipes, etc....) Water is a precious commodity in Southwest Colorado and must be used conservatively.
There is NOT central air conditioning, only window units and fans, as are most private homes in the area. Summer nighttime temperatures are in the high 40’s-60s! If you are coming during unprecedented heat, please keep this in mind. (Rent a hotel in town if you require “luxury”….AC/TV/bellhop, little bottles of shampoo, etc…) Snow is not guaranteed during the holidays though it is likely.
If you do not enjoy living in nature, being close to wildlife, not having a TV, nor residing in a log cabin with a gravel drive and historical outbuildings, then this property is not for you. Guests must provide their own paper products during their stay, though a “starter pack” is provided. Guests must take trash to town, as we do not qualify for trash pick up since we do not require week-long rentals and it is strictly a rural-zoned vacation rental. (Bears and other wildlife will break in if you leave your trash behind and therefore you are charged a fee if you do so. ) Our prices reflect this inconvenience. We love sharing our second home, in the beautiful San Juan Mountains, with respectful guests who appreciate rustic log cabin living surrounded by the National Forest, gorgeous mountains, and Colorado wildlife! Owner is happy to answer any of your questions or clarify any parts of the description by sending a message through VRBO or HomeAway.
Charming & rustic historic, hand made log/wood sided cabin and guest hut. King sized custom log bed in upstairs primary bedroom w/ large closet; cowhide/leather queen bed in 1st level BR; 2 twin Old Hickory beds on second level in main home. 2 Old Hickory twins in guest hut, and twin fold-a-way. There is no plumbing in the hut; it does have electric, to include baseboard heaters and a ceiling fan in the vaulted ceiling. It has large windows because it was the weigh station of the Gold King Mine, brought to our property in the 1970’s and completely renovated by us in 2013. The expanded deck with built-in seating was completed in 2021. Guests who stay in the hut must use the main home for bathroom facilities or find a tree.
Entire property sleeps a maximum of nine persons and one infant/toddler. (10 humans total.) There is a portable crib, but please bring your own bedding if you plan to utilize it. New hardwood flooring throughout; stainless appliances, butcher block counters, jetted tub in upstairs bath, laundry, aspen tongue & groove ceilings. Large open decks, sun room, side porch. Large rock fireplace w/blower to keep you warm during chilly nights, which can be all year. Newer furnishings mixed with antiques and Colorado Mountain decor; professionally decorated. There is inherited taxidermy throughout, to include: pelts, deer mounts, stuffed fox, cowhides/cowhide furniture, longhorns, feathers on dream catchers, etc… If you are allergic to fur/pet hair/feathers or offended by these items, then this property is not a fit for you. The decor also includes artwork from local and well-known artists. Please do not touch the art or rearrange it.
We are a Christian family and recognize Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. You will see many crosses and religious artwork. If you are offended by this, then our property is not a fit for you.
Located 30 minutes to sk/snowboard/snowmobile/dog sled/tube/shop/dine/have best Bloody Mary’s ever at Purgy’s, etc…. at Durango Mountain Resort; 7-10 minutes to town of Durango; 45 minutes to Mesa Verde; 20 minutes to the Durango airport (DRO). Near and across from Turtle Lake which is privately owned but one may enjoy the views from the Homestead, just a short hike up the hill or beyond the fire pit. One mile to the Colorado Trail; our property includes the Pioneer Trail and is steep, and joins with many miles of other trails but they are not marked, so use a hiking app. We recommend high quality ankle boots for the rocky trails, and always carry bear spray even during hibernation months. Acclimate first to the altitude if arriving from sea level or Texas. We own 13 acres for privacy, yet located only 4 miles to all of the restaurants, shopping and amenities that Durango has to offer. Various wildlife visitors: mule deer, elk, mountain lions, turkey, skunks, chipmunks, bears and more! Preventing rodents from entering our property is facilitated utilizing mothballs, so you may smell those, especially in the cold weather months when they are seeking warmth in our interiors. If you are allergic to MOTHBALLS or offended by their smell, this property is not a fit for you. Mothballs are also kept around the exterior of the property which is necessary because it’s in the country. If the smell affects you, then you need to stay at a hotel or a place downtown. 
DO NOT leave trash outside or in your vehicle. Bears, mountain lions, and other types of our furry neighbors have been known to help themselves to these free treats. Your well-behaved, housebroken canines are welcome at no extra charge (they are family!) but please keep them off of the furniture (or at least try, they can be on your lap) and for their safety, don’t let them play unsupervised outside with the skunks or big cats. Dog feeding/water bowls provided. Children should be well-behaved. PLEASE MONITOR YOUR CHILDREN! Hammock, tire swing, hiking trails, large decks, sunroom, covered porch and fire pit for outdoor living and fun for all! Amazing Boulder Garden is next door and may be accessed via the trails. THERE IS NO TV, but one may enjoy movies on a laptop if you must entertain your children or yourselves with a screen. Enjoy the mountains, lakes, rivers, hiking trails, views and all the beauty nature inspires.
WIFI in case you need to connect with work while in paradise. Plenty of space for ZOOM classes and meetings at the various seating areas: breakfast bar, dining table, and chairs/tables in every bedroom. WIFI also provided in guest hut.
Property is RURAL, on water well/cistern/filter/septic system. ONLY toilet paper may be flushed! (NO feminine products, diapers, "flushable" wipes, etc....) Water is a precious commodity in Southwest Colorado and must be used conservatively.
There is NOT central air conditioning, only window units and fans, as are most private homes in the area. Summer nighttime temperatures are in the high 40’s-60s! If you are coming during unprecedented heat, please keep this in mind. (Rent a hotel in town if you require “luxury”….AC/TV/bellhop, little bottles of shampoo, etc…) Snow is not guaranteed during the holidays though it is likely.
If you do not enjoy living in nature, being close to wildlife, not having a TV, nor residing in a log cabin with a gravel drive and historical outbuildings, then this property is not for you. Guests must provide their own paper products during their stay, though a “starter pack” is provided. Guests must take trash to town, as we do not qualify for trash pick up since we do not require week-long rentals and it is strictly a rural-zoned vacation rental. (Bears and other wildlife will break in if you leave your trash behind and therefore you are charged a fee if you do so. ) Our prices reflect this inconvenience. We love sharing our second home, in the beautiful San Juan Mountains, with respectful guests who appreciate rustic log cabin living surrounded by the National Forest, gorgeous mountains, and Colorado wildlife! Owner is happy to answer any of your questions or clarify any parts of the description by sending a message through VRBO or HomeAway.
Property manager
LAURA BUTSCH
Languages
English
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Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
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9.4 out of 10, (121 reviews)
House Rules
Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 27
Check out before 10:00 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
Events
Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
Event fees are negotiable.
Pets
Pets allowed: dogs (limit 3 total)
House broken canines only.
Smoking
Smoking allowed: in designated areas
Important information
You need to know
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 25
Note from host: Event fees are negotiable.
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
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
We should mention
A car is recommended for transport to and from this property
About the area
Durango
Located in Durango, this cabin is in a rural area and in the mountains. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Perins Peak State Wildlife Area and Animas Mountain Trailhead, while Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Animas Museum are cultural highlights. Travelling with kids? Consider Durango Discovery Museum and Historic Tram Park. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Durango, CO
What's nearby
- Animas Mountain Trailhead - 10 min drive - 7.8 km
- Fort Lewis College - 12 min drive - 9.2 km
- Durango Area Tourism Office - 12 min drive - 10.0 km
- Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad - 12 min drive - 10.3 km
- Animas River Trail - 12 min drive - 10.3 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- Starbucks - 8 min drive
- Taco Bell - 8 min drive
- 11th Street Station - 9 min drive
- Happy Pappys Pizza n Wings - 7 min drive
- Chainless Brewing - 8 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window9.6/10
Cleanliness
9.6/10
Amenities
9.6/10
Property conditions & facilities
10/10
Eco-friendliness
10/10
Check-in
10/10
Communication
9.8/10
Location
9.8/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
8 May 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025
10/10 Excellent
Tawny S.
24 Mar 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great cabin!
Tawny S.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025
10/10 Excellent
Nancy C.
28 Oct 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Girls Retreat
Nancy C.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
10/10 Excellent
Kelsie B.
21 Dec 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Christmas Together
Kelsie B.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024
10/10 Excellent
Raymond M.
19 Jul 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location
Raymond M.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Jennifer C.
22 Jun 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Spot
Jennifer C.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Trent S.
27 Aug 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great house & location
Trent S.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Joe V.
14 Jul 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice mountain side location
Joe V.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Brenda M.
16 Sept 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful !
Brenda M.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
jean e.
18 Sept 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely cabin
jean e.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
David H.
30 Jul 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful Property
David H.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Vera C.
22 Jul 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wedding
Vera C.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Brad W.
3 Aug 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Absolutely perfect!
Brad W.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Joanne
3 Sept 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Joanne
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Foster H.
21 Jul 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location and rustic feel
Foster H.
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2023
10/10 Excellent
Melissa E.
23 Sept 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great cabin
Melissa E.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2023
10/10 Excellent
Jennifer L., Texas
29 Feb 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful Home and Setting
Jennifer L.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2023
10/10 Excellent
Bill O.
16 Oct 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Mtn bike retreat
Bill O.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
10/10 Excellent
Steve P N.
15 Aug 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice patio and firepit area
Steve P N.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2021
10/10 Excellent
Scott A.
2 Sept 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Home away from home
Scott A.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Linda B.
3 Oct 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
fun property if you like nature and quiet.
Linda B.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2023
10/10 Excellent
Chris B.
22 Jan 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Paradise Escape Villa - Relax & spend time Getting Back with Nature!!!!
Chris B.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2024
10/10 Excellent
Alicia O., Arvada, CO
7 Jun 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great way to slow down
Alicia O.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2022
10/10 Excellent
Verified traveller
5 Jun 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect for Durango
Verified traveller
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023
10/10 Excellent
Charles S.
23 Mar 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely/quiet cabin to explore Durango
Charles S.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023
About the host
Hosted by LAURA BUTSCH

We are a family with our permanent home in St. Louis and had been skiing at Durango Mountain Resort (AKA Purgatory). We fell in love with the Durango area and people in the town. We had searched many areas in the west for our vacation property: Colorado, Montana, New Mexico and California. Durango was the right fit with many outdoor activities all year round. Rafting the Animas River, hiking the Colorado Trail and hundreds of others, fishing in the San Juan river and many lakes, touring Silverton, Telluride, Pagosa Springs, and the Mesa Verde Cliff Dwellings is wonderful. The local restaurants are some of the best in the U. S. with a wide variety of international flavors and the best French bakery anywhere. There are many ski resorts within a 1.5-2 hour drive. Purgatory is only 30 minutes.
Why they chose this property
Genuine historic log cabin with huge rock fireplace on 13 acres and National Forest all around is what attracted us to this particular property. It was a rehab project, that we spent 2 years working on. There are new hardwood floors, renovated kitchen, lovely bathrooms, lots of log furniture, antlers, deer hides/heads, leather, and some Ute Indian/tribal influences in the decor.
What makes this property unique
Views are AMAZING!......the Animas Mountain in front of the home and mountainous National Forest in the back. Turtle Lake is just across and down the road. Turtle Lake Valley is one of the most beautiful in La Plata County. Enjoy the large decks, sunroom, side porch and landscaped yard. Hiking trails are out the back door! Our private trails connect with the Log Chute Trail System and the Colorado Trail. The Pioneer Trail out our backdoor is steep and one must be physically fit and acclimate to the altitude before attempting. The Durango Boulder Garden borders our property, as well as the National Forest. If you are planning a wedding, reunion, or special event, it is a perfect spot, with open areas, woods, mountains, decks, and a large cross in the rock garden. Our neighbor to the east is a photographer and neighbor across the road is an event planner to help you plan the perfect ceremony. EVENT SITE FEES APPLY!! (Minimum is $200 for 2 hours; Maximum is $1000 for 10 hours. Limit of 30 persons.)
Languages:
English
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