Entire home

Terlingua Ranch Retreat: Enviro Friendly Home

Surrounded by desert beauty, watch birds & wildlife while soaking up breathtaking mountain views or simply unwind with a good book.

Photo gallery for Terlingua Ranch Retreat: Enviro Friendly Home

Exterior
Property grounds
Interior
Miscellaneous
Miscellaneous

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 3

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Air conditioning
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor Space
  • Mountain view

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Terlingua Ranch Retreat: Enviro Friendly Home

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.

Property manager

Janet Eby

Languages

English

Property amenities

Internet

  • WiFi available

Parking and transportation

  • Onsite parking

Kitchen

  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Oven
  • Toaster
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils

Bedrooms

  • 1 bedroom
  • Bed sheets provided

Bathrooms

  • 1 bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden

Work spaces

  • Office

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Service animals only (pets not allowed)

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Location highlights

  • In the mountains
  • In a rural location

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector installed (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector installed (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)
Note from host: Charge may apply

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Important information

You need to know

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

Property is also known as

5f4fd8b83b768b002ccf8acb
Terlingua Ranch Retreat: Enviro Friendly Home Alpine
Terlingua Ranch Retreat stunning 360 Views Solitude Comfort

About the neighborhood

Map
Terlingua, TX

What's nearby

  • Many Stones - 47 min drive - 32.7 km
  • Big Bend National Park - 55 min drive - 41.9 km
  • Panther Junction Visitor Center - 92 min drive - 76.8 km
  • Santa Elena Canyon - 99 min drive - 64.8 km
  • Chisos Basin Visitor Center - 100 min drive - 81.9 km

Frequently asked questions

Is Terlingua Ranch Retreat: Enviro Friendly Home pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

What time is check-in at Terlingua Ranch Retreat: Enviro Friendly Home?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Terlingua Ranch Retreat: Enviro Friendly Home?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Terlingua Ranch Retreat: Enviro Friendly Home located?

Situated in the mountains, this vacation home is within 32 mi (52 km) of Many Stones, Big Bend Library, and Big Bend National Park. Persimmon Gap Visitor Center and Big Bend Ranch State Park are also within 32 mi (52 km).

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Terlingua Ranch Retreat: Enviro Friendly Home Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 149 out of 164 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 14 out of 164 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 164 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 164 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 164 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Katherine M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Weekend Retreat
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!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

William B.

awesome
We had a great time at the Terlingua retreat. Very relaxing, did a couple of tours. The best was a jeep tour at Far flung adventures. The guide was Chris/ Gypsy and he was awesome. Good location and great PORCHES!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Roxann H.

Our little piece of heaven.
Will return for another stay. Everything was what we thought. Quiet and beautiful. Only negative the bed upstairs could use a new mattress.

10/10 Excellent

David Z.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Sunrise/Sunset!
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!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Lisa M., Houston

We loved this place!!
We spent our Christmas at the Ranch Retreat and it far exceeded our expectations. The house is adorable, clean, and very well appointed. The view is stunning and the quiet is nothing like I have ever experienced. Darrell and Janet who manage the retreat are wonderful hosts and very accommodating. They really could not be nicer. We highly recommend this house for anyone needing to get away from it all. We will be back.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Deborah M., Madison, WI

The beautiful sunsets were the "cake" and the stars at night were the "icing"!!
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!!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Virginia and Carey S., Larue, Tx

Unique, private, superior views, loved it!
This vacation house was perfect for us. We love the adorable house windows all around with million dollar views. The photos do not do it justice, its up high and no neighbors in view only Mountains and valleys with blooming cactus (Ocotillo). We drove into Big Bend NP everyday, enjoyed all the hikes took 800+ photos. I think my best photo was the sunset at the Telingua Ranch Retreat from the back porch, just beautiful! If you like remote, off grid, get away from it all this is for you. Absolutely loved it.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

PAULA F.

Terlingua Retreat
My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Terlingua Ranch Retreat. We watched deer right outside the house everyday and even saw a 10 point buck. They seemed to love eating the red ocotillo cactus like plant. The landscape is so beautiful around the house and we watched the stars at night through the skylight window above the bed. It takes a little getting used to the green amenities but we felt like we were saving the planet and it was really a lovely adventure. Would love to come back.

10/10 Excellent

Harry W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Quiet, desert retreat
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.
Stayed 8 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Gary H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful Seclusion
Beautiful and awe inspiring views. Saw Sunrise from one porch and sunset from another porch. Viewed deer, javelinas, jack rabbits and quail. So quiet! Cabin was clean and cozy with kitchen well stocked with essentials. Access road was very rocky for our CRV so ride in was very rough. But, that was the ONLY challenge of the stay. Thank you to the managers for making our trip so enjoyable and easy to book. Thank you to owners for sharing your home!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2019

6/10 Okay

John H.

Liked: Communication
Disliked: Check-in, listing accuracy
Trails' end.
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.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Jack N.

Amazing
Even though I have used this site many times and stayed in many wonderful places this is the first vrbo review I have ever written. I felt that the Terlingua Ranch Retreat was so amazing that I had to share it with others. My wife and I have stayed in at least 4 other vrbo properties and we agreed that this was the most gorgeous and relaxing place we have ever been. We are not morning people at all but we actually set our alarms so we could wake up and watch the sun rise over the mountains. The hardest part was leaving.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Carolyn B., Austin, TX. USA

Paradise in the Desert
Wow. We could not have been happier with the Terlingua Ranch Retreat. What a perfect house, off the grid and so peaceful. When we were there, 90% of our time was spent on the porches, soaking up the incredible views. Enjoyed hearing the coyotes in the early AM, listened to the bees buzzing around the blooming ocotillo, and watched birds of all kinds. Only disappointment was that there was a nearly full moon so didn't get to enjoy the star party we were hoping for.....oh well, next time.

10/10 Excellent

Michael R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Rustic, off grid, desert oasis
This place is exactly as advertised. It is a rustic, off grid, home away from home in the desert backyard of a big Bend National park. The views are nothing short of divine. Both porches offer spectacular views and sunrise/sunset are to be savored each day. The outdoor shower is a must, especially on hot days when done exploring the park. We highly recommend use of the propane grill for as much as you can use it for as it keeps from adding additional heat inside. The house is at least 30 minutes from the entrance to Big Bend, but it means you are off on your own in the morning and evenings. The sense of solitude is nothing short of energizing. We will happily stay here again on our next Big Bend adventure.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

Kim S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
First Visit to Big Bend
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
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2024
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Betsy B., Michigan

Great Trip!
Just back and would love to turn around and go right back to Big Bend and this retreat. Property was a great place to come back to after our days of hiking. Loved the amazing quiet and views and all was comfortable and as listed. We had one small issue our first morning there - up early so it was still dark and there was no wind either so we did not have enough electricity to make a pot of coffee. If no coffee one morning would ruin your day consider taking a french press along just in case. Other mornings we had enough power. Of note: there is an old stovetop percolator at the retreat. Information about the retreat that came after booking was thorough and excellent. Would definitely stay again and recommend. Go, see this amazing place! FYI - came from the midwest in winter so thought I was well versed with dry skin but SW TX put Michigan dryness to shame. Take good moisturizer with you, your skin will thank you.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Somer G., Dallas, Texas

A must visit!
We just got back from a weekend at the Terlingua ranch retreat. Huge mistake to have thought a weekend was enough time... I woke up the last day wondering if we could call and extend. My boyfriend and I vacation in this area annually and won't be stayying anywhere else again. I absolutely loved the solitude and you will not find a better sunset or sunrise anywhere else. I loved that there are no clocks, no tv's and no cell service... wonderful! (a phone in the house for emergencies..don't worry. :)) We kept the windows open and enjoyed the breeze through the house and cooked meals in the well-stocked kitchen. I had never stayed in an "off the grid" house, but really enjoyed it. We had big plans to head into the park and hike on Saturday but opted to spend all of our time at the house playing cards, drinking wine and enjoying one of the two great porches at the house. I just can't say enough about it. I don't think we will make it a year before returning and I have already recommended it to multiple friends. The pictures really don't do it justice. It's a place you can really disconnect with life and connect with whomever you have chosen to travel with which is what we were looking for. Loved it and so will you!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Charles A.

A very special retreat!
We recently had 3 nights at the Terlingua Ranch Retreat and were so happy we chose this spot. The hosts have gone to great lengths to build a cabin respectful of environment and guests. The cabin was very clean and well organized. All the pre-read directions to reach the cabin and for the use of equipment were so helpful. The site for this cabin is great; those 360 degree views of the Big Bend area can't be beat! We made use of the grill every night, thus saving time in the kitchen and energy. We did bring our own bottled water, but didn't need to as plenty was available at the cabin. The outdoor shower was great and felt very private, with no neighbors closeby. Not having TV/DVD was fine by us. We enjoyed the chance to stargaze, read, listen to CDs or play a few games. Not to mention, that was did sleep well after days spent hiking Big Bend! Our only (slightly) negative comment would be to advise future guests to be aware that the stairs to the sleeping qtrs (for the larger bed; single bed in on main floor) is a bit awkard. The stairs are narrow and the landing at top is only about 2 feet deep. If one needs to go downstairs during the night, one should be very careful and go slowly with a flashlight. No prob for us, but can see potential danger if care isn't excercised. What a great experience this has been for us at TRR. We sure hope to come again!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Peter N.

impressive off-the-grid location
For those who want to experience a fairly remote desert location with views in every direction, about a half-hour north of Big Bend National Park, and who don't mind the minor differences in daily routine associated with being "off the grid," this is an excellent, comfortable cabin or small house. The location has quiet, solitude and excellent desert views in every direction. At night, there are a few lights from RVs and cabins sprinkled throughout the desert, but much of the settlement in the valley is hidden by the hills and location on a ridge, and the "neighbors" that do exist are so far away that the location is completely quiet. Sunrises and sunsets are excellent - quiet, but for a few birds perched on the ocotillos, and a vast landscape in which to watch the play of light and shadow. The cabin is well-designed with many windows in all 4 directions, and 2 patios, one facing roughly east and the other west. The property managers are very helpful and do a very nice job running the place. Janet answered emails very promptly, and we had the pleasure of meeting Daryl when he came to refill the water tank. They provided a detailed PDF with all the instructions for how to operate the cabin, which uses solar, wind & generator power. They've provided pretty much every amenity you might want - it really doesn't feel like a motel or rustic cabin; it feels much more like a comfortable small house. And in spite of being off the grid with respect to electricity, water & sewer, it is "on the grid" with respect to telephone & wi-fi. From what we saw in the area while staying a week in this cabin, it's hard to imagine many other spots in the area being better. We wouldn't hesitate to stay here again.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2017

10/10 Excellent

Samuel G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Hiking in Big Bend.
The ranch retreat was wonderful. It was isolated yet close enough to everything we needed. It was exactly as described in the profile. We had a great time and enjoyed the quiet and peaceful desert.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Remote with beautiful views
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
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jerry T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A restful retreat under the stars
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!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Angie B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Off grid house with views
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.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Robert D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Off grid relaxation
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.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lee Ann R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stargazing at it's finest
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!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022