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Star Lodge: Stunning Solar Home under Dark Skies on Terlingua Ranch

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December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for Star Lodge: Stunning Solar Home under Dark Skies on Terlingua Ranch

Terrace/patio
Exterior
Miscellaneous
TV
Exterior

Reviews

9.6 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 693 sq m

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

Map
Terlingua, Texas
  • Many Stones
    64 min drive
  • Big Bend National Park
    91 min drive
  • Panther Junction Visitor Center
    110 min drive

Room options

Similar properties

About this property

Entire place

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

Star Lodge: Stunning Solar Home under Dark Skies on Terlingua Ranch

Summary:
Star Lodge on Terlingua Ranch is a contemporary custom-built solar powered home that accommodates up to six guests. Situated on 80 private acres with stunning mountain views and breathtaking night skies. You will have plenty of privacy and room to enjoy your stay. Two bedrooms; one and one-half bathrooms; an open living, dining, and kitchen area; covered parking; expansive covered patios; and 80 private and pristine acres of Chihuahuan Desert wilderness to explore. It is named “Star Lodge” because it is one of the best places in the continental US for enjoying views of the star filled sky.

Star Lodge is located just 2.5 miles from the rarely used Terlingua Ranch entrance to Big Bend National Park, 10 miles from Terlingua Ranch Lodge and the Terlingua Ranch pool, 12 miles to the Christmas Mountains trail head, about 30 miles to Terlingua or the main entrance to Big Bend National Park, about 35 miles to the Terlingua Ghost Town, and about 45 miles to Lajitas Golf Resort or Big Bend Ranch State Park.

This remote eco-friendly, off-grid home has all the conveniences of a normal grid-tied home. The professionally designed and installed solar system features lithium-ion batteries, a large solar array, and state of the art power inverter and battery charger. Air conditioning is provided by an efficient mini-split HVAC system. Heat, hot water, oven, stove, and outdoor grill use clean burning propane gas. Water is harvested by rain-water collection and filtered and treated for purity. Bottled water is also provided for drinking, making coffee, cooking, and other consumption.

The master bedroom has a queen bed. The second bedroom has a queen bed and a bunk bed with a twin over a full-size futon that can be used as a bed or a sofa. The second bedroom has a smart TV that can be used with your streaming services or toe watch DVDs. Both bedrooms share a “jack and jill” bathroom with two sinks, a flushing toilet, and a tiled shower. There is also a second bathroom with a single sink and a flush toilet, accessed from the living room. Internet Wi-fi is also available to connect to all of your devices as well as a telephone, so work, stream video, or surf the internet if you wish but you’ll probably just want to unplug, sit on the porch and enjoy the views and a good book.

The home features and open concept living, dining, kitchen area that is ideal for spending time together. The kitchen is equipped a full-size fridge, double sink, gas stove and range, microwave, coffee maker, blender, and a full array of cookware, dishes, glasses, silverware, etc. There is also extra cabinet space for you to put away your groceries. Indoor dining is at a four-stool bar around the kitchen island or the living room coffee table. However, the best place to enjoy meals is at the table on the covered patio. The living room space has a comfortable sofa and chairs.

The outdoor space has two large, covered patios with lots of comfortable and stylish chairs, plus a table with benches that will seat six, and a Weber propane grill. There is a covered carport for your vehicle and plenty of room for several vehicles if a group of six arrives in separate vehicles. A walking trail and a private road leads to a scenic hill on the top of the property.

Relax around the home. Explore the 80 acres. Prepare your meals inside or outside. Dine out and enjoy live entertainment at the nearby Bad Rabbit Café at Terlingua Ranch Lodge or the restaurants and bars in Terlingua, the Ghost Town, Lajitas, or in Big Bend National Park. Hike or drive (4WD recommend) up the rarely visited Christmas Mountains trail to the summit of Christmas Mountain for incredible views(register and get the gate key at the Terlingua Ranch Lodge). Explore Big Bend National Park or Big Bend Ranch State Park on foot, by bike, or by motor vehicle. Take a float trip through the stunning canyons of the Rio Grande. Go on a guided hike, horseback ride, ATV ride, or jeep tour. Bring or rent mountain bikes and ride on the Lajitas or BBRSP mountain bike trails or the roads around the property and in the parks.

With the diversity of options on how to spend your time, you can create memories for a lifetime and then head home as rejuvenated, relaxed, or exhausted as you like. Don’t worry about having time to do all that you want to do. You will always be welcome to return to Star Lodge for more adventure or relaxation.

The Owners:
Cari and David are native Texans who currently live in Austin with their two sons. They share a life long love of the outdoors and enjoy exploring the mountainous west from the Chisos Mountains to the Canadian Rockies. They have been coming to Big Bend for over a decade and searched for a number of years before they were able to find the perfect spot to build their dream home in the mountains of west Texas. They are excited to welcome you to Star Lodge and hope that you have an unforgettable time.

The Space:
Star Lodge on Terlingua Ranch is a contemporary custom-built solar powered home that accommodates up to six guests. Situated on 80 private acres with stunning mountain views and breathtaking night skies. You will have plenty of privacy and room to enjoy your stay. Two bedrooms; one and one-half bathrooms; an open living, dining, and kitchen area; covered parking; expansive covered patios; and 80 private and pristine acres of Chihuahuan Desert wilderness to explore. It is named “Star Lodge” because it is one of the best places in the continental US for enjoying views of the star filled sky.

Star Lodge is located just 2.5 miles from the rarely used Terlingua Ranch entrance to Big Bend National Park, 10 miles from Terlingua Ranch Lodge and the Terlingua Ranch pool, 12 miles to the Christmas Mountains trail head, about 30 miles to Terlingua or the main entrance to Big Bend National Park, about 35 miles to the Terlingua Ghost Town, and about 45 miles to Lajitas Golf Resort or Big Bend Ranch State Park.

This remote eco-friendly, off-grid home has all the conveniences of a normal grid-tied home. The professionally designed and installed solar system features lithium-ion batteries, a large solar array, and state of the art power inverter and battery charger. Air conditioning is provided by an efficient mini-split HVAC system. Heat, hot water, oven, stove, and outdoor grill use clean burning propane gas. Water is harvested by rain-water collection and filtered and treated for purity. Bottled water is also provided for drinking, making coffee, cooking, and other consumption.

The master bedroom has a queen bed. The second bedroom has a queen bed and a bunk bed with a twin over a full-size futon that can be used as a bed or a sofa. The second bedroom has a smart TV that can be used with your streaming services or toe watch DVDs. Both bedrooms share a “jack and jill” bathroom with two sinks, a flushing toilet, and a tiled shower. There is also a second bathroom with a single sink and a flush toilet, accessed from the living room. Internet Wi-fi is also available to connect to all of your devices as well as a telephone, so work, stream video, or surf the internet if you wish but you’ll probably just want to unplug, sit on the porch and enjoy the views and a good book.

The home features and open concept living, dining, kitchen area that is ideal for spending time together. The kitchen is equipped a full-size fridge, double sink, gas stove and range, microwave, coffee maker, blender, and a full array of cookware, dishes, glasses, silverware, etc. There is also extra cabinet space for you to put away your groceries. Indoor dining is at a four-stool bar around the kitchen island or the living room coffee table. However, the best place to enjoy meals is at the table on the covered patio. The living room space has a comfortable sofa and chairs.

The outdoor space has two large, covered patios with lots of comfortable and stylish chairs, plus a table with benches that will seat six, and a Weber propane grill. There is a covered carport for your vehicle and plenty of room for several vehicles if a group of six arrives in separate vehicles. A walking trail and a private road leads to a scenic hill on the top of the property.

Relax around the home. Explore the 80 acres. Prepare your meals inside or outside. Drive to the Terlingua Ranch pool ($8 per person per day). Dine out and enjoy live entertainment at the nearby Bad Rabbit Café at Terlingua Ranch Lodge or the restaurants and bars in Terlingua, the Ghost Town, Lajitas, or in Big Bend National Park. Hike or drive (4WD recommend) up the rarely visited Christmas Mountains trail to the summit of Christmas Mountain for incredible views(register and get the gate key at the Terlingua Ranch Lodge). Explore Big Bend National Park or Big Bend Ranch State Park on foot, by bike, or by motor vehicle. Take a float trip through the stunning canyons of the Rio Grande. Go on a guided hike, horseback ride, ATV ride, or jeep tour. Bring or rent mountain bikes and ride on the Lajitas or BBRSP mountain bike trails or the roads around the property and in the parks.

With the diversity of options on how to spend your time, you can create memories for a lifetime and then head home as rejuvenated, relaxed, or exhausted as you like. Don’t worry about having time to do all that you want to do. You will always be welcome to return to Star Lodge for more adventure or relaxation.

The Owners:
Cari and David are native Texans who currently live in Austin with their two sons. They share a life long love of the outdoors and enjoy exploring the mountainous west from the Chisos Mountains to the Canadian Rockies. They have been coming to Big Bend for over a decade and searched for a number of years before they were able to find the perfect spot to build their dream home in the mountains of west Texas. They are excited to welcome you to Star Lodge and hope that you have an unforgettable time.
  • Air-conditioned home with kitchen, 1.5 bathrooms, and balcony
  • 21.8 mi (35.1 km) from Persimmon Gap Visitor Center and 23.1 mi (37.2 km) from Many Stones
This vacation home offers its guests barbecue grills and a garden. The front desk is open around the clock.

Property manager

Janet Eby

Languages

English

Property amenities

Internet

  • WiFi available

Parking and transport

  • On-site parking

Kitchen

  • Fridge
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Toaster
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • Coffee/tea maker

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided

Bathrooms

  • 1.5 bathrooms
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • TV

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue
  • Garden

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Location highlights

  • In the mountains
  • In a rural location

Safety features

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

General

  • Unit size: 1000 sq ft (93 sq m)

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

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

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
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
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
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions. You will also receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account which will enable you to manage your booking.

Property is also known as

60806f1de9cd75002ee381b7

Star Lodge: Stunning Solar Home under Dark Skies on Terlingua Ranch Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 11 out of 14 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 14 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 14 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 14 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 14 reviews" "

9.8/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Tim T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful night skies!
Star Lodge is a hidden gem for those seeking an off-grid retreat. Nestled in the heart of the desert, this property offers great views of nearby mountain ranges and unparalleled views of the night sky. The Milky Way stretches across the horizon, providing night photography opportunities and breathtaking stargazing. Don’t miss taking the time in the morning to catch beautiful sunrises while sitting on the front porch drinking your favorite morning beverage.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brian L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great place
Overall great place to get away from it all. House is completely off the grid, but it’s efficient enough we never really noticed it. Cool wildlife running around while we ate dinner or as we drank our morning coffee.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Emilio G., Tomball Tx

Liked: Cleanliness
House has great mountain view’s!
Beautiful views, house is clean and well stocked. It’s super close to big bend national park.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jessica W., Springfield, La

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect
We loved this property. It was a great location to get into Big Bend. The views were amazing from the house and we had everything we needed. The beds were very comfortable. We enjoyed cooking there every night. We definitely will be back.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alan B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Tranquil Retreat
My family loved our time at Star Lodge over Thanksgiving. It was tucked back and had serene beauty. Unparalleled solitude and view of the mountains. Make sure you’re prepared, and you’ll love it. A couple notes to be prepared for: -No cell reception, but good WiFi. -Very responsive owners if you run into minor problems with the off-grid property. No issues caused us any real trouble. -Roughly 25-minute drive to get back to the place from the main highway SH-118, but that’s why it’s so peaceful!
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2023

8/10 Good

Gina W.

Peaceful getaway
We love our yearly stays in Big Bend (and Terlingua Ranch specifically). This was the nicest of the homes we have stayed in. Although one of the nicest, it needs a deep clean. There were food splatters on multiple spots on the kitchen cabinets and the baseboards and bed frames could use a good wipe down. The patio was wonderful and clean, and the bedding and bath linens were also great. We had a lovely escape from daily chaos and can’t wait for next year to visit again!
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Amanda P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful star views near Big Bend
Our family of 6 went to Big Bend for a third time. Previously, we stayed at a hotel outside the park and the hotel inside the park. This time, we wanted to stay in a place where we could cook meals and have more room to lounge after long hikes. This was perfect. The house was clean, the kitchen was well stocked, and there were enough beds for us all. They also had lots of board games and cards. The owners/managers answered any questions quickly. We did not go to Big Bend State Park. This house is located close to an entrance to that park. It is around 45 minutes to an hour from the western entrance to the National Park. Unless you're staying inside the park, you're going to be driving that distance or longer from any direction. Terlingua has a store, a gas station, and restaurants and is about 20-30 minutes away. What we loved most about this location is the view of the stars. I can't remember seeing that many stars and planets in the sky; my kids have never seen that many. We saw Jupiter, Mars, and Saturn. We saw the Milky Way. And the other remarkable thing about this place is how quiet it is. I can't remember staying anywhere and hearing absolutely nothing. It really is a beautiful home in a beautiful, desolate, place. I would highly recommend it.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sarah P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Absolutely Stunning!
This home was nothing short of spectacular. It was very clean and exactly as described in the listing. The temperatures unexpectedly reached the upper 20s a couple of nights we were there, and the propane heater did a great job of keeping us warm (note: the host included a carbon monoxide detector - thank you!). The sunrises and sunsets felt surreal because they were so picture perfect. The beds were comfortable, living room furniture looked brand new, the kitchen and bathrooms were stocked (even with extra unopened toothbrushes if you forget yours!). The only thing to note is that it really is very, very remote. Roughly 30 minutes on rocky/unpaved roads to reach the home - for us, that was exactly what we were looking for, but for some, it might be surprising. Nearest other home is many acres away...which was sheer perfection! It took us 50 minutes each day from doorstep to entrance of BBNP. Cannot recommend this place enough!
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2022

8/10 Good

ERIC W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful home.
We had a great time at the terlingua house. Beautiful house and property. Check in was easy. Our 2nd trip to Big Bend area. The house is a little bit of a drive from the national park (but to be fair, everything is bit of a drive, just be prepared). We had 1 issue which I believe the manager did all they could do to remedy. The temp was 103 during the day and the first day I requested some help with the ac unit. They were prompt and sent out a handyman. They unit was running. I checked it when we went to bed and when we woke up. The inside and outside units were both running, but just could not keep up with the extreme heat. They were helpful but it was a bit hot in the house. Would definitely go again but not in the heat of summer.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Heather B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great stay
We enjoyed our time. Very clean and had all the kitchen supplies we needed.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Tiffany D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Quiet & Serene Family Stay
Loved this location. Definitely isolated and off-grid. You’ll want to arrive during daylight hours. But if you are looking for a fantastic stay away from crowds with solitude and a beautiful night sky, this is your house. Rental was smooth and easy. House was clean and we had everything we needed for 3 nights on a Big Bend trip.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Zhipeng X.

Liked: Cleanliness
Nice modern house, great view
We had a nice stay! The house was very neat and modern! Second bedroom bed is a bit squeaky:) We enjoyed our stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

John R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonder secluded property.
Easy as pumpkin pie.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sidra S., Pleasanton

Liked: Cleanliness
Stars Galore!
The place was very clean and we loved the isolation of the house. We saw so many animals we would have not seen if we were in a town. The night sky was gorgeous and we saw several shooting stars! We would love to stay here again.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2021