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

Top rated by guests
Exterior
Living area
Private kitchen
Terrace/patio
Outdoor dining
review stars
9.8Outstanding
(21 Ratings)
"This was an amazing property in an amazing location! Very isolated but that’s exactly what we wanted. If you’re looking for a relaxing and peaceful getaway, this place is for you. The home was comfort..."
Barbara S.
Don't miss out! Price and availability may change
9.8 / 10.0
Outstanding(21 Ratings)

House in Big Bend National Park, TX

6 guests · 2 bedrooms · 1 bath

Reasons to book

Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
High-end valueWell priced for this area
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About this house rental

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 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. It is named “Star Lodge” because it is in one of the best places in the continental US for enjoying views of the star filled sky.

Star Lodge is located 10 miles from Terlingua Ranch Lodge, 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. It is also just 2.5 miles from the rarely used Terlingua Ranch entrance to Big Bend National Park. However, we caution guests against using that entrance unless they are prepared for an offroad adventure. It takes you down 16 miles of poorly maintained dirt/rock/sand roads that are often impassable (incorrectly listed on BBNP Maps as "Terlingua Ranch Rd", listed as Marathon Road on most maps). Several guests have become stranded along that road.

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, 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. Bottled water is also provided for drinking and other consumption.

The master bedroom has a queen bed. The second bedroom has a queen 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 to watch DVDs. Both bedrooms share a “jack and jill” bathroom with two sinks, toilet, and a tiled shower. There is a second bathroom with a sink and a toilet. Internet Wi-fi is also available to connect to your digital. Work, stream video, or surf the internet if you wish, or just want to unplug, sit on the porch and enjoy the views and a good book.

The home features an open concept living, dining, kitchen area that is ideal for spending time together. The kitchen has 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 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 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 private road lead 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 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 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 live in Austin with their two sons. They share a lifelong 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 years before finding this perfect spot to build their dream home in the Big Bend 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 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. It is named “Star Lodge” because it is in one of the best places in the continental US for enjoying views of the star filled sky.

Star Lodge is located 10 miles from Terlingua Ranch Lodge, 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. It is also just 2.5 miles from the rarely used Terlingua Ranch entrance to Big Bend National Park. However, we caution guests against using that entrance unless they are prepared for an offroad adventure. It takes you down 16 miles of poorly maintained dirt/rock/sand roads that are often impassable (incorrectly listed on BBNP Maps as "Terlingua Ranch Rd", listed as Marathon Road on most maps). Several guests have become stranded along that road.

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, 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. Bottled water is also provided for drinking and other consumption.

The master bedroom has a queen bed. The second bedroom has a queen 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 to watch DVDs. Both bedrooms share a “jack and jill” bathroom with two sinks, toilet, and a tiled shower. There is a second bathroom with a sink and a toilet. Internet Wi-fi is also available to connect to your digital. Work, stream video, or surf the internet if you wish, or just want to unplug, sit on the porch and enjoy the views and a good book.

The home features an open concept living, dining, kitchen area that is ideal for spending time together. The kitchen has 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 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 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 private road lead 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 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 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 live in Austin with their two sons. They share a lifelong 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 years before finding this perfect spot to build their dream home in the Big Bend They are excited to welcome you to Star Lodge and hope that you have an unforgettable time.

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

Family friendly

Map of Big Bend National Park, TX


Things to know


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    Ratings and reviews

    9.8 / 10.0
    Outstanding(21 Ratings)
    10.0 / 10.0
    This was an amazing property in an amazing location! Very isolated but that’s exactly what we wanted. If you’re looking for a relaxing and peaceful getaway, this place is for you. The home was comfortable and had everything we needed. It’s a bit of a bumpy drive to get to it so you’ll definitely want a 4 wheel drive vehicle. I know that we will stay here again in the future.
    10.0 / 10.0
    Star Lodge offered a nice retreat from a day of hiking and taking in the sights of Big Bend. The place was secluded and offered great stat gazing. The beds were comfortable and the bathrooms clean. We enjoyed the huge covered porch during the day and evenings. Thank you for such a wonderful place to stay.
    10.0 / 10.0
    Great views and proximity to state park! We hiked all day and relaxed in the evening at this wonderful cabin! Stars were amazing! Would definitely come again!
    10.0 / 10.0
    Cool place that is off-grid but lives just like an on-grid house. Remoteness is great for dark sky viewing and a unique sense of solitude in the desert. Great sunsets and a good spot for day trips into the parks, canoeing, etc.
    10.0 / 10.0
    My husband in I (50s) thoroughly enjoyed 4 days with our 2 “kids” (20’s) at this wonderful property.As all the reviews point out, it takes a bit to get there, but it is WELL worth it. Definitely try to arrive in the daylight the first time, because even with the printed directions in hand, in the dark can With the remoteness of the house, it is as surprising how modern the house was, with modern appliances, fixtures, and all the cookware you will need.The view out the large windows is just breathtaking. . I was confused at first about why the tv was in the bedroom. Now I realize the tv would ruin the tranquility of just looking out that window.Waking outside in the morning was wonderful- the quietness was so serene, and the views of the sunrise spectacular.Make sure to stock up with food before you arrive. We packed up styrofoam coolers and cooler bags in El Paso, but the Lowe’s in Alpine would be a close second. There is a local store in Terlingua where we picked up some small items, but you wouldn’t want to get a week’s worth of groceries there.The Starlight Theater is a must to visit for a prickly pear margarita and the gift shop next door is great too. Coolest unique atmosphere.I would totally recommend this property to others. Just know it will be a drive to get to Big Bend Park
    10.0 / 10.0
    Out in the middle of nowhere but that’s part of the attraction. Terlingua itself is highly overrated so no need to be there. Takes 30-40 minutes to reach the park and another 30 to reach the Basin. But that’s the way it is around Big Bend. A really nice modern house. Be prepared to drive on dirt roads!
    10.0 / 10.0
    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.
    10.0 / 10.0
    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.

    FAQs

    Is parking included with this house?

    Parking is not specified as an available amenity at Star Lodge: Stunning Solar Home under Dark Skies on Terlingua Ranch. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.

    Is there a pool at this house?

    We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this house. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.

    Is Star Lodge: Stunning Solar Home under Dark Skies on Terlingua Ranch pet friendly?

    Unfortunately, this house is not pet-friendly. Try searching again and filter for "Pets Allowed"

    What amenities are available at Star Lodge: Stunning Solar Home under Dark Skies on Terlingua Ranch?

    We found 1 amenities for this rental. This includes , and family friendly.


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