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 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.