Casa Mariposa: Restored Rock Ruin in Ghost Town
About this house rental
Nestled in Big Bend National Park, this attractive house for $297 per night is a fantastic option for your next trip. Summary: Casa Mariposa: Live Like a Local at this Restored Rock Ruin in the Historic Terlingua Ghost Town. • Restored Ruin with Spacious Outdoor Living • This is Our Quintessential Ghost Town Rental • Located in the Historic Ghost Town • Kitchen, Bedroom and Cozy Room • Full Indoor Bathroom PLUS a semi-enclosed outdoor shower The Space: Casa Mariposa is tucked away on the Ghost Town hillside, surrounded by history. You will be a short trail walk away from all the Ghost Town has to offer: restaurants, art, shopping, and entertainment. This historic miners’ rock house has all the charm Ghost Town living has to offer. Conveniently located between the iconic Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park, Texas’s largest state park. Spend some time in this restored limestone ruin from the historic Terlingua mining days. Using the original footprint, the house was partly remade in the 1970s. The owners completed an additional restoration in the 1990s and have continued refurbishments recently. Casa Mariposa is equipped with a full kitchen, two bedrooms, and a full bathroom. The outdoor living space is spacious and tranquil. It is perfect for your morning coffee, outdoor dining, relaxing in the shade, admiring Terlingua’s incredible sunrises and sunsets, and star gazing. Relax with a campfire, and soak in the desert peace. The 475 square foot interior has a full kitchen, 2 bedrooms, and a full bathroom. You will spend much of your time enjoying the breezy shade of the outdoor living area. There is a brand new indoor bathroom with hot water, shower, sink, and flushing toilet. Outside, there is also a semi-enclosed bath house has a shower and sink and a quaint outhouse with Chisos Mountain views. The Master Bedroom - You’ll find a comfortable queen size bed and plenty of space for all your belongings. Large windows open out to the patio. Peruse the little collection of books of local interest. The master bedroom has its own entrance and shares a very thick rock wall with the kitchen and the Cozy Room. It should be noted that there is not a connecting door between the main bedroom and the rest of the house. Guests need to going outside, on the covered patio, to move from one side of the house to the other. The Cozy Bedroom - This simple hideaway behind the kitchen is my favorite room in the house, but it is tiny. The full-size futon just fits in the space. There is beautiful ceiling of vigas and sotol, a saltillo tile floor, and a little nicho for your knick-knacks. It maintains the tiny windows that were part of the original design of the miners’ home. Kitchen - The kitchen features handmade cabinets and a handmade table along with stove, fridge, microwave, toaster, and coffee pot. Cookware, spices, etc. are available if you’re in the mood to make your own meals. Please note: Part of Terlingua Ghost Town’s fun is a bit of funk. It is rugged and remote country. While most guests prefer the new indoor bathroom, some adventurous travelers prefer to use the original semi-enclose bathhouse or the outhouse. Because we are located on the hillside, there are multiple levels. Be prepared to walk up and down short steps and dirt trails. There’s also a trail through the ruins to the famous Terlingua Porch. Terlingua is in the Chihuahuan Desert in a remote and rural area. There are no streetlights, and the road to the house is about a half mile of unpaved road. Please drive slowly. Please, do not climb on any of the ruins or remove any artifacts. It is a fragile area. 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.
Amenities
Air conditioner
Kitchen / Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Parking
Balcony / Patio
Garden
Map of Big Bend National Park, TX
Reviews
4.7/5.0
Outstanding(103 Reviews)
5.0
I really appreciate how easy the owners made everything with their directions and tips prior to arrival. We were even able to arrive in the dark thanks to their guide. Property was very clean and everything was laid out nicely. We were glad to stay in that area and enjoy the stars and the local happenings. A great spot and we lacked for nothing.
5.0
Enjoyed our stay!!! Hope to come back in the future!! Merry Christmas!
5.0
This is an amazing home. We will stay here again and again.
5.0
Beautiful property! The outside patio is where we spent majority of time. Would return 💜
4.0
Very quaint & charming no frills place in the heart of Terlingua's Ghost Town. The outdoor shower is awesome!
5.0
Set about 30mins +/- from Big Bend NP in Terlingua Ghost Town.. beatiful comfortable place in a mystical place. Sunrise is more than special.
3.0
Nice little property for spending time around Big Bend. I didn’t know what to expect of Terlingua but it was definitely an old mining town. Very dusty and still has tailings around the town. Yes, things are walkable, but it’s hot, dusty and rocky, so you won’t really want to.
Next time, if we ever went back to West Texas, we might stay in Lajintas.
The property was nice but not much to see in the town. I also felt like the property was more remote, but it’s at the top of a hill with multiple other rock houses around. There is a nice indoor bathroom but not much privacy as I can see other houses from the bathroom so they can see us, too. Just a Roman shade would be good that can be rolled up and down.
5.0
Great location to the park, able to watch the sunrise over the Chisos Basin from the porch. Really enjoyed our stay.
4.0
Owner is quick to respond.
5.0
Although the property would not be for everyone, we loved it. Finding good local dinner restaurants can be a challenge.
5.0
It was so cool to stay at Casa Mariposa. We loved the amazing character this place had. The outside patio was fantastic! We spent our evenings outside enjoying the space, and ate breakfast here each morning. The property is actually nicer than the photos, but it is a bit rustic (except for the brand new, modern bathroom). We were traveling with our adult daughter and had plenty of space, but the “cozy room” has a separate outside entry door from the main bedroom. There is not an interior door connecting these two rooms, so this property may not work with small children. The kitchen was attached to the “cozy room,” and the bathroom was attached to the single bedroom. Anyway, it was a beautifully rustic and quirky property with culture and character. It met all our needs, was clean, and was nearby restaurants, groceries, and Big Bend National Park. Daryl was very responsive when we couldn’t access our code to the front door at 6pm!!! We were very grateful for his availability and his help!!! Note: the wifi works great in the VRBO, but cell service is spotty in the area!!
4.0
My sister and I stayed in Casa Mariposa for 3 nights in February. Comfy and delightful home. We were not aware that the smaller 2nd bedroom/den and kitchen are not connected to the larger bedroom and only bathroom. But it worked out fine. Cooked in one night and the kitchen was stocked and easy. Close by Starlight Theatre for dinner. Would stay here again!
5.0
Awesome weekend! The place is absolutely perfect!!
5.0
We had an excellent family trip in mariposa for 3 days !
The check in process was very clear, the owners being very caring. Beautiful house, all comfort included what is amazing in such a place. Very convenient for a family (2 adult and a 7 years old child).
Very close to Big Bend, we were able to visit the national park during 3 days.
We highly recommend this place for an incredible trip in big Bend !
4.0
A magical place overlooking the charming Terlingua ghost town and Christmas Mountains range.
The home is comfortable with excellent outdoor living space. We were visited daily by roadrunners, cactus wrens, curved-billed Thrush; and at night by coyote calls echoing off the canyon walls.
The location is perfection, in the middle of Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State park with a lot to do in the artist community of Terlingua Ghost Town.
We can't wait to come back.
5.0
We loved staying at Casa Mariposa! Very unusual and interesting architecture. Awesome accommodations.
3.0
Beautiful place, loved everything. Only issue would be the bedroom had a heavy kerosene smell to it. We slept on the futon, behind kitchen, which it was surprisingly good the futon.
5.0
What a unique, cozy, comfy Rock house! Loved our stay here:) It was perfect for our Big Bend adventure. The management was very responsive and helpful with any concerns! All the little details were a bonus!
Scott and Karin
5.0
My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Casa Mariposa. It was a great place to meet up and spend a weekend with our son.
We especially enjoyed the outdoor seating areas where we could enjoy our morning coffee in a shaded area and gaze at the stars in an open area.
5.0
Liked everything about the property. Great location for visiting the state and national park. Enjoyed the local vibe and desert, especially in early morning.
5.0
What an incredible place to stay and ruminate on the things that matter. Moving in and out of the property and the mountains and trails of Big Bend National Park was the perfect experience
5.0
Mom, dad and son
Liked everything about the property. Great location for visiting the state and national park. Enjoyed the local vibe and desert, especially in early morning.
5.0
Grandeur
What an incredible place to stay and ruminate on the things that matter. Moving in and out of the property and the mountains and trails of Big Bend National Park was the perfect experience
5.0
THIS WAS AMAZING SPLACE AND TOWN
5.0
Great property, perfect location, all you need for an active vacartion.
5.0
CULTURE SHOCK
THIS WAS AMAZING SPLACE AND TOWN
5.0
Context is important. Terlingua (Ghost Town) is a quirky historic place but one with minimal city infrastructure. And it is in the desert far from other towns. Yet the creative owners have done an amazing job of blending the historic and quirky with modern conveniences. The inside is great but what drew us to this property was the outdoor space. That is where our family gathered. We are all bird watchers and there were birds all around as we had our coffee. We even had a road runner come through twice probably on his regular route.
We used this place to explore Big Bend NP and that worked out well.
Overall the property is well thought out and has everything you need. And the outdoor privy has the best view :)
5.0
Casa Mariposa
Great property, perfect location, all you need for an active vacartion.
5.0
Exceptional Experience
Context is important. Terlingua (Ghost Town) is a quirky historic place but one with minimal city infrastructure. And it is in the desert far from other towns. Yet the creative owners have done an amazing job of blending the historic and quirky with modern conveniences. The inside is great but what drew us to this property was the outdoor space. That is where our family gathered. We are all bird watchers and there were birds all around as we had our coffee. We even had a road runner come through twice probably on his regular route.
We used this place to explore Big Bend NP and that worked out well.
Overall the property is well thought out and has everything you need. And the outdoor privy has the best view :)
5.0
Loved it. We were in the area to visit & hike at Big Bend. While there is no indoor sitting area the outdoor patio areas were perfect and very comfortable for our needs. The stars at night were incredibly beautiful. We would definitely stay here again if returning to the area.
5.0
Rustic but AWESOME
Loved it. We were in the area to visit & hike at Big Bend. While there is no indoor sitting area the outdoor patio areas were perfect and very comfortable for our needs. The stars at night were incredibly beautiful. We would definitely stay here again if returning to the area.
5.0
We are on a cross country road trip and this was by far our favorite house so far. It is definitely rustic—a small cozy indoor space with a spacious patio for outdoor dining and stargazing. My 3 year old son was so excited to marvel at all of the “treasures” hidden in the outside walls (he was also more than willing to sacrifice showers for 4 days to conserve precious water). We even added a few of our own that we collected during our stay. The property is also equally spaced between the National Park and the State Park which allowed us to check out both locations. I would definitely recommend this for anyone who wants the true Big Bend experience!
5.0
We were immediately taken by the unique, creative and lovingly-created home. The layout, materials and added artifacts completely complement the mining history and desertscape of the ghostown. Private, restful, close to the land, and with near access to Big Bend. We hope to come back in the near future !....😎
5.0
Magical House
We are on a cross country road trip and this was by far our favorite house so far. It is definitely rustic—a small cozy indoor space with a spacious patio for outdoor dining and stargazing. My 3 year old son was so excited to marvel at all of the “treasures” hidden in the outside walls (he was also more than willing to sacrifice showers for 4 days to conserve precious water). We even added a few of our own that we collected during our stay. The property is also equally spaced between the National Park and the State Park which allowed us to check out both locations. I would definitely recommend this for anyone who wants the true Big Bend experience!
5.0
Lovely desert mountain getaway !
We were immediately taken by the unique, creative and lovingly-created home. The layout, materials and added artifacts completely complement the mining history and desertscape of the ghostown. Private, restful, close to the land, and with near access to Big Bend. We hope to come back in the near future !....😎
5.0
Comfortable and quiet for the four of us. Separated rooms and entries along with covered / uncovered patio areas made it simple for the younger folks to stay up later while the older folks went to bed earlier. Starlight Theatre and Terlingua Cemetery are within easy walking distance. The town of Terlingua is a five minute drive. Indoor shower and toilet in a large bathroom. I would recommend this as a great home base while visiting Big Bend, Lajitas, and the surrounding area.
5.0
Loved it
5.0
Great home base for Big Bend and Lajitas.
Comfortable and quiet for the four of us. Separated rooms and entries along with covered / uncovered patio areas made it simple for the younger folks to stay up later while the older folks went to bed earlier. Starlight Theatre and Terlingua Cemetery are within easy walking distance. The town of Terlingua is a five minute drive. Indoor shower and toilet in a large bathroom. I would recommend this as a great home base while visiting Big Bend, Lajitas, and the surrounding area.
5.0
Great
Loved it
5.0
A great location for touring the national park. It was off season when I visited the area and Boy oh Boy was it hot. The AC was appreciated. The stone house was exactly what I was looking for. Comfortable bed, futon, kitchen for meals and outdoor covered patio for gathering at night. Take a moment to walk around the property and admire the uniqueness. My favorite was the hubcap art. My only advice is research the town and surrounding area. If you decide the area is a good fit you won’t be disappointed in the unique rock house.
FAQs
How much does this house cost compared to others in Big Bend National Park?
The average price for a rental in Big Bend National Park is $282 per night. This rental is $15 above the average.
Is parking included with this house?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at Casa Mariposa: Restored Rock Ruin in Ghost Town. 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 Casa Mariposa: Restored Rock Ruin in Ghost Town pet friendly?
Unfortunately, this house is not pet-friendly. Try searching again and filter for "Pets Allowed"
What amenities are available at Casa Mariposa: Restored Rock Ruin in Ghost Town?
We found 6 amenities for this rental. This includes air conditioner, kitchen / kitchenette, internet / wifi, parking, and balcony / patio.
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