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Casa Mariposa: Restored Rock Ruin in Ghost Town

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Photo gallery for Casa Mariposa: Restored Rock Ruin in Ghost Town

Outdoor dining
Exterior detail
Property grounds
Interior
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

Map
Terlingua Ghost Town, TX
  • Santa Elena Canyon
  • Big Bend Library
    ‪13 min drive‬
  • Many Stones
    ‪14 min drive‬

Room options

About the neighborhood

Terlingua

Located within a leisurely stroll of Starlight Theatre, this vacation home is within a 15-minute drive of Big Bend Library. The vacation home includes a kitchen, a balcony, and a sofa bed.
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What's nearby

  • Starlight Theatre - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Big Bend Library - 13 min drive - 7.8 miles
  • Many Stones - 14 min drive - 10.0 miles
  • Big Bend National Park - 15 min drive - 10.0 miles
  • Barton Warnock Visitor Center - 17 min drive - 13.7 miles

Restaurants

  • ‪Terlingua ghost town Starlight theater - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪High Sierra Bar & Grill - ‬14 min walk
  • ‪Taqueria El Milagro - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Chili Pepper Cafe - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Long Draw Pizza - ‬5 min drive

About this property

Entire place

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

Casa Mariposa: Restored Rock Ruin in Ghost Town

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.
The vacation home is air-conditioned and features a kitchen and a balcony, and there's space to spread out with 2 bedrooms. Other standard amenities include a sofa bed and a coffee maker.

Property manager

Janet Eby

Languages

English

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Interior

Lorna’s Ghost Town Cabin: Located in Ghost Town

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  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor Space
  • Parking available
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, 114 reviews
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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the house: WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden

Work spaces

  • Office

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Tile flooring in public areas
  • Smoke-free property

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • In the mountains

Safety features

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

General

  • Garden

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

  • This property doesn't allow pets
  • Note from host: Charge may apply

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
  • Check-in: 4:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 21

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
  • Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, and a smoke detector.

Property is also known as

Casa Mariposa: Restored Rock Ruin in Ghost Town Terlingua
5f4fd94e3b768b002ccfa226

Frequently asked questions

What's there to do close to this vacation home?

This vacation home is located in Terlingua, just steps from Starlight Theatre. You'll also find Big Bend Library nearby.

Is there parking available at this vacation home?

No, there isn't parking at this vacation home.

Is this vacation home associated with a casino?

No, this vacation home is not connected to a casino.

Is there an indoor pool at this vacation home?

No, there is no indoor pool at this vacation home.

What will couples enjoy most about a stay at Casa Mariposa: Restored Rock Ruin in Ghost Town?

Couples staying at this vacation home will value amenities like a kitchen, kitchens in some accommodations, as well as a garden.

Are there hot tubs at Casa Mariposa: Restored Rock Ruin in Ghost Town?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this vacation home.

Does this vacation home include breakfast service?

No, this vacation home doesn't offer breakfast.

Does this vacation home allow pets to stay for free?

No, pets aren't allowed at this vacation home.

Does this vacation home have connecting rooms?

No, this vacation home doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

Can I book a room with a balcony at Casa Mariposa: Restored Rock Ruin in Ghost Town?

Yes, every accommodation at Casa Mariposa: Restored Rock Ruin in Ghost Town comes with a balcony with some featuring mountain views.

Casa Mariposa: Restored Rock Ruin in Ghost Town Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 87 out of 113 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 23 out of 113 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 113 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 113 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 113 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

J N.

Liked: Cleanliness

Unique and perfect accommodations for hiking & jeeping

Very different and unique - gives you a feel of the outdoors with comfort and convenience of modern living. We used this place as a basecamp for our daily adventures and would recommend for individuals. Also has a pet roadrunner whom just hung around us a lot….
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mary Beth B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Unique place close to Big Bend

Unique home conveniently located near Big Bend National Park. Beautiful patio to enjoy the dark skies of Texas!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Leah R.

Liked: Cleanliness

Lovely Rental in center of Terlingua

Had a great few days in Terlingua visiting family nearby. The Casa was so really nicely updated, comfortable, great beds, quite, beautiful view of Big Bend in the distance. The Casa is close by food and shops. Although as guest said the bathroom is in one area and the kitchen the other it worked perfectly for us. I will be back.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Melissa T.

Liked: Cleanliness

Unique

I thought it was a really cool place to stay. There is two bedrooms, main bedroom bed is comfortable, second bedroom is a fold out bed that wasn’t the best. Had everything we needed in the kitchen. The bathroom was nice and large. You have to go outside to go from main bedroom to kitchen which didn’t bother us at all. The outside area is really nice with places to sit and a table to eat. This is close to starlight theatre which was a really good place to eat. One of the closest places to stay to Big Ben other than staying in Big Ben. We enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Aaron T.

Liked: Cleanliness

Spring Break at Big Bend

Casa Mariposa was the perfect base for a Spring Break trip for my sons and me. Close to the park, and several great places to eat closeby. Highly recommend!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brian L.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great location

Great location for visiting the park. House is unique while still having all the amenities. I like the big porch and fenced in yard. House was comfy and everything worked well. Kids were happy with the internet
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

john

Traveled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Interesting place that is exceptionally clean and comfortable. Great location with easy access to everything Terlingua has to offer.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amber M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Unique mountain house

This was a cute house with nice views and privacy. Walking distance to restaurants and shops. About 10 minutes to Big Bend National park and 20 to Big Bend Ranch State Park. House was clean and we had 0issuesnno issues while therr.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

brad g.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Max S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great Place

We really enjoyed Casa Mariposa. Perfect for a couple. Good location with several good restaurants within a mile or two. The Starlight Theatre, Bar and Grill has amazing food, and we caught some great live music when there. The bed was really comfortable, which is a must after a full day of hiking. The A/C's cranked, which is also a must. I was concerned that we would be too far from the good hiking, but that was not true. We were within 30 min to 1 hour of the best hiking in the park. Plus, the drives were enjoyable with some spectacular views along the way. The key is "don't get in a hurry". Stop and smell the cactus along the way. I highly recommend Casa Mariposa.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nikki B., Ankeny, Iowa

Liked: Cleanliness

Spring Break to Big Bend

We spent three days (four nights) at Casa Mariposa as our home base for visiting Big Bend National Park. It was a great location and doesn't take long to get to the park. After long days of hiking, we spent the evening enjoying the outdoor living area. The check-in process was easy. Communication was great. A fun and unique experience for our family.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sheri M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Quirky Cool Terlingua House

We loved our stay!! The patio is absolutely perfect for morning coffee and happy hour cocktails! The bed was comfy and with the fans on, we were perfectly comfortable temp wise. The new bathroom is great (don't know if I could've handled the outhouse in the dark of night!) This is such a unique house - I really wish the owners gave some historical information about it!! If you need fancy, this isn't for you. But if you want a comfortable, beautiful, unique, rustic Terlingua experience - this is definitely the house!! My only issue is they indicate it sleeps 4 - technically, yes, it would, but the second bedroom is literally only a futon in a small room, so for kids or teenagers maybe, but not another couple - which is kind of a shame, because I would love to bring some friends with us to stay here!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Paul K.

Liked: Cleanliness

Location

Very nice
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Megan M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Amazing Outdoor Space

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.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

jamie a.

Liked: Cleanliness

Relaxing

Enjoyed our stay!!! Hope to come back in the future!! Merry Christmas!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Colleen H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Authentic Big Bend Haven

This is an amazing home. We will stay here again and again.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dara R.

Liked: Cleanliness

Casa Mariposa

Beautiful property! The outside patio is where we spent majority of time. Would return 💜
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

8/10 Good

Tobby T., Monahans, TX

Liked: Cleanliness

Ghost Town Weekend

Very quaint & charming no frills place in the heart of Terlingua's Ghost Town. The outdoor shower is awesome!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Peter S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect Mix

Set about 30mins +/- from Big Bend NP in Terlingua Ghost Town.. beatiful comfortable place in a mystical place. Sunrise is more than special.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

6/10 Okay

Emily G.

Liked: Cleanliness

Quaint little spot in Terlingua

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.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michael K.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great Little Casita

Great location to the park, able to watch the sunrise over the Chisos Basin from the porch. Really enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

8/10 Good

Annie W.

Liked: Cleanliness

Authentic accomodation in an unique neighborhood.

Owner is quick to respond.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

John M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful location

Although the property would not be for everyone, we loved it. Finding good local dinner restaurants can be a challenge.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Matt Pam D., Corning, NY

Liked: Cleanliness

A Property with Character

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!!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

8/10 Good

Elizabeth P.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great Getaway

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!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023