White House Ranch - Unique Ranch experience outside Marfa, Texas
The White House Ranch offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience authentic ranch living on a private cattle ranch just 32 miles from Marfa, Texas. Here, you’re surrounded by the unspoiled desert region of the Big Bend — a landscape of wide-open horizons, rugged mountains, and a history that is deeply woven into the land itself. The ranch is in a Texas `Dark Skies` designated area and provides brilliant stargazing opportunities not found anywhere else in the continental US.
A stay at the ranch allows guests to experience the best of both worlds. You can enjoy the peace and privacy of the ranch during the day — wandering the desert, watching wildlife, or just soaking in the stillness — and then head into Marfa for world-class art, food, and culture when you’re ready for a change of pace.
While the stillness of the landscape allows guests to feel a sense of total privacy, the house balances that ruggedness. The 3000 square foot historic adobe ranch home was built in the 1880s and fully updated in 2020. The newly renovated space blends contemporary comforts with rustic authenticity, giving you a serene place to rest after days of adventure.
The 4 bedroom home sleeps up to 11 guests. Living and dining areas comfortably accommodate large groups, providing the perfect retreat for family gatherings. A beautiful yard includes multiple patios, a hammock, grill and firepit. The views are unparalleled, and guest have access to 1100 acres, including an artesian spring. For an additional fee guests can have guided tours, or hunts.
At the White House Ranch, you don’t have to choose between solitude and culture, or wilderness and comfort. You’ll find it all here: the untamed beauty of West Texas, the starlit quiet of the desert, and the best of Marfa within easy reach.
**GUESTS WISHING TO BRING A PET MUST INQUIRE FIRST AND OBTAIN PERMISSION. A PET FEE OF $75 PER PET, WITH A LIMIT OF 2 PETS, WILL BE DUE UPON BOOKING. PET POLICY IS OUTLINED IN HOUSE RULES**
Please note that this is an agritourism rental. We require guests to sign a rental agreement and liability waiver upon booking. You will receive a link to e-sign as soon as your booking is confirmed.
Check in/Checkout: Check in starts at 4pm. Check out is at 11am. If you are interested in an early check in or late check out, please message us! When possible for our housekeeping team to accommodate, we offer early check ins or late check out for a $50 fee.
Guests can access 1100 acres of property around the house.
32 miles outside Marfa, Texas, and 45 minutes to Big Bend Ranch State Park trailheads, Guests can enjoy the galleries and restaurants in Marfa, and stargazing at night. Fort Davis and the McDonald Observatory are an hour to the north, for astronomy buffs who want to explore the beautiful little town and take advantage of Dark Skies stargazing. For guests looking for a longer stay and willing to drive, The White House can serve as your quiet base for day trips to the Big Bend National Park, Alpine, Marathon, Lajitas, and Terlingua; all the magic of the Big Bend. Contact us for specific information about any of these destinations!
The Big Bend is beautiful, remote, and quiet, but mostly it is BIG! Make sure you research drive times to different destinations, and plan accordingly. Many people decide to extend their trip, just to reach all the places they want to see!
This property is remote, so plan accordingly! Marfa is 32 miles away and offers the closest stores, gas stations, and other supply stores. Guests will drive on about 5 miles of rough, graveled ranch road from the turnoff from HWY 169 to the house itself. A high clearance vehicle such as an SUV, crossover, or truck is needed to cross the two arroyos between then highway and the house. AWD and 4WD vehicles highly recommended! Guests are required to sign a Rental Agreement and Liability Waiver.
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House Rules
Check in after 4:00 AM
Minimum age to rent: 18
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events
Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
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Pets
Pets allowed: dogs and cats less than 23 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Guests are required to sign a Rental Agreement and Liability Waiver.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 2618859vb
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
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 11
This property uses solar energy
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
Presidio County Courthouse - 38 min drive - 63.5 km
Marfa and Presidio County Museum - 38 min drive - 62.8 km
Chinati Foundation Museum - 38 min drive - 63.5 km
Ballroom Marfa - 38 min drive - 62.8 km
Fort D. A. Russell - 61 min drive - 63.2 km
Frequently asked questions
Is White House Ranch - Unique Ranch experience outside Marfa, Texas pet-friendly?
Yes, this campsite allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.
How much does it cost to stay at White House Ranch - Unique Ranch experience outside Marfa, Texas?
As of 10 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at White House Ranch - Unique Ranch experience outside Marfa, Texas on 3 June 2026 start from NZ$1,039, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at White House Ranch - Unique Ranch experience outside Marfa, Texas?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at White House Ranch - Unique Ranch experience outside Marfa, Texas?
Check-in begins at 4:00 AM.
What time is check-out at White House Ranch - Unique Ranch experience outside Marfa, Texas?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is White House Ranch - Unique Ranch experience outside Marfa, Texas located?
Situated in a rural location, this campsite is 13.7 mi (22 km) from Big Bend Ranch State Park, and within 32 mi (52 km) of Marfa and Presidio County Museum and Presidio County Courthouse.
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
This home is absolutely perfect for people who are looking to getaway from the hustle and bustle and relax. It is a historic home with rich history and the caretakers have made it cozy and full of charm. Filled with antiques and every comfort you could want this was hands down my favorite getaway.
Rebecca C.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
Verified
8/10 Good
Matthew S.
23 February 2023
Liked: Communication, location
Fun time on the ranch
Stay was great and location was incredible. The stars at night were unforgettable. It is pretty far from the state park and more than a 2 Hr drive to big bend just for planning purposes as it was not clear from the description.
Matthew S.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 18 August 2023
Matthew, we are so glad you enjoyed your stay and got to see the stars! After your comment, I went back and reviewed the property description on VRBO, and agreed it needed more clarity. I made some changes. Thank you so much, all input is very valuable! We are ranchers first and foremost, so learning this host business one day at a time.
No matter where you stay in the Big Bend, you will have to drive a couple of hours if you want to visit all the various parks and towns. This is very big country, with winding (luckily scenic) rural roads. We always give guests specific directions and distances if they ask before coming out. We've told more than one potential guest to stay at a different location, when they made clear their main interest was Big Bend National Park. Visitors should probably look in Brewster County if that is their primary destination. In the past, we had guests who were already familiar with getting to the trailheads in Big Bend Ranch State Park (which start about 18 miles from our property), but many guests may not already have a pass, or otherwise need to go through the main entrance to the park, which is much further. For any potential guests reading this, State Park passes can be purchased online here: https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/park-information/passes/#texas-state-parks-pass,
Again, thanks for your feedback!
The White House Ranch was perfect for our family of nine. The house is stocked with everything you need. The linens are top notch, furniture is beautiful yet functional, and the pool table/game room was well used! Don’t miss the hammock out front and take time for an evening or morning walk.
I’ve stayed at dozens of rentals all over the country and this one was the best I’ve experienced. The location is breathtaking and the house had everything we possibly needed. I’ve never felt such at peace while on vacation. My group had intended to visit big bend multiple days but 1 day was all we wanted, as the ranch was too enjoyable to leave. I can’t wait to come back.
We wanted to get away from it all. This beautiful ranch did the trick. Cozy, yet too notch finishes integrated with the old gives a sense of timelessness. We will be staying again. Our host was so helpful and friendly.
John H.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 6 October 2023
John,
So glad you enjoyed your time at the ranch. It was lovely meeting you both, and we can't wait to see you again!
Pene Ferguson
We had a fantastic stay at the White House Ranch! So much fun, and the location was just what we were looking for - secluded enough for some incredible star gazing, yet not too far from the charm of Marfa. The house was comfortable and well-equipped. Couldn't have asked for a better getaway. 10/10 would recommend.
The White House was comfortable, clean and very well equipped. It is very remote, which is exactly what we were looking for, a great place for relaxing and stargazing. Conveniently located for the State Park and Terlingua while Marfa is about 30 minutes away. The National Park will take about 2 hours to reach the entry but it's a very scenic drive along the Rio Grande.
Would certainly recommend this if you want to get away from it all, enjoy the desert scenery while still enjoying modern comforts.
John C.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 18 August 2023
John,
We are delighted that you enjoyed your stay, and got to see the amazing starlight! Please come back and see us again.
Pene Ferguson
Wow, this was a fun property! A bit of a drive from Marfa, we were pleasantly surprised by this beautiful and roomy house. Pretty and well-stocked kitchen, fun game room and lovely seating areas outside. We got to walk around the property to watch the sunset and sunrise, enjoy the stars, and see some wildlife. Thank you for the great experience for our families!
Susan R.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 18 August 2023
Thank you Susan! So glad you had a wonderful stay, come back and see us again.
The property is very remote and worth the drive! Views all around for miles, desert plants blooming, lots of wildlife made it a spectacular experience. Watching a T-storm from over 100 miles away at sunset was a real treat. Like the song says, there were plants and birds and rock and things. Hostwas perfect. Will book again.
John H.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 16 October 2023
John,
Thank you so much for the kind words, and I'm thrilled you had a great experience! Come back any time.
Pene Ferguson
Owner
We had a lovely stay at the ranch. Lots of space and we’ll equipped.
The bunk beds are in a strange location a little far from the other rooms and my daughter didn’t want to sleep over there, but there was plenty of other space. It’s a solid 30 minute drive to Marfa, so be prepared to drive if that’s your intention!
The White House Ranch was unbelievably enjoyable. All by yourself without a neighbor within 5 miles or more. The house was fully stocked with everything you might need and extremely clean. The property is amazing. We spent most of several days hiking and biking just around the ranch. Sunsets were spectacular, night skies too. While Big Bend National Park is quite a distance, the State Park is not that far and Marfa is just a short drive away. Start to finish, this was an awesome place. We hope to be back soon.
We really enjoyed staying at the White House Ranch! It was a very secluded and comfortable stay. I don't recall seeing it in the listing ahead of time, but to get to the ranch, we had to meet up with Maya in Marfa and get guided to the house. This was a unique experience but was easy to coordinate and made sense given how remote everything was. It was helpful. Everyone in the party also had to sign a rental type of agreement before staying at the house which wasn't something I've had to do before. Pene and Maya were extremely communicative and friendly and I very much appreciate all of the communication we had prior to the trip! Would recommend staying here!
Cassandra S.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 18 August 2023
Thank you Cassandra! We are so glad you enjoyed your stay, and we'd love to host you again in the future.
Loved the house, one of the nicer vrbo houses we've stayed at. Lots of attention to detail in the upkeep and amenities. The house is laid out a little odd but I'm sure that's the product of decades of updating. Plenty of space for a large family. Really nice kitchen and areas to sit. I'm sure the stargazing is amazing but we unfortunately went when there was a bright full moon. Lots of helpful information provided. It wasn't really clear about where we could go on the property. They listed it as 11,000 acre ranch which I figured we didn't have just free reign on but the ad almost made it sound like you do. The property guests have access to is about 200 acre front pasture from what I estimate and have some slight hills to explore. Enough to stretch your legs on and explore some. It's over 40 minutes to Marfa and about 1-1.5 hours from Big Bend Ranch State Park. The easiest way to get there was down 169 but it's all dirt road. If you really just want to get in the middle of nowhere for a few days it's a good place to do it.
We rented this property for Christmas. They decorated beautifully! This is an old house with awesome history that has been updated with all the modern commodities. Internet worked great. Beds are very comfortable. The house was very warm despite being there on the coldest day in the last 100 years. The views from the sunroom all the time but mostly at sunrises are beautiful. You are far away from civilization so bring everything you need and will consume. Would recommend.
Our stay at the White House was amazing! Peaceful, quiet, serene, very private ranch house. 40m to the nearest town so the star gazing was excellent! Well stocked home, adobe is an amazing sound buffer. My only wish is that the water pressure in the small shower was the same as I n the big shower (they do explain this in their welcome book). This home is very well positioned to visit the state park, but is quite a hike for the national park (not at all a mark against this rental, for planning purposes only) We really enjoyed our interaction with the owner and manager. We highly recommend this rental property!!
We had an amazing time at this house! The house was nice, clean, comfortable, and well stocked. Pene was a wonderful host and easy to communicate with. My kids especially loved the sunroom with the swing bed, gameroom, porch with the fire pit and ALL the wide open space outside. It is about 30 minutes from Marfa so it's helpful to come prepared. But if you're making a trip out to west Texas, you know everything is far and that's probably what you are coming for :) We really enjoyed everything.
We had a wonderful time at Pene's house. We enjoyed having 1,100 acres to ourselves. The silence and the views were amazing. Thanks for your hospitality!
Stephanie L.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2022
Verified
2/10 Terrible
Bruce M.
26 January 2026
Bruce M.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2025
About the host
Hosted by Pene Ferguson
I am a fourth-generation owner (and the third-generation woman owner), of the B2 Rock House Ranch, which includes the White House. The White House has been home to our family members, and to ranch managers and their families, for many years. We continue cattle ranching operations at the ranch, and in 2022, we began sharing this extraordinary home with guests who come to visit Marfa and the Big Bend Region.
Why they chose this property
The house offers peace and quiet with lovely views, and guests can feel the history of the property. The White House itself was built by then-Marfa postmaster, Ware Hoard, on his ranch around 1887. The Hoard ranch covered everything from the Alamito settlement to one of the largest ranches in Texas, owned by Milton Faver (now the Cibolo Creek Resort). The location for the house was chosen because of its proximity to a natural spring that still exists west of the house, and the Alamito Settlement to the east. For more information about its history, visit https://www.whitehouseranch.org/history
What makes this property unique
Guests enjoy access to the Chihuahuan Desert landscape, sunsets, and stargazing while staying in large home, only 30 minutes away from Marfa Texas. You can experience the galleries, shopping and restaurants in Marfa, and then go out to savor the quiet and privacy of remote ranch living.