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Ranch House Dark Skies

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A kitchen with wooden cabinets, a stove, bar stools, and a cowhide rug.
A spacious living room with a round wooden table, a dark blue sofa, and a ceiling fan.
A landscaped garden with a variety of cacti and succulents, a stone border, and a metal fence in the background.
A deck with a round table and chairs, a white railing, and a view of a hilly landscape.
A living room with a pool table, a sofa, a mounted deer head, and a television.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
Facing the mountains, this 5-bedroom vacation home accommodates 14 guests with 3 bathrooms. Enjoy birdwatching, hiking, and biking in the area. The patio offers a great outdoor space to relax while taking in the scenic views. Located in a rural setting near a shopping area and museum, it caters to adventure travelers.

Highlights

  • Family fun awaits
    Top-rated for families.
  • Arcade/game room
    A rare find - fun for all ages with on-site arcade/game room.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
5 bedrooms3+ bathroomsSleeps 14

Popular amenities

  • Arcade/game room
  • Barbecue
  • Onsite parking available
  • Patio
  • Air-conditioning
  • Washing machine

Explore the area

View map
Alpine, TX
  • Place, Sul Ross State University
    ‪27 min drive‬
  • Place, Museum of the Big Bend
    ‪28 min drive‬
  • Place, Marfa Lights Viewing Center
    ‪50 min drive‬

Where you'll sleep

5 bedrooms (sleeps 14)

Bedroom 1 Upstairs

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 King Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Single Bunk Bed and 1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 4

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 5 off the deck upstairs

1 Single Bed and 2 Double Beds

3 bathrooms, 2 half bathrooms

Bath 5

Toilet

Bathroom Jack and Jill

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom Main

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom Upstairs

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo

Off Pool Table Room

Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Ranch House Dark Skies

The Ranch House is located 8 miles south of Alpine and is home to lots of wildlife including mule deer, white tail deer, pronghorn, turkeys and Javelina. We have beautiful views from all over the property of Cathedral Mountain, Mount Ord, Haley's Mountain, McIntyre Peak, and the surrounding mountains. The house is located in a secluded spot on the ranch with trees in the yard. We are located close to Big Bend, Marfa and Fort Davis and the McDonald Observatory. Alpine is home to a Art Walk and Music Festivals.

Perfect for muti-generational families or a retreat for up to 12 people. Extra $15 per night for more than 12 people. Beds for 12 and air mattress for 2.
One of the bedrooms is off the deck by the primary bedroom and has a half bath,
Alpine Hotel Tax of 7% will be added to your quote.
We require a minimum of 5 night stay during Spring Break in March.

Local Activities include
Star Parties at McDonald Observatory year round on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Expanded activities in March for Spring Breakers.

http://www.texasmonthly.com/travel/trip-guide-alpine/

Visit the Alpine Chamber of Commerce for things to do in Alpine. http://www.alpinetexas.com/

Big Bend National Park http://www.nps.gov/bibe/index.htm

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before noon
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Property # 655818vb
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

Alpine

Located in Alpine, this holiday home is in a rural area. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Mount Ord and Kokernot Municipal Park, while Kiowa Gallery and Museum of the Big Bend are cultural highlights. Discover the area's water adventures with nearby rafting, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking.
View more Holiday homes in AlpineOpens in a new window
Map
Alpine, TX

What's nearby

  • Sul Ross State University - 27 min drive - 33.6 km
  • Museum of the Big Bend - 28 min drive - 35.5 km
  • Kokernot Field - 30 min drive - 35.9 km
  • Marfa Lights Viewing Center - 50 min drive - 68.4 km
  • Marfa and Presidio County Museum - 59 min drive - 86.6 km

Getting around

  • Alpine Station - 28 min drive
  • Marfa, TX (MRF) - 58 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Starbucks - ‬9 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Ranch House Dark Skies pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Ranch House Dark Skies?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Ranch House Dark Skies?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Ranch House Dark Skies?

Checkout is at noon.

Where is Ranch House Dark Skies located?

Situated in a rural location, this holiday home is 10.8 mi (17.4 km) from Mount Ord and within 20 miles (32 km) of Sul Ross State University and Big Bend Regional Medical Center. Kiowa Gallery and Museum of the Big Bend are also within 20 miles (32 km).

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 60 out of 80 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 19 out of 80 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 80 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 80 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 80 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy
Just a few hiccups with checkin -regarding the codes needed to get in. We really enjoyed the property
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was great - instructions were clear, amenities were as communicated and the kitchen/toiletries were all well-stocked. Great space for group trips to state parks/local hikes, will stay again when we come back next!
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It was a great family vacation. We had some minor things pop up during our stay ( hot water issues ) the property owner was upfront and communicated with us during the problem. In the end I would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our stay was fantastic! The ranch is beautiful and close to Big Bend National and State Parks. The view from the ranch house is amazing and is a perfect location for a large family with those who like to explore, especially the little ones. Our host was very nice and responsive to all our needs. No complaints!
Stayed 9 nights in Feb 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 1 March 2026
Thank you, Frank. I am so glad you and your extended family enjoyed the ranch house.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The accommodations were excellent. The water pressure was great, plenty of hot water. Te surrounding views were truly beautiful. The directions to the house were spot on.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 19 October 2025
So glad you had an amazing time with family. Loved getting texts about your stay.
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Had everything we needed. Kitchen was well stocked.

Wish we could have spent more time at the property but had to spend time at Big Bend.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fun family house

Really enjoyed the layout of this house! It was perfect for a family. Great location for a west Texas spring break!
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our host was great. She answered every question that we had and the house was just as great as advertised. The kitchen was well stocked and we never encountered any problems. Our family loved it. Thanks for all that you did.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 2 February 2026
Glad you enjoyed your stay and had a Merry Christmas! Would love to host you again. Rennie
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quiet and Secluded

The house was amazing and had all that we needed we had complete privacy and the dark skies were amazing. Recommend and would stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Ranch House

Very relaxing and oh so quiet! Well equipped and plenty of hot water. We had a great time in the area and trip to Big Bend. Reccomend Spicewood restaurant in Alpine!
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

PERFECTION

this is our second stay here.. love this place.. kitchen is great, lots of room for everyone..
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 21 July 2022
So happy you came back to the ranch. Did you like the new floors? Also I do appreciate you letting me know about a few fixes. Rennie
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

So incredible

A beautiful spot. Perfectly situated for all the West Texas spots. We thoroughly enjoyed fires under a brilliant night sky.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

civilization in the middle of nowhere

very comfortable and big house! I will recommend anytime!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome!

Beautiful property with plenty of solitude
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The stars are bright deep in the heart of Texas

We enjoyed a lovely stay on the Ranch. The kitchen was set up perfectly. The property is amazing. We had a great horned owl visiting nightly. Thank you for sharing your home with us!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 19 October 2021
Thanks Jody, glad you had a great stay. Rennie
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location
The host is very communicative. The views from the upper back porch are great and the fire pit with prepared wood was a hit with our group. Be prepared for a 2 mile rough and dusty road to get there. Small, circular metal stairways to gain access to upper bedrooms and needed updates (e.g., broken kitchen window, peeling paint on back balcony, tired pool table bumpers). We're a motorcycle group that have rented here twice. If remote, rustic and a lot of beds are what you need, this is your place.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Experience

We had such a fun time at this property! With 4 adults, and 4 boys, we walked the property, shot tin cans, fished, played pool, cooked together, and had a fire in the fire pit under the stars. One of the water heaters went out while we were there, and the owners quickly responded and had it replaced the next day. We highly recommend this interesting and unique property!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 6 April 2020
So glad you had a great trip! It is a great place to get away. Rennie
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family getaway for Dads birthday

My Husband and I along with our two grown sons and each of their spouses with all three of our granddaughters stayed for three nights and four days. It was a great house with plenty of room for the nine of us. Everyone had space and privacy in the evening but we were all able to gather during the mornings and the day in the large common areas and enjoy quality family time together. Worked out great. Gorgeous scenery and wildlife. Highly recommend this place.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Fantastic!

Thank you so much for a wonderful experience! The home was stocked moreso than any other home we've rented before. (5 homes per year on average). Very clean and very cozy despite the abundance of square footage. Thank you for such an awesome time!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2016
Response from VrboOwner on 31 March 2020
So glad you had a great trip! Hope you will travel to Alpine again.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Spacious Family Retreat under the Stars

Plenty of space, comfortable beds, multiple living areas, bedrooms and bathrooms for our family gathering. Large kitchen with an electric and gas top ranges!! Double ovens…plenty of cooking supplies. The pool table provided great fun, as our family engaged in a tournament that the reigning Patriarch won! The only negative would be the long gravel road from hwy 118 to the house. In a truck, no worries. In a sedan, one must take it slow, but completely manageable. We highly recommend this VRBO.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

West Texas Vacation

We were a group of nine adults visiting the area for hiking and sightseeing activities. The property was great! We visited the Fort Davis National Historic Sight which was excellent. Across the street was the Rattlers and Reptile museum which was also a great activity as well as the Overland Trail Museum which was just up the street. We hiked the loop trail above the Historic Fort Davis which provided spectacular views. The Chihuahuan Desert Preserve has some wonderful hiking trails and an excellent Botanical Garden. The home was two miles off the highway near Alpine and it was large enough to accommodate our group. The home was clean, well equiped and very quiet!! This is a great place to stay and easy access to lots of outdoor activity options!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect blend of rustic comfort

Wanted a place to stay where we could comfortably house 8 people, be relatively near Big Bend NP and Alpine, and enjoy a natural setting. This property provided all of these things very well.The home was very cozy and well-appointed for relaxing, spending time together in share living areas (there are two), having family meals, getting a hot shower, and having a good night's rest. It is out in the country up a well-maintained gravel road that can be driven by any normal car and the views of surrounding meadows and mountains are spectacular. There's a large second story port ideal for enjoying daytime and starry nighttime views.The host was exceptionally responsive and helpful--probably the best I've ever rented from. I would highly recommend her and this property to anyone looking for this type of natural but comfortable experience.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Alpine Revisited

Picked this property because of number of bedrooms, amenities, location and proximity to town for our group. Looked great in photos. In actuality, ranch house is lack luster and encountered safety issues in outdoor spaces. There could be much better maintenance of outdoor areas. Kitchen could be stocked with paper towels and table napkins. Hand soap dispensers in some bathrooms with little or no soap. Views of the mountains are nice.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 11 December 2023
We have had nothing but great reviews for the kitchen. We provide spices, olive oil and balsamic vinegar. I am sorry that the napkins and paper towels were not adequate. We are working on the outdoor spaces and not sure what you mean about safety issues.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great property

The property worked very well for us with such a large group. (9 people) It was a drive to BBNP, but it worked for us. Remember everything it is a drive out there. The property is very centrally located in between all of the things to do around the area. We went from McDonalds Observatory and all over BBNP. We did some hiking on the property. The kitchen was fully stocked. Lots of extras in the house such as toilet paper, paper towels and trash bags. Did not have any issues with the property at all. Would highly recommend the property for anyone with a large group.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

In the middle of no where but only 15 minutes from civilization

This property worked well for our stay. It was definitely isolated, but not hard to get to a grocery store or restaurant. We spent a day in Fort Davis and enjoyed the Star Party at McDonald Observatory. We also enjoyed exploring the property. The only downside is that my parents, in their 70s, had to use the room with the small bed off the kitchen. Otherwise they would have to share a bathroom with our kids or use the tight spiral stairs to get to the other rooms. There is a lot of space, but only one main floor master/king and it shares a bathroom with the two twin beds. Still, we would stay again. Very well stocked.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2020

About the host

Hosted by Rennie Meriwether

Host profile image
The Meriwether Family has deep roots in the Alpine area. Our Great Grandparents settled on ranch north of town and then bought another ranch south which is called the Double Diamond Ranch. This is where you will be staying. We have been doing updates on the house with our rental income to enhance the house for our guests.

Why they chose this property

The ranch house is secluded with dark skies for stargazing. Walking around the property and from the patio and deck are amazing views. It is a working cattle ranch and you might see cows and horses on the road to the house depending on which pasture they are in during your stay.

What makes this property unique

We provide everything you need in the kitchen including 2 ovens, 2 stoves, 2 refrigerators and pots and pans. We provide a crock pot, air fryer, coffee maker and blender. Pantry items such as coffee, tea, sweeteners and spices.

Languages:

English
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