Casa de Amigos in Ghostown, Terlingua

Casa de Amigos is a traditional rock house built on the foundation of an authentic mining ruin in the Historic Terlingua Ghostown. It's not just a place to stay, it's part of local history. Conveniently located between the Big Bend National Park & Big Bend Ranch State Park. Within walking distance of the Starlight Theatre Restaurant & Bar, Espresso Y Poco Mas (Coffee Shop), DB's Rustic Iron BBQ & the Trading Company with its famous "Porch". HOSTED BY LONG TIME BIG BEND RESIDENTS - 45+ YEARS! NOTE: **Brewster County Hotel Tax (7%) is not included in ABB total and will be requested separately. **We live nearby, so please select the correct # of guests. If we discover there are more guests than reported - we will request additional funds. **Please read the entire listing, UNIQUE FEATURES & all house rules to avoid any confusion later. Casa de Amigos (House of Friends) had been my home for the last 25+ years. She just got a "new dress" -- with new windows, Saltillo tile flooring and additional air conditioning/heating. She offers the unique local lifestyle in the Ghostown with just enough upgrades for a more comfortable experience . There are 2 separate bedrooms, both with Queen beds: the “master” is loft-like with very nice window views of the Chisos Mountains, the 2nd room is traditional mining style - cozy with small windows (walk-in level). The private courtyard is the perfect space to sit back and relax with a cup of coffee or glass of wine and "TAKE IT ALL IN"...! It offers fantastic views for miles, has a fire pit area and offers excellent stargazing and sunrises. It's also great for outdoor cooking & dining. The private bathhouse has a 4-season fully enclosed outdoor shower with a window view of the Chisos Mountains peaking over a privacy wall (curtain available) and a "blue sky" flush toilet. There is both indoor and outdoor dining areas. The kitchen has a stove/oven, full size fridge, microwave, toaster, coffee pot, dishes, basic cooking necessities and a sink. There is also a gas grill in the courtyard. Keeping in mind that there are several restaurants within walking distance for a cook-free vacation. **UNIQUE FEATURES: -The loft-like bedroom is accessed with a custom built slightly angled ladder. (Pictured) -Ghostown mining ruins have notoriously low ceilings (7’ +/-) and door ways (6’ +/-). -There are just a few flag-stoned steps from the house thru the private courtyard to the bathhouse. (pictured) - We have completely enclosed the outdoor shower to make it usable year-round with heat in the winter. It still has that outdoor rustic charm with a window view of the distant mountains over a privacy wall; or you can simply pull a curtain closed if it makes you more comfortable. -The "Blue Sky Potty" (flush toilet) is located in the roofless part of the bathhouse. You'll need to be prepared to take care of business quickly during inclement weather. That being said, our winters are generally mild and a quick trip is usually fairly tolerable. This is a feature that some love and others may not find suitable. (Pictured) -There is a sink and mirror in the enclosed shower space for shaving/brushing teeth, but there are no plugs - so you'll need to go back to your room for a vanity area. -We provide large "bath sheets" (no robes). If you have a group of more than 4 - please see our other listing "Mamacita's Casita". It has room for 2 more and is next door with a quick walk over. "Amigos" is easy to find - with a very short drive off the closest blacktop in the Ghostown (not on the highway). We are on the grid with WiFi, electricity & community water (tap water is fine to drink). The Historic Terlingua Ghostown is the heart of Big Bend and is a short 10 minute drive from Big Bend Nat'l Park's west entrance for hiking, canoeing, exploring, photography, birding; and a 15 minute drive to the Big Bend Ranch State Park for the best scenic drive along the river, more hiking, exploring and miles of mountain bike trails. We have made every effort to comply with the "Dark Sky" initiative and ask that all lights be turned down or turned-off when not in use. The community’s efforts in this manner will keep us one of the darkest skies in the U.S. and provide great stargazing from the courtyard and the recliner chairs in the fire pit area. Facing East, you'll also have fabulous views of the Chisos Mountains and a greater opportunity for terrific sunrises and sunsets. We have single kayaks available exclusively for our guests (see pictures). Depending on the time of year and water levels, there are 3 to 4 sections of river that can be paddled half or full day. If you are interested, let us know. "This house was an absolute delight for our stay! Once you overcome the trepidation about an outdoor toilet and shower, it is actually really great!! They had just installed a toilet seat heater that came in handy even during a winter storm, and their enclosed and heated shower room was one of the best parts of the place! We enjoyed every below freezing night around their fire pit because the view and ambiance is worth it! Thank you LaNetta and Jared for being so warm, welcoming and helpful during our stay!" -Rebecca, December 2020 The entire two bedroom house with full kitchen, living/dining area & bathhouse surrounded by a private courtyard are for guest use only. -There is one step from the driveway into the kitchen (front door). -There are two steps down from the kitchen into the living area. -There are no steps from the living area to the courtyard to bathhouse. -There are no steps from the kitchen into the cozy, original ruin bedroom. -There are a few steps up & down from the kitchen to the bathhouse. -There is a custom ladder from the living area up to the loft-like large, bright bedroom with a view. Until current circumstances change, we plan to give our guests a wide berth. We prefer social distancing, but will wear a mask if you want. Check-in is super easy, no contact required. But we may pop-by for a quick visit to make sure you have everything you need (from a distance). Send us a message if you have a question or maintenance issue - we are not too far away. We do ask that our guests respect the privacy of neighboring residents. In time - we will return to our usual greeting and sharing of 45+ years of living in the Big Bend. Casa de Amigos is located in the Historic Terlingua Ghostown. Our little covey of homes is lovingly called “Barnesville” by the locals. As my father, "Barnes", was one of the first to make the Ghostown his home in the early 70s. We are very close to restaurants, entertainment, gift shops and art galleries, yet far enough away to provide a private space - while still being close to everything the Big Bend has to offer....! HELPFUL HINT: Passing thru Alpine to get to Terlingua will save you time. Traveling thru the National Park has a 45 mph speed limit. Also - during holidays, spring break and weekends Oct thru Mar - Hwy 67 S from Marfa may be congested with long wait times due to high traffic volumes entering & exiting Mexico. Including those who are just trying to pass thru Presidio. So, pay close attention to where your GPS sends you. If you will be arriving after dark, it will be more difficult to read signs & your GPS may lead you astray when you arrive at the GT. Follow the directions provided carefully. If you think you are lost, find your way to the Starlight Theatre (in the Ghostown) & give us a call, we'll come get you. ROCKY DIRT ROADS: Nearly all the rentals/businesses in the area are on dirt roads or have dirt driveways/parking areas (very common). The dirt road from the closest pavement to the Casita is very short. It can be a little rough, but most vehicles can manage it if they just take it slow. Also note that some of the best hiking trails in the Nat'l Park may require a high clearance vehicle. Keep that in mind if you will be renting a vehicle for the trip. Or let us know your plans, and we can help advise you ahead of time. -Please read the entire listing, UNIQUE FEATURES & all house rules to avoid any confusion later. -Flashlights or headlamps are a must for moving around at night. -The Nat’l Park does not allow dogs on its trails and the State Park offers a limited area. Your pets are truly better off at home with their 2nd best loved one. -Bring proper footwear for all your activities and spares in case you have a blowout. -We have a small grocery store packed with great stuff, but it’s a very good idea to shop on the way - especially your favorite snacks. -If you are Thinking about going to Boquillas, Mexico for lunch - I would recommend it. You must have a passport at this crossing. Just a Birth Certificate will not work. -Firewood can be difficult to find at times. Consider bringing a bundle with you.