Vacation rentals in McDonald Observatory

Paradise Mountain Villa

This hillside villa sits atop 36 acres of untouched land at 6,000-ft. elevation! Enjoy dark skies & enchanted vistas stretching over 100 miles with 4 real seasons of extraordinary weather. Herds of deer, flocks of turkey, & migrating birds roam freely throughout the landscape. A quick 30-minute drive to nearby Marfa and Alpine, this property is a true secluded paradise where year-round hiking adventures await! NOTE: High speed Starlink Satellite Internet installed and operational (It’s FAST!!!)

"RRR" Cowboy Lodge Chihuahuan Desert Ranch Stay

Cholla Ranch Camp, where horses still roam free, is a small section of an 1100 acre working ranch dedicated to hosting guests. Located in the breathtaking Chihuahuan Desert but just minutes from the small West Texas town of Alpine. The RRR has great views of Twin Peak Mountains during the day and wonderful stargazing at night. The RRR is furnished with MCM pieces of walnut and rich textures. Well appointed interior will allow you to relax into the evening while still being connected to nature.

"The Treehouse" -A Room, a View & a Private Deck

On the side of Dolores Mountain overlooking town, "The Treehouse", as we call it, is a grown-up version of your favorite childhood hideout. At the top of the private staircase in the courtyard, you will find an unexpectedly modern and comfortable retreat, perfect for relaxing and stargazing. - Private Entrance with Rooftop Deck - 270 Degree Views of the Davis Mountains - Centrally located 1 mile from the town's center - 25 minutes to Marfa, Alpine and McDonald Observatory - DishTV and WIFI

Marfa Garden 2

Relax and enjoy this contemporary casita (2 of 2) in a quiet, private garden (1.25 acres) filled with native plants and walking trails. The 500 sq. ft. one room interior is beautifully furnished, well-appointed and comfortable. Large, covered porches provide the perfect setting to experience the garden and distant mountain views. The property and garden are featured in four books, Gardens of Texas, Marfa Modern, Under Western Skies, and Marfa Garden. (Registered 2025 City of Marfa #S95)

Sleeping Lion Casita with Sky Observation Deck

Nestled amidst the Chihuahuan Desert, the Sleeping Lion is a stylish casita that offers a serene retreat for couples or solo adventurers. With easy access to McDonald Observatory, Balmorhea State Park, and Marfa, our impeccably styled casita exudes a warm & inviting ambiance. Unwind on our patio, where you can soak up panoramic views of the majestic Sleeping Lion Mountain. Step inside to discover a cozy living area, small kitchen, and a plush bedroom. Embark on your Far West Texas journey.

Small House • Desert Retreat — Close to Heaven

West Texas Ranch meets Designer Style! Near town, 30 minutes from Fort Davis, Marfa, and Marathon. The Big Bend National Park, Terlingua, and Lajitas are roughly 100 miles away. Relax on the expansive front porch and enjoy the wide-open spaces and skies brimming with stars, and wake up to a sunrise with an uninterrupted view of Hancock Hill. Grill and chill! Watch the abundant wildlife such as javelina, mule deer, and fox. Enjoy the gateway to the Big Bend while staying comfortably.

New! Southwest Shipping Container-In Alpine

This stunning Container Home will not disappoint! With 1 bedroom and an inflatable floor mattress, it sleeps uptimes to 4 people. Features a super comfy Tuft and Needle queen mattress. The kitchen is outfitted in granite countertops. The rooftop deck is a great place to stargaze or enjoy a morning coffee. It boasts a full size, custom-tiled shower and spacious bathroom to complete this beautiful home. Located right outside of Alpine-2 minutes from downtown.

The Last Resort, 79 Songbird

Fully renovated 1979 Songbird travel trailer in beautiful Fort Davis, Texas. Located in the center of town within walking distance to shops and restaurants; close to historic Fort Davis National Historic Site; 20 minutes to Marfa, Alpine, and the McDonald Observatory; 40 minutes to Balmorhea and Valentine; and an hour and a half away from Big Bend National Park. Enjoy our mild weather and night time stargazing from the Songbird's large deck.

Casita on Arabella Mountain

Guest (studio) casita located on Arabella Mtn. in Limpia Crossing, 9 miles from Fort Davis and 8 miles from McDonald Observatory. Cools mornings, pleasant afternoons. The casita has everything you need to get away from it all. Sleep in or have early coffee and watch the wildlife. One can choose to have dinner in town or cook and have a quiet dinner in the casita. Star gazing is beautiful here in the Davis Mountains.

Square Roots Marfa

Just a short, three mile drive from Marfa proper, Square Roots is a perfect balance between minimalist comfort and desert charm. Set back on a five acre property, the 1-bedroom, 1-bath concrete house is surrounded by quintessential West Texas desert views. Enjoy peace, tranquility, nature, and serene views of the Davis Mountains with easy access to everything Marfa has to offer!

Tiny Getaway

You won’t forget your time in this romantic, memorable place. Private driveway and extremely quiet. Right in the middle of town, but you’ll never know it. This tiny house is down an alley on the backside of our property also used by the deer going through town, but don’t worry they’re more afraid of you than you are of them. The inside has a touch of old with comfort of new. 

Casa Marfa is a stylish 100 year old adobe

Casa Marfa is a 1920’s Adobe just updated on the inside located on Texas Street just two blocks from Hotel Paisano. Everything is walkable. It offers a mid century modern design and beautiful art. The landscape renovation is to come, but a great front porch and sun room to enjoy now! (City of Marfa registered 2023 #S182)