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***READ CAREFULLY, ANY QUESTIONS ASKED THAT ARE LISTED HERE WILL NOT BE ANSWERED*** I work as a guide in the Parks so my access to phone service and email are limited, you must contact me a week in advance for key/access info. Small rustic 1br cabin 7 miles from the Mexican border, isolated and safe, within walking distance to the Chinati Hot Springs resort, but with the privacy of your own house. Situated on 40 acres, with it's own landscaped hiking/mountain biking trail and 100 mile views into the Sierra Madre mountains of Mexico and the Chinati mountains of Texas, an HOUR-PLUS drive south of Marfa near Donald Judds' ranches,a great place to get away from the busy world. NO PHYSICAL ADDRESS! For directions go to Map and click 'Read More' NO CELL PHONE SERVICE, no internet access, and ...***READ CAREFULLY, ANY QUESTIONS ASKED THAT ARE LISTED HERE WILL NOT BE ANSWERED*** I work as a guide in the Parks so my access to phone service and email are limited, you must contact me a week in advance for key/access info. Small rustic 1br cabin 7 miles from the Mexican border, isolated and safe, within walking distance to the Chinati Hot Springs resort, but with the privacy of your own house. Situated on 40 acres, with it's own landscaped hiking/mountain biking trail and 100 mile views into the Sierra Madre mountains of Mexico and the Chinati mountains of Texas, an HOUR-PLUS drive south of Marfa near Donald Judds' ranches,a great place to get away from the busy world. NO PHYSICAL ADDRESS! For directions go to Map and click 'Read More' NO CELL PHONE SERVICE, no internet access, and none of the other things that complicate life. There is a land-line phone (long distance charges extra), electricity, hot water outdoor shower and indoor toilet. Fully equipped kitchen with all utensils, queen size bed upstairs, fold-out couch with Serta mattress, plus outdoor balcony daybed. Rainwater collection is water source,drinking water dispenser with potable water provided but you may want to bring extra. Television with small selection of dvd's and vhs, no satellite service. BBQ grill, outdoor firepit, fireplace on balcony and wood-burning stove inside, CD player stereo, 2 hammocks with great views and shade. If you need some peace and quiet and majestic mountain scenery to catch up on writing, painting, unwinding and getting in touch with the rhythms of the Chihuahuan Desert then this is the place for you and like-minded others...
We needed time away from our everyday lives, this was exactly that. We had no cell phone service or internet and that's exactly what we were looking for. The cabin is rustic and cute. We enjoyed our stay so much that I didn't want to come home. Our 22 year old daughter left something for you in the ledger/journal Charlie! Hope you liked it lol.
Visited May 2023
Written June 29, 2023. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Agata S
Houston, TX7 contributions
Off Grid Dope Cabin
I've been staying here since 2015 and this cabin is one of my most favorite places in the world. For people who like adventure, want to be truly off grid and can handle being rugged this is your place!
It has had mice issues in the past but Charlie has sorted it out and the place is clean. We usually bring our own kit including back up water, our own dishes, towels, sheets, wood to burn, stores of food etc and we are always very comfortable. In fact packing our own gear is what makes the trip out here so fun.
It is a bit dusty and cabin runs on rain water collection tank so you have to conserve - but this is part of being in the desert.
His record player with unique collection of tunes from the 60s and 70s warps you back in time, no phone service or internet makes you get off screen and slow down, enjoy a good book, connect with your partner etc. It's so rare to find rentals these days that are truly off grid but Charlie's delivers.
For any astronomy nerds out there, Charlie's cabin also has some of the best skies in town.
Visited October 2022
Written October 19, 2022. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Vladimir1973
Houston, TX6 contributions
Third time is a charm!! Absolutely Wonderful
Charlie is a wonderful host and as always had the place ready to go for my family. We brought our little 2 year old this year to let him experience what we love about Charlie's cabin...the views, nature, sunsets, sunrise, isolation, and off the grid!!! Keep in mind, this is a cabin in the middle of nowhere...so be prepared to bring your own supply of fresh drinking water. Charlie does provide some, but in case you want more!! Also...bring a bathrobe so after those outdoor showers, you've got something warm to put on!! btw...it is a hot shower!! This is our 3rd time staying at Charlies and we've enjoyed each stay. The weather this time was better than ever and we were able to see wonderful sunsets along with the milky way!! Thanks again Charlie for the wonderful experience!! hope to see you again next year!!
Visited December 2019
Written January 3, 2020. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mike
1 contribution
Could be awesome
Very remote and isolated, which is good. But has a significant mouse problem. Saw one the first night, but that wasn’t the issue. Problem was the place was very dirty and had mouse droppings EVERYWHERE. In the cups, on plates, pots and pans, counters and a lot on the floor. Really should get some plastic bins and secure everything you cook or eat with. Had to completely clean the place when we got there and wash everything that we used to cook. You’re a good hour from anything so the plan was to relax and cook there. If the hot springs were available it would have helped too. But, apparently the close for private party’s on holidays. Also would have help to know you need to plug in the outdoor shower heater...when it’s 45 degrees outside and no hot water and an outdoor shower, it’s pretty rough. Plugged it in and it wasn’t great but okay after that. The place is set up for internet but isn’t activated. That would help too, if only to stream some music. The place could be a fun and unique place to stay, but I don’t think I would do it again without some changes.
Visited November 2019
Written November 30, 2019. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
JPM
Sarasota, FL3 contributions
AN ESCAPE OASIS
It was a great location to live in peace and quiet. The view was spectacular in the morning. Totally will recommend to friends.
Visited March 2019
Written March 28, 2019. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Charles A
Thanks so much, the Chihuahuan desert is beautiful and so glad you enjoy it as well!!
Written March 29, 2019. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Andrew D
1 contribution
Relaxing Get Away
Very peaceful and quiet getaway with beautiful sunsets and night skies are second to none. Off the beaten path but definitely worth it!
Visited February 2019
Written March 12, 2019. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Charles A
thanks ya'll! Glad you enjoy the remoteness like I do!
Written March 16, 2019. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
raptorsdaddy
Prosper, TX1 contribution
Isolated and awesome
We chose to take the longer route through Palo Pinto Rd (gravel road but we had an offroad truck) scenic and no traffic for the 40+ miles..
The cabin is roomy for a couple with almost everything you need. bring your own wine glasses and solo cups, Charlie only has coffee mugs.
Shower is outdoors under the house and feed by a tank of rain water, so you city ladies need to man up, it wasn't bad or scary at all.
Your 45 minutes away from Presidio (nearest gas/restuarants) and another 20 minutes to edge of State Park
Riodosa, one horse town consist of a small grocery store wine ice, groceries and beer and wine served onsite too. We made a habit on stopping by for a cold beer or glass on way back to cabin (its 7 miles away from cabin)
we couldn't get into the WiFi, but shame on us for even trying....this place is out in the middle of no where and perfect to get away.
Bring nice coolers for your food and ice, only a dorm size refrig in kitchen.
Also, bring something to clean dished with , he had soap.
we shall be back in the fall once is cools, hit 112 degress.....
Visited May 2018
Written May 30, 2018. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
wagnercamille1
London, United Kingdom5 contributions
Lots of positives-but there's a mouse problem
All of the previous positive reviews are true. The area is gorgeous, the views are spectacular, and the cabin is well equipped with all the basics you need. There is one problem, which could be a deal breaker for some, the cabin has a major mouse infestation. When we arrived every surface-counters, window sills, inside the hanging pots, etc-had mouse droppings. Thankfully we brought all of our food in a large container, so we just left it in that for the duration of our stay so our food was safe. However, we essentially had to clean the cabin when we arrived, and had to do a wipe down of the kitchen each morning to clear all of the mouse droppings.
Also, of note the large outdoor refrigerator does not work. There is a small refrigerator inside the cabin, but if you are staying for any length of time you will likely need more room so just make sure you bring a cooler.
Visited March 2018
Written April 24, 2018. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Charles A
sorry about that, the desert critters seem to come in waves, hard to always keep traps and poison out; some visitors with pets have also criticized me heavily for putting out poison that their dogs may have eaten. I have had a pest control guy come out and his primary tactic is to leave bait all around. Tough to find the balance, I will make an effort to stay on top of the problem, and will make a concerted effort
Written April 26, 2018. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ianmichaellarive
Richmond, TX1 contribution
Couldn’t be happier
I’m sure you’ve read all the other reviews, and let me say that I was not disappointed in the slightest! My husband and I came out for our honeymoon and it was everything we could have hoped for.
Read the other reviews carefully for information pertinent to your stay. I just wanted to leave a few quick notes to add to what’s already here...
Going in we weren’t sure what a “fully stocked” kitchen quite meant. Charlie made sure the cabin was stocked with toilet paper, a coffee maker, some drinking water (but bring extra in case), and all the cooking and eating utensils and implements you could possibly need.
We did bring our own firewood and charcoal for the grill, and fire starter of course. Having that there made it feel more like camping to be honest! Make sure that you take the short hike down hot springs creek while you’re there, it’s beautiful.
Charlie was warm, kind, and available to help with anything we needed to make our stay perfect. If you want to get off the grid for a few days, I would absolutely recommend booking this cabin! Thank you!
Visited October 2017
Written October 31, 2017. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Cynthia H
Houston, TX8 contributions
Gorgeous view and super romantic
I loved this place. We had a fabulous time. No internet and no cell services so perfect. We went it was kind of chilly out so it was good hiking. Not really rustic but not overdone. My only issue - my fault - was i did not realize how far it was from Houston.
Visited November 2016
Written June 11, 2017. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Charles A
thanks guys, come back again!
Written June 12, 2017. This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The cabin is situated on a hill in the foothills of the Chinati mountains, high Chihuahuan desert. No other houses or buildings are visible in any direction, just wide open spaces and mountain views of the Sierra Madres in Mexico and the Chinati's in Texas. You can drive to the cabin by 2 routes:
1) From Marfa go south on hwy 67 59 miles to Presidio, just before entering town go right on FM 170. Take this road 36 miles to the ghost town of Ruidosa, as
you leave town take a right on the Hot Springs road, just before the cattle guard. There is a mosaic sign 'Chinati Hot Springs' Take this gravel road 7 miles,
the cabin is the only structure on this road, on the right sitting on a hill standing on stilts.
2) If you have a vehicle with good clearance and good tires, you can take Pinto Canyon road, also known as FM 2810. In Marfa, take 2810 south from hwy 90,
this road intersects at the rock and jewelry shop, 'Moonlight Gemstones', stop in and say hi to Paul. Take this paved road south for appx. 30 miles, it will
then become a gravel road, beautiful drive. Take this road for appx. 20 more miles, there will be an intersection with another road on your right. This
intersection has a small and confusing mosaic sign 'Chinati Hot Springs'. Go right on this road, it will meet up with the Hot Springs road in another 3-4 miles,
go right again. House will be on the right, small 2 story cabin on stilts.
Access
Car required
How to get there
From Marfa there are 2 routes, arrive before dark :
1)
Take hwy 67 south 59 miles towards Presidio, as you approach town go right on FM 170, headed west. Sign will say Ruidosa 36 miles; drive thru ghost town of Ruidosa appx 1 mile, just before cattle guard go right on Hot Springs road, small sign is there. Follow this gravel road 7 miles, cabin is on right.
2)
This route is more scenic but rougher, high clearance vehicle with good tires required.
From Marfa take Pinto Canyon rd/ FM 2810, follow this road south 30 + miles, it will become a gravel road. Take this road down into the canyon, eventually climbs up out of the canyon, look for sign on right 'Hot Springs', go right, then right at next intersection, 3 miles house on right.
Activities nearby
Horse riding facilitiesWatersports
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