Domeland: Off-grid Adobe Dome near Big Bend

Dome in Terlingua, Texas

  1. 3 guests
  2. 1 bedroom
  3. 1 bed
  4. Half-bath
Hosted by Trevor
  1. Superhost
  2. 14 years hosting

Listing highlights

Top 5% of homes

This home is highly ranked based on ratings, reviews, and reliability.

In the Chihuahuan Desert near Big Bend

A remote desert setting about 25 minutes by car from Big Bend National Park's entrance

A handmade earth-built dome

An off-grid adobe dome powered by solar, with a kitchen, wifi, and unobstructed desert horizon

The night sky steals the show

Guests highlight the night sky above all else, with many calling the stargazing unforgettable
A remote, off-grid adobe dome, powered by solar power, and near Big Bend National Park.

The space
Thanks to HGTV for taking an interest and for featuring the Dome on "Mighty Tiny Houses". And for the "House of What?!" for featuring Domeland in Season 2, episode 5.

Now booking the Summer of 2024! (Please scroll down to the summertime disclaimer below)

NEW: The dome now has A/C! Being off the grid, the A/C is limited to solar hours only. This update makes the summer months much more tolerable.

The Off Grid Dome shelter is accepting guests to share the off-grid experience, and to also help fund this project and future projects . The dome is a very remote and unique space in the desert near Big Bend National Park.

The dome rests in an isolated but easily accessible off-grid setting in one of the few remaining territories under a dark sky ordinance, which offers unmatched views of the night sky, and a completely unobstructed view of a horizon that delivers truly majestic sunrises and sunsets. Though the dome is isolated, the entrance to Big Bend National Park is just a 25 minute drive and the historic Terlingua Ghost town about the same.

The dome is an earthen structure, with a cob (adobe) barrier to provide shelter from the desert elements such as heat, cold, winds, and rain.

The small but functional dome kitchen provides a two burner propane stove and oven, as well as a refrigerator that is powered by solar power. In fact, all power to the dome comes directly from a modest solar energy system and will power phones, laptops, and lights, but not much more (no hair dryers for instance). UPDATE: There is now a small A/C window unit that can operate during solar hours. A/C is not guaranteed. The kitchen sink pumps water from a small rain collection cistern and thus I ask guests to be very strategic with water use. Guests are recommended to bring one's own drinking water, although backup bottled water is provided onsite as a backup at cost.

The Dome bed sleeps two comfortably. Linens, pillows, and a blanket (and a duvet in colder months are provided for the main bed. The pallet couch does sleep a third person quite comfortably, but guests must bring their own linens or sleeping bag (and pillow) for a third guest.

In hotter months, a fan is provided, and the nature of the thick adobe provides a buffer against the Summer temps (with limitations). The wrap around windows provides a good cross breeze and fresh air when needed. In cooler months, a small propane heater is provided for a little extra boost, as well as clean linens and a duvet cover. The dome and linens will not be cleaned during your stay.

There is no flush toilet, and so you must be comfortable using a composting toilet that is in a separate, and private outhouse next to the dome. There is no shower on site, but I can give you recommendations for $2 coin showers in town. Or you can try an outdoor solar bag shower on the property.

There is wifi on site. The property is very accessible by road, with only the last mile being on a gravel road in good condition. Read house rules to learn about amenities.

SUMMERTIME DISCLAIMER (June through September): The Summer can get hot here in the desert but the adobe dome gives a good buffer against the outside elements. The window unit AC in the dome can only be used during solar hours and while the sun is out but the fan can be used anytime. There are also perimeter windows to entice a night breeze. Also, bugs and other desert creatures tend to culminate in the Summer months. Don’t be surprised if you encounter a scorpion or black widow spider and don’t be frightened either as they are relatively harmless and non-threatening. I do have the dome on a somewhat forgiving 5 night out cancelation policy during off-peak periods and so if the 10 day forecast looks too scary for you, you can cancel without penalty. Many say that Summer is their favorite time of the year out here. But it all depends on one's heat tolerance.

Also, I'd like to mention, if it is not already implied, that as a host I subscribe to Airbnb's Community Commitment and nondiscrimination policy which states... " We believe that no matter who you are, where you are from, or where you travel, you should be able to belong in the Airbnb community. By joining this community, you commit to treat all fellow members of this community, regardless of race, religion, national origin, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or age, with respect, and without judgment or bias."

And now back to our regular scheduled program...

Looking forward to hearing from you and even more so, to hosting you out here in the magnificence of the Big Bend.

Guest access
A private earth-built dome, parking, wifi, a kitchen, kitchen supplies, and a composting toilet.

What this place offers

Desert view
Mountain view
Kitchen
Wifi – 31 Mbps
Free parking on premises
Unavailable: Carbon monoxide alarm
Unavailable: Smoke alarm

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Rated 4.95 out of 5 from 1,085 reviews.

Guest favorite
This home is in the top 5% of eligible listings based on ratings, reviews, and reliability

Overall rating

  1. 5 stars, 96% of reviews
  2. 4 stars, 4% of reviews
  3. 3 stars, 0% of reviews
  4. 2 stars, 0% of reviews
  5. 1 stars, 0% of reviews

Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for cleanliness

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for accuracy

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for check-in

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for communication

Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for location

Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for value

Guest reviews mention

Where you’ll be

Terlingua, Texas, United States
This listing's location is verified and the exact location will be provided after booking.

Neighborhood highlights

The only amenities that the dome is in walking distance to are the natural features of the Chihuahuan desert, spectacular sunrises and sunsets, and one of the best locations in the world to see the unobstructed night sky.

A large grocery store called "The Cottonwood" with everything from organics to vices is in Study Butte and is about 20 minutes away by car. They are open until 9 PM.

The entrance to the National Park is about 25 minutes away, and the Chisos Mountains in the National Park takes about an hour. There are some great trails up there. If you like hot springs, there is a great one near Rio Grande Village in the National Park. It is a good way to rest the muscles after a good day hike. Give yourself an hour and a half to get back to the dome from the hot springs.

Terlingua Ghost Town has a great restaurant called the Starlight Theatre. There is music there almost every night. The closest restaurant to the dome is called Tivos. It has great authentic Mexican food and I think is only open Thursday through Saturday nights. Service can take awhile because they make everything from scratch.

You are welcome to try an outdoor solar shower at the dome, but your best bet are the showers up at the Terlingua Ranch Lodge (13 miles up the road from the dome), or the $2 coin showers in Study Butte at the Big Bend Motor Inn. The $2 showers are on your way to and from the National Park and there are multiple showers. The Terlingua Ranch Lodge has a great swimming pool that costs $5 per car, which includes a bath house with showers as well. Bring your own towel.

Meet your host

Superhost
1,771 reviews
4.96 out of 5 average rating
14 years of hosting
My work: performing songwriter
Lives in Big Bend National Park, Texas
I am a touring musician who is back and forth between two self built homes in the tiny towns of Terlingua, Texas (Big Bend National Park) and Thomas, West Virginia (Monongahela National Forest). It is a great pleasure to share these spaces and places with the Airbnb community when I'm not living there myself. As my guest, you are also helping to fund these projects, as well as to serve as an exchange when I travel and tour to other unique spaces and experiences. Thanks for being my guest. - Trevor

Trevor is a Superhost

Superhosts are experienced, highly rated hosts who are committed to providing great stays for guests.

Co-hosts

  • Tiffany
  • Georganne
  • Marcia

Host details

Response rate: 100%
Responds within an hour
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Things to know

Cancellation policy
House rules
Check-in after 3:00 PM
Checkout before 11:00 AM
3 guests maximum
Safety & property
Carbon monoxide alarm not reported
Smoke alarm not reported