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.
