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The Dobson House--Famous Taos Earthship

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your current months are December, 2024 and January, 2025.
December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for The Dobson House--Famous Taos Earthship

Smart TV, fireplace, stereo
Interior
Aerial view
Property grounds
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Reviews

9.8 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

1 bedroom3 bathroomsSleeps 46500 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
    Parking available
  • Kitchen
    Kitchen
  • Air conditioning
    Air conditioning
  • Fireplace
    Fireplace
  • Parking included
    Parking included
  • Outdoor Space
    Outdoor Space

Explore the area

Map
Arroyo Hondo, NM
  • Manby Hot Springs
    4 min drive
  • John Dunn Bridge
    13 min drive
  • Black Rock Hot Springs
    14 min drive
  • Taos, NM (TSM-Taos Regional)
    15 min drive

Room options

Similar properties

About the neighborhood

Arroyo Hondo

With a stay at this vacation home in Arroyo Hondo, you'll be 4.6 mi (7.4 km) from Rio Grande Gorge Bridge and 6.4 mi (10.3 km) from Carson National Forest. .This vacation home is 6.6 mi (10.7 km) from Earthship BioTecture and 10.8 mi (17.4 km) from Wheeler Peak Wilderness Area.

What's nearby

  • Rio Grande Gorge Bridge - 12 min drive - 4.6 miles
  • Black Rock Hot Springs - 14 min drive - 4.1 miles
  • Earthship BioTecture - 15 min drive - 6.7 miles
  • Kit Carson Park - 24 min drive - 12.0 miles
  • Taos Plaza - 25 min drive - 12.9 miles

Getting around

  • Taos, NM (TSM-Taos Regional) - 15 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Taos Mesa Brewing - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Midtown Bistro And Lounge - ‬22 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

The Dobson House--Famous Taos Earthship

Two beautiful bedroom suites are available in this magnificent 6,500-square-foot earthship. (See photos.) The second suite is automatically added for parties of 3-4. No matter the size, your guest party is the only one enjoying the house. Should your party of 2 want both suites, book for 3. The house sits high on a hill overlooking the majestic Rio Grande Gorge and is ringed by mountains. The two private suites occupy the entire lower level of the house which connects to the 300-degree-view living room and gourmet commercial kitchen via a grand underground staircase. Each adobe and Mexican-tiled suite has gorgeous views, a private patio, queen bed, sitting area, bathroom, mini fridge, microwave, and coffee and tea service. Access to wii-fi is in the lounge between suites, on the grand staircase, and in the living room and kitchen. Cook meals with upscale cookware and enjoy dining with magnificent views. Hike, bike, or snowshoe beautiful trails along the rim of the gorge right out your front door. A 10-minute hike from the house will bring you to breathtaking views of the canyon and Rio Grande 800-feet below. Mineral-rich hot springs and the John Dunn Bridge are a hike away. Gorgeous sunsets and starry skies await. This massive 6,500- square-foot earthship, exquisitely built for your privacy and connection with nature, requires a caretaker and my sweet dog, Ruby, and I have private quarters on premises to ensure your experience is fabulous. Wonderfully set off the beaten path, in inclement weather, vehicles with AWD or 4WD and good clearance are necessary.
Make yourself comfortable in this air-conditioned vacation home, which features a fireplace and a Smart TV. There's a private balcony or patio. A kitchen is outfitted with a refrigerator, an oven, and a stovetop. Complimentary wireless internet access is available to keep you connected.
Take in the views from a terrace and a garden and make use of amenities such as complimentary wireless internet access.
Free self parking is available onsite.

Property manager

Brenda Wilhelmson

Languages

English

Property amenities

Ski

  • Cross-country skiing nearby
  • Downhill skiing nearby
  • Ski area nearby
  • Snowboarding nearby

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car required
  • Free self parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Kitchen island
  • Kitchenette
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • Bedroom
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2.5 bathrooms
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room
  • Wood stove

Entertainment

  • Games
  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
  • Stereo

Outdoor areas

  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio
  • Terrace
  • Yard

Laundry

  • Laundromat nearby

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Service animals only (pets not allowed)

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Handrails in stairways
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Well-lit path to entrance
  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Concierge services
  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • In the city center
  • In the mountains
  • Near a hospital
  • Near the airport
  • On a river

Things to do

  • Hiking/biking trails
  • Mountain biking
  • Snow sports gear
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Casino nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Rafting nearby
  • Rock climbing nearby
  • Sledding nearby
  • Snowmobiling nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • At least 10% of profits reinvested in community and sustainability
  • Eco-friendly toiletries
  • Garden
  • Grey water recycling system
  • Humane treatment of captive wild animals
  • Local artist showcase
  • Local culture and ecosystem education
  • Locally-owned and organized tours and activities
  • Property does not allow children
  • Solar energy
  • Unit size: 6,500 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

There is no front desk at this property
Guests will receive an email 24 hours before arrival with check-in instructions and an access code; your host will greet you
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Access methods

Access code, host will greet you

Pets

Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)

Children and extra beds

This property does not allow children

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events are allowed on site; maximum attendees: 10
This property uses solar energy, plus a grey water recycling system
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
A car is required for transportation to and from this property

Property is also known as

Vrbo Property
The Dobson House--famous Taos Earthship Arroyo Hondo
The Dobson House--famous Taos Earthship Private vacation home

The Dobson House--Famous Taos Earthship Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 171 out of 187 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 14 out of 187 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 187 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 187 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 187 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Allan C.

Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Thomas D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Remember Earthships are earthy not 5 star hotels
We are very familiar with Earthships and love the earthy nature of the Dobson Earthship in Taos. The road to the 6,000 sq. ft. Earthship was dirt. warn and rutted by their recent torrential rains. Our all wheel drive was sufficient to navigate the several miles of dirt roads. The host, Brenda is wonderful and very knowledgeable about Michael Reynold's architecture. Lots of beautifully designed steps to climb so be prepared for the exercise. Not for the physically weak or impaired. You want a good taste of authentic Earthship life that can accommodate more than two if you take friends, the Dobson Earthship may be a good choice.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jessa L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Getaway with my mom
This was the most spectacular diamond I’ve ever stayed at. Everything about it was so profound. It was like staying in a piece of art. Brenda is the most phenomenal, glowing and warmhearted human. She is the perfect host, so open and gracious welcoming you into her peace and tranquility. I would return back without a doubt. And definitely keeping this one on my to do list.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Terry P., Knoxville

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect
Great place to stay to see the sunset and the amazing stars at night. Would suggest staying there i9n the much cooler months. It was hot in there, but worth it
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Douglas L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Gorgeous Property
We loved staying here and look forward to coming back!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Christopher C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Truly remarkable site in a beautiful setting
This is a truly unique and beautiful place--very happy to have had the experience of visiting. The suite is comfortable and beautifully designed and constructed. Note that there is only one double bed and a couch, so really best for singles or couples. The common areas of the earthship are really amazing--huge, spacious and beautifully constructed and appointed. Amazing gourmet kitchen! The outdoor space is unlike anything you have ever seen. The setting is starkly beautiful. The night sky is amazing. Note that the driveway really requires 4WD to access. Owner--and her dog--are very friendly and welcoming. Loved it!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Leroy S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Quiet and secluded getaway
Amazing view on top of a hill. Took the short hike to the Rio Grande gorge edge and a path along it for a bit. Amazing views of the river. At the house Ruby the watchdog kept us safe from coyotes; often perched atop the lower roof keeping watch and taking off to chase them away. Fabulous kitchen with a great Wolf gas range. The sky was right for a great sunset on our last night. Super comfortable bed in our suite. Our host, Brenda, lives on site in a wing off the main area and we saw her a couple times during our stay. She gave us plenty of welcome information. Be ready to get your steps in! 23 from the parking area to the suite, and 41 up the grand staircase to the main level. There are a few landings along the way and they are short steps. We enjoyed our one of a kind getaway.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Susan C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Neat place
We enjoyed our stay and Brenda was very accommodating!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Beverly D.

Liked: Cleanliness
WOW!!! ABSOLUTELY STUNNING!
I’d give this house 15 stars if I could! This place is absolutely stunning from the moment you walk in the door. We just rented one of the bedroom suites but if you went with another couple you each would have complete privacy and then share the rest of the 6500 sf house! The art and furnishings are so cute and interesting. The dramatic 100 ft grand staircase is so beautiful and when you reach the top you have beautiful views in a 1600 sf living space. I wish I could live here permanently! We didn’t cook, but if you wanted to, it has a gourmet kitchen with anything you could possibly need. Brenda, the owner, lives upstairs in the back with Ruby her sweet dog. She comes and goes, but is never intrusive on your personal space and is a delight to talk to! This earthship house is so interesting with beautiful architectural lines! It’s a little bit outside of town (about 15 minutes) but it’s totally worth it to enjoy the peace and solitude! It’s an easy hike to the rim of the gorge. We didn’t do the hike to the hot springs but that’s fairly close as well. It would be a great place to stay in the winter if you’re planning on skiing Taos cause it’s probably only about 40 minutes away. This was definitely one of the best accommodations we’ve ever stayed in. LOVED IT!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Bill G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Loved it
We loved our stay at the Dobson house and glad we spent 3 nights to take the area in. Brenda is an awesome host. Wealth of local knowledge, great dining recommendations. Ruby, Brenda's pup is sweet and very well mannered. Wonderful location, the rim of the gorge is a quick walk down the hill along with access down to Manby springs. Gorge bridge is a short drive. Great base camp for our day trips into the mountains too! Really enjoyed it and would certainly stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Liam D.

Liked: Cleanliness
The Dobson House
The Dobson house is spectacular, a wonderful place to stay, and the host is fabulous.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

Steven M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fabulous views/location!
The views of the Rio Grande river gorge are amazing from Dobson House! This is a huge house! We enjoyed our stay—a unique experience to stay in an earthship. The bedroom/bathroom is large and has nice views and the large living area has spectacular floor to ceiling windows all for enjoying the amazing natural beauty of the surroundings. Great for star gazing since there is no light pollution. A few things to be aware of: 1) an AWD vehicle is really best for accessing the property, 2) the a/c is a swamp cooler on the living room/kitchen level. There is no cooling system in the bedrooms other than windows and fans so it was warm during our July stay, 3) be aware that the hostess stays in the house, on the upper level in a wing guests don’t use. We didn’t care but some people do so just throwing it out there. We didn’t see her much but she’s pleasant and knows a lot about earthships — we enjoyed speaking with her and her dog is a sweety! 4) this isn’t the house for you if you have mobility issues—lots of steps since it’s so large.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

James N.

Liked: Cleanliness
A unique experience
The Dobson house is a unique experience. Earthships are a neat concept and the Dobson house does not disappoint. The house manager stays on site to make sure the house runs properly, but don’t let that be a concern for you will have your privacy. We felt like we had the house to ourselves. The trails around the house are amazing, with a private trail that leads to a hot spring. Overall highly recommend staying at this unique place.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jon G., Dallas tx

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Stay!!!
This home is amazing and we loved our stay!!! Beautiful sunsets every night, tons of stars!! Great private location but close to everything.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Julie K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great place to stay thank you
We stayed for one night for a concert it was an awesome place slept great beautiful views. The Star gazing was amazin; g
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mark B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Earthship
Amassing totally different Brenda wasgreat loved ruby the dog
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Edwin B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wow
A one of a kind! Wonderful place to stay if you visit Taos. Incredible!!!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sarah D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Magical
We only stayed one night but really enjoyed it. The owner was very knowledgeable on the history of the house and the surrounding area. We especially liked the story of Arthur Manby. A hike to the hot springs is a must. Ruby, the owner’s dog, is an absolute delight- she was our tour guide to the hot springs.
Stayed 1 night in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Arthur B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Excellent house great location
We loved our stay here. Got to see the stars from inside and outside the house and we hiked to the hot springs. It is a unique location and we would highly recommend it.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rich M.

Liked: Cleanliness
wonderful location and experience
Our stay at the Dobson Earthship was wonderful. Brenda is a fabulous host and it was an incredible experience.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lisa M., East Greenbush

Liked: Cleanliness
One of the most unique places EVER!
Location was easy to find, check in quick and the location and the house itself are stunning. Very unusual house, great backstory and the owner Brenda was super nice. And we loved Ruby the dog! Everything was super clean, pillows were amazing and we had a super relaxing and chill stopover. Absolutely would recommend
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

kyle a.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful
Unique property with incredible views, privacy, and natural beauty. The perfect place to connect with nature and enjoy a one of a kind home in a one of a kind location. On our 1 night stay we saw coyotes and bighorn sheep!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lola R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Memories made…
This property has spectacular views, beautiful decor, and warm, welcoming owners. It was the perfect two nights to end our get a way to New Mexico. Everything you need, and beautiful surroundings.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Matthew S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Unique house with great host!
My fiancé and I really enjoyed our stay here, Brenda was a fantastic host and gave us great tips on where to hike around Taos. We had everything we needed and Brenda even helped us when we were in a pinch and needed our car jumped! Best and most unique VRBO I’ve stayed in, hands down!
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Robyn D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxing getaway
The property was beautiful and somewhat secluded. Not difficult to find. I enjoyed a hike, the stillness, and the scenery. A very relaxing place to stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024