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Dobson House--Famous Taos Earthship Inn

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Smart TV, fireplace, stereo
Smart TV, fireplace, stereo
1 bedroom, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets
Property grounds
Interior

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

1 bedroom3 bathroomsSleeps 4604 sq m

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

Map
Arroyo Hondo, NM
  • Rio Grande Gorge Bridge
    ‪17 min drive‬
  • Earthship BioTecture
    ‪20 min drive‬
  • Taos Plaza
    ‪27 min drive‬
  • Taos, NM (TSM-Taos Regional)
    ‪14 min drive‬

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About this property

Entire place

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

Dobson House--Famous Taos Earthship Inn

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. Should parties of 2 want both suites, book for 3. You will be the only guests during your booking. Dobson House sits high on a hill ringed by mountains overlooking the Rio Grande Gorge. The two suites occupy the entire lower level of the inn and connect to the magnificent 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. Cook meals in the gourmet commercial kitchen. Dine with gorgeous views. Hike, bike, or snowshoe beautiful trails. The rim of the gorge, where you'll find breathtaking views of the canyon and Rio Grande 800-feet below, is a 10-minute hike from your door. Mineral-rich hot springs are a hike away. Gorgeous sunsets and starry skies await. This exquisite 6,500-square-foot earthship, built to be an exclusive inn, requires a caretaker, and my sweet dog, Ruby, and I reside in private quarters on premises. Wonderfully off the beaten path, vehicles with AWD or 4WD and good clearance are necessary in inclement weather.
Our customers tell us they can't get enough of this holiday home's great location. During your stay, you'll be within walking distance of Río Grande del Norte National Monument. You'll find features such as free WiFi in public areas and free self-parking, plus concierge services. The holiday home offers free WiFi and a kitchen.
  • Air-conditioned home with kitchen, 2.5 bathrooms and fireplace
  • Free WiFi
  • Free self-parking
  • Services include a concierge
  • On-site recreation includes mountain biking and hiking/biking trails
  • 4.6 mi (7.4 km) from Rio Grande Gorge Bridge and 6.4 mi (10.3 km) from Carson National Forest
As a guest of Dobson House--Famous Taos Earthship Inn, you'll find a terrace, a garden, and concierge services. Public spaces have free WiFi. Self parking is free.

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 transport

  • Car required
  • Free self parking on site

Kitchen

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

  • No pets allowed, but service animals are welcome

Children and extra beds

  • This property does not allow children.

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession.
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
This property uses solar energy, plus a grey water recycling system
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that 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
This property does not have a front desk. Guests will receive an email 24 hours before arrival with check-in information and an access code. The host will greet guests on arrival. You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions. You will also receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, which will enable you to manage your booking.
Property Registration Number HO-14-2022

Property is also known as

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

Dobson House--Famous Taos Earthship Inn Reviews

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 180 out of 198 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 16 out of 198 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 198 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 198 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 198 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Sally K.

Liked: Cleanliness

A One of a Kind Property

We were greeted by Ruby the VRBO dog when we arrived for our 2 night stay. She's an awesome pup! We enjoyed talking to Brenda and learning about the property from her. Her collection of art in the house is wonderful. We made two dinners and breakfasts and found everything we needed in the kitchen. Sunsets were amazing. Walking down to the view of the Rio Grande was an experience. We didn't make the trek to the river itself. From the house, we went to the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge, visited the Harwood Museum (loved it), toured the earth house community, had lunch at Michaels Kitchen (delicious huge servings), explored cemeteries and churches. Cyd's was a good place to grocery ship for what we needed. Smiths has a bigger selection. The gravel road is a bit teeth rattling but the house makes it all worth it.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

katie p.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kristin M.

Liked: Cleanliness

A Truly Unique Taos Experience

This property is absolutely beautiful! We were so grateful that Brenda shares the Dobson house. She was a responsive, friendly, and gracious host, and the house is really incredible. The location feels remote and offers breathtaking scenery, but you're still close to town. We would love to stay here again!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Ted W.

Liked: Cleanliness

Partner's 40th

This house is a gem! Huge layout and interesting "gala" appropriate stairs. Hosts live in back hall from kitchen, which is not listed, so this is importnat to know. We felt like teenagers sneaking around a bit, but hosts were also really awesome folks. The one encouragement my partner had was a more cozy atmosphere in the downstairs bedroom. It really could have used a large comfy area rug below and above, and more areas to hang belongings. Electric stove did not work, but sun helped warm the place up on the warmer of the three days. Loved the spot, location, vibe and architecture....a "homier, cozier" vibe would be our only gripe. Thanks Brenda!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Timothy S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Very cool!

Brenda is a great host, and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay. The place is absolutely silent, which is good for the soul. We walked in the fresh snow to the edge of the gorge and it was beautiful. My only disappointment was that the fireplace in the suite is off limits due to some totally legitimate technical issues. Knowing that ahead of time wouldn't have made a difference except that I wouldn't have got my hopes up for a fire next to the bed. Arriving close to sunset while it was snowing meant that our suite was quite cold the first night and the radiator had trouble keeping up. But by morning it had warmed up and all was well.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jamey S.

Liked: Cleanliness

A wonderful stay at the Dobson House

We were looking for a getaway location away from Taos along the Rio Grande Gorge. The Dobson House was perfect for our needs. Our bedroom suite was tucked away with good views, and the grand steps up to the living room, dining room, and kitchen led to incredible 270º views of the Gorge. Brenda and her pooch Ruby were super friendly. If you want complete privacy during your stay, ask Brenda beforehand. If not, Brenda is available in a private part of the house if needed. Note that the temperature of the rooms in the Earthship varies widely during the daytime and nighttime. As we were there in the heart of winter, we lit a fire in the evening and sat near it in the living room. The bedroom cooled down at night, but we were cozy in the bed and had a heater if needed. The hiking nearby is fabulous, dramatic, and quiet. Early one morning, we hiked down to the hot springs and had them to ourselves at the bottom of the gorge. We will be back again in the future!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lois E.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brent C.

Liked: Cleanliness

A pretty amazing and unusual place

Built into the hillside, the suites are cozy and stay a nice temperature night or day. Up the stairs, the kitchen is amazing if you like to cook, with a huge oven and sink with plenty of places to hang out around the central wood stove. The water, fed from mountain springs, is super cold and tasty. The host was great, and showed us cool places to go.Bring a vehicle with good suspension, as the road in is a little bumpy on the way in. Some bits are a little funky, like you have to be little mindful of overloading the electricity - this is an off-grid house after all - but it's not a big deal. The house and views are definitely worth the little extra effort, and you're only 30-40 minutes away from skiing, fishing, or sitting in hot springs.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

stephani B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Much needed Getaway

We intended to relax, hike, and enjoy beauty. This place looks amazing in photos but does not compare to its look and feel. There are so many interesting details about this home; the owner engages with her guests and is happy to discuss the home's construction and history. The short walk to the Rio Grand is not difficult and has places to take photos and read a book. We left feeling sad our time was over and already miss the views from the bedroom. We will be booking again.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Deanne Z.

Liked: Cleanliness

Peaceful beauty

My adult son and I have always wanted to stay in an Earthship house, and The Dobson House did not disappoint. There is a very healing stillness and quiet in the home and the views are spectacular. Ruby the hosts dog is very sweet, and the owner was fantastic.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

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

Verified traveller

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