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Dobson House--Famous Taos Earthship

Vacation home near Rio Grande Gorge Bridge in Arroyo Hondo

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Photo gallery for Dobson House--Famous Taos Earthship

Smart TV, fireplace, stereo
Interior
Property grounds
Interior
Property grounds

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

1 bedroom3 bathroomsSleeps 46500 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor Space
  • Parking included
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
Arroyo Hondo, NM
  • Place, Río Grande del Norte National Monument
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Rio Grande Gorge Bridge
    ‪14 min drive‬
  • Place, Taos Plaza
    ‪23 min drive‬
  • Airport, Taos, NM (TSM-Taos Regional)
    ‪12 min drive‬

Room options

About the neighborhood

Arroyo Hondo

City center stay.At this Arroyo Hondo vacation home, you'll be within 6 miles (10 km) of Rio Grande Gorge Bridge and 9 miles (15 km) of Carson National Forest. Earthship BioTecture is within 9 miles (15 km) and Kit Carson Park is within 12 miles (20 km).
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What's nearby

  • Río Grande del Norte National Monument - 4 min drive - 1.4 miles
  • Rio Grande Gorge Bridge - 14 min drive - 7.4 miles
  • Kit Carson Park - 23 min drive - 13.2 miles
  • Taos Plaza - 23 min drive - 13.6 miles
  • Taos Ski Valley - 38 min drive - 25.8 miles

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • ‪Midtown Market and Lounge - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Taos Mesa Brewing - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Jose's Birthday Get Away - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Sabor Perijanero - ‬24 min drive
  • ‪Mountain View Lounge - ‬18 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.

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. 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 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. The massive gourmet commercial kitchen and living room are yours to use. 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 requires a caretaker and my sweet dog, Ruby, and I are on premises to ensure your experience is exceptional. Wonderfully off the beaten path, vehicles with AWD or 4WD and good clearance are necessary in inclement weather.

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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

  • 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
  • Smoking not allowed

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 within 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
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

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.

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. This property uses solar energy, plus a grey water recycling system. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit in each accommodation.

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

Frequently asked questions

How close is Dobson House--Famous Taos Earthship to the airport?

This vacation home is 6.1 mi (15-min drive) away from the Taos, NM (TSM-Taos Regional) airport, the closest popular airport to the property.

Does Dobson House--Famous Taos Earthship have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at this vacation home.

Does Dobson House--Famous Taos Earthship offer free breakfast?

This vacation home does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at Dobson House--Famous Taos Earthship?

No, there is no casino at this vacation home, but Taos Mountain Casino (24-min drive) is nearby.

What time is check-in at Dobson House--Famous Taos Earthship?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

Is there free parking at Dobson House--Famous Taos Earthship?

This vacation home offers free self parking.

Does Dobson House--Famous Taos Earthship have a pool?

This vacation home does not have a pool.

Does Dobson House--Famous Taos Earthship have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this vacation home.

How close is Dobson House--Famous Taos Earthship to downtown Arroyo Hondo?

This vacation home is 2.9 mi away from Arroyo Hondo.

Reviews

Dobson House--Famous Taos Earthship Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

10/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 198 out of 217 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 17 out of 217 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 217 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 217 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 217 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Shawn O.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Karin O.

Liked: Cleanliness
The location is remote and intoxicating and the house is fascinatingly wonderful. Ruby the dog is an awesome accompaniment and the best greeter around. Host Brenda is a lovely person and terrific communication. This place is seriously a dream. We plan on coming back again and taking more time to take advantage of the hiking and the hot springs nearby. If you want peace and quiet surrounded by nature and the coolest earth ship housing, spectacular star gazing, sunrises and sunsets then this is your place.
Beauty all around
Ruby the best greeter
Sunset
Sunset
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Keith A.

Liked: Cleanliness
The Dobson House is a truly exceptional property - we had an amazing time here. The house itself is so unique, kind of like where you'd expect a millionaire in the Flintstones to live - it is an incredible cross between rustic, glamorous, artistic, and homey. The views are incredible, and the walk to the Gorge is so close. The hosts were warm and nice, but also gave us our space and privacy - and Ruby is such a gentle and sweet dog. I highly recommend staying here.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jade M.

Liked: Cleanliness
The earthship was unlike anything we’ve experience before. It was unique, dynamic, and epic. It was the perfect compliment to the sweeping landscape that surrounded us. During the day we experienced the gorge hike led by Brenda’s incredible dog, Ruby who guided us down the gorge and stayed with us the entire afternoon as we all frolicked in the springs.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael L.

Liked: Cleanliness
What an amazing property! Gorgeous Earthship, amazing views, the rooms were spacious and clean, not only would I highly recommend, I’m already making plans to stay again. The proprietor was super helpful and very hospitable.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robin H.

Liked: Cleanliness
We had an absolutely wonderful stay at the Dobson house. The sunset views out of the wall of windows in the living room were amazing. Brenda was a gracious host and gave us several great recommendations for local restaurants and activities. It was just a short drive into Taos, but it still felt remote - a great place to return to each evening. The vast desert landscape has a timeless beauty...it was hard to leave!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Linda H.

Liked: Cleanliness
The Dobson house way exceeded our expectations. The home itself is the perfect marriage of artistry and engineering. It's an educational experience to see how well people can live off the grid.Super deluxe! The property is a bit remote and our jeep worked really well to get us there.We hiked down to the gorge and soaked in the mineral Springs.How wonderful! I just can't say enough good things. Brenda our host and her sweet dog Ruby were so good to us! We will definitely be staying there again.Hopefully!
Open concept from the kitchen to the main living room
Sweet Ruby
Amazing artwork
Gourmet chef's kitchen
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Raymond M.

Liked: Cleanliness
My wife and a friend stayed in 2 suites after a week in Santa Fe and Taos. Lots of room and separate bathrooms. Very unique and different place to stay. We really enjoyed the serenity of the Dobson House. Great way to relax before flying back home. A short easy hiking path takes you to an overlook of the Rio Grande gorge. Our host Brenda greeted us to show us around the main living area. She has a very positive presence and we enjoyed our brief contact with her. It has been two weeks ago since we stayed and the positive feelings remain.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

john s.

Liked: Cleanliness
Best experience ever with a property rental. The property itself is unbelievable and the host made it even better with her accommodating attitude. The most relaxing and calm weekend with views that cant be beat.Dont miss the hike to the gorge and a hot spings experience only a few minutes walk from your door. Super nice people and a really cool dog (Ruby). Hope to get back again.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Sherri P.

Liked: Cleanliness
This property is really something special, and the host was a real dream. The only reason I didn't give it five stars is as a caution to anyone who may be considering a late Summer visit, as we did. This is a true "Earthship Experience," meaning "eco-friendly" as in no A/C. I am a person who likes to rest in the afternoon and needs a cool room - typically 68 degrees at night in order to sleep. Despite the cooler desert nights, I found the room still too warm to sleep well and unbearably warm during the afternoons. If we had it to do over again, we would have chosen a different time of year.The location is quite remote, but still only 15-20 minutes outside of town, and a big WOW! with a 25-minute walk to the rim of the Rio Grande - took our breath away! Ruby, the sweetest dog ever, greeted us on our arrival. Brenda, our lovely host, was a wealth of info on all the most beautiful and interesting sites within walking distance of the house, including hot springs! The house itself was one of the most unique and interesting we've ever visited.If a luxury/spa-like experience is your jam, this may not be for you. However, if you want a truly authentic "Earthship Experience" with the majesty of nature as your main motivation, then look no further- this is your place!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

rudolf s.

Liked: Cleanliness
It was an incredible Taos experience daily walks to the gorge, and just a few miles into Taos for art walks and delicious local food
Stayed 18 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mari T.

Liked: Cleanliness

Yay for Earthships

We had a great visit; our host was wonderful, so was her sweet dog. We had great day trips around the area, hiked down to the Rio Grande from our front door, and enjoyed coming back to the cool calm earthship.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christina M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Amazing architectural gem!

Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

June H., KYLE

Liked: Cleanliness
This was a perfect home base for Taos desert and mountain adventures. It is very remote and beautiful, with hiking right out the door. Indoor stargazing with the Milky Way right out my bedroom window. It is a unique building with a really cool history. Our host Brenda was right on site with a wealth of knowledge about the area. I hope we get to come back soon.
We cooked in the shared kitchen and our breakfast here
Amazing view! Hot air balloons floated by in the morning.
Almost 360 views out the windows in the living room.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stefanie B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Outstanding!

Truly an unforgettable experience staying in one of the coolest places! Such a special and unique place. Brenda was amazing - she was very responsive and helped us a ton! Lovely stay. We will be back!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Adam B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Gorgeous house!

This property os beautiful, we loved every minute of it.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Richard P.

Liked: Cleanliness

DOBSON HOUSE

We had a great experience! I wish I had read the posting more thoroughly. Shared space! I didn't realize this until the property owner texted directions that also said we would share the fridge with her. No big deal. My bad. We wanted privacy and peace and that's what we received. Gorgeous!!! Peaceful rest. The road from hwy to Dobson is rough! I drove my Prius there. We were bouncing all over the place. All wheel or 4 wheel should suggested.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Heather H.

Liked: Cleanliness

A true getaway

Getting to the house is a bit of an adventure as it’s many miles down a washboard dirt road however, one you arrive and come and go you get comfortable with the driving options. We arrived at about 6pm after driving up from Albuquerque. We had check in info and our code worked to get into our private entrance. We were immediately greeted by Ruby, the house dog! The entrance is spectacular and opens onto the doors to both suites and the grand staircase that leads up to the main part of the house. Since only two of us stayed we had suite 1 and suite 2 was closed off. It’s a mirror of the suite we had with different decorations. We unloaded the car and then Brenda, our host and the owner came down to say hello. She was very friendly and helpful. We got settled and got our food upstairs to the kitchen. This is a shared space though we mostly had it to ourselves. We cooked dinner Friday night and enjoyed the beautiful panoramic view of the valley, mountains and the Rio Grande Gorge. We got up Saturday morning and headed out to the Gorge for a hike. Ruby joined us as we walked down the driveway and we found she knows her way around and happily lead us and waited and made sure we knew the right way to go then got us back to the house! So fun to have her along! Today we got up and hiked the other way and made it down to the river with Ruby as our guide. This was a wonderful experience and we enjoyed ourselves so much! We will be back!!
Private entrance and stairway to main level.
Our suite
Bathroom
Main living area with panoramic views
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Todd R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Awesome, unbelievable location, better than describe. Brenda is top-notch.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

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