Fort Davis house rental - The Milky Way shines over Hopes Ranch: an astronomer's dream
The Milky Way shines over Hopes Ranch: an astronomer's dream
  • Fort Davis house rental - The Milky Way shines over Hopes Ranch: an astronomer's dream
    Hopes Ranch in Summer
    Set apart on 40 acres
    Spacious living room and dining area
    Dining Room
 
Fort Davis house rental - The Milky Way shines over Hopes Ranch: an astronomer's dream

The Milky Way shines over Hopes Ranch: an astronomer's dream

Hopes Ranch in Summer

Hopes Ranch in Summer

Set apart on 40 acres

Set apart on 40 acres

Spacious living room and dining area

Spacious living room and dining area

Dining Room

Dining Room

  • Bedrooms3
  • Sleeps8
  • 2 Bathrooms, 
  • 1 Half Bath
Minimum Stay 2 nights
 
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Photos and Description of the Fort Davis vacation house rental
House, 3 Bedrooms + Sleeping Porch, 2.5 Baths, (Sleeps 8)

Our favorite part of the ranch house is the screened porch. Our guests tell us they often head out to the porch with their coffee in the mornings and find they don't move again until lunch! The views are so broad, and the opportunities to see quail, deer and sheep keep things exciting.

We take pride in our comfortable beds in all 3 rooms. The spacious living/dining area are perfect not only for eating, but for visiting and playing games. And kids can run all over the grounds, finding 'treasures' on scavanger hunts.

Indoors, the extra dining tables are often used to set up jigsaw puzzles, and folks often use the basket of paperbacks to relax with a good book. Our goal is for our guests to relax completely, while putting them in close proximity to the favorite tourist attractions. We offer the best of both

History buffs: The Fort Davis National Historic Site features one of the nations' best preserved frontier forts. During special events, costumed reinactors perform live skits. This is a 'must see' for any visit to Fort Davis. Only 2 miles from Hopes Ranch.

Astronomers delight: Famous for the McDonald Observatory, Fort Davis features the darkest night skies in the lower 48 states. While staying at Hopes Ranch, you can set up lawn chairs and lie flat on your back to see a bejeweled sky. Only 18 miles away is the observatory, with a fabulous visitor center featuring both guided and self-guided tours. Twilight parties and Star Parties are featured 3 nights each week, with well-trained, highly educated docents to lead them. Don't miss this!

Gateway to Big Bend National Park: If you're on the way to Big Bend National Park, plan to spend a few days here in the Davis Mountains before you journey on. There is a lot to see and do in Fort Davis, and you can even make a quick day trip to Big Bend if your schedule is tight.

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About Steve & Carla Kennedy

Steve and Carla are life-long Texans, having grown up in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area. We graduated from Baylor University before heading to Austin for 25 years in the industrial sector. We raised our family there, and founded a welding supply business. After we sold our business, we headed west to establish the Old Schoolhouse Bed and Breakfast in Fort Davis. Our daughter's family loves to visit to slow down from their fast paced lives. The grandkids, like most of our guests, like being 'unplugged' for a while. We love the simpler life style and wouldn't trade it for anything.

Steve & Carla Kennedy purchased this house in 2004
Why Steve & Carla Kennedy chose Fort Davis

We came to Fort Davis in 1999 to live more simply. As long-time owners of the Old Schoolhouse Bed and Breakfast in Fort Davis, we saw a need for an alternative accommodation here, and Hope Wilson was kind enough to sell us her ranch. We're pleased to offer it as a rental so others can enjoy our beautiful part of the state. The climate, the scenery, the people, and the hospitality all combine to make this a great place to visit and to live.

8 Reviews of Property 344909 in Fort Davis, Texas

Hopes Ranch Guest House
average rating of 5.0 based on 8 reviews
business
Hopes Ranch Guest House
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p344909
+1 432-426-2050
Fort Davis Big Bend
San Angelo, TX
5

Perfect setting for family get together.

5 of 5
Submitted: September 16, 2012 Stayed: August 2012
We stayed over Labor Day weekend with our grown children. It was the perfect getaway. The house is very spacious with lots of private spots to curl up with a book or join the rest of the family in the comfortable living area. The kitchen had everything we needed and was plenty big enough for several cooks at the same time. The propane grill was ready to go our first night there. We did lots of cooking and especially enjoyed shopping at the organic grocery in town. We enjoyed all our meals on the screened porch. Lots of comfortable seating, especially the glider, and the large picnic table had room for all of us.
The house was everything the description implied. It had a very comfortable, homey feel. Beautiful views and cool breezes through the open windows. We seldom needed the evaporative cooler, but when we did it cooled the house quickly.
We drove to Marfa for the Marfa Lights Festival and to the Star Party at the McDonald Observatory. Both were just a short distance away. We felt peaceful and secluded at Hope's Ranch but could be in Fort Davis in just a few minutes. We will definitely return to Hope's Ranch.
Recommended for:  Age 55+, Adventure Seekers, Girls Getaway, Sightseeing, Families with Teenagers, Families with Young Children
Owner's Response: We're so glad you enjoyed your visit. We think the porch is one of the favorite places to chill out, so we are glad you thought so, too. We hope this is the first of many visits.
business
Hopes Ranch Guest House
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p344909
+1 432-426-2050
Fort Davis Big Bend
Willis, Texas
5

Great stay, great sleep, great surroundings

5 of 5
Submitted: January 25, 2012 Stayed: August 2011
My husband and I stayed a Hope's ranch for 4 days in August 2011. We had everything that we needed. The views were beautiful and the accomodations were first class.
As a couples retreat, we had the time and quiet to focus on each other. However, the home is perfect for a family getaway or reunion as well.
Whether you want to hide out or get together, the Kennedy's have thought of everything you could need!
Recommended for:  Age 55+, Adventure Seekers, Girls Getaway, Sightseeing, Families with Teenagers, Families with Young Children, Romantic Getaway
Owner's Response: We are glad you had a good time, and we look forward to another opportunity to host you.
Helpful votes: 1/1
business
Hopes Ranch Guest House
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p344909
+1 432-426-2050
Fort Davis Big Bend
Texas
5

NYE 2012

5 of 5
Submitted: January 4, 2012 Stayed: December 2011
A group of 8 of us stayed here for over New Year's Eve 2012 and had a great time. The house is very comfortable and the Kennedys were extremely accommodating. We were late for our check-in and they were nice enough to wait on us to arrive. The house is the perfect mixture of seclusion and accessibility to town. I highly recommend Hope's Ranch to anyone looking to stay in beautiful Fort Davis.
Recommended for:  Age 55+, Adventure Seekers, Sightseeing, Families with Teenagers, Families with Young Children, Romantic Getaway
Owner's Response: We're glad you guys enjoyed yourselves and were such good stewards of the property. That will help us keep it nice for the folks that will come later. Please come back anytime you're out here in the Texas mountains.
Helpful votes: 1/1
business
Hopes Ranch Guest House
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p344909
+1 432-426-2050
Fort Davis Big Bend
austin
5

beautiful place!

5 of 5
Submitted: December 28, 2011 Stayed: November 2011
My husband and I spent two cold, late-fall nights here on our way to Big Bend and couldn't have been happier. The house is tastefully and comfortably furnished with a nice open layout and beautiful wood floors, the kitchen was well stocked, and the king-sized bed in the master extremely comfortable. Lots of nice touches like games, warm throw for the couch, binoculars and bird books, etc...Wifi worked great...Just a short drive into town, but a very peaceful, secluded spot and a nice jumping- off spot for day hikes and bikes. The owners were very helpful and accommodating - even when we ended up arriving late - and made sure we were settled with everything we need. It would be a great place for a family gathering...
Recommended for:  Age 55+, Girls Getaway, Sightseeing, Families with Young Children
Owner's Response: Thanks for your kind words. We hope this is the first of many visits.
Helpful votes: 1/1
business
Hopes Ranch Guest House
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p344909
+1 432-426-2050
Fort Davis Big Bend
Dakar, West Africa
5

A Wonderful Break

5 of 5
Submitted: August 16, 2011 Stayed: July 2011
Our family of 4, 2 adults and 2 teenagers spent a superb 5 nights at Hope Ranch (in July). Despite the burn damage to the surroundings the landscape was still evocative and we enjoyed stunning sunsets and dawns. I can truly say that I enjoyed everything about the experience - the kitchen was well stocked with both hardware and basic supplies. Furniture was all comfortable and Fort Davis delightful. We would not hesitate to return and I hope that it will be sooner rather than later.
Recommended for:  Age 55+, Adventure Seekers, Sightseeing, Families with Teenagers, Romantic Getaway
Owner's Response: I'm so glad that you enjoyed it all, even after the burn. Now that the rains have come, everything is really green around here,and it's much more like our normal summertime temperatures. I'm glad we're moving forward, and we thank you for being part of our recovery.
Helpful votes: 1/1
business
Hopes Ranch Guest House
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p344909
+1 432-426-2050
Fort Davis Big Bend
San Antonio tx
5

quiet serenity

5 of 5
Submitted: December 28, 2010 Stayed: October 2010
I have stayed here several times; with family & by myself. My favorite place to decompress from big city (San Antonio) living. Very clean, spacious home with ample amenities. Carla is available if needed, but otherwise you might not see another soul until you go to "town". Good meals available at the Limpia Hotel in Fort Davis. You really should range out to Marfa (Hotel Paisano) and Alpine (Eidelweiss Brewery & Restaurant). And you have thousands of miles to explore in Big Bend. Spend a few hours hiking in the Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute just outside town. And McDonald Observatory is great for stargazers. The Marfa Lights Viewing Center 7miles outside Marfa is a place not to be missed. We met people from Russia, Germany, and Japan who had travelled just to see this phenom....is it real? I don't care, it is fascinating. 2 thumbs up to Hope's Ranch, and the entire area.
Recommended for:  Age 55+, Adventure Seekers, Sightseeing, Families with Young Children, Romantic Getaway
Helpful votes: 1/1
business
Hopes Ranch Guest House
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p344909
+1 432-426-2050
Fort Davis Big Bend
Dallas, TX
5

Another Day in Paradise

5 of 5
Submitted: September 20, 2010 Stayed: August 2010
A plaque in the porch at Hope's Ranch says "Just another Day in Paradise" and it is so true. My husband and I loved our month's visit there in 2009 so much that this year we added not "just another day" but "another week in paradise" staying five weeks. Could we offer a better recommendation than that? The adobe house is charming and functional. Everything you need is there and the owners Steve and Carla Kennedy go out of their way to make your stay delightful. You can go to their place to relax but don't think for a minute that there isn't anything to do in West Texas. You can keep so busy that you will have to stay another week just to rest up before going home!
Recommended for:  Age 55+, Adventure Seekers, Girls Getaway, Sightseeing, Families with Teenagers, Families with Young Children, Romantic Getaway
Helpful votes: 3/3
business
Hopes Ranch Guest House
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p344909
+1 432-426-2050
Fort Davis Big Bend
Brownwood, TX
5

July 4th 2010 weekend

5 of 5
Submitted: July 8, 2010 Stayed: July 2010
We stayed here for july 4th weekend. The house was really awesome and anything we needed was there. Fully stocked kitchen ware, towels. The beds were very comfortable, just like home. The covered porch was nice to have in the evening for dining and visiting. The stars came out on Sunday and yes you can see the Milky Way. It was beautiful and tranquil weekend. Lots of sights to see in the area. We took the senic route and saw lots of animals and beautiful mountains.

We will stay here again.

L Marino
Recommended for:  Adventure Seekers, Girls Getaway, Sightseeing, Families with Teenagers, Families with Young Children, Romantic Getaway
Helpful votes: 3/3