The Blas Payne, a 100+ year-old adobe home turned charming retreat, offers an immersive experience in Marathon's downtown area. With original exposed adobe walls and local art showcased throughout, unwind on the outdoor slate patio watching the sunrise or sunset amidst heritage plants that attract hummingbirds.
Reviews
9.29.2 out of 10
Wonderful
Entire home
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free Wi-Fi
Add dates for prices
About this property
The Blas Payne is a historically sigificant true Mexican adobe.
The Blas Payne, named after its original owner, is a 100+ yr. adobe home. Blas Payne was written up by the Houston Chronicle as "the best cowboy in West Texas. Over the year the home has been lovingly rennovated. All the ceilings have been raised and some of the corrugated metal was reused from the roof of the home. The redo on the 2nd bedroom now allows guests to see the original exposed adobe walls. The bathroom has been totally reconfigured with a beautiful slate tile shower and all new fixtures. A feature of the home is art from local artists showcased throughout the home. The outdoor slate patio and deck are a great place to see the sunrise and sunset and the darkest skies anywhere. There is a family of hummingbirds that visit the property due to the many heritage plants that have survived over the years and give beautiful blooms in the yard.
The Blas Payne is within walking distance to the downtown area of Marathon and 5 miles from the post park.
Marathon is only 39 miles from the entrance to Big Bend Park.
The Blas Payne has all amenities necessary for guests to enjoy cooking, catching up on email and just relaxing. There are many books for your reading pleasure and Marathon has a wonderful library where you can check out books, check the local activities and immerse yourself in the small town atmosphere. Parking available at front door so no worries about your vehicle. Fenced yard for you and your pet's comfort!
Property amenities
Internet
Available in the house: Free WiFi
Parking and transport
Parking on site
Kitchen
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Electric kettle
Microwave
Oven
Paper towels
Refrigerator
Spices
Toaster
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
2 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
1 bathroom
Hair dryer
Shampoo
Shower
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Living room
Entertainment
Books
Games
Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
Outdoor areas
Barbecue grill
Fenced yard
Garden
Outdoor furniture
Patio
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Comfort
Air conditioning
Heating
Pets
Pet friendly
Welcoming dogs only
Up to 9 kg per pet
Suitability/Accessibility
No lift
Smoke-free property
Note from host: No smoking ANYWHERE in my home/allowed on patio
Location highlights
In a village
Things to do
Birdwatching nearby
Ecotours nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Horseback riding nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Mountain climbing nearby
Rafting nearby
Rock climbing 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
Deadbolt lock
General
Garden
Property does not allow children
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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
Rules
I do not allow multiple visitors at the Blas Payne for cocktail/happy hours with the guests who rented home
two day minimum rental
Pets
Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
2 total (up to 9 kg per pet)
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property on the number on the booking confirmation
Note from host: only pets under 30# and no more than 2
Children and extra beds
This property does not allow children
Note from host: my home is not the place for young children
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
No smoking ANYWHERE in my home/allowed on patio
Important information
You need to know
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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
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, a first aid kit and a deadlock
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 any lifts
About the area
Marathon is home to this holiday home. Rafting offers a great chance to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with ecotours, mountain climbing and rock climbing nearby. Visit our Marathon travel guide
Is The Blas Payne is a historically sigificant true Mexican adobe. pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 9 kg per pet. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
How much is parking at The Blas Payne is a historically sigificant true Mexican adobe. ?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at The Blas Payne is a historically sigificant true Mexican adobe. ?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at The Blas Payne is a historically sigificant true Mexican adobe. ?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is The Blas Payne is a historically sigificant true Mexican adobe. located?
Situated in Marathon, this holiday home is within 32 miles (52 km) of Sul Ross State University, Sul Ross Desk and Big Bend Regional Medical Center. Kiowa Gallery and Museum of the Big Bend are also within 32 miles (52 km).
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The Blas Payne is a historically sigificant true Mexican adobe. Reviews
Reviews
Wonderful
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
We spent 3 days at Blas Payne and ventured in all directions. This was the perfect home base. The home was comfortable and adorable. The only negative is that the only bathroom is in one of the bedrooms & could be a privacy concern for some guests.
Perfect location if you plan on visiting Big Bend! House had everything you could need. Only draw back was the only bathroom was in one of the bedrooms so other guests had to go through it. Also internet never worked
Ethel M.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2020
Verified
10/10 Excellent
David
2 May 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
We were able to cook some meals thanks to the induction burners. And make good coffee! We enjoyed all the space. We found the bed and the tv room comfortable. We enjoyed the design, the art and the colors including the blooming cactus! Our dogs had a safe fenced yard to run around. I texted with the local contact and she was helpful and enthusiastic. It was a great place to stay.
Marathon is small town one gas station that I could see. Many homes are derelict. This property is restored lots of art work,books on Texas. It has character. Well supplied. Bed was comfortable. Bathroom is small but adequate. Lovely patio. There is one nice restaurant in town at the Gage and their coffee bar breakfast bistro is very nice. The French Grocer has hamburger night get together I think on Fridays. We commuted 60 miles into Big Bend daily for 2 days. I would stay again. I found it quite peaceful.
Joseph H.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2023
Verified
6/10 Okay
Joseph
1 Jun 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
TV was impossible to use.
Joseph
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023
Verified
2/10 Terrible
Mark G.
27 Nov 2023
Liked: Check-in, communication
Disliked: Location
Property Update
The property was outdated. Yard in disarray with brush, hoses, old and dirty outdoor furniture. No stove. Dryer didn't work. Drawers and cabinets full of junk. Utensils outdated and need to be upgraded.
The property could be 5 star with upgrades to the kitchen, appliances, outdoor area and yard maintenance etc.
Mark G.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023
Verified
6/10 Okay
Juan B.
8 Aug 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Check-in, communication
Marathon stay
Overall the property was clean and accurate from listing description and pictures. Low ratings are from the initial interaction with the property owner. Upon arrival my group was met with a not so pleasant owner who was adamant that we did not have the property booked on the day we arrived. I showed her my confirmation email with arrival and departure dates on it. After going to her house to look at what I can only assume were her emails she came back and confirmed that we did have the property rented for said dates. A comment was made that she rarely uses VRBO so that’s why she didn’t know that we were arriving that day. Unacceptable for arriving guests to have deal with property owners not knowing if and when their properties are booked. If she had been in the rental house when we entered we could have possibly dealt with a more hostile and violent episode.
The house was nice and clean except for the colony of worms that were congregated on the chair on the porch. The pecan tree in the yard was completely stripped of its leaves so this colony of worms has been there quite a while now.
The house was comfortable. Nice air conditioners in 3 rooms. The rugs in all of the rooms were a bit over the top. There are layers of them on the floors and it does pose a tripping hazard.
The outside could use some cleaning up. There are lots of broken pottery and chairs all around and in the far corner of the yard is a couple large pieces of sheet rock just laying in the grass. And it’s been there for quite a while. Some small rugs have the grass growing through them and they really should be disposed of.
Most of the issues are cosmetic and would be pretty easy to accomplish. I wanted to point them out so the owner can make the property nicer and cleaner looking.
Denise G.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Jim f.
2 Dec 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, location
Disliked: Communication
House was nice
My only complaint is that what was provided was sketchy. The house was very well furnished so it was not an issue
Well the drive from my home to there was the real marathon!! 8.5 hours and 575 miles. The home was neat and clean with nice hacienda touches. Everything was in working order that I could see. Some of the neighboring homes were dilapidated, but overall it was a quiet and peaceful neighborhood. Much better than being in a hotel room. Thank you for renting to me! Scott B.
This house is very cute! It was decorated with much love and attention. Beautiful artwork in the 100 yr old adobe house. Everything you could think of was provided. (enough towels, shampoos, coffee, filtered water....)
It was very clean.
We walked to the Gage Hotel and to the French grocery store, 5 to 10 min easy walk.
This house has a beautiful garden and we used the grill that was provided for guest.
We would rent this house again! We loved it!
Comfortable small house with a nice covered patio, eclectic southwest art and artifacts, and plenty of local flare. Window air conditioners and/or fans in every room which are essential for visits during the summer months! The queen bed was a little soft for my preference, but still comfortable. I would definitely stay there again.
The house was a perfect size for a couple. The bed was very comfortable, and it was nice to have a yard to sit in each morning. Birds and a pack of javelinas made breakfast more interesting than in most neighborhoods. The kitchen could have been a bit better stocked (mixing bowl, cutting board, and a few other things), but for a relatively short stay, it was very functional.
If you are going to Big Bend, you have to be prepared for a lengthy car ride, but we saw a variety of wildlife during our early morning drives (wolf, jackrabbits, etc.). If we are in the area in the future, we would stay here again.
We had a great stay at Blas Payne. Used it as home base to visit Big Bend National park and McDonald observatory. Great patio to enjoy the evenings. Would definitely return.
The hundred-year-old adobe house is authentically preserved, but with enough modern touches to be inviting, including an incredibly comfortable bed. The decor is folksy and eclectic. The dusty desert town feels timeless, with postcard scenes on every corner but great dining options a short walk away. Great experience.