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!
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Pets allowed: dogs less than 9 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
Only pets under 30# and no more than 2
default
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
No smoking ANYWHERE in my home/allowed on patio
I do not allow multiple visitors at the Blas Payne for cocktail/happy hours with the guests who rented home
two day minimum rental
Important information
You need to know
Property # 1169545vb
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
About the area
Marathon
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.
Sul Ross State University - 32 min drive - 61.8 km
Museum of the Big Bend - 35 min drive - 65.2 km
Kokernot Municipal Park - 35 min drive - 64.4 km
Kokernot Field - 36 min drive - 66.7 km
Shipman Park - 37 min drive - 67.9 km
Getting around
Midland, TX (MAF-Midland Intl.) - 173 min drive
Restaurants
White Buffalo Bar - 11 min walk
V6 Coffee Bar - 10 min walk
12 Gage Restaurant - 11 min walk
J&G Grill - 19 min walk
Marathon Coffee - 13 min walk
Frequently asked questions
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 does it cost to stay at The Blas Payne is a historically sigificant true Mexican adobe. ?
As of 16 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Blas Payne is a historically sigificant true Mexican adobe. on 10 Oct 2026 start from AU$219, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
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).
Reviews
9.2
Wonderful
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
One of the most historic homes in Marathon TX. You can feel the home’s history. Great stay.
Tom S.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2025
Verified
8/10 Good
Sue C.
24 Mar 2019
Cute Little Place
This place met all our needs. It was clean and was convenient to Big Bend National Forest.
Sue C.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Mar 2020
Enjoyed having Sue visit the Blas Payne! Marathon is only 39 miles from Big Bend national park entrance. There are nice places to eat in Marathon, if skies are clear there's dark skies telescope viewing at nite, a dog park for your furry friends and a fabulous library.
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.
Somer N.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Mar 2020
The bathroom is a totally separate room with full walls and a door. The entrance into the 2nd bedroom is also the entry into the hall area and then into the separate bathroom.
This is a historically significant home and is over 125 years old. I chose to keep the home as originally designed to retain it as a true Mexican Adobe.
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
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Nov 2020
I was not made aware that the internet wasn't working until the guests checked out! Had they let me know it could have been fixed immediately. I called the internet provider as soon as I was made aware of the issue and they are here now fixing it!
As for the bathroom--this is a 130 year old adobe home. I am not about to attempt to change the configuration. I respect the history of this home and continue to update it in accordance with the structural makeup of the house. There is a wicker divider behind the 2nd bedroom door for anyone that wants more privacy.
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 June 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.
Juan B.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Aug 2022
The submission from the guest isn't accurate! I was going up to check on the house when approximately 10 people walked through the gate and said they were staying there! I said No that cannot be right because the place can only accommodate 4 people. The young woman said she didn't know about that and I should talk with her Dad. Her father came in and was sort of confrontational and said there were only 4 people staying but that everyone else just wanted to see the house. My mistake was that I thought the guests were arriving on Friday! That was my mistake and I told them that immediately. The house was all ready for them and they were able to immediately check in? It certainly was not the major issue that the review made it out to be! mentioning something violent? I am a 75 year old woman with a small white maltese dog! Oh boy am I going to be violent--what a joke!
And by the way I have the highest reviews with VRBO so this is simply an anomoaly and I resent this person making a mountain out of a molehill!
I said I would rent to them again because it was not a big deal--we talked for 5 minutes and I explained the misunderstanding. But I was concerned when 10 or more people were walking into the Blas Payne and they said they were staying there! After this overblown review I would certainly not rent to them again. I hate that cause this is the only time I have ever said that.
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
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Nov 2022
I honestly don't know how to respond to much of this review? due to the extreme heat this summer and then the rains for days there have been many infestations of insects this year. The pecan tree had worms like so many trees and the arborist said the leaves will fall off but it will not permanently damage the tree. Had it been earlier in the year the tree would have put out new leaves but since it was already fall it will loose its leaves anyway.
as for the rugs on the floors??? I have had my property since 2005 and not once has anyone ever mentioned the rugs as a tripping hazard nor has anyone ever tripped? What can I say?
Chairs--yes there are chairs on patio and in my large yard in numerous locations so folks can have choices about where they wish to sit! I will not apologize for giving my guests many choices. what an unusual comment?
The broken pottery is an artistic thing that evidently this guest doesn't understand! when one of my pots breaks I put the chards somewhere safe and use them as an artistic statement? simply cannot understand this comment at all
The sheet rock evidently was blown into yard during one of the many wind storms we experienced during all the rains. IT HAD NOT BEEN THERE FOR QUITE SOME TIME AND THE GUEST HAS NO REASON TO THINK THEY KNOW IT WAS!
The outdoor rugs in question had also been destroyed during all the excessive heat and rain and they were removed once it quit raining so they could be disposed of when there were not guests at casa.
My casa is 130 year old historic adobe that has been lovingly restored over 20+ years. It is sad that this visitor couldn't enjoy all the wonderful artwork from local artists, the beautiful large yard with birds, the rose bushes that have been blooming for 50+ years, the blooms on the prickly pear cactus, the history of the residence, the sunsets and sunrises
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.