A Peaceful ranch experience; close Gonzales and Shiner, TX.
The Bunkhouse is a 900 square foot barn with loft and a wrap around porch. It has 4 queen size iron beds, a full size willow futon all with plush mattresses and a daybed that makes into a King or 2 twins. It can sleep 12 comfortably and is the perfect romantic getaway or meditation retreat. There is a kitchen area with microwave and fridge, a Gas Grill on the patio, Kuerig coffee maker for coffee drinkers and organic tea. The Barn is an open plan with windows and the bathroom is large with an oversized tile shower and plenty of room for dressing.
The Bunkhouse overlooks a spectacular view of meadow and forest on the property. Our home is located at the top of the Hill on this ranch. The Ranch is located just 8 miles from the historic town of Gonzales, Texas, the birthplace of Texas. Enjoying a small piece of Texas Hill country here in Gonzales, makes this B&B/Retreat a place you will not only want to visit, but return time and time again!
Whether you are craving an escape from the city and reconnecting with nature or a great place to explore the beginning of Texas History, you'll find it here at The Big D Ranch Bunkhouse. The relaxing starts when you turn into the gate. This 1890's family owned property is where the barn is located and the structure itself has been lovingly restored and burnished into a wonderful gathering place for friends & family. Texas Hill Country/South Central Texas shabby chic in the shadow of old Post Oak trees and Mesquite right in our own backyard. A place to relax and leave worries behind and a place where kids, can enjoy the nature trails, play games, go fishing in the ponds, make smores and even camp outside if they want. We've kept it simple.
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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 are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
About the area
Gonzales
Located in Gonzales, this holiday home is in the city centre and near a water park. Guadalupe River and San Marcos River reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Discoveries From the Past and JB Wells Park. Break out the clubs and hit the links on a nearby golf course, or seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails.
Discoveries From the Past - 13 min drive - 14.4 km
Main Street - 14 min drive - 14.8 km
Spoetzl Brewery - 16 min drive - 21.5 km
JB Wells Park - 17 min drive - 18.5 km
Getting around
San Antonio International Airport (SAT) - 86 min drive
Restaurants
Cinco J Ranch - 4 min drive
Daughn Kathy Cutting Horses - 16 min drive
Herman Son's Hall - 7 min drive
Willi's Grill - 19 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Big D Ranch Bunkhouse pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Big D Ranch Bunkhouse?
As of 14 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Big D Ranch Bunkhouse on 21 June 2026 start from AU$177, 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 Big D Ranch Bunkhouse?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Big D Ranch Bunkhouse?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Big D Ranch Bunkhouse?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Big D Ranch Bunkhouse located?
Located in the heart of Gonzales, this holiday home is 5.5 mi (8.8 km) from Guadalupe River and within 12 miles (20 km) of Gonzales Memorial Museum and Main Street. Texas Heroes Square and Old Jail Museum are also within 9 miles (15 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Great host!! Dee was so easy to work with. The Bunkhouse was the best place to be after a long hard day of work!! Will definitely stay there again if the need arises.
The property and setting was so beautiful and serene. The perfect place to get away to relax and enjoy the outdoors. DeLynn and Reid were incredible hosts and so accommodating.
Wonderful weekend, great place to unwind and enjoy family. Fishing ponds, BBQ ,fire pit, large porch perfect set up to enjoy family, beautiful night sky.
Rebecca V.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Aug 2022
Thanks for choosing the Big D Ranch for your stay. Please come see us again and tell your friends da about us.
We had a fabulous time at the Big D ranch! The property is beautiful and we loved being able to say hello to the horses and Tigg the dog. Hosts were super kind to leave a few food items in the fridge and made sure we had plenty of fresh water to drink since they are on a well system. There is plenty of space inside and an excellent fire pit. The cowboy pool shown in some of the listed pictures is no longer there, but it didn’t affect our enjoyment of the BnB at all. Highly recommend - we will be back!
Laura S.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Debra H.
18 Mar 2017
peaceful
Great views with a wonderful place to walk. Bunkhouse is super neat.
Debra H.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Mar 2020
We enjoyed meeting these 4 fun ladies. What a great group of friends. They seem to enjoy their walks in the country and just relaxing on the porch. We would welcome them back any time. Thanks for choosing us.
The Big D Bunkhouse was a perfect place for our small family gathering in Shiner. The indoor area and out door area were cozy and had every thing we needed for a fun “country” get away. The experiences the kids had will be ones they talk about for a long time!
Suzanne P.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Mar 2020
Thanks for choosing us Suzanne. We are glad you had a good gathering. Y’all took great care of the Bunkhouse.
The property was exactly as described. It is beautiful and peaceful. Everything was clean, well maintained and so many thoughtful touches have been added. Great place for couples and families alike. The kind host was quick to respond. Would definitely stay again if I were in the area.
Valerie A.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Tyler C.
22 Mar 2018
Fantastic getaway
What a fantastic getaway spot. Accommodations were great and setting was perfect. Just what we needed for a relaxing break from the day to day. Owners are amazing and supplied wonderful recommendations for local restaurants and historical sites. Our kids loved everything about the trip. Fishing, arrowhead hunts, hikes and making smores on the fire were all hits. We’ll be back again!
Fantastic place to get away and a much better option than a hotel.
My adult son and I booked 4 days while we were in Austin for the Formula 1 weekend @ COTA. The house itself was great. Plenty of space and furniture to be comfortable inside and out. Fire pits with plenty of wood available. Accessories for cooking over fire pit also. Beds and furniture are comfy. Bathroom is modern and clean (great shower). House is only 10-15 minutes out of town (wal mart and grocery store).
If I am ever again in need of a place to stay in southern Texas I know where I'm staying.
Craig C.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Katha J.
7 May 2018
Peaceful and Beautiful
We loved this place. The open concept is a great way for everyone to spend time together. My sister, adult son, and I rode in the Shiner GASP in Shiner on Saturday. It's a short, pretty drive into Shiner from the ranch. After the ride, we picked up some groceries in Shiner and headed back to the ranch to relax. We swam in the pond, then retired to the shade of the porch for burgers and beverages. We enjoyed the fire pit after dark and made fast friends with the family dogs, Scout and Oakley, who came and enjoyed the porch with us each day. It was perfect and we will be back.
Katha J.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Mar 2020
Loved meeting Katha. Would love for her to visit again.
The barn to minium was adorable! We have a handicapped daughter that had a hard time sleeping while we were there, that’s we had to leave early. With the barn to minium being open concept, it was hard for the rest of the family to sleep. But definitely not a problem with the barn dominium I feel bad that we should’ve let them know that we were leaving early because the temperatures were below freezing.
The Ranch Bunkhouse is AMAZING! I highly recommend for groups and families, especially if you have children. DeLynn was so welcoming and even had breakfast things for us until we could get settled. We loved swimming in the crisp, clean swimming pond and taking the kids out in the canoe. The kids enjoyed being able to walk out and pet the horses and the dogs. Nightly fires and s’mores, plenty of room to stretch out. I recommend for foreigners: if I could explain Texas in a nutshell, this would be it—kind, beautiful, comfort. Locals? You all should go for a peaceful, romantic getaway! DeLynn really helped us find great activities to do in the area, but you could enjoy several days on the property alone. I plan on coming back every summer as long as they will have us! One last thing: property and bunkhouse exactly as pictured. Clean, cute, and *very well* maintained. Plenty of clean towels and the beds! The beds!!! We’ve never traveled and had such comfortable beds!
Amber S.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 3 July 2021
Amber
Thanks soooo much for such a wonderful review of the ranch and bunkhouse. We would love to have you back anytime. We are glad it was a great experience for you and your family and friends.
This barndominium was great. It is one big open space inside except the very nice bathroom and a somewhat secluded loft. The kitchenette has a Keurig style coffeemaker and there was a great selection of pods to choose from.The outside seating is comfy and has some great lighting and a little fountain. We took walks every morning and evening along the property's gravel roads and sometimes the two horses would come up to sniff us and allow us to pet them. The dog Tigg visited often. If all that sounds good to you and you'll be visiting the area, I highly recommend selecting this location.I will leave a few notes below but do NOT let them talk you out of booking here.First, I wish there was an actual address instead of a dropped pin (sent via text a day or so before the trip) to help find the place. I wasn't able to get any help from my Garmin, and cell phone service is spotty.Also, the place needs some curtains. The window on one side faces the main house. The owners might not know, but some of us have a fear of uncovered windows at night.The listing could be edited to make sure it's more clear that there is no oven or range. There is a microwave and fridge, though. A toaster oven would be a good addition. Until then, I suggest bringing a pressure cooker.Also, the listing said there were games. That was only nominally true since almost every game was missing key components (e.g. Yahtzee with no dice) and all were in disarray. We had fun organizing them instead.
My family has been running the Shiner Beer Run for the past six years and just with recent yeas have been interested in renting a home nearby to accommodate everyone who runs. This was our first year that weather was not on our side. Cold, rain, and wind impacted Saturday mornings race. When we came back afterwards. we would have loved to venture out of the bunkhouse but it was so cold. The property is very beautiful and would love to go exploring next time. The porch gives you such a great sight. Definitely will keep in mind for next time!
The photos don’t do justice to the beauty, peace and tranquillity that they have here. My 15 yr old daughter said that she enjoyed this simpler way of life. She thoroughly enjoyed Rose, Fancy and Tigg. My husband was in his element—one with nature. I enjoyed watching them and taking in the beauty. And spending time with God.
We will be back to unplug from the daily grind and to recenter ourselves.
Thank you, DeLynn & Reid, for sharing your slice of Heaven with us.
My wife and I stayed the weekend and it was a fantastic place - great location close to small-town festivals we attended. Super comfortable. Beautiful grounds. Super nice hosts. Pond is full of bass. We will be back!
My husband and I absolutely loved our stay at the ranch! DeLynn and her husband were amazing hosts! The property is beautiful and the barn is very clean. We loved everything about this trip. It’s the perfect place to relax and unwind. You’re greeted by the animals every morning and have an amazing view from the dinner table! The pibes are great for fishing! We highly highly recommend staying here! We will definitely be back!
The entire property was just so amazing. Definitely a relaxing break from the city. We had an Elk Lodge event in Ottine, TX. and we all could not wait to get back to the Bunkhouse. Darrah was so great. We will definitely be coming back soon.
Tara M.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021
About the host
Hosted by DeLynn Thomas
I am a grandmother of 14 and a retired Legal Secretary. I enjoy gardening, reading, and never meeting a stranger. I'm also partial to junk browsing and antiquing. Christmas is my favorite Holiday and I love baking banana bread.
Why they chose this property
This property has been in my husband's family since the 1890s. His Great Grandfather purchased some of the 2000 acres for as little as 5 cents an acre. We have 3 horses, lots of cows and calves, wild turkeys, hogs, and a couple of spoiled dogs. This property represents family. We love it here.