Cabin

Log Cabin & Hut, WIFI, 13 acres; borders Nat Forest; 8 min. to town! Sleeps 9

Photo gallery for Log Cabin & Hut, WIFI, 13 acres; borders Nat Forest; 8 min. to town! Sleeps 9

Welcome to our country cabin w/ views galore from wrap around deck & sunroom.
4 wheel drive is highly recommended Dec-Mar.  We have a reliable plow service.
This historic cabin is surrounded by nature and scenic San Juan mountain views.
Gardens near front entry. Please help keep plants watered during dry spells.
Large picture windows provide plentiful natural light and lovely views.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 10176.5 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Pet-friendly
  • Fireplace
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

Map
Durango, CO
  • Durango Community Recreation Center
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Fort Lewis College
    ‪13 min drive‬
  • Durango, CO (AMK-Animas Air Park)
    ‪22 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 4

3 Single Beds

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Jetted bathtub

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

Log Cabin & Hut, WIFI, 13 acres; borders Nat Forest; 8 min. to town! Sleeps 9

PLEASE READ ENTIRE DESCRIPTION BEFORE BOOKING!… Please keep in mind that we are a private home and former goat farm, one of the first homesteads in the valley, surrounded by woods/forest/wildlife, and not a luxury hotel.
Charming & rustic historic, hand made log/wood sided cabin and guest hut. King sized custom log bed in upstairs primary bedroom w/ large closet; cowhide/leather queen bed in 1st level BR; 2 twin Old Hickory beds on second level in main home. 2 Old Hickory twins in guest hut, and twin fold-a-way. There is no plumbing in the hut; it does have electric, to include baseboard heaters and a ceiling fan in the vaulted ceiling. It has large windows because it was the weigh station of the Gold King Mine, brought to our property in the 1970’s and completely renovated by us in 2013. The expanded deck with built-in seating was completed in 2021. Guests who stay in the hut must use the main home for bathroom facilities or find a tree.
Entire property sleeps a maximum of nine persons and one infant/toddler. (10 humans total.) There is a portable crib, but please bring your own bedding if you plan to utilize it. New hardwood flooring throughout; stainless appliances, butcher block counters, jetted tub in upstairs bath, laundry, aspen tongue & groove ceilings. Large open decks, sun room, side porch. Large rock fireplace w/blower to keep you warm during chilly nights, which can be all year. Newer furnishings mixed with antiques and Colorado Mountain decor; professionally decorated. There is inherited taxidermy throughout, to include: pelts, deer mounts, stuffed fox, cowhides/cowhide furniture, longhorns, feathers on dream catchers, etc… If you are allergic to fur/pet hair/feathers or offended by these items, then this property is not a fit for you. The decor also includes artwork from local and well-known artists. Please do not touch the art or rearrange it.
We are a Christian family and recognize Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. You will see many crosses and religious artwork. If you are offended by this, then our property is not a fit for you.
Located 30 minutes to sk/snowboard/snowmobile/dog sled/tube/shop/dine/have best Bloody Mary’s ever at Purgy’s, etc…. at Durango Mountain Resort; 7-10 minutes to town of Durango; 45 minutes to Mesa Verde; 20 minutes to the Durango airport (DRO). Near and across from Turtle Lake which is privately owned but one may enjoy the views from the Homestead, just a short hike up the hill or beyond the fire pit. One mile to the Colorado Trail; our property includes the Pioneer Trail and is steep, and joins with many miles of other trails but they are not marked, so use a hiking app. We recommend high quality ankle boots for the rocky trails, and always carry bear spray even during hibernation months. Acclimate first to the altitude if arriving from sea level or Texas. We own 13 acres for privacy, yet located only 4 miles to all of the restaurants, shopping and amenities that Durango has to offer. Various wildlife visitors: mule deer, elk, mountain lions, turkey, skunks, chipmunks, bears and more! Preventing rodents from entering our property is facilitated utilizing mothballs, so you may smell those, especially in the cold weather months when they are seeking warmth in our interiors. If you are allergic to MOTHBALLS or offended by their smell, this property is not a fit for you. Mothballs are also kept around the exterior of the property which is necessary because it’s in the country. If the smell affects you, then you need to stay at a hotel or a place downtown. 
DO NOT leave trash outside or in your vehicle. Bears, mountain lions, and other types of our furry neighbors have been known to help themselves to these free treats. Your well-behaved, housebroken canines are welcome at no extra charge (they are family!) but please keep them off of the furniture (or at least try, they can be on your lap) and for their safety, don’t let them play unsupervised outside with the skunks or big cats. Dog feeding/water bowls provided. Children should be well-behaved. PLEASE MONITOR YOUR CHILDREN! Hammock, tire swing, hiking trails, large decks, sunroom, covered porch and fire pit for outdoor living and fun for all! Amazing Boulder Garden is next door and may be accessed via the trails. THERE IS NO TV, but one may enjoy movies on a laptop if you must entertain your children or yourselves with a screen. Enjoy the mountains, lakes, rivers, hiking trails, views and all the beauty nature inspires.
WIFI in case you need to connect with work while in paradise. Plenty of space for ZOOM classes and meetings at the various seating areas: breakfast bar, dining table, and chairs/tables in every bedroom. WIFI also provided in guest hut.
Property is RURAL, on water well/cistern/filter/septic system. ONLY toilet paper may be flushed! (NO feminine products, diapers, "flushable" wipes, etc....) Water is a precious commodity in Southwest Colorado and must be used conservatively.
There is NOT central air conditioning, only window units and fans, as are most private homes in the area. Summer nighttime temperatures are in the high 40’s-60s! If you are coming during unprecedented heat, please keep this in mind. (Rent a hotel in town if you require “luxury”….AC/TV/bellhop, little bottles of shampoo, etc…) Snow is not guaranteed during the holidays though it is likely.
If you do not enjoy living in nature, being close to wildlife, not having a TV, nor residing in a log cabin with a gravel drive and historical outbuildings, then this property is not for you. Guests must provide their own paper products during their stay, though a “starter pack” is provided. Guests must take trash to town, as we do not qualify for trash pick up since we do not require week-long rentals and it is strictly a rural-zoned vacation rental. (Bears and other wildlife will break in if you leave your trash behind and therefore you are charged a fee if you do so. ) Our prices reflect this inconvenience. We love sharing our second home, in the beautiful San Juan Mountains, with respectful guests who appreciate rustic log cabin living surrounded by the National Forest, gorgeous mountains, and Colorado wildlife! Owner is happy to answer any of your questions or clarify any parts of the description by sending a message through VRBO or HomeAway.

Property manager

LAURA BUTSCH

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 27
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
Event fees are negotiable.
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 3 total)
House broken canines only.
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Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas
Due to wilderness surrounding the property, guests must take trash/recycling to designated areas in town so as not to harm nor attract wildlife.
Canellations due to bona fide family emergency, death, or severe illness/injury may be negotiated with owner.
Recreational marijuana is legal in Colorado. All illegal drugs are strictly prohibited.

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
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 25
Note from host: Event fees are negotiable.
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Durango

Located in Durango, this cabin is in a rural area and in the mountains. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Perins Peak State Wildlife Area and Animas Mountain Trailhead, while Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Animas Museum are cultural highlights. Travelling with kids? Consider Durango Discovery Museum and Historic Tram Park. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Durango, CO

What's nearby

  • Durango Community Recreation Center - 7 min drive - 7.2 km
  • Animas Mountain Trailhead - 9 min drive - 8.3 km
  • Animas River Trail - 10 min drive - 9.4 km
  • Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad - 11 min drive - 9.3 km
  • Fort Lewis College - 13 min drive - 12.3 km

Getting around

  • Durango Narrow Gauge Railroad Station - 13 min drive
  • Durango, CO (AMK-Animas Air Park) - 22 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Starbucks - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Happy Pappys Pizza n Wings - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Chainless Brewing - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Tacos Nayarit - ‬7 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Log Cabin & Hut, WIFI, 13 acres; borders Nat Forest; 8 min. to town! Sleeps 9 pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 3 total).

What time is check-in at Log Cabin & Hut, WIFI, 13 acres; borders Nat Forest; 8 min. to town! Sleeps 9?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Log Cabin & Hut, WIFI, 13 acres; borders Nat Forest; 8 min. to town! Sleeps 9?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Log Cabin & Hut, WIFI, 13 acres; borders Nat Forest; 8 min. to town! Sleeps 9 located?

This family-friendly Durango cabin is located in the mountains, 3 mi (4.8 km) from Perins Peak State Wildlife Area, and within 6 mi (10 km) of Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and Durango Discovery Museum. Animas Mountain Trailhead and Animas River Trail are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 141 out of 153 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 10 out of 153 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 153 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 153 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 153 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Tawny S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great cabin!
We loved staying at this cabin. Communication with the hosts was easy and they were very responsive. While it’s a rustic log cabin, the cabin is equipped with everything you need for a very comfortable stay. The beds were super comfy. Strong WiFi connection. Lots of space for our family of 4 our dog. We loved being able to hike around the cabin and lots of other trails close by. We had daily visits by mule deer, chipmunks and lots of birds. It’s located outside of Durango but just a quick 10-15 minute drive into town and 30 minutes to Purgatory. We would definitely stay here again on our next trip to Durango.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chris B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Paradise Escape Villa - Relax & spend time Getting Back with Nature!!!!
What a treat this gem of a log cabin villa place was. Main cabin (and for all that part, the entire property was an equal) was carefully crafted with all the expectations of what one would expect by hanging out and escaping from the hustle-bustle of the fast-paced world, relaxing and spending time with nature. The furnishings are very “western”, and the kitchen “chuck-wagon” has all that one would need for simple cooking. The enclosed front porch is a nice place to sit having coffee and escaping the cold weather, plus has great view and you might just see some Mule-Deer show up to say “HELLO.” (Suggestion, bring some Deer Corn and spread it around) Side deck has a large wooden table for six with nice wooden chairs and a great view of the mountains as well. Moonless nights, the STAR GAZING IS EXCEPTIONAL!!!! Fire Pit area is just about 50 feet away on the side of the deck, nestled within a grove of trees. There is a trail head on the back of the property for a nice hike which joins up with the Animas Overlook Trail. There are a multitude of trail heads to explore that are close by as well. HIGHLY SUGGEST THAT WHEN HIKING TO TAKE BEAR SPRAY, this is wild country with wild nature and there can be a surprise encounter with Cougar’s as well, rather rare but one does not want to be that one with having a bad day. (only 25 Cougar attacks in CO since 1990 – 96 Bear Attacks since 1960) The owners are very responsive to questions and will even provide suggestions for local events.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Carissa B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing
The cabin itself was amazing and beautiful! Communication with the host was easy and she was so kind and helpful. Check in and check out were clear and simple. Absolutely would stay again!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kelsie B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Christmas Together
We had an unforgettable family Christmas gathering in this warm rustic cabin in Durango. The lodge decor created the perfect winter retreat atmosphere. The cabin was perfectly equipped for our needs, with plenty of space for everyone to relax and enjoy each other's company. We played games both indoor and outdoor. This was the perfect setting for making holiday memories together. We loved being able to sit by fire. We couldn’t have asked for a better place to gather together!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nancy C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Girls Retreat
We all absolutely loved it! It was just what we needed. Beautiful place and scenery. Will definitely be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Theresa M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Durango
Hostess was easily assessable, property very clean, towels and linens smelled good. Location was close to town. Very pleased with this cabin, lots of deer roaming nearby. Will be a repeat customer!
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great gathering space
A great space to gather family and friends just outside of the main drag-10 min away. Everything you need plus peace and quiet.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

jean e.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely cabin
Very nice cabin and no noise. We did hear an elk sound off a bugle call. Loved the deck!! Very responsive owner of the property.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brenda M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful !
House was exactly as posted. Beautiful , clean, and comfy. lots of outside seating to enjoy the awesome views . Highly recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joanne

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
I was very impressed with how gracious the host was. She went above and beyond. Words cannot describe how great this place is. You have to see it to believe it. Would book this place again. I wish we could have stayed a month just in the house. Thank you so much for letting us into your home
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Scott A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Home away from home
This cabin is a dream come true. The cabin is private and quiet, yet close to town where you can anything you need. The cabin is beautiful, has been decorated by what must be a professional because it is gorgeous! The furniture is not some plastic junk from discount stores. This house is full of top grain leather and top of the Line furniture. This is not a house, but a home. You will feel it the minute you walk in. Hostess is the best and is quick to get back to you. Stay here….i promise you’ll feel right at home.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Carlos M.

Stayed 1 night in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Trent S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great house & location
Laura is a great host and their house is super cozy. My friend group has chosen this property 2x because we like it so much.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

B T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Reset
I was so looking forward to this trip I needed a mental health reset and this property gives you exactly that. From the stars in the sky to the morning deer visiting.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brad W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Absolutely perfect!
Property was exactly as described, yet even better in person. Location, surroundings, decor, ambiance, good vibes..you name it. PERFECT. The little scale house/cabin was PERFECT for the kiddos too. Thanks Laura!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

David H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful Property
This property perfecrly met our needs. Very peaceful and quiet. Hiking trails out the back door, but minutes to town. Very clean and comfortable.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Vera C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wedding
Very nice and cozy. The owners were a joy to work with.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Raymond M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location
Had a great time went hiking directly from the property !
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joe V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice mountain side location
Perfect for a group of 4 fishermen
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Connie C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Hidden Treasure
My family loved our stay at Pioneer Homestead. The home is beautifully decorated and so appropriate being in the mountains and woods of Durango. It has everything we needed and more. The beds are very comfortable, and we enjoyed the large deck and outside space, hammock and tire swing. The location is perfect. So close to town yet feels so far away. The stars in the sky are truly amazing out there. It truly was a fabulous week of making memories at a very special place. We all definitely want to return as soon as possible. Thank you, Laura, for sharing your home with us. You are so informative and easy to work with. I appreciate the great communication. Until next time….
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stephen S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our best Durango vacation ever!
Perfect property. Very well equipped. Very secluded and private but less than 5 minutes to Main Street. Best VRBO host we've ever had. Highly recommend.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Spot
Location was great and serene but close enough to town to do everything.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ilona H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful
What a beautiful place to stay. Close to town where there are tons of fun things to do but far away to feel submerged in nature. There is a great trail leading up the mountain right from the cabin which was a great hike. A little steep and rocky in a couple of places but just awesome. Other hiking trails very close by of the main two roads leading up to the cabin. The cabin has everything you need. The deck does get sun for most of the day but we were able to grab a few camping chairs and situate them under the trees right by the deck and it was great. The owner is wonderful. Her response and correspondences was top notch. We had a problem with a weird smell and she had some-one come and take care of it. She also let us know ahead of time of some construction that was happening during our stay which was not expected nor anticipated and she was absolutely wonderful, accommodating and understanding. I would definitely recommend this property to anyone.
Stayed 9 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer L., Texas

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful Home and Setting
My gamily spent the Christmas holiday here and it was beautiful. We had a fabulous time and the prooerty was oerfect for us. The owners were very responsive to us and we amazing to communicate with.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Melanie S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect rustic getaway
Very cute and cozy cabin! Easy to get to Durango and Purgatory but still felt secluded
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2024

About the host

Hosted by LAURA BUTSCH

Host profile image
We are a family with our permanent home in St. Louis and had been skiing at Durango Mountain Resort (AKA Purgatory). We fell in love with the Durango area and people in the town. We had searched many areas in the west for our vacation property: Colorado, Montana, New Mexico and California. Durango was the right fit with many outdoor activities all year round. Rafting the Animas River, hiking the Colorado Trail and hundreds of others, fishing in the San Juan river and many lakes, touring Silverton, Telluride, Pagosa Springs, and the Mesa Verde Cliff Dwellings is wonderful. The local restaurants are some of the best in the U. S. with a wide variety of international flavors and the best French bakery anywhere. There are many ski resorts within a 1.5-2 hour drive. Purgatory is only 30 minutes.

Why they chose this property

Genuine historic log cabin with huge rock fireplace on 13 acres and National Forest all around is what attracted us to this particular property. It was a rehab project, that we spent 2 years working on. There are new hardwood floors, renovated kitchen, lovely bathrooms, lots of log furniture, antlers, deer hides/heads, leather, and some Ute Indian/tribal influences in the decor.

What makes this property unique

Views are AMAZING!......the Animas Mountain in front of the home and mountainous National Forest in the back. Turtle Lake is just across and down the road. Turtle Lake Valley is one of the most beautiful in La Plata County. Enjoy the large decks, sunroom, side porch and landscaped yard. Hiking trails are out the back door! Our private trails connect with the Log Chute Trail System and the Colorado Trail. The Pioneer Trail out our backdoor is steep and one must be physically fit and acclimate to the altitude before attempting. The Durango Boulder Garden borders our property, as well as the National Forest. If you are planning a wedding, reunion, or special event, it is a perfect spot, with open areas, woods, mountains, decks, and a large cross in the rock garden. Our neighbor to the east is a photographer and neighbor across the road is an event planner to help you plan the perfect ceremony. EVENT SITE FEES APPLY!! (Minimum is $200 for 2 hours; Maximum is $1000 for 10 hours. Limit of 30 persons.)

Languages:

English