Welcome to Henry & Tood's at Ellinger Ranch Estates!
Stay in a Smithsonian-featured 1893 ranch homestead on a West Texas ranch.
We beautifully restored our great grandparents’ 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath home.
5 min to Buffalo Gap | 20 min to Abilene | 30 min to ACU/Downtown Abilene.
Simple, one price-No Airbnb Fees!
Enjoy:
Scenic porch views
Dog-friendly | Fenced yard (Approval | $75 fee)
Outdoor Shower
Fast WiFi
Outdoor grill
Easy keypad entry
Cont breakfast
Fully equipped kitchen
Relax-Enjoy!
The space
Welcome to Henry & Tood's Place at Ellinger Ranch Estates, LLC.
Experience a true piece of Texas history at the original Ellinger Ranch homestead where we lovingly restored our family's native-rock home, built in 1893 nestled on our family ranch in the Callahan Divide near Buffalo Gap, Texas.
In recognition of the home's historical significance, it was featured by the Smithsonian's Crossroads for Rural America project in Buffalo Gap because our great grandparents were one of Buffalo Gap's pioneering families.
Throughout the homestead, guests will discover framed stories in each room sharing the history of the home, and the 5 generations of the Ellinger family who lived here. We hope these personal pieces of history help guests connect with the home and appreciate the legacy that has been preserved for future generations.
LOCATION:
Ellinger Ranch Estates, LLC is about:
--1 mile to Abilene State Park
--3 miles to the famous Perini Ranch Steakhouse
--4 miles West of beautiful Buffalo Gap, Texas
--10 minutes to Tuscola, Texas
--20 minutes to Abilene, Texas
(30 minutes to downtown/ACU/North Abilene).
Perfect for guests who want to be close to events--without staying in the middle of the city!
THE SPACE:
Carefully restored by our family to preserve the home's historic character while offering modern comforts travelers expect.
- ACCOMMODATIONS: Perfect for family!!!
-- 2-bedroom, 1 1/2- bath ranch house comfortably
sleeps up to 5 guests.
--Each room is thoughtfully decorated to honor
our grandparents' ranch home's original charm
while ensuring modern comforts.
BEDROOMS & BATHROOMS:
--Master Bedroom--King with adjoining
full bathroom
--Second Bedroom--Full bed and daybed
downstairs
--Outside Laundry room includes the half
bathroom with an outdoor shower (with hot
water) available during the warmer months!
LIVING AREA:
--Living room featuring beautifully restored
wooden floors from 1893!
--Cozy sofas perfect for movie nights or
relaxation.
--Smart TV with access to streaming apps and
complimentary YouTube TV and Prime Video.
(Please ask before renting movies--these are
private accounts).
KITCHEN:
--A fully equipped kitchen, featuring vintage
cabinetry alongside modern appliances.
--Cookware, utensils, main staple spices
--A well-stocked coffee bar offering local
Cowboy Coffee from Perini Ranch Steakhouse,
assorted teas and k-cups.
--Coffee pot and Keurig included.
DINING & FAMILY ROOM:
--Gather at the dining table, seating up to 6 for
family meals or gatherings.
--Enjoy cozy moments on the sofa with a book, a
quick nap, or playing board games with loved
ones.
GUEST FAVORITES:
--Outdoor shower with hot water
(available April 1-October 1)
--Chain-link fenced yard for children and dogs.
--First morning continental breakfast
--Coffee, teas, and bottled water
--Fully furnished kitchen with main staple spices
--High-speed WiFi and dedicated workspace
--Central heat and air
--Washer & Dryer
--Smart TV for streaming services
--Complimentary natural bathroom toiletries
--Linens & Towels
--Extra blankets and pillows
--Natural/Clean products used
--Easy access keypad for front/back doors
--Free parking available right outside your door.
OUTDOOR ENJOYMENT:
--Welcoming front porch with rocking chairs
to rustic scenic views.
--Backyard ideal for grilling Texas steaks
(lighter fluid provided in the laundry room)
--Firewood is stacked by the front yard fence.
--Outdoor fire-pit available for evening relaxation
(Unless burn ban is in effect).
--Extra chairs for the porch or fire-pit are in the
laundry room.
PET FRIENDLY (Only Dogs Accepted)
--Please message hosts for pet policies and
approval and read house rules before booking.
--Pet fee is $75 for the stay (Register pet AT
BOOKING to apply fee to your total stay price)
--Please contact us if you have more than 2 pets.
--Dog bowls and treats, and blankets for furniture/
bed are provided.
ADDITIONAL PERKS
-- Nothing better than a West Texas sunrise or
sunset!
--Peaceful environment, yet only a short drive
from local attractions, shopping, and dining
options.
--Don't miss the world-famous Perini Ranch
Steakhouse only 3 miles from the ranch.
(Reservations required).
--Prime stargazing with minimal light pollution for
stunning night skies.
RULES
UNDER 21: We will not rent to anyone younger than 21 years old unless accompanied by an adult guardian/parent.
1. NO Smoking/Vaping/Drug Use Inside/Outside:
$1,000 fine for violations.
2. PETS (Dogs Only)
--All pets must be registered when booking! If
not, you will be sent a money request for $75
through Airbnb.
--Clean up after pets
--Please crate your pet while you’re away
--We can provide a crate upon request.
--Only allow pets on the furniture/bed with dog
blankets provided.
--Please leash pets outside the fenced yard for
their safety.
--Extra $100 fee for rule violations or unregistered
pets.
3. Trash: Dispose in outside containers; use
dumpster south of home if needed.
4. Fire Safety: Never leave fires unattended;
extinguish fully when done.
5. No Parties or Extra Guests
6. Respect Property & Furnishings:
--Outside security cameras in use (front entry &
back driveway)
--Report any damage immediately
--Remove muddy shoes at the door
--Keep windows/doors closed with AC/Heat
running
--Don’t re-arrange furniture
--No food or drinks in bedrooms
--NO Fireworks allowed--$500 if caught w/ them
7. Ranch Rules:
**If interested in exploring our private ranch trails, a release agreement is required (sent via email for digital signature)**
--No exploring before contacting hosts for waiver
--Don’t cross fences
--Stay WEST of homes
--Keep gates shut
--Don’t enter sheds
8. Wildlife and Nature:
As with any rural Texas property, guests may encounter native wildlife from adoring deer, birds to not so nice insects, wasps/bees, scorpions and snakes, etc. Please use caution outdoors and enjoy wildlife from a safe distance.
**By booking, guest acknowledges these risks and
holds the hosts harmless from related claims.**
--Guests assume all risks associated with wildlife
encounters.
--Enjoy wildlife from afar; don't feed or leave food
outside--keep lid on outside trash bins
--Rattlesnakes may be present, especially in
warmer months.
--Use a flashlight at night as snakes can be active.
--Stay on cleared paths; wear closed-toe shoes/
boots
--If you see a snake, retreat and contact us only if
you need help.
--Feel free to kill any snakes or bugs
--Extermination is done, but it is the country and
critters live here!
Detailed house rules are available on our Airbnb
house manual, and in our online & in-house
guestbook.
WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS PLACE!
The property is surrounded by natural, rustic beauty, providing plenty of chances for deer and bird watching, walking, or merely savoring the serenity of the Texas landscape.
A Perfect Getaway for Everyone!
Whether you're searching for a quiet weekend retreat, a family getaway, or a unique historic stay, the Ellinger Ranch Homestead offers an unforgettable experience rooted in history, heritage, and hospitality.
We look forward to welcoming you to our family's ranch and sharing a small piece of Texas history with you.
Book your stay and let the spirit of the ranch rejuvenate your soul!
Guest access
The whole house is available to you with easy keypad entry on front and back doors. (The door will automatically lock once closed).
You may park at the front or back entrance.
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Please contact us if you are interested in exploring the trails on the ranch. (For liability reasons, a release agreement must be signed, as the ranch operates separately from the Airbnb property.)
Via email, we can send you the release agreement for digital signatures.
Note--read ranch rules--Don't cross fences as you may be trespassing.
Other things to note
Lake Abilene is located 2.5 miles from the ranch. Here, you can enjoy activities such as boating, kayaking, fishing, and hiking!
Key Points Include:
--No Texas fishing license is needed if you fish from
the banks at Abilene Lake, as the lake is owned by
Texas State Parks.
--A small fee is required as Abilene Lake is managed
by Abilene State Park, which is 1 mile from the ranch
--There is ample space to park your boat at the ranch
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If you’re planning to attend an event in Abilene, Texas, but prefer to stay outside the city, our ranch is the ideal getaway! We provide a tranquil and peaceful place just 20 minutes from Abilene!
(30-minute drive to downtown/ACU/North Abilene area.
