January 2, 2019
Looking for a funky place to stay in West Texas? I recently stayed at Eve’s Garden Bed & Breakfast in Marathon, Texas, just outside of Big Bend National Park, and was enchanted by this multi-colored handmade palace right here in my state! I love finding unique places to stay; this has been the most creative and unique hotel I have found in Texas. Keep reading below to learn more about this unique hotel! Feel free to share it with friends who would enjoy!
Just a block north of Main Street in Marathon, Texas, Eve’s Garden Bed and Breakfast immediately catches the eye. Bright, colorful, and delightfully unconventional, this one-of-a-kind inn stands out in the high desert landscape as a true architectural gem.
What makes it especially unique is its construction. The entire building is made of papercrete—a blend of recycled paper, cement, sand, and water. This eco-friendly material is molded into blocks, and used for everything from the walls and arches to the mortar and plaster. The result is a structure that’s not only highly insulated and durable but also full of personality.
From the outside, Eve’s Garden Bed and Breakfast Marathon looks like a hand-sculpted piece of art. A mix of domes, arches, curves, and vivid colors gives it an almost whimsical, storybook appearance. Inside, the vibe shifts to warm and inviting. The seven guest rooms are each hand-built and distinct, with bright colors, curved walls, and thoughtful touches throughout. Six rooms open onto a serene interior courtyard, where a fountain adds a peaceful ambiance.
Far different than a normal hotel, Eve’s Garden Organic Bed & Breakfast and Ecological Resource Center is an experience of its own in Marathon, Texas. Not only is the place beautiful, but the people there are friendly and treat you like friends.
The inside of Eve’s Garden is incredible. We went in the winter when the weather was cooler, and they had a garden with fresh flowers still in bloom. The owners have designed it so that it stays warm inside! Plus, I loved walking through the beautiful display of flowers or taking a book and sitting out near the koi pond to simply enjoy the beauty of the colored walls and flowers.
In addition to flowers and koi, the common area just off the main house serves as a beautiful community space. Visitors can sip on tea or coffee in winter or take a refreshing swim in a solar-heated indoor lap pool during warmer months. And the best part: they have Big Bend Brewing Co. beer on tap, which you can pour whenever you want.
There’s also a fire pit where you can gather to share stories and watch the gorgeous West Texas night sky with other house residents. Ingredients for s’mores and marshmallow roasting sticks are available to make it a memorable evening.
On the outside are gorgeous staircases that remind me of a mixture of Greece and Chefchaouen. You can climb to the top to see the whole city.
A serene fish pond surrounded by tables and chairs makes for an excellent spot to enjoy a leisurely meal. They have also set up a band in the courtyard in case you want to celebrate your special occasions for up to 50 people.
The guest rooms at Eve’s Garden B&B are like staying in a colorful cave. The one we stayed in was and included fresh flowers! Each space features beautiful arches, lively colors, and special touches, ensuring you feel at home. The thick insulation of papercrete construction provides a sanctuary of privacy. Each exclusive room boasts a heating and cooling system, mini-fridge, private bath, and fresh blooms from Kate’s organic greenhouse. Most rooms include cozy bedside lamps, a reading chair, and a romantic faux fireplace, inviting relaxation.
Your stay includes a self-serve gourmet breakfast, which will fuel your adventures to the breathtaking Big Bend National Park or along scenic routes reminiscent of classic western films.
Eve’s Garden Bed and Breakfast is a smaller hotel, and it’s at homemade, organic gourmet breakfasts where you really get to sit down with the owners, Kate Thayer and her son, along with people staying there for incredible food and good conversations. It’s family style in that everyone sits and eats simultaneously. If you are in the mood, they also serve Tex-Mex-Tico Breakfast.
If you arrive a little early, fresh coffee is waiting, and sometimes cakes are available at any time of day. It’s almost like staying at a sweet family member’s house…if your family member covered their house in colored paper!
Each breakfast is different and deliciously made. While there, we had fresh fruit scones, a quiche, and other dishes. We got to speak to the locals about the town and learn so much! It was such a beautiful experience.
If you are looking for a truly magical place to stay while visiting the Big Bend area or just for a relaxing retreat, Eve’s Garden is the perfect place. Thanks to its paper adobe, high Mexican contemporary color treatments, and hand-built rooms, don’t expect the typical hotel experience, but that’s part of what makes it so special!
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Hi, I'm Jessica! I'm a Texas-based travel creator blending colorful style with local eats, nature escapes, weekends, road trips, and practical tips to help you make the most of where you live.
More About MeLast Updated 1 year ago ago by Jessica Serna | Published: January 2, 2019
