Star Gazer Ranch, South of Jackson, Wyoming Vacation Rental

Star Gazer Ranch is a big, traditional, family-style house set on the broad valley floor like a ship at sea. Long porches, a deck and many windows survey twelve rolling acres of private pasture and rangeland and the great, encircling ring of mountains. Grasslands give way to sage-covered buttes; big old trees sigh in the breeze, and the vast dome of sky plays its constantly changing show of light, clouds and stars above.

Inside, Star Gazer has an open-arms feeling of welcome and authenticity; rooms are spacious, simple and brimming with sun. The living room is a high-ceilinged space, centered on a river rock hearth built of stones worn soft and velvety by millennia of rushing water. Two plush couches face each other before the fire, and windows are filled top to bottom with a glorious panorama of fields, mountains and sky. The kitchen is airy and open, with a wide, stone-topped center island and an induction range; a round breakfast table stands in one windowed corner, with built-in upholstered benches perfect for long, lazy mornings spent talking and gazing out at the view. The dining room is open to the kitchen; the polished table can seat eight, and three more may sit at the bar if extra space is needed.

The master bedroom is on Star Gazer’s main floor, at the very heart of this wonderful Jackson Hole vacation home - private, quiet, carpeted and spacious. Huge picture windows on three sides frame the enormous expanse of the valley outside and the jagged, majestic mountains. A door opens to the master’s private wood deck. The king size bed looks out to the staggering view, and to a big flat screen television as well. In the sumptuous master bath, double sinks bracket a vanity, and a piano stool set before the mirror suggests that beauty is an art, too. A claw-foot soaking tub stands in a windowed alcove; an upholstered armchair and ottoman wait beside the walk-in shower.

Star Gazer has three sunny guest rooms on the upper level, and an office loft as well - where a long desk offers a peaceful, light-filled spot to work, privy to the goings-on below and yet set apart.

The first guest bedroom is a handsome space, with the rich fabrics and warm wood tones of a private club. A queen bed is flanked by matching side tables and fringed reading lamps; a table for two stands beneath a picture window and can serve as desk or quiet dining space. The en suite bath is both rustic and luxurious. A sink, hand-painted with fish and fishing ties, sits in a tiled vanity with cupboard handles cast in the shape of trout. A twig-framed mirror hangs above.

The second guest bedroom is simple and pleasing: creamy walls, carpeting, a full-size, leather-upholstered bed and a long picture window bracketed by two smaller ones that may be opened to the sage-scented mountain breeze.

On the far side of the office landing, the third guest bedroom is a kids’ kingdom. A king bed, a twin and a trundle can sleep four children in great comfort, with cheery yellow walls, room to unpack and open floor space for play. A long, cushioned window seat is set temptingly beside a well-stocked bookshelf. This bedroom has a private bath with two sinks, a bath and shower combination and a summery mural of foxgloves and wisteria twining up the walls.

Much of life is lived out on Star Gazer’s back porch, where the stupendous panorama summons an I-can’t-believe-I’m-here feeling every time you step outside. Big, comfortable chairs are pulled up around a granite-rimmed fire pit, where you can roast local sausages, vegetables or perfect your own s’mores. The family picnic table waits beside a gas grill. A long bench wraps around the porch; game day front row seating for Frisbee, football or just watching the kids play tag. In the winter, set out on cross-country skis or snowshoes from the porch and go for miles. World-class ski slopes and the small, sophisticated city of Jackson are both just a short drive from Star Gazer Ranch - a marvelous home in a marvelous setting.

Check-in: 4:00PM

Check-out: 10:00AM

Children are welcomed

Pets require prior approval and non-refundable pet deposit

Smoking is prohibited

Some homes allow events, please ask

Rates vary depending on time of year and number of guests

High season and holidays are higher

50% down to book

Balance due 60 days prior

Please bring proof of identification

Passport Required for non-resident

Travel insurance recommended

All Bookings are Final

Rates and fees subject to change without notice