Nestled on the western edge of Terlingua, just a stone’s throw away from Lajitas International Airport and Golf Resort, lies a hidden gem with deep historic roots. The Villa de La Mina, a former working mining town from the early 1900s, has officially been listed for sale. This iconic property, situated only a mile off State Hwy. 170, boasts a sprawling complex of approximately 20 buildings and an expansive mine and cavern network.
In its prime, Villa de La Mina was a thriving mining hub with its own jail, feed & grain store, dynamite shack, and cantina. As time went on, its function evolved. By the 1960s, it transformed into a guesthouse for the adventurous, drawing tourists, hunters, and even motor racing aficionados like Carroll Shelby of Ford Mustang renown and his circle of racing colleagues. Additionally, the location made its mark as the original venue for the International Terlingua Chili Cook-off, which saw performances from notable figures such as Willie Nelson, Jerry Jeff Walker, Hondo Crouch, and Gary P. Nunn.
The sprawling 62-acre property houses a century-old fortress complex with each building showcasing the exceptional craftsmanship of master masonry. Constructed using local rock, all structures on the site combine rock walls and cement floors. Although some maintenance is required, particularly for roofing, plumbing, and electrical works, the buildings remain mostly structurally sound. The intricate stonework found on the property is a testament to generations of skill, with estimates suggesting a multi-million dollar price tag to replicate such work today.
Not to be overshadowed, the property’s mine, riddled with a vast network of shafts, extends into a massive subterranean cavern. Its potential applications are diverse, from housing a unique residence or health spa to serving as a grotto bar, wine cellar, or even a bomb shelter.
With the surge in tourism in the area, many speculate that Villa de La Mina’s future could lean towards becoming an upscale family compound or a boutique hotel.
Interested parties seeking further information or to schedule a viewing can reach out to Steve Dyer, a Broker Associate at Limpia Realty in Alpine, Texas. He can be contacted at 432-294-4138 or stevie3249@gmail.com.
I think the first cook-off was at Terlingua Ghost Town and eventually had to leave; the event was too destructive to the property. So perhaps this group adopted the International part of the name when they moved from the ghost town, to lay claim to being the original venue of the cook-off. Ah, the different names – World, International, Original…
The price…always list the price. Otherwise your phone just blows up with people just needing the price…
At one time there three cook offs…Frank Tolbert Behind The Store, Villa de Mina and CASI.