From Alex Stowell
In 2022, while traveling full-time in our Airstream, we (Alex and Ryan, a married couple of 18 years) found ourselves frequently drawn to Marfa, Texas — a tiny, world-renowned art town of fewer than 2,000 residents. During one of these visits, we learned of a unique off-market opportunity: a five-acre parcel just outside the city limits featuring a quonset hut. With little more than drywall, insulation, a bathroom — and a lot of imagination — it was a blank canvas full of possibility.
When we first toured the structure, it was a far cry from a stylish retreat: black ceilings, harsh fluorescent lighting, mismatched yellow walls, and no kitchen. Still, we immediately saw its potential as a minimalist desert getaway.
Within three weeks of closing, we completely refreshed the space. We designed the full aesthetic ourselves: installing a custom kitchen, replacing the lighting, painting throughout, and layering in curated decor to create a cozy, modern escape that honors the rugged simplicity of Marfa. Every element — from the design concept to the photography — was done by Ryan.
Today, our quonset hut Airbnb is the highest-rated listing in Marfa (4.99 stars across 220+ reviews), welcoming guests from all over the world to experience the magic of West Texas. Check it out: airbnb.com/h...