Estancia Santa Thelma

A really special stop, with baby animals and vintage trucks around the working sheep ranch, or estancia. Marc and his wife divide their time between here and France, and they’re wonderfully gracious hosts. Make time to share a meal with them. Marc also has plenty of stories about the region, some of which became a very successful book of photos and stories. Don’t miss this place.

The real feeling of Patagonia is all around the estancia, from the sheep and traditional houses to the friendly dogs. The owners made us feel so welcome, and dinner came with warm, genuine conversation. One owner waited for us, slaughtered a sheep, and cooked it for our meal, which was as fresh as it gets. We arrived with few expectations, but the experience turned out far better than the booking photos suggested. It was unforgettable, and much more than just a place to sleep.

I felt right at home here. The room was cozy and comfortable, and dinner in the barn was delicious. I also went for a spectacular walk nearby, with stunning views. It’s a great Patagonia experience as well as a place to stay. Thanks for making me feel so welcome!

Dinner by candlelight in the barn was one of the most seductive spaces I’ve ever been in. Simple food, perfect wine, and an atmosphere a top restaurateur would envy. Marc and Isabelle captivated us, and the French and Angentian touches came together beautifully. The meal included grilled guanaco and sheep, and their daughter and son helped behind the scenes while the gaucho kept the ranch running. We felt like family visiting town. Before dinner, three puppies had completely won us over, and we spent hours afterward petting and playing with the farm animals. The warmth felt real. Marc invited me to slaughter a sheep with him and the gaucho, and was excited that his new kittens would enjoy scraps from my plate. He was also great at sorting out details on WhatsApp, and settling up was easy. Breakfast was served at Marc and Isabelle’s own dining room table, with staggered timing based on guest preference. It was intimate and simple, with perfect eggs, toast, and French press coffee. We had no choice but to book Estancia Santa Thelma for the night because of our itinerary. When we arrived at the farmhouse, guests were enjoying the border collies and a gaucho on horseback was rounding up sheep. It looked like a movie scene, and kicked off one of the most memorable parts of our Patagonian trip. This isn’t luxury. The electricity is solar and limited during the day, and a generator ran in the evening until I told Marc it was okay to turn it off. Then the lights and internet went off too, and it was time for bed. The four of us shared one room. We could hear other guests through the wooden house, but it never bothered us. The beds were comfortable, and we slept in complete quiet. I often stay at Airbnbs that are good but could be improved. Here I came away feeling the opposite: it’s perfect, and I hope it never changes. I hope you get to experience it too.