Desert Revelation

Natural environments don’t come much more impressive than Joshua Tree National Park. And this unique, mid-century, artistic home is nestled among the incredible desert scenery of Yucca Valley. If you’re an artist yourself, this is perfect for inspiring isolation. Or if you simply enjoy wonderfully eccentric, one-off houses, you'll feel very at home. Behind concrete bricked walls, we love the surprise of retro decor such as a vintage pink bathtub, psychedelic patterned armchairs, and colourful woven rugs. The rustic ranch-style fittings make the bedrooms feel at one with the American west. Step out onto the star-lit back patio of the garden to cook on the barbecue or firepit – whoever wins at table tennis is in charge of dinner that evening. You could spend all night gazing up at countless stars, with a margarita in hand and the hot tub bubbling away. After everyone wanders back inside, keep the night going with the built-in bar, games, and a record player. Leaf through the host's vinyl collection and hit play for an authentic experience of 1960s California. Wake up and head to a nearby trendy coffee shop for breakfast, then continue the artsy vibe with a day at the outrageously quirky Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Art Museum. Painter or poet, hiker or yoga practitioner, there’s something to help you reset and express yourself at this desert abode.

Home truths:
*At full occupancy, the third bed is a comfortable Japanese-style futon in the front room
*Some guests might not be used to the toilet set-up – the house runs on an eco-friendly septic system
*You cannot bring cats, but you can bring up to two dogs for a daily fee per dog
*To use the fireplace, you'll need to provide your own Duraflame log
*You will almost certainly need a vehicle to get the most of your stay, but there are also buses and taxis available locally