Among the Boulders

Sitting on two-and-a-half private acres with Joshua Tree National Park a fourteen-minute drive away, this desert house is the kind of place where the landscape does most of the talking. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the open desert and distant San Jacinto mountains, and the hot tub deck – ringed by agave and cacti under an enormous sky – makes evenings here hard to leave. The Scandinavian-minimalist interior stays calm and uncluttered, with a fireplace for when the desert cools, while the outdoor fireplace draws you back out under the stars.

Home truths:
* If you're travelling with little ones, your host can provide a cot and high chair. It's worth requesting these in advance to make sure everything is ready on arrival.
* The outdoor pool operates seasonally and is closed during winter months, so if a swim is on your agenda, check the time of year before booking.
* Due to this home's remote location, you might find that the phone signal is patchy from time to time.
* There is a Ring door camera facing the entrance to the home.
* You'll need a car to get around here. There is parking for up to four vehicles in the private driveway, though the garage is not available for use.
* Many roads in the area are unpaved and can develop ruts after rain – a standard car will get you around, but take it steady and allow a little extra time after wet weather.