Desert Constellation

Perched on two-and-a-half acres of open desert, this house earns its keep the moment you step onto the elevated deck – hot tub to one side, cowboy pool to the other, mountain views stretching out ahead. A detached casita gives groups room to spread out without losing the sense of being together, and when the sun drops, the string-lit patio and dedicated stargazing deck take over. Joshua Tree National Park's West Entrance is a ten-minute drive, with downtown Joshua Tree even closer – so the desert is both your backyard and your playground.

Home truths:
* The main house and two-bedroom casita are entirely separate buildings, so groups using both will be stepping outside to move between them – handy for privacy, but worth factoring in if you're hoping to feel like one connected home.
* You'll need a car to make the most of your stay. The national park entrance is a ten-minute drive, downtown Joshua Tree is five minutes away, and the nearest town of Yucca Valley is ten minutes in the other direction.
* The fireplaces you'll see in the listing photos are non-operable, so if you're picturing a crackling fire on a cool desert evening, plan to use the outdoor fire pit instead.
* If you're travelling with a baby, your host can provide a full-size cot and bedding. It's worth requesting this in advance to make sure everything is ready on arrival.