Palomas at Dusk

A Spanish-style villa in the Coachella Valley, this La Quinta house is built around outdoor living – and the pool terrace, complete with a chiller system for hot desert summers, makes a compelling case for staying put. A covered outdoor kitchen sits alongside it, perfect for evening barbecues as the Santa Rosa Mountains fade into dusk beyond the block wall. Inside, warm floors and a bright living room offer a calm retreat from the midday heat. When you do venture out, three public golf courses including the TPC Stadium course are minutes away, and desert hiking trails wind through the wider valley.

Home truths:
* You'll need a car to make the most of your stay – La Quinta is a driving destination, and while Uber and Lyft operate in the area, most restaurants, shops, and attractions require a short drive. There is parking on the premises, and no street parking is available at the home.
* There are security cameras on the exterior of the home – covering the driveway and street, the front door entrance, and the rear patio including the pool and spa area.
* For longer stays, note that a California lease agreement will need to be signed before your arrival.
* For those with reduced mobility, there's a ground floor bedroom and bathroom here.
* The swimming pool isn't fenced.