Mojave on the Menu

11 acres of ancient Joshua Tree desert give this house a rare sense of breathing room, with private hiking trails threading through native flora and panoramic Mojave sunrise views framing the main living spaces. The glass-walled kitchen – designed by a professional Italian chef, complete with an outdoor pizza oven – makes cooking feel like part of the landscape rather than a chore, while a nine-person hot tub and mosaic-tiled outdoor shower turn every evening into something worth lingering over. Joshua Tree National Park is a thirty-minute drive away, and Black Rock campground is just four minutes from the door.

Home truths:
* Due to this home's location, we recommend hiring a car to get the most out of your stay. There's free parking for up to six cars on the driveway.
* Many of the local roads are unpaved dirt tracks, so a standard car will do the job but take them slowly – especially after rain.
* If you're travelling with little ones, your host can arrange babysitting and provide a high chair. Request these in advance to make sure everything is ready on arrival.
* The third bedroom comprises a super king size day bed that can be arranged as two singles upon request.
* The outdoor showers are cold water only, so you'll want to use the indoor bathrooms for a warm rinse after time outside.
* The Malm propane fireplace is switched off during summer months, so if you're visiting in warmer weather you won't be able to use it.
* Guests staying here have access to a community swimming pool – it's only available for use between May and August.