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Dwell Published Modern Home Near Joshua Tree National Park

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Rock Reach House floats over the desert boulderscape (Nuvue Interactive)

Rock Reach House floats over the desert boulderscape (Nuvue Interactive) The living room offers a front-row seat for the wild desertscape. A California king bed in one bedroom (queen in the other). (Nuvue Interactive) Cowboy soak tub is nestled into the boulders. Though close to amenities the house is in its own world. View from the front deck. Pinyons, junipers and desert oaks abound. The cowboy soak tub can be cold in the summer and hot in the winter. The light-gauge steel frame allows the house to float over the terrain. The kitchen features high-end appliances and bamboo cabinets. Rock Reach House floats over the landscape. Note outdoor shower at the back. Great high desert hiking and exploring awaits.

Calendar

Last updated: 06/18/2013
Check availability
23 Available
21 Unavailable
22 Today
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24 Special offer
  • Minimum stay:2 nights
  • Internet:Yes
  • Pets allowed:No
  • Wheel chair accessible:No

This one-of-a-kind home was built in 2009 and was featured in the April 2010 Dwell magazine. Each room offers large sliding glass doors that lead out to decks and patios for a marvelous indoor/outdoor living experience. Top-of-the-line appliances and home theater A/V system and high-speed Internet.

The house sits amidst a jumble of fantastically weathered granite boulders in a national park-like setting in the private community of Rock Reach in the Town of Yucca Valley. Taken together, the house and the setting offer a high desert escape second to none.


Why the Owner Chose Yucca Valley: I fell in love with this unbelievable property when I discovered it in 2003. After I bought it I struggled to figure out how to build a small, sustainable home on the property without destroying the very attributes that drew me to the property. That's what led me to what is now the Blue Sky Building System that lets homes sit very lightly on the land. This house demonstrates an entirely new way of building using this revolutionary light-gauge steel frame and a number of other advanced materials and methods. There is no wood in the house except cabinets and a couple of interior doors.

The Unique Benefits of this House: Although this home is less than an hour and a half from the heart of Los Angeles it feels as if it is on the other side of the moon. There is a profound sense of seclusion and connection to nature in this spectacular setting. I very much enjoy sitting outside and being part of the remarkable nature. I also enjoy sitting in the cowboy soak tub after long hikes in the vast surrounding Mojave desert. I feel like I am in my own private national park.

Property Type

  • House
  • 1000 sq. ft.

Accommodation Type

  • Guest House
  • Guest House

Suitability

  • Wheelchair Inaccessible
  • Unsuitable For Elderly Or Infirm
  • Non Smoking Only
  • Not Suitable For Children
  • Pets Not Allowed

Bedrooms: 2 Bedrooms, Sleeps 4

Bathrooms: 0 Bathrooms

Other Amenities

      • Hiking, bird watching, star gazing, photography.

      Entertainment

      • CD Player
      • Satellite / Cable
      • Video Library
      • MP3 Dock
      • Books
      • Books For Adults
      • Stereo
      • DVR
      • Television
      • DVD Player
      • Music Library

      Theme

      • Adventure
      • Away From It All

      Leisure Activities

      • Eco Tourism
      • Wildlife Viewing
      • Antiquing
      • Scenic Drives
      • Sight Seeing
      • Bird Watching
      • Walking

      Location Type

      • Rural
      • Mountain View

      sports and adventure activities

      • Mountain Climbing
      • Hiking
      • Rock Climbing
      • Mountain Biking

      Arrival Day

          • Flexible

          Dining

              • Dining Area

              forms of payment

                  • Accept Credit Card

                  General

                  • Heating
                  • Hair Dryer
                  • Free Long Distance
                  • Paper Towels
                  • Basic Soaps
                  • Parking Off Street
                  • Linens Provided
                  • Ceiling Fans
                  • Wireless Internet
                  • Washing Machine
                  • Laundry Soap
                  • Covered Parking
                  • Telephone
                  • Toilet Paper
                  • Clothes Dryer
                  • Air Conditioning
                  • Wood Fireplace
                  • Iron & Board
                  • Towels Provided
                  • Broadband Access
                  • Parking For RV/Boat/Trailer
                  • Internet
                  • Local Restaurant Guide
                  • Parking
                  • Local Maps
                  • Alarm Clock
                  • Free Local Calls
                  • Firewood

                  Kitchen

                  • Refrigerator
                  • Toaster
                  • Pantry Items
                  • Ice Maker
                  • Oven
                  • Dishwasher
                  • Garbage Disposal
                  • Freezer
                  • Grill
                  • Stove
                  • Kitchen
                  • Coffee Maker
                  • Cooking Utensils
                  • Coffee Grinder
                  • Microwave

                  Outside

                  • Barbecue
                  • Outdoor Grill
                  • Patio
                  • Porch Furniture
                  • Outdoor Furniture
                  • Deck / Patio
                  • Deck Furniture
                  • Large Cooler
                  • Balcony
                  • Terrace
                  • Outdoor Grill Gas

                  Payment Type

                  • Mastercard
                  • Visa
                  • Amex

                  Pool / Spa

                  • Jacuzzi
                  • Hot Tub
                  • Outdoor Hot Tub
                   

                  Reviews

                  Write a review
                  • A Unique Desert Retreat

                    A Unique Desert Retreat

                    • Guest SEdaca
                    • Date of stay 03/22/13
                    • Review Submitted 04/05/13
                    Our family of 4 stayed at The Rock Reach House for 3 nights while visiting the Joshua Tree National Park. It was absolutely divine. Everything is exactly as shown on the pictures here and the entire property is very well maintained. The house comes with its own, very interesting, story and we appreciated every effort in blending in the desert while minimizing the impact on the environment. There are some great books at the house about water management in the desert and wildflowers. We all loved sitting by the cool cowboy tub while watching a variety of birds stop by, including hummingbirds. And when the sun goes down, you can warm up by the fire place before heading to the hot tube - it's just fantastic. We couldn't get enough of the outdoor shower and certainly made good use of the clothes line (quick desert dry!). The peace and quiet, the stars... it's hard to describe how special this place is. Still, it was only a 5-10 minute drive to the nearest town centre (Yucca Valley) and grocery store and only a little further away to the north-west end of Joshua Tree Park. It is very feasible to visit the national park with day trips from this house. The owner is extremely well organized and courteous, the house binder is complete and provides all sort of extra information on the house as well as the basics (pictures included). There's really nothing more we could have asked for... expect more vacation time :-)

                    Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

                    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

                  • Could not be more beautiful or relaxing

                    Could not be more beautiful or relaxing

                    • Guest JH5
                    • Date of stay 09/22/12
                    • Review Submitted 03/02/13
                    My husband and I stayed here for part of our Honeymoon last year. The owner was so extremely nice and helpful, and the home is absolutely gorgeous. The property is secluded and private, and the home is decorated beautifully. We loved being here. The soaking tub on the property is lovely, and the outdoor fireplace is so wonderful to have in the evenings. I cannot say enough wonderful things about this property or our experience with the owner. We would love to stay again!

                    Recommended for: Romantic getaway, sightseeing.

                    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

                  • Magical!

                    Magical!

                    • Guest Jane
                    • Date of stay 02/09/13
                    • Review Submitted 02/28/13
                    Just look at the photos and you'll see what an exquisite place this is. Quiet, secluded, beyond beautiful... and the magical part included waking up Sunday morning to see snow on the ground! As for the property review, the house is immaculate, well-designed (so much glass, yet warm and cozy even on an icy night!?). Exceptionally well equipped (the kitchen had everything we needed -- all pots, pans, seasonings, martini shaker, sharp knives, etc. -- which I find unusual in rental houses). Comfortable couch, blankets and bedding, and a first-rate audio/video system. We two wives initially balked at the long-ish walk to the hot tub (it WAS February). But one look at the stars and we had to concede to our hearty husbands that it was worth it. My husband is now determined to build a house just like this. At the very least, we hope to be back soon.

                    Recommended for: Age 55+, girls getaway, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

                    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

                  • It could NOT have been Nicer

                    It could NOT have been Nicer

                    • Guest Zippy Purple Kitten
                    • Date of stay 02/09/13
                    • Review Submitted 02/13/13
                    I just spent a completely peaceful weekend at this incredibly beautiful, comfortable, well equipped home. Everything was well thought out, great kitchen supplies, comfortable furnishings, perfect king beds and simple elegance around. The view from every vantage point is terrific. And, if it hadn't been so cold (it actually snowed overnight) we would have really loved sitting by the outdoor fire. What I especially loved was the hot tub with a completely unobscured view of the stars. That may be the good news and the bad news. I would have loved that to have been a little closer to the house. But that was just because it was so cold this particular weekend.

                    Recommended for: Girls getaway, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

                    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

                  • KMG

                    KMG

                    • Guest KMG
                    • Date of stay 06/06/12
                    • Review Submitted 09/15/12
                    A polished jewel in tumbled granite. Exquisite design choices. Brilliant use of space and materials. A house that honors the landscape and let's us enjoy it without robbing it of natural beauty. Private, romantic, comfortable and quiet. Very well cared for.

                    Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, adventure seekers, romantic getaway.

                    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

                  • Desert Getaway Perfect for Relaxation and Adventure

                    Desert Getaway Perfect for Relaxation and Adventure

                    • Guest Nick
                    • Date of stay 07/20/12
                    • Review Submitted 07/26/12
                    If you're looking for an escape where you can both relax and adventure without ever having to hop in the car and drive, Rock Reach is the perfect Southern California getaway for you. The landscape could very well be part of nearby Joshua Tree National Park, and the house offers all of modern convenience and luxury while maintaining it's own unique style (it kind of reminded me of an old miner's cabin crossed with mid-century Palm Springs chic crossed with a modern eco-house, if that makes any sense). Definitely bring a camera and don't be afraid to hike/climb around the property and explore. Even in late July with temperatures in the high 90's I was out hiking in the afternoon and the experience was fantastic, just make sure to always have plenty of water and sunscreen with you. Night time star gazing from the outdoor deck is also a must, especially late at night when the light pollution dwindles and you can almost see the sky as our ancestors did. Rock Reach is a true experience and one you won't forget. And if you ever have any questions, Dave is very friendly and helpful, and you will likely find what you need is probably already there in one of the drawers or cabinets. Internet worked great, cell phone was spotty but I was able to send texts from most places inside the house with just a little patience. Perfect for couples, for writers/artists, for families with teenagers, and for anyone looking for a peaceful vacation away from the crowds that can offer a wonderful sense of adventure while still maintaing the comforts of home.

                    Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, adventure seekers, romantic getaway.

                    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

                  • Style and Seclusion

                    Style and Seclusion

                    • Guest Mike and Jim
                    • Date of stay 03/25/12
                    • Review Submitted 04/13/12
                    We rented this house the last week of March and it was truly spectacular. Dave was very responsive and provided the most detailed list of what is provided, down to every single item in the kitchen. Of course that meant we had to only bring ourselves and food and drink! The home itself is top notch in style and substance. Little details like the magnetic doorstops and even a cocktail shaker make this the best experience we have ever had renting a home (and we rent vacation homes several times a year). As great as the house and owner are, I cannot leave out the setting. It is truly an oasis only a couple of hours from LA. It was quiet and so serene every single day. This should be at the top of anyone's list if you like design, desert and serenity.

                    Recommended for: Age 55+, people with disabilities, families with teenagers, girls getaway, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

                    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2

                  • Fabulous house and piece of land

                    Fabulous house and piece of land

                    • Guest Holger
                    • Date of stay 01/04/12
                    • Review Submitted 01/16/12
                    We have had the pleasure to spend three nights at the Rock Reach House in early January 2012. I can only underline what other reviewers are describing: This house and the setting is truly amazing and I've enjoyed every minute of our stay. I came with my wife and 9 year old son to rock climb, take photos, cook and enjoy the landscape around. There is really nothing to add, the house is wonderfully equipped and very thoughtfully designed. My wife and I both studied Industrial Design and we enjoy attention to detail in Interior Design - The house is a true case study and inspires to start a project yourself. While there, we've read up on the development process and the prefab concept the house is based on ; we drove around and looked at the second house not far from the Rock Reach House - wonderful as well. From the first call, to booking the rental and finding everything in place - David is wonderful to work with - hands down. Thanks for sharing this place and we will for sure try to make it back for a second visit. Other details: The road to the house is absolutely drivable - we came with our 2-wheel drive Hybrid car and had no problems. Bring your mountain bikes - the sandy roads are wonderful terrain to ride around and enjoy the area. Friends flew in for an evening. The nearby YV airport is small, but very close to the house (2.3 Miles).

                    Recommended for: Families with teenagers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

                    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2

                  • Extraordinary House

                    Extraordinary House

                    • Guest sara o.
                    • Date of stay 05/21/11
                    • Review Submitted 12/15/11
                    I posted this on Homeaway and wanted to share here as well: I stayed at this amazing home over six months ago and am still in love. I want to live here. I currently live in Hawaii but want to leave it for a house like this one, in the desert. Obviously, the house is gorgeous. And as mentioned in the other reviews, the owner provides thoughtful touches so the home is set up perfectly. Often I find that vacation homes are missing the little things that make the stay comfortable, such as updated internet codes, sufficient cookware, etc. Here we had no inconveniences, everything was provided for and all went smoothly. We had a great time in Yucca: We didn't try any of the local restaurants, but did find a bar nearby (Joshua Tree Saloon?) that had an excellent jukebox with Johnny Cash on heavy rotation and Jenny Lewis waiting tables : ) There are some nice little vintage shops in the area as well. Back at the house I took approximately 4,000 photos of the property, and spent nights soaking in the tub and starring at the sky with wine in hand, the cowboy soak tub being my other favorite bar in the neighborhood. Can't think of one negative, it is a truly lovely place, thanks for sharing it.

                    Recommended for: Girls getaway, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

                    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2

                  • Extraordinary Property

                    Extraordinary Property

                    • Guest sara o.
                    • Date of stay 05/21/11
                    • Review Submitted 12/15/11
                    I stayed at this amazing home over six months ago and am still in love. I want to live here. I currently live in Hawaii but want to leave it for a house like this one in the desert. Obviously, the house is gorgeous. And as mentioned in the other reviews, the owner provides thoughtful touches so the home is set up perfectly. Often I find that vacation homes are missing the little things that make the stay comfortable, such as updated internet codes, sufficient cookware, etc. Here we had no inconveniences, everything was provided for and all went smoothly. We had a great time in Yucca: We didn't try any of the local restaurants, but did find a bar nearby (Joshua Tree Saloon?) that had an excellent jukebox with Johnny Cash on heavy rotation and Jenny Lewis waiting tables : ) There are some nice little vintage shops in the area as well. Back at the house I took approximately 4,000 photos of the property, and spent nights soaking in the tub and starring at the sky with wine in hand, the cowboy soak tub being my other favorite bar in the neighborhood. Can't think of one negative, it is a truly lovely place, thanks for sharing it.

                    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2

                   
                  Rental basis: Per property
                  Rental rates quoted in: $
                  Dates Nightly Wknd Night Weekend Weekly Monthly * Event
                  Peak
                  Jun 1 - Jun 1, 2013
                  2 night min stay
                  $295 $295

                  Payment is usually accepted in the quoted currency ($) unless the currency and the amount is specifically agreed in advance with the owner / advertiser.


                  Additional information about rental rates:

                  Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
                  A $300 refundable reservation / security deposit is required. Two week cancellation notice required for full refund. For every seven days rented we offer a free night. 10% rental fee discounts for returning guests. Call owner for media rates for reporters and writers.
                  Credit Cards Accepted: * Visa * Mastercard * American Express

                  Fees and Taxes:

                  • Tax Rate 7%
                  • Cleaning $100

                  This owner accepts HomeAway's most secure form of payment.
                  HomeAway PaymentsSM is the most secure way to pay and automatically protects your payment up to $10,000 (learn more). Call the owner directly to confirm payment details.

                   

                  Calendar

                  Last updated: 06/18/2013
                  Check availability
                  23 Available
                  21 Unavailable
                  22 Today
                  23 Selected dates
                  24 Special offer
                   

                  Location

                   

                  Owner info

                  Year Purchased: 2009

                  About the owner: I started my professional life as a print journalist, eventually serving in a variety of corporate PR and marketing executive roles. As a Southern California native I have long had a passion for the deserts of California -- especially the Mojave Desert. That passion led me to buy this property and that in turn changed my life as I set out to find a way to build on this land without destroying it. When I found the solution to that problem I also found a whole new professional calling. Now I'm a passionate evangelist helping others build more efficiently and sustainably through my company, Blue Sky Homes.

                  Why the Owner Chose Yucca Valley:
                  I fell in love with this unbelievable property when I discovered it in 2003. After I bought it I struggled to figure out how to build a small, sustainable home on the property without destroying the very attributes that drew me to the property. That's what led me to what is now the Blue Sky Building System that lets homes sit very lightly on the land. This house demonstrates an entirely new way of building using this revolutionary light-gauge steel frame and a number of other advanced materials and methods. There is no wood in the house except cabinets and a couple of interior doors.


                  Contact us

                  • Primary: +1 760 774-2495 Before 9 PM and after 6 AM Pacific

                   

                  Photos

                  • Rock Reach House floats over the desert boulderscape (Nuvue Interactive)

                    Rock Reach House floats over the desert boulderscape (Nuvue Interactive)

                  • A California king bed in one bedroom (queen in the other). (Nuvue Interactive)

                    A California king bed in one bedroom (queen in the other). (Nuvue Interactive)

                  • Though close to amenities the house is in its own world.

                    Though close to amenities the house is in its own world.

                  • Pinyons, junipers and desert oaks abound.

                    Pinyons, junipers and desert oaks abound.

                  • The light-gauge steel frame allows the house to float over the terrain.

                    The light-gauge steel frame allows the house to float over the terrain.

                  • Rock Reach House floats over the landscape. Note outdoor shower at the back.

                    Rock Reach House floats over the landscape. Note outdoor shower at the back.

                  • The living room offers a front-row seat for the wild desertscape.

                    The living room offers a front-row seat for the wild desertscape.

                  • Cowboy soak tub is nestled into the boulders.

                    Cowboy soak tub is nestled into the boulders.

                  • View from the front deck.

                    View from the front deck.

                  • The cowboy soak tub can be cold in the summer and hot in the winter.

                    The cowboy soak tub can be cold in the summer and hot in the winter.

                  • The kitchen features high-end appliances and bamboo cabinets.

                    The kitchen features high-end appliances and bamboo cabinets.

                  • Great high desert hiking and exploring awaits.

                    Great high desert hiking and exploring awaits.

                  19

                  2 Bedroom / 0 Bathroom
                  Sleeps 4


                  Dates are unavailable
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                  Owner

                  +1 760 774-2495
                  Before 9 PM and after 6 AM Pacific

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