Villa 24 ft x 36 ft pool in landscape of giant quartz monzonite boulders.
Location: Joshua Tree, Deserts, California, USA (located on contiguous boundary of Joshua Tree National Park,) View Map
Accommodations: House, 3 Bedrooms + Library, 1 Bath (Sleeps 8)
Keywords: House
Villa dei Fiori is a romantic escape on 14 acres on the boundary of the Joshua Tree National Park. Pine log pergolas cover the surrounding five terraces with arbors of climbing roses and cascading purple and white wisteria.
The villa, built amid the surrounding quartz monzonite boulders, was created by Dale Allan Pelton, a Hollywood based film production designer and architect. On the west side of the villa, the terraces of 150 rose bushes with a border of purple French lavender form a dramatic contrast to the savage landscape of boulders beyond.
There is a grove of Italian Stone pines on the north. To the south, a terrace of raked sand with a Zen aesthetic, is in the midst of large boulders, perfect for al fresco dining. In the west one can see the snow-capped peak of San Gorgonio. Between the kitchen terrace and the southeast terrace stands a giant Joshua tree, several hundred years of age. The motor court is surrounded by mesquite trees and crimson oleanders, allowing a feeling of complete solitude and pastoral peace.
Near the house, is a cave formed of giant boulders with a bed of soft sand and a fire pit where guests have dinner parties in the evening by the light of an open fire. Crevices in the boulders open to the sky so that one can glimpse the stars at night.
Features - The villa has an European ambiance, with three bedrooms, one painted raspberry and another, magenta, and the living and dining rooms treated with hand-rubbed colors of cognac and amber over an under layer of gold. The master bedroom has a romantic antique bed, its ornate design formed with the tendrils of metal leaves. The colors of the Moroccan pottery complement the vivid paintings of the Parisian artist, Viviane Quence.
Although the house is modest in size, 1400 sq. foot, there are 1600 sq. foot of terraces with pergolas of cascading wisteria and climbing roses. Each room has its own private terrace, accessed by double doors, 13 glass French doors in total, bring the outdoors inside.
There is a magnificent library spread throughout several rooms - hundreds of books on subjects as varied as architecture, painting, sculpture, film, biography, literature, photography, fashion, gardening, travel, exotic places, anthropology, history, almost any subject one could think of.
The living room features a silk tapestry and original paintings and a rock sculpture from the film, "Battlestar Galactica." There is an excellent stereo system with an Ipod dock, and selection of CDs. There is no cable TV so that one can enjoy the quiet natural sounds of the desert. However, there is a DVD and VCR receiver,film videos available and a high speed wireless internet connection.
Although the kitchen is modest in size, it has top quality cookware, porcelain service for 12, wine glasses, baking ware, all imaginable cooking utensils, blender, coffee bean grinder, oversize toaster, programmable coffee maker, a micro wave, a new stainless steel 22 cubic foot refrigerator. There is a library of cookbooks in the living room bookcase. The stove’s oven has baked many turkeys, but will soon be replaced with one with higher BTU burners. Counter space being limited, a large kitchen table (which expands to 7 feet) may be pulled out to form a work space allowing 2 or 3 persons to work simultaneously. The gas barbecue is on the kitchen terrace just 12 feet from the kitchen. The dining terrace overlooks a Joshua tree amid the boulders. Near the kitchen, there is an tone fireplace for wood fires on the terrace by the boulders.
Since the number of guests vary, numerous tables are set against the wall, so that guests can make their own decision about the size and placement of their dining arrangements. There are 8 wooden chairs inside, and 6 plastic ones outside, with an 8 foot table on the living/dining room terrace which seats 10. On the north terrace, there are two chaise longue chairs. The cushions for the chaise are stored in baskets under the marble table inside.
The large swimming pool has a salt electrolyte purification system and a beautiful gemstone pebble surface. The best swimming months are April to mid October. The two pool terraces have a table with six lounge chairs. When not in use, the pool chairs should not be left close to the water, because a sudden wind storm will blow them into the pool creating a contamination problem. There is a large market umbrella stored in the middle bedroom closet. It is kept inside when not in use, because of the sudden wind storms which spring up unexpectedly which can instantly destroy an umbrella.
Activities: 500 feet, behind the villa, you will discover the hidden valley on the estate. From there you may hike directly into the multi-hued canyons of Joshua Tree National Park. Hiking through the boulders you will spy cactus wrens and ravens, owls and hawks, rabbits, roadrunners and quail. If you are fortunate, you may spy at a distance, a bobcat who lives in my hidden valley, or an increasingly rare Chuckawalla iguana, or Mojave Desert tortoise. This is such an inaccessible region of the park you will not encounter any other hikers to disturb your splendid solitude.
Excellent restaurants are to be found in Twentynine Palms: Bistro Twentynine, Wonder Garden Cafe, 29 Palms Inn.) Joshua Tree: Crossroads Café and the Thai or Indian restaurant.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer
- Dryer
- Linens Provided
- Off Street Parking
- Parking for RV/Boat/Trailer
- Wood Fireplace
- Beds
- Queen Bed (2)
- Double Bed
- Convertible Bed
- Entertainment
- Private Hot Tub
- TV (No Cable/Satellite)
- DVD
- VCR
- Video Library
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Music Library
- Private Pool
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio
- Lanai
- Gazebo
- View/Location
- Mountain View
- Communications
- Telephone
- Broadband Internet
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Other Amenities
- 36 x 24 foot custom pool nestled between massive boulders next to wilderness. Pool suitable for swimming from April to October 1st. Large Library. Six terraces, each with an unique ambiance and view.
- Suitability
- Pet Friendly
- Wheelchair Accessible (may have limitations)
- Kid Friendly
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities
- Golf
- Swimming
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Live Theatre
- Horseback Riding
- Hiking
- Rock Climbing
- Restaurants
- Other Activities
- Swimming in late spring and summer, Wild animals and bird Watching, Cave and wilderness exploring. Astronomy, Star Gazing
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
Fall,Winter $750-850 weekend(extra night-$350)week $2000 - 2600 except holidays
Spring $800 to $1000. Summer -inquire for rates (two-night minimum)
Price varies with number of guests.
Holidays & some spring dates, week: $2400-$3200. Rates vary, dependent on season.
Week days rates are lower than weekends.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Map & Owner's Profile
Property Photos
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- Villa 24 ft x 36 ft pool in landscape of giant quartz monzonite boulders. - Joshua Tree, CA - Southern California Lodging
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- 6 person Jacuzzi with air jets in the boulders on the master bedroom terrace. - Joshua Tree, CA - Southern California Lodging
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- 24 ft x 36 ft elliptical salt system pool w gemstone finish amid giant boulders, - Joshua Tree, CA - Southern California Lodging
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- One of seven terraces in the boulders. All rooms have private terraces.
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- Salt system pool has a gemstone surface of black, bronze and cobalt blue.
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- Dining in the cave! Through the crevices in the cavern, you can see the stars.
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- The cave, perfect for family picnics. Stars visible through crevices above.
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- Master bedroom ornate iron bed. Costume designs from Three Musketeers.
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- Our hidden valley lies beyond the pool. The National Park immediately contiguous
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- Cascades of Alba wisteria, rosa banksia and blaze roses on the north pergola.
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- French sleigh bed in guest bedroom. Paintings from traditional Chinese opera.
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- View of the Villa rose garden through the quartz-monzonite boulders.
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- Living room with double French doors opening to one of five terraces
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- Boulders, trees and pool and spa are illuminated by 40 Malibu lights.
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- A grove of pines, Arizona cypress and palo verde lies to the North of the pool.
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- Ariana with Mojave yucca blooming in spring.
Traveler Reviews (26)
Villa Dei Fiori - Joshua Tree Gem!
Guest: Nancy B.
Date of Stay: 12/22/11
Review Submitted: 01/05/12
We could not have asked for a more perfect vacation than the week spent at Villa Dei Fiori. The accommodations are bright, comfortable and a visual feast! The well-appointed kitchen, outdoor grill and especially the hot tub and beautifully landscaped pool make it a perfect place to unwind after a day of spectacular hiking. The owner is gracious and helpful and it is perfectly located for accessing many area points of interest. Consider contacting the Desert Institute to hire a private guide to explore more remote parts of Joshua Tree. Thank you Dale!
Recommended for:
Perfect location, Charming desert villa
Guest: bryan
(Oceanside CA)
Date of Stay: 11/02/11
Review Submitted: 11/09/11
My family and I had an outstanding vacation at Dale's villa on the edge of Joshua Tree. Beautifully decorated and perfectly situated among the beautiful boulder at the edge of Jo Tree. The kids climbed their hearts out every day, then enjoyed a good soak in the hot tub. Exploring the caves was an adventure. This villa is very thoughtfully and meticulously laid out: patios on all sides, beautiful roses that guests are encouraged to pick, fire pits, outdoor tables. I read several titles from the expansive library. Easy access to the park gates, or hike from the back yard into the park. I will definitely be returning to Villa del Fiori.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, pet owners, adventure seekers, families with young children, families with teenagers.
A really special place
Guest: The Moving Circle Theater Group
(Brooklyn)
Date of Stay: 08/15/08
Review Submitted: 10/04/10
I have nothing but good things to say about Dale or the house and property. The photos hardly do it justice. There is a beautiful veranda, where we pulled out a table and chairs and ate all our meals, it has the look and feel of Tuscany. The pool, of course, was refreshing and amazing. At night there is a view of the mountains from the pool that is breathtaking. Behind the house is the park and there is plenty of hiking. Which is great since you can walk back down and jump right into the pool! The house is well furnished, lots of books. Kitchen was a tad small, but since we ate outside for every meal, it didn't matter. Hot tub in the evening, watching shooting stars. Really amazing. Highly recommend.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.
A Romantic Experience in Unique Surroundings
Guest: desertartistdownunder
(Australia)
Date of Stay: 08/05/10
Review Submitted: 09/11/10
Together with my wife, we drove out to the Villa dei Fiori from our holiday base in Los Angeles. Our first experience of the Joshua Tree desert was unforgettable. We were pleased to find on our arrival that the property was well maintained, clean, and all the amenities were the 'real deal'. However, the property was a little hard to find from the road, and after our long drive we would have appreciated a small complimentary refreshment such as some coffee, tea or milk in the kitchen. The property is in an excellent position, as it backs right on to the stark beauty and vastness of Joshua Tree national park. The Villa was very comfortable, even in the height of summer, and the owner was very friendly and helpful to us. The Villa dei Fiori was everything we expected - and it turned out to be the perfect romantic setting for my Fiftieth birthday! I only regret that we did not have more time to enjoy the Villa and it's unique surroundings. We have some amazing deserts here in Australia, but I must say that our brief experience of the Villa dei Fiori and the Joshua Tree desert really was exceptional.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, adventure seekers.
desert pool in the boulders great vacation
Guest: LA family
(los angeles, CA)
Date of Stay: 04/19/10
Review Submitted: 09/08/10
We had the most wonderful vacation at Villa dei Fiori in Joshua Tree & have been there twice now with the whole family. the location site is amazing with a gorgeous private pool surrounded by enormous natural boulders & a fancy hot tub with a great view. We have 2 young boys who had a fabulous time. We went for hikes in the high desert behind the house, climbed unbelievable giant boulders, explored caves made by the boulders, found a geological line of rock in the hills, & swam a lot. The kids spotted a wild rabbit and lizard and were thrilled. The house is simple but elegant & comfortable, and felt like a home away from home. we could cook easily in the kitchen with everything we needed & ate meals on the various patios overlooking the views & pool. Dale was helpful in making us welcome. We would go back any time and highly recommend this place for it is very special. It was one of the best vacations ever. When the kids are away somewhere we plan to go there for a lovely romantic retreat. Absolutely excellent!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, pet owners, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
vacation with the pool by the giant boulders
Guest: LA family
(los angeles, CA)
Date of Stay: 04/19/10
Review Submitted: 09/08/10
We had the most wonderful vacation at Villa dei Fiori in Joshua Tree & have been there twice now with the whole family. the location site is amazing with a gorgeous private pool surrounded by enormous natural boulders & a fancy hot tub with a great view. We have 2 young boys who had a fabulous time. We went for hikes in the high desert behind the house, climbed unbelievable giant boulders, explored caves made by the boulders, found a geological line of rock in the hills, & swam a lot. The kids spotted a wild rabbit and lizard and were thrilled. The house is simple but elegant & comfortable, and felt like a home away from home. we could cook easily in the kitchen with everything we needed & ate meals on the various patios overlooking the views & pool. Dale was helpful in making us welcome. We would go back any time and highly recommend this place for it is very special. It was one of the best vacations ever. When the kids are away somewhere we plan to go there for a lovely romantic retreat. Absolutely excellent!
Recommended for:
great house in desert boulder landscape
Guest: LA family
(los angeles, CA)
Date of Stay: 04/19/10
Review Submitted: 09/08/10
We had the most wonderful vacation at Villa dei Fiori in Joshua Tree & have been there twice now with the whole family. the location site is amazing with a gorgeous private pool surrounded by enormous natural boulders & a fancy hot tub with a great view. We have 2 young boys who had a fabulous time. We went for hikes in the high desert behind the house, climbed unbelievable giant boulders, explored caves made by the boulders, found a geological line of rock in the hills, & swam a lot. The kids spotted a wild rabbit and lizard and were thrilled. The house is simple but elegant & comfortable, and felt like a home away from home. we could cook easily in the kitchen with everything we needed & ate meals on the various patios overlooking the views & pool. Dale was helpful in making us welcome. We would go back any time and highly recommend this place for it is very special. It was one of the best vacations ever. When the kids are away somewhere we plan to go there for a lovely romantic retreat. Absolutely excellent!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
A huge disappointment
Guest: Jctee
(Christchurch, Doreset, UK)
Date of Stay: 03/10/10
Review Submitted: 09/01/10
My wife and I booked this property for 6 nights but were so disappointed on arrival that we left right away - leaving us very substantially out of pocket. The main problem was the bedding. The covers were heavy and very old and were directly on the sheets without any duvets. They were not the type that could be cleaned easily and there was no way way we were going to sleep next to them. Another issue was that the closet was two-thirds full of the owner's clothes, leaving us next to no space to unpack and hang our own clothes. When you are paying top dollar you don't expect this sort of thing. The washing machine and drier are outside and under tarps, which is less than ideal, and the kitchen facilities are very basic. All in all, although the location is great this is definitely not value for money. Also, I would say it is misleading to call it a villa. It is actually a smallish, rustic cabin.
Owner response:In the twenty years I've been offering my home for a vacation rental, no guests have canceled at the last moment and demanded a refund. Upon arrival, the guest called to say he was expecting a large, luxurious house and was not satisfied. I was on my property near by and offered to come immediately and make all adjustments he wished, but he declined, saying they were going to Palm Springs. Long before arrival, the guest reviewed our website with 100 photos of the property. It is stated that there are three bedrooms, 1300 sq. ft and seven terraces of terraces, clearly showing that it is not a "rustic cabin." Rather, the house is furnished with antiques, original art work from Paris and contains a $100,000 library and telescope for viewing the night sky. We primarily serve families with children, even two families with children. The items in the closet are extra bedding, foam cushions, pillows and blankets for the purpose of making additional beds for multiple guests and kids. The housekeeper spends 5 to 6 hours meticulously preparing the house for arriving guests. The "basic kitchen" he mentions, although not large, has satisfied guests over the years, many of whom have cooked holiday dinners for eight. Our nature loving clientele have been thrilled with a swimming pool surrounded by boulders, 150 rose bushes and seven terraces with pergolas shaded by roses and wisteria, a dining room in the cave, a Jacuzzi spa for six, on 15 acres of scenic beauty immediately on the National Park. Afterward, the canceling guest demanded the return of his rental fee or implied he would write a negative review. Our website with nearly 100 photos accurately represents the property. The reviewer never sent the security deposit and fabricated multiple complaints as a basis for demanding a refund when he decided to stay in Palm Springs. Because the house cannot be rented to another at the last minute, our policy clearly states on our website that there is no refund for last minute cancellation.
Recommended for:
love of city & desert
Guest: cityboy
(Los Angeles, CA)
Date of Stay: 09/23/09
Review Submitted: 07/12/10
Being more of a “city-boy” it’s really hard to convince me to retreat to the desert. Even the historical name of Death Valley gives me “the willys”, but since I have been to Joshua Tree more times than I can count, nowadays I actually look forward to it. While I haven’t done the camping bit of pitching a tent and boiling water over a campfire….yet, what makes it all the more enjoyable for me are oasis’ that are real like Villa Dei Fiore. I was part of a family grouping complete with energetic children, which gave me reservations in and of itself (!). Nonetheless, as usual once I got there I couldn’t have been more relaxed and pleased to be right where I was. This villa is perfectly secluded and self-reliant with lots of shade and comfortable chairs. Everything was clean, spacious and readily available. I felt it was designed to be private, quiet and safe. I had a perfect time sunning and swimming in the delightful, huge pool and sitting under the umbrella table chatting day or night. There is an amazing array of books to explore and an easy to use kitchen. We made breakfasts, pizza dinners, cheese plates and cocktails. Just outside the kitchen there's a BBQ where we hung out, cooked ribs and had a quite a few laughs. I found it very relaxing just to look out at the rounded rock formations, the natural vista areas and the stars which are taken for granted inland. The top of the hill looks right into the parkland of Joshua Tree which called our attention frequently for hikes. I enjoyed everything that Villa Dei Fiore has to offer. I had a great time with my friends, have recommended it to many of my friends who are looking for a superb get-away spot, and I wouldn't hesitate to return!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers.
from asphalt stars to desert stars *****
Guest: cityboy
(Los Angeles, CA)
Date of Stay: 09/04/09
Review Submitted: 07/12/10
Being more of a “city-boy” it’s really hard to convince me to retreat to the desert. Even the historical name of Death Valley gives me “the willys”, but since I have been to Joshua Tree more times than I can count, nowadays I actually look forward to it. While I haven’t done the camping bit of pitching a tent and boiling water over a campfire….yet, what makes it all the more enjoyable for me are oasis’ that are real like Villa Dei Fiore. I was part of a family grouping complete with energetic children, which gave me reservations in and of itself (!). Nonetheless, as usual once I got there I couldn’t have been more relaxed and pleased to be right where I was. This villa is perfectly secluded and self-reliant with lots of shade and comfortable chairs. Everything was clean, spacious and readily available. I felt it was designed to be private, quiet and safe. I had a perfect time sunning and swimming in the delightful, huge pool and sitting under the umbrella table chatting day or night. There is an amazing array of books to explore and an easy to use kitchen. We made breakfasts, pizza dinners, cheese plates and cocktails. Just outside the kitchen there's a BBQ where we hung out, cooked ribs and had a quite a few laughs. I found it very relaxing just to look out at the rounded rock formations, the natural vista areas and the stars which are taken for granted inland. The top of the hill looks right into the parkland of Joshua Tree which called our attention frequently for hikes. I enjoyed everything that Villa Dei Fiore has to offer. I had a great time with my friends, have recommended it to many of my friends who are looking for a superb get-away spot, and I wouldn't hesitate to return!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers.
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #36200
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