Vacation Rentals by Owner

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:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, pet owners, romantic getaway.

A Romantic Experience in Unique Surroundings

Guest: desertartistdownunder (Australia)
Date of Stay: 08/05/10 Review Submitted: 09/10/10

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:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway.

Oasis in the Dessert

Guest: Sierra Paloma (Los Angeles)
Date of Stay: 06/05/10 Review Submitted: 06/29/10

Our family stayed here for one week and had a fantastic time. The house is surrounded by incredible boulders, Joshua trees, and dozens of rose bushes. There is a fantastic pool that our two little girls enjoyed swimming in. The hot tub was also relaxing. Lots of beautiful walking trails for those who want to take it easy and tons of challenging trails for the more adventerous. Very well decorated bedrooms and living room. Kitchen is small but equipped with all amenities to make a gourmet meal. We ate outside every night and even by the pool. There are lots of chairs and tables to move around. There is so much space outside that you literally can sit or dine in a differnt place every day. If you wanted to eat inside, you can arrange the large dining table and numerous chairs in the dining area. We really had such a great time and will return soon!!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Oasis in the Dessert

Guest: Sierra Paloma (Los Angeles)
Date of Stay: 06/05/10 Review Submitted: 06/29/10

Our family stayed here for a week and had the most wonderful time! The landscape surrounding the property is utterly amazing. The house is nestled between large boulders and numerous Joshua Trees which highlight the beautiful dessert and there is a fantastic pool to cool you off at the same time! Our two little daughters enjoyed taking walks on the trails and spending time swimming. We ate dinner outside every night and star gazed. The kitchen is small but equipped with all the essentials to cook anything. The dinning area has a long table and lots of chairs to set up if you want to eat inside, but we took advantage of the numerous sitting/dining areas outside. I can't say enough about the place! We will definitely be back again soon!!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway.

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:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway.

Great retreat house in a great location

Guest: Desert Novices (Los Angeles, CA area)
Date of Stay: 04/04/10 Review Submitted: 04/22/10

I spent three nights in this beautiful house with my husband and 11 year old twin daughters in early April. It was our first visit to Joshua Tree. Overall, we truly enjoyed ourselves and found this home comfortable and inviting. I would definitely recommend this to family and friends. Here are the pros and cons of our stay: PROS Communication with the owner was quick and clear Great location and easy to find The house was very clean Fresh flowers in the living room and bedroom Beautiful rock formations in the back of the property The cave on the property is magical My kids loved climbing on the rocks! It's very quiet and private The garden is so beautiful! Large, incredible library of mostly art related books The jacuzzi is nestled right up to the rock formations Outdoor dining areas add a lot to the experience House is very nicely decorated and up to date Good audio system; I was able to hook up my iPod with no problems WiFi worked great The owner owns an additional place nearby so if he is there during your stay, he will be readily available to help if need be. CONS The kitchen is very basic: limited counter space, no dishwasher, stove and oven are just OK, microwave is basic and not very new. The layout leaves much to be desired as well. If you intend on cooking a lot, you will find it challenging. It's as if this kitchen just does not belong with the house. Maybe the owner has plans to remodel it soon? The TV is small and in a cabinet that does not have doors that swing all the way back or slide into the cabinet. This makes it awkward for four people to watch a movie together. FYI: bring your own DVD's, there are only a few in the house. If the weather is bad, as it was our first day there, you will have to move some tables around inside of the house to create a place to eat. The table in the kitchen is in an awkward place right next to the refrigerator; when you open the door, it barely clears the back of one of the dining chairs. In other words, dining outside is best. Compared to the other four houses we have rented from Home Away and VRBO, this owner gives very, very detailed instructions about the do's and don'ts for this property. I found this to be a bit intimidating as I was concerned that we would not get our deposit back. In the end, all was well and it wasn't an issue. But during our stay, I was a little uncomfortable because I was always worried about the owner's lengthy instructions.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Extraordinary Desert Jewel

Guest: Abby M. (Orange, CA)
Date of Stay: 04/02/10 Review Submitted: 04/18/10

This magical, even romantic, place far exceeds the gorgeous pictures on the owner's site. The house is right against the towering boulders that rim the actual Joshua Tree State Park. It has it's own private little "cave" to explore. Below that, is a lovely patio overlooking a beautiful oval pool. Next to the house is a great jaccuzi that seats 8 people for nighttime star-gazing. The foot jets were a treat for your feet after hiking. The house has 5 separate little patios/pergolas with large windowed doors, to enjoy the spectacular views from all sides of the house, climbing roses, wisteria, over 150 various roses, a large bank of lavender, etc. If you are a chef, you will appreciate the Bodum cookware and roomy, fully-furnished kitchen. If you appreciate art, you'll be impressed with various one-of-a-kind pieces from France to Morocco. He had the most impressive collection of books we had ever seen in a house, from every genre of the arts, novels, culture and history books. The owner was available to answer any question when we called, very gracious. We can't wait to go back to this desert gem!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Extraordinary Desert Jewel

Guest: Abby M. (Orange, CA)
Date of Stay: 04/02/10 Review Submitted: 04/18/10

This magical, even romantic, place far exceeds the gorgeous pictures on the owner's site. The house is right against the towering boulders that rim the actual Joshua Tree State Park. It has it's own private little "cave" to explore. Below that, is a lovely patio overlooking a beautiful oval pool. Next to the house is a great jaccuzi that seats 8 people for nighttime star-gazing. The foot jets were a treat for your feet after hiking. The house has 5 separate little patios/pergolas with large windowed doors, to enjoy the spectacular views from all sides of the house, climbing roses, wisteria, over 150 various roses, a large bank of lavender, etc. If you are a chef, you will appreciate the Bodum cookware and roomy, fully-furnished kitchen. If you appreciate art, you'll be impressed with various one-of-a-kind pieces from France to Morocco. He had the most impressive collection of books we had ever seen in a house, from every genre of the arts, novels, culture and history books. The owner was available to answer any question when we called, very gracious. We can't wait to go back to this desert gem!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Extraordinary Desert Jewel

Guest: Abby M. (Orange, CA)
Date of Stay: 04/02/10 Review Submitted: 04/18/10

This magical, even romantic, place far exceeds the gorgeous pictures on the owner's site. The house is right against the towering boulders that rim the actual Joshua Tree State Park. It has it's own private little "cave" to explore. Below that, is a lovely patio overlooking a beautiful oval pool. Next to the house is a great jaccuzi that seats 8 people for nighttime star-gazing. The foot jets were a treat for your feet after hiking. The house has 5 separate little patios/pergolas with large windowed doors, to enjoy the spectacular views from all sides of the house, climbing roses, wisteria, over 150 various roses, a large bank of lavender, etc. If you are a chef, you will appreciate the Bodum cookware and roomy, fully-furnished kitchen. If you appreciate art, you'll be impressed with various one-of-a-kind pieces from France to Morocco. He had the most impressive collection of books we had ever seen in a house, from every genre of the arts, novels, culture and history books. The owner was available to answer any question when we called, very gracious. We can't wait to go back to this desert gem!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Extraordinary Desert Jewel

Guest: Abby M. (Orange, CA)
Date of Stay: 04/02/10 Review Submitted: 04/18/10

This magical, even romantic, place far exceeds the gorgeous pictures on the owner's site. The house is right against the towering boulders that rim the actual Joshua Tree State Park. It has it's own private little "cave" to explore. Below that, is a lovely patio overlooking a beautiful oval pool. Next to the house is a great jaccuzi that seats 8 people for nighttime star-gazing. The foot jets were a treat for your feet after hiking. The house has 5 separate little patios/pergolas with large windowed doors, to enjoy the spectacular views from all sides of the house, climbing roses, wisteria, over 150 various roses, a large bank of lavender, etc. If you are a chef, you will appreciate the Bodum cookware and roomy, fully-furnished kitchen. If you appreciate art, you'll be impressed with various one-of-a-kind pieces from France to Morocco. He had the most impressive collection of books we had ever seen in a house, from every genre of the arts, novels, culture and history books. The owner was available to answer any question when we called, very gracious. We can't wait to go back to this desert gem!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Paradise in the Boulders

Guest: Eclectic Traveler (Hermosa Beach, CA)
Date of Stay: 03/30/10 Review Submitted: 04/19/10

My family and I stayed at Villa del Fiori over this past Easter week and had an absolutely restful and magical time in this desert paradise. The house is beautifully decorated and extremely comfortable, the gardens are gorgeous and lovingly tended, the library is chock full of literary and art book gems from around the world, the amenities are A+, and the views are spectacular. This villa is a gift from its owner - Dale Alan Pelton - to its visitors. We swam in the beautiful navy blue bottom pool, lazed in the spa, played bocce ball around the grounds, cooked grand family dinners, climbed the backyard boulder piles, and cooked smores over a backyard bonfire each night and day all week. For the price of a small room in a Palm Springs hotel, one gets a one-of-a-kind, lifetime memory-filled experience in one of the most comfortable, spectacular places on earth. Do yourself a favor and stay here. Like us, you will come back for years to come.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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

Good Time

Guest: desert rats (Los Angeles)
Date of Stay: 09/23/09 Review Submitted: 04/19/10

Wow, this was the place to have fun and relax and visit with friends we haven't seen in a long time. There is just something for everyone here. whether you want quiet time or social time, hiking or swimming, slepping-in or reading or writing, or movie-watching, you'll find just the cozy spot to do just what you want. This last september '09 we finally got a chance to spend a long weekend out at the Villa dei Fiori in Joshua Tree with two other families. We found the accomodations to be very adaptable to all the visitors(ages ranging from 2 to 49)all very tastefully decorated. We enjoyed the many special patio areas just outside the french doors to sit and have breakfast or to look for falling stars. (we sighted 3) We all decided to share meals and we had lots of activity in the kitchen and bbq'ing on the adjacent patio. all very convenient for the many wine-tastings and appetizers round the clock. No need to drive anywhere. The new pool is just the thing to cool off and enjoy story-telling, beverages and cocktails amid the rocks while the kids play. We had a great hike up thru the "valley of the moon" for boulder scrambling. And the whole crew made a flashlight-lit trek to the hidden cave for a campfire for more stories with the resident kangaroo mice listening in. The owner has done a superb job with the landscaping design to create privacy and beauty with roses, lavender, firethorns, cypress, palms, palo-verde and yucca trees. We would love to return and wouldn't hesitate to plan another trip with a bunch of friends and family.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

long weekend sojourn

Guest: desert rats (Los Angeles)
Date of Stay: 09/23/09 Review Submitted: 04/15/10

Wow, this was the place to have fun and relax and visit with friends we haven't seen in a long time. There is just something for everyone here. whether you want quiet time or social time, hiking or swimming, slepping-in or reading or writing, or movie-watching, you'll find just the cozy spot to do what you want. This last september '09 we finally got a chance to spend a long weekend out at the Villa dei Fiori in Joshua Tree with two other families. We found the accomodations to be very adaptable to all the visitors(ages ranging from 2 to 49)all very tastefully decorated. We enjoyed the many special patio areas just outside the french doors to sit and have breakfast or to look for falling stars. (we sighted 3) We all decided to share meals and we had lots of activity in the kitchen and bbq'ing on the adjacent patio. all very convenient for the many wine-tastings and appetizers round the clock. No need to drive anywhere. The new pool is just the thing to cool off and enjoy story-telling, beverages and cocktails amid the rocks while the kids play. We had a great hike up thru the "valley of the moon" for boulder scrambling. And the whole crew made a flashlight-lit trek to the hidden cave for a campfire for more stories with the resident kangaroo mice listening in. The owner has done a superb job with the landscaping design to create privacy and beauty with roses, lavender, firethorns, cypress, palms, palo-verde and yucca trees. We would love to return and wouldn't hesitate to plan another trip with a bunch of friends and family.

Owner response:I'm amazed by the vivid writing in this review. It has covered so many facets in so few words---so perceptive even remembering the names of the plants. We plan to keep on improving the place, recently adding a larger stainless steel refrigerator and planning for a more sophisticated range. When I'm around, I'm giving tours for our guests of my five acre "Nature Preserve" just up the road which is at this moment inundated with yellow wildflowers amid the boulders and 1,000 cypress, junipers and pine trees. In the cholla cactus, a mama dove is sitting in her carefully disguised nest. She has chosen the cholla whose needles are so sharp that it serves to deter the desert rats who'd love to devour her eggs. Safely enshrouded in her prickly haven, she patiently warms the eggs of baby doves who'll soon hatch, a thrilling sight for our little visitors.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Desert getaway

Guest: desert rats (Los Angeles)
Date of Stay: 09/23/09 Review Submitted: 04/15/10

This last september '09 we finally got a chance to spend a long weekend out at the Villa dei Fiori with two other families. We found the accomodations to be very adaptable to all the users regarding sleeping arrangements, cooking, relaxing, fun time and socializing. If I wanted to spend any time indoors (which out in Joshua Tree, I don't) There is an abundant library of Literature and Art/Design books to entertain. We enjoyed the multipe special patio areas just outside the french doors trellised with shading vines. A perfectly cool spot to sit and have breakfast or just appreciate the peace and quiet. There is a large jacuzzi we gathered in late-night to look for falling stars. We all decided to share meals and we had lots of activity in the kitchen and bbq'ing on the adjacent patio. The new pool is just the thing to cool off and enjoy beverages and cocktails amid the rocks while the kids play. We had a great hike up thru the "valley of the moon" for boulder scrambling. And the whole crew made a flashlight-lit trek to the hidden cave for a campfire. The owner has done a superb job with the landscaping design to create privacy and beauty with roses, lavender, firethorn, cypress and yucca trees. We would love to return and wouldn't hesitate to plan another trip with a bunch of friends and family.

Owner response:I'm amazed by the vivid writing in this review. It has covered so many facets in so few words---so perceptive even remembering the names of the plants. We plan to keep on improving the place, recently adding a larger stainless steel refrigerator and planning for a more sophisticated range. When I'm around, I'm giving tours for our guests of my five acre "Nature Preserve" just up the road which is at this moment inundated with yellow wildflowers amid the boulders and 1,000 cypress, junipers and pine trees. In the cholla cactus, a mama dove is sitting in her carefully disguised nest. She has chosen the cholla whose needles are so sharp that it serves to deter the desert rats who'd love to devour her eggs. Safely enshrouded in her prickly haven, she patiently warms the eggs of baby doves who'll soon hatch, a thrilling sight for our little visitors.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

stunning desert oasis

Guest: sheamoe (los angeles)
Date of Stay: 09/18/09 Review Submitted: 04/06/10

This a perfect getaway from the city -- appropriate for a couple or multiple families with kids. The lot is beautifully landscaped with roses and lavender gardens nestled in the giant boulders and a beautiful pool to boot! I have stayed here several times and each time is more memorable than the next. In the evenings you can sit under of the verandas, have a fire either in the pit next to the house or you can have one in the rock cave at the far end of the lot. Stargazing in the jacuzzi is also a wonderful treat. The house is clean, comfortable and lovingly decorated with the necessary amenities. I can't wait to go again! Thanks Dale for creating this work of art!

Owner response:After designing movie sets which were immediately destroyed immediately after the filming, it is rewarding to create my own movie set in the boulders on the boundary of the magical Joshua Tree National Park. I remember the bulldozers crushing the set for "The Goonies" and feeling deep regret that the pirate ship and cave would go down to oblivion after so many hours of work by the designer and set builders, and asking myself, why not create something of beauty that will live on to another era? Villa dei Fiori is the result of my small contribution to immortality. I share my garden and home with others especially those with children who have a chance to pursue their fantasies in the cave and discover the wildlife that is so abundant in the Mojave desert. This is one movie set which will outlast the creator. Dale

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

stunning setting and comfortable retreat

Guest: sheamoe (los angeles)
Date of Stay: 09/18/09 Review Submitted: 04/06/10

This a perfect getaway from the city -- appropriate for a couple or multiple families with kids. The lot is beautifully landscaped with roses and lavender gardens nestled in the giant boulders and a beautiful pool to boot! I have stayed here several times and each time is more memorable than the next. In the evenings you can sit under of the verandas, have a fire either in the pit next to the house or you can have one in the rock cave at the far end of the lot. Stargazing in the jacuzzi is also a wonderful treat. The house is clean, comfortable and lovingly decorated with the necessary amenities. I can't wait to go again! Thanks Dale for creating this work of art!

Owner response:After designing movie sets which were immediately destroyed immediately after the filming, it is rewarding to create my own movie set in the boulders on the boundary of the magical Joshua Tree National Park. I remember the bulldozers crushing the set for "The Goonies" and feeling deep regret that the pirate ship and cave would go down to oblivion after so many hours of work by the designer and set builders, and asking myself, why not create something of beauty that will live on to another era? Villa dei Fiori is the result of my small contribution to immortality. I share my garden and home with others especially those with children who have a chance to pursue their fantasies in the cave and discover the wildlife that is so abundant in the Mojave desert. This is one movie set which will outlast the creator. Dale

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

This place rocks - literally!

Guest: sheamoe (los angeles)
Date of Stay: 09/18/09 Review Submitted: 04/06/10

This a perfect getaway from the city -- appropriate for a couple or multiple families with kids. The lot is beautifully landscaped with roses and lavender gardens nestled in the giant boulders and a beautiful pool to boot! I have stayed here several times and each time is more memorable than the next. In the evenings you can sit under of the verandas, have a fire either in the pit next to the house or you can have one in the rock cave at the far end of the lot. Stargazing in the jacuzzi is also a wonderful treat. The house is clean, comfortable and lovingly decorated with the necessary amenities. I can't wait to go again! Thanks Dale for creating this work of art!

Owner response: After designing movie sets which were immediately destroyed immediately after the filming, it is rewarding to create my own movie set in the boulders on the boundary of the magical Joshua Tree National Park. I remember the bulldozers crushing the set for "The Goonies" and feeling deep regret that the pirate ship and cave would go down to oblivion after so many hours of work by the designer and set builders, and asking myself, why not create something of beauty that will live on to another era? Villa dei Fiori is the result of my small contribution to immortality. So I share my garden and home with others especially those with children who have a chance to pursue their fantasies in the cave and discover the wildlife that is so abundant in the Mojave desert. This is one movie set which will outlast the creator.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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

Great get away!

Guest: DGA Director (Taos New Mexico)
Date of Stay: 05/10/09 Review Submitted: 04/14/10

My friends and I enjoyed our time at your villa. We luxuriated in the pool under the boulders and had good food at home and in surrounding area. It's a great place for the kids who were with us too and loved hiking around in the rocks. My friend was very impressed by the library and the sensibility of the whole place. The gardens are to die for. Kudos!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great get away with a wonderful pool and unique combination of rustic and ornate

Guest: DGA Director (Taos New Mexico)
Date of Stay: 05/10/09 Review Submitted: 04/14/10

My friends and I enjoyed our time at your villa. We luxuriated in the pool under the boulders and had good food at home and in surrounding area. It's a great place for the kids who were with us too and loved hiking around in the rocks. My friend was very impressed by the library and the sensibility of the whole place. The gardens are to die for. Kudos! We come from a beautiful desert spot of our own in Taos New Mexico and we weren't disappointed.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

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:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.