Vacation Rentals by Owner

Two airline pilots find the perfect place to dry out...

Guest: Patrick M. (-)
Date of Stay: 04/22/12 Review Submitted: 05/17/12

From the cold, wet Seattle weather, that is! We had a great time from Day 1 through 5. Every day we were out exploring Joshua Tree National Park and getting in shape for the rock climbing season. Up at 6am and on the rock by 8, we climbed til noon or so and then relaxed in the shade til the afternoon, then back at it. By 5pm we were lounging at Cary's fantastic bungalow in the rocks, making dinner watching the sunset and then watching The Daily Show. Perfect days. We couldn't have asked for more and Cary provided us with great JT tips and secrets. On our last morning we just sat in the back of his place, soaking up the sun, feeding the locals (rabbits, birds, squirrels) and, frankly, not wanting to leave. Thanks, Cary. We'll be back.

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

very pleasant stay

Guest: Susanne (Portland)
Date of Stay: 03/23/12 Review Submitted: 03/28/12

We stayed four nights at the bungalow. We experienced lots of different weather. It was all good and we were really comfy. Two of us slept in the bottle house on the couch, two on the queen in the bungalow. The kids loved to feed the wild cottontails and quails who showed up regularly. The entrance to the park is very close, downtown Joshua Tree as well and grocery shopping at Yucca Valley was good. Cary was a very pleasant host and were able to answer every question I had for him. We were very much in love with all his unique antique stuff and recommend this house to everybody who share this love. Thanks for having us Cary !!!

Recommended for:Families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

Very relaxing, funky, comfortable...

Guest: MWCA (San Francisco, CA )
Date of Stay: 03/18/12 Review Submitted: 03/27/12

Had a great time with two small children, who loved feeding all the animals and playing in the Bottle House. A great combination of a rustic/camping atmosphere with enough creature comforts to make it easy and stress-free. And can't beat the proximity to the JTNP!

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

Add to your Bucket List! :):):)

Guest: Christine (Littlerock, California)
Date of Stay: 02/26/12 Review Submitted: 03/21/12

Thanks Cary! :) Just spent the last few weeks on the road and I know I'm just not going to be able to say enough about my husband's FAVORITE place on our travels. Hint... THIS PLACE :) I planned this trip as a surprise for my husband. Mixed in with our usual haunts, I also worked in some places in the Southwest that he had always talked about going to. My husband never knew where we were going or what we would be doing and for some crazy reason he totally enjoyed it! We now happily call it the "Bucket List" trip :) We stayed in Joshua Tree, Laughlin, Sedona, Phoenix, Benson and Palm Springs and I'll say it again, Cary's Bungalow in the Boulders was my husband's favorite place... okay, okay, it was mine too! Now, some places worked well for the budget (Laughlin) and some could put you in the poor house (Sedona) but the hands down best buy was Joshua Tree. Cary's place gave us a simply beautiful peace that everyone wants their time away from their regular lives to be. Planning this trip came down to the wire, but getting a quick response with helpful directions from Cary made this part of our trip a breeze. Looking around the place, it is easy to see that a lot of thought (and a whole lot of heart) has gone into this oasis. The beautiful way the desert landscape seems to embrace the weathered beauty of the neon signs is quite a seductive dance all it's own ;) We thoroughly enjoyed the heads up on the banana pecan pancakes at the Crossroads Cafe, mmm... mmm... good! Now, for coffee lovers like us, there was nothing better than being able to start up that Keurig and enjoy a perfect cup of coffee while simultaneously watching the desert residents happily venture onto the porch to enjoy the critter food Cary so kindly provides for them. From the firewood (to keep us warm on the outside) to the "message in a bottle" (to keep us warm on the inside); Cary has done an incredible job on making this place feel as if you're spending time with an old friend :) Once again Cary, I thank you, for allowing me to give a gift to my husband that was truly memorable :)

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

Charming Desert Bungalow

Guest: RM (Los Angeles, CA, USA)
Date of Stay: 02/17/12 Review Submitted: 02/21/12

My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our stay in this charming & relaxing little corner of the high desert. The national park is minutes away by car, and the desert immediately surrounding the bungalow contains several elements of the park, including abundant fauna, flora, and geology. The bungalow itself is cute, cozy, full of amenities, and the owner is extremely knowledgeable and helpful regarding this desert area. We would love to stay there again soon.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Perfect Joshua Tree Retreat

Guest: Austen (Los Angeles, CA)
Date of Stay: 02/04/12 Review Submitted: 04/07/12

I surprised my wife for her birthday by whisking her up to Joshua Tree for a two-night stay. This was the perfect place. Between the amazing grounds, the delightful animals, and the proximity to Joshua Tree National Park, the weekend could not have gone better. I looked all over VRBO and decided on this place and it provided everything I wanted in a J-Tree trip and more. Plus, Cary is awesome and has thought of everything you might need on a trip like this.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Our best vacation, ever

Guest: Joe (Pennsylvania)
Date of Stay: 01/23/12 Review Submitted: 02/01/12

Our stay was so relaxing and fun. This was our 4th visit to JTNP and the best one. The property is so very close to the park, the town of Joshua Tree and other fun sites. Photo opportunities abound both on the property and the surrounding area. Wildlife and nature are right there...Thanks to Cary for the fun time and opportunity to stay there.

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

This Place is Great!

Guest: Jon (Hermosa Beach, CA)
Date of Stay: 01/15/12 Review Submitted: 01/22/12

My brother and I went up to Joshua Tree for a couple days and stayed at the Bungalow in the Boulders. The location is perfect, right near the northwest entrance to the park just pass Yucca Valley. Cary gave us good directions and we found the place without any trouble. When we got there the place was super clean and there was even a few beers left in the fridge for us. He's got pretty much anything you could possibly need including a propane grill, stove/oven, microwave, refrigerator, TV with Dish Network, DVD's and a DVD player. The bed was really comfortable and my brother said the couch wasn't bad either. There's a cast iron wood burning heater in the main house that we enjoyed. We cooked a few steaks and sat on the back porch and smoked cigars while looking at the stars and Cary's awesome highway relics scattered around the property. He's even got some really cool neon signs and Christmas lights that you can turn on at night for a cool effect. There's also a 5 gallon bucket filled with animal feed that you can spread around the back yard and watch the animals come out of the wood work to eat it. The Bottlerock House is really cool too. It's a small house on the property made out of wine bottles and mortar. There's a pull-out bed in there and a small bathroom. When the sunlight comes through the bottles the whole house lights up, really cool! Overall we really enjoyed staying here and will most likely come back again. I highly recommend staying here!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway.

The place to stay in Joshua Tree

Guest: Jayne 2 (South Oxfordshire, UK)
Date of Stay: 12/23/11 Review Submitted: 01/02/12

We stayed here over Christmas for 5 nights and had an amazing time. The bungalow is great fun - so much so that we didn't get to the Park as often as planned as we preferred to stay home. The property gives so much more than just a base to lay your head - all of the vintage bits and pieces in the bungalow and the garden provided so many photo opportunities and certainly gave this home the edge over others I have stayed in at Joshua Tree and 29 Palms some years ago. Cary (the owner) was incredibly helpful by email and phone both at the time of booking and on arrival and made us feel that we were welcome at his property. The bottle house has been beautifully built - my travelling companion spent a few nights sleeping in there with all spare blankets to keep warm as he didn't want to miss out on the experience - the sun coming up in the morning is fantastic when it hits the bottles and lights up the whole room. The bungalow is right on the doorstep of the Park and of all the amenities of Joshua Tree and the Yucca Valley and although you can see your neighbours from the garden, it felt so quiet and private. I missed the bungalow from the minute I had to leave it!

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

Perfect place to stay in Joshua Tree

Guest: Snausage (Los Angeles, CA)
Date of Stay: 12/16/11 Review Submitted: 12/19/11

The owner has beautifully decorated the house and surrounding area with vintage signs, appliances and memorabilia. The cabin is just down the road from an entrance to Joshua Tree, and it is situated just far enough from the other houses to feel like you're in the middle of nowhere. My dog and I spent 2 1/2 amazing days here, and we will definitely be coming back as soon as we can!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, pet owners.

Unique, memorable, AWESOME place to stay!

Guest: Heather (Orange County, CA)
Date of Stay: 12/09/11 Review Submitted: 01/10/12

Three of us made this bungalow our home base for a weekend of rock climbing. We were so glad we did! It felt just like home, except... cooler. The neon signs, vintage cars, 50's kitchen, and everything else gave us so much to look at and enjoy! And after a hard day of climbing in the park, it felt amazing to eat a hot meal cooked on the vintage stove, pop open a beer, and put our feet up in front of the fireplace. We were even able to catch our favorite sports with Dish TV. After a good night's sleep, we got to wake up to fresh coffee, a welcoming committee of wildlife on the patio, and a beautiful view of the desert at sunrise. Needless to say, we can't wait to go back!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Loved it!

Guest: iggster (los angeles)
Date of Stay: 12/06/11 Review Submitted: 12/08/11

Had a great time staying here & Cary the owner is super helpful and accommodating!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

Bungalow stay was as enjoyable as seeing Joshua Tree (which was great)

Guest: John (San Diego)
Date of Stay: 10/18/11 Review Submitted: 12/08/11

We never left the bungalow except to spend about 8 hours exploring Joshua Tree during our 3 day visit. We can't wait to go back and take our grandsons with us. The incredible stars (property is at 3200 ft.), wildlife, very comfortable and charming bungalow, unique bottle house, amenities and the most comfortable bed we've ever experienced in our 40+ years of traveling made the bungalow hard to leave. We have already shared our pictures with 8 different friends who all want to put it on their "places to visit" list. The peace and quiet, ambiance, walks we took around the property, our morning coffee and breakfast on the patio with the animals was a truly enexpected pleasure.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

We love the Bungalow in the Boulders!

Guest: Tobe Atsea (Los Angeles, CA)
Date of Stay: 10/12/11 Review Submitted: 10/17/11

This was our second stay at the Bungalow and we loved it just as much as our first visit. We can't wait to go back. Both visits we took friends from overseas for a private desert getaway. We heard coyotes, and saw tons of birds, rabbits and chip monks. The house is cosy and the land around it filled with vintage relics of the past, artfully placed. Bring your favorite wine and something to BBQ. Relax, relax, relax into the night!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway.

Desert nostalgia to he max!!

Guest: Jack (Orange, Ca)
Date of Stay: 10/09/11 Review Submitted: 10/12/11

Wonderful describes this desert setting in the 'bolders'. What a great way to spend a few days under the sun. Terrific setting in desert rocks, Joshua Trees, cactus, with rabbits, quail, and other creatures, all nearby. The bungalow itself, approached by a dirt road, is set amongst a plethora of nostalgic items collected from the 50s, in and outside. VERY clean and comfortable, invites walks and exploration. Near the JTNP which has a myriad of interesting adventures. You will not be disappointed. Jack/Danah Mossler MD

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

Best part of our 2 week trip

Guest: hans (London UK)
Date of Stay: 09/04/11 Review Submitted: 09/25/11

I fell in love with this hide out, we travelled to Joshua tree after Burning man and this was the highlight of our trip (yes it beat burning man!) The cool 50' s decor, the neon signs and cacti garden, the old cars, the fire pit, bbq,, the birds, rabbits and chipmunks that come say hi every morning and evening, everything about this place is brilliant and perfect- even down to the cool fridge with revolving doors! I couldn't recommend enough and would go back in a heartbeat. Thank you Cary for our wonderful stay!

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

Desert places

Guest: Jeep (San Diego)
Date of Stay: 07/17/11 Review Submitted: 08/08/11

The place is amazing, magical, and relaxing. The fire pit, the animals that come to eat the corn, the big outdoor seating with the amazing grill, the artistry, the 50's restoration in the desert setting, it's like being in a groovy Sam Sheppard play or a Tom Waits song without all the pain and suffering. My girlfriend and I had the best vacation of our relationship, and so relaxing to hide out from the heat of the day and then go out in the evening for a hike. I will be back!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway.

We never wanted to leave.

Guest: A.W. (Los Angeles)
Date of Stay: 07/01/11 Review Submitted: 07/04/11

My husband and I stayed three nights for the holiday weekend. As we drove up and got out of the car we were greeted by little cotton tail bunnies i got up each morning and poured a half a cup of feed on the ground and drank my cup of coffee while the bunnies and birds and ground squirrels all came out for their breakfast one of my favorite things about the bungalow was the original kitchen, and the fact that the stove had a GRIDDLE in the middle! Genious! We used that thing all three mornings for our bacon and pancakes and french toast. Outside temps were hot, 100+, but the bungalow gets perfectly cool inside and the shaded back patio was a great spot for us to hold a little Gin tournament. In the early evenings we went on nature hikes on trails in the park, then we would come back and use the margarita machine and eat chips and salsa and sandwiches. The neon signs were so much fun to turn on for a few minutes each night just before dusk. We got some great photos, and the Bottle House was also a fantastic little hangout where we got some fun photos. This place truly felt like a home away from home, and we can't wait to come back for more star gazing and fun!!!

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

Aussie Traveller

Guest: Aussie (Melbourne. Australia)
Date of Stay: 06/02/11 Review Submitted: 06/19/11

I have been fortunate ro have been to the "Bungalow in the Boulders" whilst I was in the USA. I was greeted by a variety of desert dwellers when I arrived at the property. The serenity of the place is amazing with great views of the boulder strewn Mountains. The evening sky is filled with stars. Sitting on the back patio after a great day I was amazed as the landscape changed colours as the Sun set over the Mountains.A great place to recharge the batteries and throw a Shrimp on the Barbie. Happy to recommend it to my fellow Australians and American cousins

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

Great Experience

Guest: susans (Oakland, CA)
Date of Stay: 04/16/11 Review Submitted: 05/11/11

Cary's directions were easy to follow. He was there to meet us and give a tour, and, he was easy to get a hold of when we had a question.The place was immaculate. We spent almost two weeks there enjoying the silence, reading and watching all the birds and rabbits. We even saw a Bobcat. The park entrance is about a half mile away and we took advantage of Cary's recommendations. These included a steak at the saloon in Joshua Tree. We had the best food there and it was reasonably priced. The Bottle House was great for napping. We will continue to suggest the Bungalow to friends.

Recommended for:People with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

The Coyote Encounter!!!

Guest: Hugo Rivera (Santa Ana)
Date of Stay: 04/15/11 Review Submitted: 06/10/11

As an artist I had the most spectacular time, everything started when we were in our way to this enigmatic place. Driving over hwy 62 was like getting into another world, all the flora and fauna and architecture was completely different. Ones my wife and I left the Hwy 62 and took the road that takes to the bottlerock house, we had a very awesome welcoming to the place by a beautiful coyote. The coyote walked in front of our car, we stopped and waited for the coyote to cross, it kept walking and suddenly stopped and looked back to us with a calm sight not feeling any fear for us, like a very domesticated animal. We tried to take a picture but when we got our camera out our friend was all ready lost in to the bushes and cactus. We easily found our destination, were we met Cary; I was impress by the love he has for nature, and how much he cares for every single tree and animal. All his stories are fascinating. We had such an amazing time with him because he is also an artist. He built the “the bottle house” himself, which for me is an architectonic monument. We enjoyed taking picture and watching all the wild animals. I learned new animal’s words like the quail and the jack rabbit. I highly recommend this place to all my friends.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with young children.

title is apt

Guest: pN (minneapolis)
Date of Stay: 03/05/11 Review Submitted: 06/18/11

We loved this place. It was quaint, had a lot of cool antiques but felt livable. It was neat and clean. We would highly recommend the place and will stay there again if we go back to Joshua Tree. Also, it was very close to the park which was so handy for us.

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

Great secluded getaway!

Guest: Alimax (Ontario, CA)
Date of Stay: 02/11/11 Review Submitted: 02/15/11

My fiance and I stayed at the bungalow 2/11-2/13/11. The property itself is filled with cool retro decor (old hotel signs, cars, Coca Cola coolers, etc). Just to walk around the property is fun because there are all sorts of cool things to discover. There are tons of chairs and tables outside to hang out and bbq, play cards, have cocktails....and a firepit to cozy up to under the stars. Inside, the bungalow is extremely clean and comfortable. We decided to cook all of our meals at home the entire weekend and the kitchen had every cooking utensil we needed! The weather was pretty cold at night and the heater in the bungalow worked extremely well & kept us comfortable. It is located a couple of miles from the west entrance to Joshua Tree National Park, so we had a great day of getting up early, cooking a hearty breakfast and getting into the park and hiking around before 10am to beat the crowds that the beautiful weather brought! The bottlerock house is super cool! Honestly, I do not have one negetive thing to say about our stay. Except that we were horribly sad to have to leave!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway.

New Year Hideaway

Guest: Orcamania (Flint, MI)
Date of Stay: 01/02/11 Review Submitted: 03/27/11

We were at the Bungalow the first week of January and found it very relaxing. Nights were cool but you could sit out in t-shirt in early afternoon. Plenty of places to hike and quite a few horse corrals in walking distance. Lots of rabbits, quail and other birds and animals come right up to the house, so it is very pleasant to sit out on the patio after putting some feed down and watch them come in to eat. With all the old cars, signs and other antique type of things around the yard, you can almost imagine that you have traveled back in time. I took lots of photos and it is about a five minute drive to be in the Joshua Tree Park, so you can explore that every day if you like. Cary gives you all the info you could need and there are books to read as well as movies if you are so inclined. My wife found it very cozy and loved the shower. We would reccomend it to anyone who enjoys complete relaxation and we just might go again sometime...

Recommended for:Age 55+, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Absolutely fantastic!

Guest: Mark (Ventura, CA)
Date of Stay: 12/19/10 Review Submitted: 12/27/10

My wife and I spent a week at this cabin/bungalow. I cannot think of any aspect of our stay that was not excellent. The property is well-kept, easy to find, and with lots of artistic touches that make it really fun to stay there. The bed is really comfortable and the cabin is well-appointed with 50s era antiques. The wood-burning stove is the open-front type so that it is a lot like having a fireplace and Cary the owner provides plenty of good wood. The bottle house is an amazing work of art. And, for two of the days we were there was one of the worst storms in recent memory at Joshua Tree and we were snug, warm, and weather-tight in this little cabin. I cannot recommend this property highly enough.

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

One of A Kind Get Away

Guest: Chris (Seal Beach Ca)
Date of Stay: 11/11/10 Review Submitted: 11/20/10

I can't add much to the reviews that hasn't already been written, except to say they are all true. We arrived for a 4 day long weekend and were amazed by the beauty of the property and surrounding area. Our home is less than two miles from the ocean and we wanted to escape the damp, foggy, overcast weather. The days at Joshua Tree were warm and clear, the nights were little cool but welcome. The large bonfire at night after our BBQ dinner was a blast and of course the usual storytelling, stargazing and smores. Friends came up the next day and stayed in the amazing bottle house. Took a couple of tours of the park sights ( about a 10 min drive ) and spent the rest of the time just unwinding. Nothing is quite like home, but Cary went above and beyond to make sure we knew what to bring and what to see. We hated to leave as the four days seemed to fly by. Thanks Cary for letting us share your wonderful getaway. We are planning another stay at the bungalow in the spring to photograph the desert wildflowers and do some serious stargazing.

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

The perfect relaxing getaway with lots of style and charm!

Guest: aimee (los angeles)
Date of Stay: 10/10/10 Review Submitted: 10/14/10

First off, the property owner was extremely helpful and accomodating under my short notice request. The house was clean and spacious and the outdoor seating patios and desert breezes were rustically breath-taking. Watch a movie, soak in the outdoor tub, tell stories around the fire- you can have it all. The bottle house was an enchanting bonus. Overall, the decorating and style was so lovely. I felt right at home. Thanks so much and hope to visit again soon!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Best value in Joshua Tree

Guest: Thomas and Linda (Brea, CA, USA)
Date of Stay: 10/01/10 Review Submitted: 10/03/10

I was happy to find that the property was as advertised -- clean, private, well stocked, etc. I've stayed in other rentals in the Joshua Tree area that measure up in a similar way, but have never stayed in a place that was anything like the Bungalow in the Boulders. What we particularly enjoyed about the Bungalow was something that you might consider a bit intangible. I'm not sure if it was the bottle house or the collection of old neon signs that decorate the grounds or the shiny 1950s trailer parked alongside the house. But it all works together, like a museum or a park, to create a mood that was a total escape for my wife and I. We're nature lovers and were out there to visit the Joshua Tree National Park, so were happy to see how naturally the home is landscaped to fit right into the environment. The bungalow isn't huge, but it is well appointed with pretty much everything you need to relax. The owner offers a wood burning fireplace with wood included, a by-the-cup coffee maker stocked with gourmet coffees and a margarita blender. You have to bring your own tequila and mixer, but that's expected (and we were prepared!). There's a pretty solid collection of DVDs and even a few seasons of Reno 911, which were a total crackup. The place was very clean when we arrived. The bathroom looks like it was recently remodeled with new sink and toilet and shower. There were fresh towels and clean floors. Again, it's not huge but it has everything you need to get away and unwind and at the same time stay clean and civilized. The kitchen is fully outfitted with dishware, cookware, eating and cooking utensils. The decor style is 1950s, so there's a fifties fridge that still works great, a cute kitchenette/sink and an old gas range that also cranks out heat. The owner provides a gas grille out back on the covered patio. The owner is a super friendly guy and he goes out of his way to make sure your stay at his bungalow is a great experience. I'd recommend it to anyone, but I say that warily, since it's probably going to be harder to book as more find out about this great value. Bring binoculars or a telescope if you have one. We spotted constellations we hadn't seen in years and also saw Jupiter and four of its moons! The later you stay up the more magical it gets, especially when the coyotes out in the hills start talking about their evening's plans. Again, it's magical and one of a kind. If you're looking for something special, this is the place.

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

Perfect desert retreat.

Guest: Christi & John (Chino Hills, CA)
Date of Stay: 09/03/10 Review Submitted: 09/08/10

This place is the perfect desert retreat. It's clean and comfortable. Joshua Tree National Park is a couple of minutes away. Grocery stores and restaurants are just a few miles away. It was very peaceful and quiet. The views are awesome from the cabin. The stars and the milky way were amazing. My husband and I and our two kids all got into the soak tub and had a blast. I loved the the 50's style kitchen. Tons of good movies in the DVD library. I can't say enough good things about the place. It was a great, totally relaxing getaway. Thanks!!

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

Phenomenal Experience!

Guest: Jesse and Erin (Rhode Island)
Date of Stay: 07/18/10 Review Submitted: 07/27/10

My wife and I are both social workers in Rhode Island. Our jobs take a lot of emotional energy to say the least. So when it comes time for a vacation we want to be in a secluded spot where, if we choose, we don't have to see or talk to anyone but each other. The Bungalow in the Boulders provided us with that experience. Aside from the peaceful seclusion the bungalow also provided us with many other great experiences. First and foremost the patio on the side of the house was where my wife and I spent most of our time. We would through handfuls of animal feed that Cary left for us onto the ground and watch the wildlife pass through. Rabbits, quails, various birds, chipmunk-like things, all would come by and have a nibble as my wife and I snapped pictures and drank beers. Also, because the bungalow is so close to the park entrance we were able to enjoy Joshua Tree that much more. A number of hikes are close by. Additionally, I highly encourage folks to drive through Joshua Tree at sunset; the views and the colors are tremendous. We would leave the house around 7:15 PM (in mid-late July) drive 30 minutes into the park and then turn around and head home. In that one-hour round trip drive we saw some of the most beautiful sites of our lives. Another great thing is the lack of light pollution out there. The night sky is so clear that you can actually see satellites orbiting the Earth. Seriously. We counted 4 or 5 different satellites that we saw circling. Within a week of leaving the bungalow in the boulders my wife and I were already missing it. I highly recommend anyone looking for a peaceful and unique experience to book this location. Cary is an excellent host and he was attentive to all of our questions and needs.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Amazing Joshua Tree Escape

Guest: tom (Los Angeles)
Date of Stay: 07/02/10 Review Submitted: 07/05/10

Just got back from an amazing weekend at Bungalow in the Boulders. This was the perfect getaway for me, my fiancee, and our dog. This rental is fantastic. The owner was incredibly helpful and accommodating. The bungalow sits on secluded highlands just minutes from Joshua Tree National Park. In addition to the old cars, neon signs, bottle house, and other quirky desert relics decorating the property, the surrounding natural beauty is breathtaking. This is a special place. We can't wait to return. Thanks so much!

Recommended for:Pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Nice Place

Guest: MrBHT (Los Angeles, CA)
Date of Stay: 05/29/10 Review Submitted: 05/31/10

We just had a great weekend in Joshua Tree and really enjoyed our stay at the Bungalow in the Boulders. I highly recommend it and look forward to staying there again. The bungalow was very clean and comfortable, and the bottle house is awesome. Cary was a very gracious host from afar. Thank you Cary.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Unplugged and in Heaven!

Guest: Liz S. (Encinitas, CA)
Date of Stay: 05/24/10 Review Submitted: 05/31/10

I came to the desert to quiet my mind-chatter and this was the perfect little haven for the task at hand. Cary has lovingly decorated his cozy hideaway and filled it with good vibes and fun memorabilia. I especially liked the working neon signs at dusk and throwing seed out every morning and watching the parade of critters come right to the door for a snack. In addition to this, one of my favorite National Parks of all is just down the road and the entry fee is good for a whole week! Can't wait to return!!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Neela1 (Belmont, CA)
Date of Stay: 03/21/10 Review Submitted: 03/21/10

Two of us (I from San Francisco, boyfriend from Connecticut) had a magical stay Feb 14-19, 2010 at the bungalow. The wildlife from the patio is magnificent--we saw about 20 kinds of birds, about 10 of which we could ID, including the greater roadrunner, cactus wrens, verdin. So many stars in the desert sky at night. The vintage furnishings in the bungalow are wonderful and nicely complemented by modern amenities. The grounds are a photographers and explorers dream. Bottlehouse is beautiful, we would have slept in there had it been a bit warmer. And Cary is terrific in every way. We can't wait to return.

Recommended for:

welcome winter escape

Guest: Senior Sunseekers (Surrey, B.C. Canada)
Date of Stay: 03/17/10 Review Submitted: 04/23/10

Living on the B.C. "wet" coast, by March we were feeling the need of a week's sun and a change of pace, which we certainly found in Cary's unique cottage and property. The weather was perfect for us, and we spent each day doing different hikes and walks in the park, which was only minutes away. There's something very satisfying to a Canadian to be able to wear shorts in March!! We enjoyed the excellent cafe at the Visitor's Centre (Park Rock Cafe) and were able to access our e-mail there at no charge. We would recommend this to anyone who enjoys some healthy down time, lovely fresh air, peace and quiet, and comfortable accommodation. Thanks Cary--you were very gracious and helpful and we will remember our "great escape" with much pleasure..

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

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 03/17/10 Review Submitted: 03/17/10

This is a magical and beautiful place. The peace and serenity is felt inside the lovely cabin as well as outside in the surrounding desert. Cary is a generous and gracious host and you can feel the love and attention he's put into this place radiating from every corner!

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Guest: rick and darlene (duarte,ca)
Date of Stay: 02/19/10 Review Submitted: 02/19/10

We spent thanksgiving here and hated to leave. All that everyone says is spot on. Cary is amazing and the layout is fabulous...Going back this year for sure....

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Guest: karen c. (denver, CO)
Date of Stay: 01/31/10 Review Submitted: 01/31/10

I have nothing but wonderful things to say about Cary's place and working with him. I went to JT to spend some time alone with my dog. This was indeed the perfect energy to surround myself in. The Bungalow is charming, unique and very clean. The entire property is amazing an full of adventures. The relics he has collected create the space. If you love unique and charming do yourself the favor of choosing this place. I will return yearly to this special escape. oh, and Cary is full of wonderful information that you will find helpful with your stay.

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Guest: ILoveSanDiego (El Cajon, CA)
Date of Stay: 01/02/10 Review Submitted: 01/02/10

We stayed here 3 nights in mid December for my husbands birthday and hated to leave. We joked about claiming squatters rights. *grin* Everything about it was perfect for us. We pulled up and delayed un-packing to wander around the property and down into the wash. It's amazing! If you dislike solitude, wildlife, and millions of stars at night this is NOT the place for you. :P The only noise we heard was the wind passing by and the greedy "feed me" calls from the blue jays. We were visited by groups of chipmunks, quail, rabbits, jays, and assorted other birds (Cary... the hummingbirds looked sad at the empty feeder. :P ) all day long. Coyotes trotted down the wash behind us. We built a fire in the pit each night and enjoyed a glass of wine while gazing in awe at all the stars. We bbq'ed 1 night but ate mainly at the JT Saloon. Great food and fun people. :) We hit the park 2 days in a row and did the Keys Ranch tour as well. If you get the chance I highly recommend it. It was a walk back into a different time and life. Amazing! We are still sorting through 1000+ pictures. We loved this place and it was for sure one of the hardest vacation homes and spots to leave that we have come across in a long time. We still miss it! Cary was awesome and made it all so easy to set up. Thanks again Cary... you and your bungalow were wonderful!

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Guest: Deb and Ben Saia (San Diego, Ca)
Date of Stay: 12/31/09 Review Submitted: 12/31/09

We spent a wonderful long weekend in October, celebrating our 32nd Anniversary. What an absolutely splendid getaway! The premises were delightful, with all the amenities and very clean. It was a pleasure to sit outside, day or night and watch the quiet natural world unfold. We were so relaxed and wished we had more time to soak it all in. We had a superb day-trip into the National Park, revisiting old favorites and exploring new ones. We would highly recommend this lovely bungalow and hope to visit again this year.

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Guest: Michelle Fletcher (Arizona)
Date of Stay: 12/27/09 Review Submitted: 12/27/09

We really enjoyed our stay at the bungalow. It was a perfect place for us, right on the foothills of Joshua Tree Natl Park. It was like a vacation dream home, it couldn't have been more suitable. I love the way Cary set up the property with all the vintage signs and cars, and the bottle house was very cool. It was private and serene. Unlike a hotel stay, we wanted to hang out in the bungalow, always looked forward to our evening return. The bungalow is well supplied and very comfortable. It couldn't have been better if we had furnished it ourselves. It was the best trip every, we can't wait to return.

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Guest: Allison Mandell (Los Angeles, CA)
Date of Stay: 12/07/09 Review Submitted: 12/07/09

Our stay at the cabin was positively magical. The bungalow itself was absolutely charming and had everything we needed. The property was beautiful and the many little touches Cary added made the place perfectly unique. Cary's kindness and attention to detail made this bungalow an amazing place to visit and I highly recommend it to anyone, and its super close location to the National Park makes it even better.

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Guest: Joe McGrath (-)
Date of Stay: 11/30/09 Review Submitted: 11/30/09

We have just returned from a wonderful weekend at this great location. Cary's responsiveness and desire to make your stay pleasant is great. The bungalow is a terrific spot, wonderful vistas, excellent collection of signs and nostalgic pieces give a unique experience. The amenities make the stay comfortable and the fireplace on a cold evening curled up on the couch can't be beat. We want to return for sure.

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Guest: Wesley B (Los Angeles, CA)
Date of Stay: 11/17/09 Review Submitted: 11/17/09

We absolutely loved the place and it was hard to leave. Cary was extremely accomodating and the cabin had all we could need for a great desert stay. The other reviews are spot on. Thanks, Cary! We'll be back.

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Guest: Greg59 (Calgary, Canada)
Date of Stay: 11/09/09 Review Submitted: 11/09/09

I thought we were staying at another random motel, but my girlfriend gave me this great surprise of staying at Cary's place only minutes from JTree entrance. It was wonderful and relaxing and we didn't want to leave and go explore but sit on the patio and watch the desert scene. He has done a superb job and making this cottage interesting for the guests like the working neon sign, bottle house, old cars and other ancient motel signs. We will be coming back!!

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Guest: John A.1 (-)
Date of Stay: 11/02/09 Review Submitted: 11/02/09

I visit the desert southwest every year and this is easily my favorite place to go. Have stayed there several times and cannot wait to get back.

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Guest: Claudine1 (Seattle, WA )
Date of Stay: 07/07/09 Review Submitted: 07/07/09

This property is amazing! The house has everything you could possibly want. The bed is so comfy and the whole place was extremely clean and well equipped. My boyfriend and I stayed here over 4th of July weekend and had our best vacation ever. Cary was so accomodating and made this holiday very special. We really enjoyed the cowboy bathtub and the beautiful sunsets. It was so romantic, in fact, that my boyfriend actually proposed to me on the front porch. We would love to return to this very special place someday. Thanks, Cary!

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Guest: Colin Blake (Los Angeles Ca)
Date of Stay: 06/26/09 Review Submitted: 06/26/09

It's a perfect place in the perfect location. A couple miles away from the entrance of Joshua Tree and a couple more to town where there is anything you could need for your stay. The house is amazing and is like stepping back in time without giving up any conveniences. It's beautiful, peaceful, serene, and perfect. Plus Cary is a fantastic, easy to work with guy. Can't say enough good things about him or his place. Thanks again!

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Guest: Dave Granville (Newport Beach,CA)
Date of Stay: 06/18/09 Review Submitted: 06/18/09

My family and I have rented this property on several occasions. Everytime we go we are amazed at all the additions in yard art and up grades, complementing the natural desert. The cabin has a very rustic feel with all the conviences of home. Anyone who would like to see the Joshua Tree National Park and stay conveniently close, this is the place.

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Guest: Gary & Marcia Wagner (Long Beach, California)
Date of Stay: 05/03/09 Review Submitted: 05/03/09

Our weekend at the Bungalow was wonderful. My wife was outdoors painting the entire time and we were awestruck by the overwhelming sense of peacefulness in this serene location. The artifacts, the simple comforts, the warmth of a fire on a chilly night; realizing how much hard work and careful preparation it took to make all this possible. We enjoyed being at the property so much that we didn't even make it to the National Park, just a few minutes away. We plan to be back, however, and we hope to be able to pull ourselves away to see the Park on a future trip.

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