The Wheelhouse: Mid-Century Art Retreat with Pool

The Wheelhouse is a rare mid-century-meets-funky high-desert retreat in trending Twentynine Palms. Set on 12 private acres just minutes from the Joshua Tree National Park 29 Palms entrance, this architectural ranch blends rustic luxury with iconic indoor-outdoor living, where every corner invites discovery. Enjoy open desert views, a pool and spa, fire pit, and expansive patios perfect for creative retreats, intimate weddings, or quiet restoration with family and friends.

`As soon as you drive in, it’s like you’ve entered an art exhibit.` -Mark

F E A T U R E S

✔ Swimming pool
✔ Round hot tub
✔ Gourmet kitchen
✔ Sculpture garden
✔ Ping pong table
✔ Gas BBQ grill
✔ Pet friendly
✔ 3 bedrooms / 2.5 baths
✔ Outdoor dining table
✔ Light-filled living room
✔ 2,200 sq. ft. ranch-style house
✔ Indoor/outdoor living space
✔ Indoor/outdoor stereo system
✔ Original vintage decor throughout
✔ Modern steel fence surrounds the perimeter
✔ Host an intimate wedding

Nearby:

3 mins ➔ Stater Bros. Supermarket
5 mins ➔ Kitchen In The Desert
5 mins ➔ Campbell Hill Bakery
8 mins ➔ Mas O Menos
15 mins ➔ Downtown Joshua Tree
15 mins ➔ 29 Palms entrance to park
20 mins ➔ Transmission Art
30 mins ➔ Red Dog / Pappy & Harriet’s

Enhance your stay with a sound bath, yoga class, massage, horseback riding, a hike with mini donkeys, a private chef, and more. Once your booking is confirmed, we’ll share a handpicked list of local experiences worth checking out.

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B E D R O O M S

King Bedroom - King bed, plus a chaise-style daybed that comfortably sleeps one additional guest, along with an en-suite bathroom highlighted by a unique sink crafted from vintage street lamp glass.

Queen Bedroom - Picture windows and a shared bathroom showcasing original 1950s green tile and vintage fixtures.

Full Bedroom - This room features a large-screen TV and a writing desk, with a curtain-style door closure. It sits adjacent to the swivel glass door sunroom, and guests may pass through this space to access the sunroom in a railroad-style layout. Cozy and versatile, the room is furnished with a converted full size sleeper sofa.

L I V I N G R O O M

Settle in with a good book, a favorite podcast, or meaningful conversation while taking in the outdoor views. The light-filled living room features three owner-created art pieces, including a plywood triptych, a custom wood-based tripod lamp, and a tree light glowing in warm sunset hues.

K I T C H E N & D I N I N G

The gourmet kitchen features a four-seat breakfast nook, stainless steel appliances, the original 1950s stove (please note that three of the four burners are active), and generous counter space, with a door that opens directly outdoors for effortless alfresco dining. Adjacent, the mid-century dining area showcases a marble-top table surrounded by six Eames shell chairs, with sliding glass doors leading to an open patio and wide-open scenic desert mountain views.

B A T H R O O M S

The home features 2.5 bathrooms, each thoughtfully appointed with a mix of bespoke vintage details and refined modern finishes. A unique outdoor half bath is conveniently located by the pool, adding both ease to the indoor-outdoor living experience.

O U T D O O R S

Outdoors is where the home truly distinguishes itself. Huell Howser’s original industrial accents remain decades after installation, giving the property the feel of a living sculpture garden. An architect-designed paneled steel fence by Belzberg Architects frames the perimeter, with each panel thoughtfully set at the same angle as the surrounding mountains—creating a striking dialogue between architecture and landscape.

The back patio opens to a full-length swimming pool with a Baja tanning shelf and an adjacent round outdoor spa, surrounded by chaise lounge chairs. Please note, the pool is not heated; the spa is heated year-round. A vintage two-seat swing, tucked just off the living area, offers a serene place to take in the desert views. Also outdoors is a large alfresco dining area, complemented by a gas BBQ grill and an indoor-outdoor stereo system, an exceptional setting for elevated desert entertaining and an intimate wedding.

Brief history of The Wheelhouse

Originally built in 1952, The Wheelhouse was purchased in the 1990s by television personality Huell Howser, who transformed it into a deeply personal desert retreat. He commissioned the sculptural steel fence by Belzberg Architects and repurposed found materials including quarry stones, millstones, and industrial elements into artful features throughout the property. Five century-old millstones encircle the pool, giving the home its name.

After Howser’s passing, the home was acquired by artist Joan Robey, whose sculptural work harmonizes seamlessly with the property’s aesthetic. She thoughtfully revitalized the home, elevating comfort while preserving its mid-century, art-filled spirit. Howser’s curiosity and love for California’s landscapes continue to shape The Wheelhouse today.

It’s a rare and restorative setting for a weekend with family, friends, or colleagues, or an extended stay dedicated to writing, creating, and slowing down far from the pace of city life.

We hope you savor every moment of your stay and take time to appreciate the details, stories, and artistry woven throughout the property. We’re confident the experience will be inspiring, memorable, and well worth the journey.

Locally managed by Desert Spirit.

@desertspiritproperties
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By completing your booking, you acknowledge and agree to all rules, policies, and conditions outlined below. This agreement is binding from the moment your reservation is confirmed.

Check-In & Check-Out

Check-in and check-out times are as stated in your reservation. Your exclusive access to the property begins at check-in and concludes at check-out.

Early check-in and late check-out are not guaranteed and must be approved in writing in advance.

Late check-out fee: If the property is not vacated by 11:15 AM, a fee of $200 or more will be charged, imposed by our cleaning service and passed directly to guests.

Occupancy

The number of guests on the property at any time, including day visitors, may not exceed the maximum occupancy listed on your reservation without prior written approval from the host.

Overnight guests are limited to those named on your reservation confirmation.

Unauthorized guest fee: $200 per person, per night. Continued violations may result in immediate cancellation without refund.

This agreement is a vacation rental agreement only. It does not constitute a lease or confer any tenancy rights to the property at any time.

Noise & Light

Quiet hours: 9 PM – 8 AM. No amplified music, loud music, or disruptive noise at any hour, and all indoor music must be kept at a considerate volume during quiet hours.

This property is subject to San Bernardino County ordinances strictly regulating both noise and light pollution. Please be mindful of outdoor lighting after dark.

Guest liability: Guests are fully responsible for any county or municipal citation, fine, or penalty issued as a result of noise or light violations during their stay.

Smoking

Smoking of any kind is strictly prohibited inside the house.

Indoor smoking fee: up to $1,000.

Cigarette butts must be properly disposed of and removed from the property grounds. Failure to do so may result in an additional cleanup fee.

Pets

Pets are permitted only when added to the reservation prior to arrival. Pet fees are applied automatically at booking.

Undisclosed pet fee: up to $200. Any pet brought onto the property that was not added to the reservation is subject to this charge.

Pets are not permitted on furniture or beds. A fee of up to $250 may be charged for excessive pet hair removal or damage caused by pets.

Dogs must be leashed at all times when outside the home. The High Desert environment presents real hazards to unrestrained animals.

Pet owners must promptly clean up after their animals and dispose of waste in a sealed bag in the garbage.

Pet liability: Guests assume full responsibility for any harm that may come to their pet(s) while on the property and agree to indemnify and hold harmless Desert Spirit, the property owner, and their agents from any related losses, claims, damages, or expenses. guest liability

The host reserves the right to charge for any additional cleaning or repairs necessitated by the presence of pets, beyond the standard pet fee.

Pool & Hot Tub

Where applicable. All pool, hot tub, and cowboy tub use is at the guest`s own risk. No lifeguard is on duty.

No diving. The pool may not be used by intoxicated individuals. Never swim alone.

Children under 14 require direct adult supervision at all times. Children must never be left unattended near any pool or water feature, even briefly.

All beverages near the pool must be served in unbreakable containers.

Guests must shower and clean their feet before entering the pool.

Pool use after dark is permitted with consideration for quiet hours (10 PM). No loud noise at any hour.

Hot tub covers must be fully removed before use. Do not sit or lie on the cover.

If the property includes a cowboy tub, guests have discretion on whether to fill it. Once filled, all risk associated with its use is assumed by the guest.

Pool liability: Guests, on behalf of themselves and all occupants and invitees, agree to release, indemnify, and hold harmless Desert Spirit, the property owner, and their employees and agents from any losses, costs, claims, or damages arising from pool or hot tub use.

Property & Furniture

Interior furniture must not be moved outside. If furniture is rearranged, guests are responsible for returning it to its original position before check-out. Please lift furniture — do not drag it to prevent floor damage.

Some plumbing may operate on a septic system.