Hoot Owl Ranch is a modern desert home set on 9 private acres of boulders and open land in Yucca Valley, just minutes from Joshua Tree and Pioneertown.
The house was designed and built with a focus on simplicity and material honesty. Plywood, steel, concrete, and glass. No resort gloss, just a quiet, intentional space that works well for longer stays.
Inside, the layout is open and communal. A fully equipped kitchen with white oak cabinetry connects to a large dining area with a 12-person table and built-in window seating. The living space has vaulted ceilings, a wood-burning fireplace, and a mix of mid-century and Danish-inspired furnishings.
THREE BEDROOMS:
A primary suite with a built-in king bed, floor-to-ceiling views of the boulders, soaking tub, and indoor and outdoor shower
A second bedroom with a queen bed, workspace, and en-suite bath
A bunk room that sleeps four, with its own TV, ideal for kids or additional guests
The house is fully set up for daily living, with in-unit laundry, a dishwasher, induction stove, Sonos speaker, and reliable Starlink internet (typically strong enough for remote work) .
OUTDOOR SPACE:
The property is lightly touched desert, not landscaped. You have access to all nine acres.
There are three separate decks, each positioned differently for light and views. A hot tub is tucked into the rocks, along with an outdoor shower and a fire pit.
It’s quiet. Nights are very dark. You’ll see stars, hear coyotes, and get a lot of space.
LOCATION:
Located in Yucca Valley near Boulder Hills, about:
10 minutes to Pioneertown and Pappy & Harriet’s
15 minutes to Joshua Tree town
20 minutes to Joshua Tree National Park
Best for someone looking to spend real time in the desert. Writers, remote workers, families, or anyone needing a reset.
NOTES FOR SUMMER:
The house has a ductless mini-split AC system and ceiling fans. Like most desert homes, it performs best when windows and doors stay closed during peak heat.
AVAILIBILITY:
Available June 1 – August 31 for monthly stays.
My wife Laura and I built this house ourselves as a desert place and a bit of a laboratory. I’m a designer, builder, and now working in architecture, and the house was part of figuring out how to actually build the things I used to just design. Laura is a costume designer in film, and I was a director before drifting toward architecture, which turns out to be its own version of the dark side.
We have two young kids now and spend more time in the city, so we’ve been sharing the house with guests for the past five years. We’ve been hosting for about a decade and are mostly looking for someone who will appreciate the place and take care of it.
Rental Details & Requirements
Available June 1 – August 31 (monthly stays preferred, some flexibility on exact dates)
Rent: $3,500/month
Utilities: Included up to a reasonable amount (AC use is expected, just not excessive)
Cleaning: $250 exit cleaning
Security deposit: $2,000
Fully furnished and move-in ready
Starlink internet suitable for remote work (with occasional desert variability)
In-unit washer and dryer
On-site parking
House Notes:
This is a quiet, remote property in the high desert. It’s best suited for people who are comfortable with the pace and conditions out here and who appreciate the space and stillness.
No parties or events: Outdoor music should be kept low, especially at night
Please be respectful of neighbors, wildlife, and the land
Property is not fenced
Good Fit: A good fit would be someone looking to spend real time in the desert. Writers, artists, remote workers, or families who want space, quiet, and a slower rhythm.
Pets: Pets considered on a case-by-case basis. The land is open desert with wildlife, so supervision is important.