The Wheelhouse | Retraite d’Art de Luxe | Piscine | Spa

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 and paid for in advance.

Unapproved Late Checkout: Guests who have not vacated the property by 11:15 AM will be charged a fee of $200 or more. Late departures impact our team. For every 20 minutes of Unapproved overstay, an additional $200 will be assessed.

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 day. 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. In addition, no outdoor amplified music, loud music, or disruptive noise is permitted at any hour, and all indoor music must be kept at a considerate volume at all times.

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.

Dogs & Other Animals

Pet Dogs are permitted only when added to the reservation prior to arrival. Dogs are the only animal we can permit. No other types of animals will be permitted to stay as pets without prior approval from the host.

Unauthorized Animal Fee: up to $250 per animal. Any dog that was not disclosed in advance is subject to this fee. In addition, any animals other than dogs that are brought to the property without our prior approval are subject to this fee.

Dogs are not permitted on furniture or beds. A fee of up to $250 may be charged for excessive pet hair removal, damage, or uncollected waste caused by animals whether approved or unapproved.

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

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

Liability: Guests assume full responsibility for any harm that may come to their animals(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.

The host reserves the right to charge for any additional cleaning or repairs necessitated by the presence of animals, beyond the standard fees charged at time of booking.

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 before entering the pool.

Dogs are not permitted in our pools and spas.

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

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

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.