The Wheelhouse: Mid-Century Art Retreat with Pool | House in Twentynine Palms
1 Bedroom House in Twentynine Palms
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
Be cool please. 💕
By booking this property, you agree to all house rules, waivers, and conditions mentioned in this listing.
Quiet hours: 10 PM - 8 AM
No loud music or parties.
Guests are fully responsible for any county or city citation issued due to noise or other confirmed complaints during their stay.
NO TRESPASSING: Guests are only granted access to the premises within the property lines. Accessing neighboring properties is strictly prohibited. Guests are responsible for any fines and penalties resulting from trespassing.
TERMS & REGULATIONS:
Vacation Rental Agreement
Legal Considerations: This agreement serves as a vacation rental agreement, not a property lease. It does not confer any rights to the property at any time, and your usage is strictly defined by the terms outlined herein.
Booking Period: Your exclusive access to the property begins at check-in time and concludes at check-out time unless alternative arrangements have been formally approved in writing by the host. This agreement is in effect from the moment your booking is confirmed.
Occupancy: The number of guests on the property at any time, including day visitors, may not exceed your reservation`s maximum occupancy plus 4 without prior written approval from the host. Overnight guests are limited to those listed on your reservation confirmation.
Day visitors are welcome; parties and large gatherings are not.
Unauthorized guests beyond the stated limit will result in a charge of $200 per person, per night. Continued violations may result in immediate cancellation without refund.
Photography and Commercial Use: Professional photoshoots at the property are not permitted without prior written consent from the host.
Special Events: Hosting special events, including weddings and parties, is not allowed without prior written approval from the host.
Internet Usage: Illegal or abusive use of Internet access on the property is strictly forbidden.
Property Access: If necessary, you are required to grant access to the property to the owner and designated personnel for purposes of landscaping, routine maintenance, pool and spa services, cleaning, repairs, and building inspections.
Smoking: is strictly prohibited inside the house. Violations may result in a fee of up to $1,000. Cigarette butts must be properly disposed of and not left on the property grounds; failure to do so may result in an additional cleanup fee.
Surveillance: Guests acknowledge and accept that there are surveillance or recording devices in some of the property`s outdoor areas for security measures, and the field of view is stated on the listing.
Pets: Pets are allowed only by adding the pet to the reservation. Additional fees will be automatically applied. If a pet is brought onto the property without being on the reservation, guests may be charged a fee of up to $500.
Pet owners are required to follow these additional rules:
• Pets are not allowed on furniture or beds. A fee of up to $250 may be charged for excessive pet hair removal or damage caused by pets.
• When outside the house, dogs must be leashed at all times to mitigate the potential dangers posed in the High Desert.
• Owners must promptly clean up after their pets and deposit waste in a plastic bag, placing it in the garbage.
-In addition to the supplementary pet cleaning fee, the host reserves the right to deduct expenses associated with extra cleaning or repairs necessitated by the presence of your pets. You also assume full responsibility for any harm that may come to your pet(s) and agree to indemnify the host, the Property owner, their agents, and employees against all losses, claims, liabilities, causes of action, damages, costs, and expenses related to any harm that may occur to your pet(s) while on the Property.
If the property includes a pool or hot tub, the following rules apply:
Swimming Pools and Hot Tubs: Pools, including swimming pools, hot tubs, and cowboy tubs, provide exercise, recreation, and relaxation, but they can be dangerous if not used correctly. Please observe the following safety guidelines when using any pool on the Property:
• Diving into the pool is strictly prohibited.
• The pool should not be used by intoxicated individuals.
• Never use the pool when alone, as there is no lifeguard on duty.
• Children must not be left unattended near the pool, not even for a brief moment.
The Wheelhouse: Mid-Century Art Retreat with Pool is located in Twentynine Palms. The Wheelhouse: Mid-Century Art Retreat with Pool provides accommodation, featuring Security/Safety, Fireplace/Heating, Child Friendly, among other amenities. This House features Security/Safety, Fireplace/Heating, Child Friendly, to make your stay a comfortable one.
The Wheelhouse: Mid-Century Art Retreat with Pool has 1 Bedroom , 3 Bathrooms, and max occupancy of 8 people. The minimum rental for this property is 1 nights, but this can change depending on the season you plan on staying. Previous guests have given good rated it, and VRBO labeled it a top-rated House because of the excellent services rendered by the owner or manager of this House, and has consistently provided great experiences for their guests. Most families or guests that use it recommend it to their friends and some of them are repeat guests. House has a friendly neighborhood, and the Twentynine Palms has interesting places to visit. If you want to learn more about the House in Twentynine Palms, such as places to visit and things to do nearby, you can check below to learn more.
This Property is OneKey Eligible
Earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible vacation rentals, villas, cottages, cabins, and more when you book on Vrbo.
Amenities
Facility Overview
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Heating
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Air conditioning
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2+ bathrooms
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Hair dryer
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Bed sheets provided
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Dining table
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Microwave
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Dishwasher
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Stovetop
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Cookware/dishes/utensils
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Coffee/tea maker
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Toaster
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Oven
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Refrigerator
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Washing machine and dryer
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Laundry facilities
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Onsite parking
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Pet friendly
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Smoke-free property
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TV
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English
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Desk
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Travel crib
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Iron/ironing board
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Free WiFi
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Garden
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Balcony
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Barbecue grill
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Firepit
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Fire extinguisher
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Carbon monoxide detector installed (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
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Smoke detector installed (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
Policies
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed this property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room this property is managed through our partner, vrbo. you will receive an email from vrbo with a link to a vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
FAQ's
Is this Twentynine Palms house pet-friendly for guests?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property. Check the guest reviews to learn what guests had to share.
Does the Twentynine Palms house have a swimming pool?
No, this Twentynine Palms house does not have a swimming pool. Check the Facility Overview section for details about the pool and other available facilities.
How much does it cost per night to stay in Twentynine Palms house?
Best-rates for the Twentynine Palms house starts from $472 per night with includes Child Friendly, Kitchen, Air Conditioner, Parking, Balcony/Terrace, Wellness Facilities, Guest Services, Barbecue/Outdoor Cooking, Internet, Laundry, Pet Friendly, TV, Security/Safety, Fireplace/Heating with all other facilities. matches every traveler with their perfect accommodation, whether you are traveling with a group, friends, family, or pets.
Is Twentynine Palms house a family-friendly place to stay?
Based on the information we have received from the owner or our partner, this is considered to be a family-friendly property. Families have rated this house Good or guests have recommended them suitable for families. As reported by the owner or manager, the house has specified that children are welcome. Please see details about suitability for your family or inquire with the property to learn more.
Is the Twentynine Palms house wheelchair accessible or offer services for disabled guests?
Based on the information received from our partner, the Twentynine Palms house has not specified they are wheelchair accessible. Likewise, there is not an elevator specified as being available at the property. Specific accessibility details may be addressed in the property details section of this page.
What is the minimum night stay policy for the Twentynine Palms house?
Based on the information reported by the owner or manager, the Twentynine Palms house indicates 1 day stay policy at this house. Guests are cautioned that the minimum stay policy may differ based on seasonality or availability and may be at the discretion of the owner or manager.
What cancellation policy is in place for Twentynine Palms house?
Guests are cautioned that the cancellation policy may differ based on seasonality, availability, or current travel restrictions. Guests should also be aware that this policy may be subject to change and should be confirmed prior to booking. More details may be available on this page in the property description. However, early check-in or late check-out can sometimes be negotiated between the guest and the owner or the manager of this property.
