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
Be cool please. 💕

By booking this property, you agree to all house rules, waivers, and conditions mentioned in this listing.

Quiet hours: 8PM - 8AM

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 individuals occupying the property must not exceed the count specified on your reservation confirmation without prior authorization from the host. This limitation applies whether the individuals are overnight guests or day visitors.

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: Smoking is prohibited within the house on the property and within 15 feet of any exterior door of the house.

Surveillance: Guests acknowledge and accept that there are surveillance or recording devices in some of the property`s outdoor areas for security measures, the field of view is stated on the listing.

Pets: Pets are allowed only by adding the pet to the reservation. Additional fees will apply automatically. If a pet is brought onto the property without it being on the reservation, a fee of $200 will be charged to the guests.

Pet owners must adhere to the following additional rules:

- Please keep pets off furniture.
- 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.

An unauthorized dog will be fined

-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.

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.
- For hot tubs, ensure the cover is fully removed before use, and avoid sitting or lying on the cover.

Please note that neither the host, the Property owner, nor their employees, or agents can guarantee the safety of individuals using property with a pool. As a result, you, the Guest, are responsible for any losses, costs, damages, claims, liabilities, and expenses arising from pool use by yourself, other occupants, your guests, or your pets.

If the property includes a pool, the following rules apply: