The Wheelhouse
Property Description
The Wheelhouse is an artistic high-desert retreat formerly owned by TV personality Huell Howser. A rare example of mid-century modern architecture deep in the California desert, the 2,221 square-foot ranch sits on 12 acres of untouched desert near both entrances of Joshua Tree National Park, offering a feeling of total seclusion less than an hour from Palm Springs with 360-degree mountain and desert views. An avid collector of found materials and repurposed objects, Howser turned quarry stones into yard sculptures and industrial elements into lighting fixtures. Five large millstones, each more than 100 years old, surround the full-length backyard pool, giving the home its name. In the early 2000s, Howser added a sunroom extension, created by panels of etched glass, and a separate living room and dining area in the same industrial style, making the home further suited to large gatherings. Now owned by an artist, The Wheelhouse has preserved the industrial qualities that Howser introduced, while incorporating personally created pieces that mirror his style. The light-filled living room, features three owner-created pieces, including a triptych on plywood, a unique wood-based tripod lamp, and a sunset-hued tree light. The gourmet kitchen features a four-seat breakfast nook, stainless steel appliances, the original 50’s stove and plenty of counter space, with a door leading directly outside for easy al fresco dinners. A mid-century dining area features a marble top table with six Eames shell chairs and sliding glass doors that open onto the zero-scaped patio. A den, featuring a large-screen TV and writing desk, provides additional accommodations with a queen sleeper sofa, allowing the home to comfortably sleep 7 guests. Outside are the elements that truly set the home apart. Howser’s industrial accents remain decades after installation, creating the feeling of a modern sculpture garden. An architect designed paneled steel fence surrounds the perimeter, each piece thoughtfully laid in the ground at the same angle as the mountains beyond. The back patio opens to a full-length swimming pool with baja tanning shelf and outdoor spa surrounded by chaise lounge chairs. Please note the pool is not heated; however, the spa is heated. A vintage two-seat swing, nestled just off the living area, offers the perfect place to take in the views. Also outside is a 12-seat al fresco dining area, which converts into a ping-pong table. A gas BBQ grill and indoor/outdoor stereo system complete the ultimate desert entertaining experience. Honoring the communal spirit encouraged by Howser, The Wheelhouse has become a place for celebrations, gatherings, and creative retreats. Artists have used the home to write, draw, meditate or practice yoga. Photographers have used the space for creative shoots. And couples have made the retreat their own, taking their vows against the rocky cliffs and desert brush that surround the home. Between indoor and outdoor spaces, The Wheelhouse can comfortably host up to 120 guests for a cocktail reception and 75 for a seated dinner.
Property Photos
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Bedrooms
This property has 2 bedrooms and sleeps 5 people
| Bedroom | Beds | Sleeps | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bedroom 1 | Primary | 1 King, 1 Pullout | 3 | |
| Bedroom 2 | 1 Queen | 2 |
Bathrooms
This property has 1 bathrooms
| Bathroom | Type | Features | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bathroom 2 | full | Toilet, Shower | |
| Bathroom 1 | Primary | full | Toilet, Shower |
More Amenities
| Category | Amenities |
|---|---|
| Activities | BeachcombingBird WatchingGolfSwimmingTennis |
| Entertainment | Satellite Or CableSound SystemTable TennisTelevision |
| Events | Weddings ($) |
| General | Air ConditioningFireplaceHot TubPoolWifi |
| Health and Safety | Disinfectant Used For CleaningEnhanced Cleaning PracticesHigh-touch Surfaces DisinfectedLinens Washed At High-tempMin 24 Hours Between StaysSelf-checkin/checkout Available |
| Indoor Features | Bed LinensHair DryerPool/Beach TowelsToiletriesWasher/Dryer |
| Industry Association Recommended Cleaning Practice | SafeStay |
| Kitchen | Coffee MakerCooking UtensilsDining AreaDish WasherFreezerFully Equipped KitchenIce MakerIron & BoardMicrowaveOvenRefrigeratorStove Top BurnersToaster |
| Nearby Facilities | ATM/BankGroceriesRestaurantsShopping |
| Outdoor Features | Dining TableFire PitLounging AreaOutdoor GrillParkingPatioPoolside Lounge ChairsPrivate Pool |
Property Rates
| Rate Category | Period | Rates | Minimum Stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 27 - Sep 30, 2024 |
Apr 27, 2024 to Sep 30, 2024 |
$425 per Night |
5 night(s) |
| Oct 1 - Nov 25, 2024 |
Oct 1, 2024 to Nov 25, 2024 |
$600 per Night |
5 night(s) |
| Nov 26 - Nov 30, 2024 |
Nov 26, 2024 to Nov 30, 2024 |
$775 per Night |
5 night(s) |
| Dec 1 - Dec 19, 2024 |
Dec 1, 2024 to Dec 19, 2024 |
$425 per Night |
5 night(s) |
| Dec 20, 2024 - Jan 3, 2025 |
Dec 20, 2024 to Jan 3, 2025 |
$1,000 per Night |
5 night(s) |
| Jan 4 - Jan 31, 2025 |
Jan 4, 2025 to Jan 31, 2025 |
$425 per Night |
5 night(s) |
| Feb 1 - Feb 1, 2025 |
Feb 1, 2025 to Feb 1, 2025 |
$427 per Night |
5 night(s) |
| Feb 2 - Feb 5, 2025 |
Feb 2, 2025 to Feb 5, 2025 |
$425 per Night |
5 night(s) |
| Feb 6 - Feb 6, 2025 |
Feb 6, 2025 to Feb 6, 2025 |
$427 per Night |
5 night(s) |
| Feb 7 - Feb 7, 2025 |
Feb 7, 2025 to Feb 7, 2025 |
$444 per Night |
5 night(s) |
| Feb 8 - Feb 8, 2025 |
Feb 8, 2025 to Feb 8, 2025 |
$449 per Night |
5 night(s) |
| Feb 9 - Feb 9, 2025 |
Feb 9, 2025 to Feb 9, 2025 |
$437 per Night |
5 night(s) |
| Feb 10 - Feb 10, 2025 |
Feb 10, 2025 to Feb 10, 2025 |
$438 per Night |
5 night(s) |
| Feb 11 - Feb 11, 2025 |
Feb 11, 2025 to Feb 11, 2025 |
$441 per Night |
5 night(s) |
| Feb 12 - Feb 12, 2025 |
Feb 12, 2025 to Feb 12, 2025 |
$444 per Night |
5 night(s) |
| Feb 13 - Feb 13, 2025 |
Feb 13, 2025 to Feb 13, 2025 |
$448 per Night |
5 night(s) |
| Feb 14 - Feb 14, 2025 |
Feb 14, 2025 to Feb 14, 2025 |
$511 per Night |
5 night(s) |
| Feb 15 - Feb 15, 2025 |
Feb 15, 2025 to Feb 15, 2025 |
$514 per Night |
5 night(s) |
| Feb 16 - Feb 16, 2025 |
Feb 16, 2025 to Feb 16, 2025 |
$516 per Night |
5 night(s) |
| Feb 17 - Feb 17, 2025 |
Feb 17, 2025 to Feb 17, 2025 |
$520 per Night |
5 night(s) |
| Feb 18 - Feb 18, 2025 |
Feb 18, 2025 to Feb 18, 2025 |
$453 per Night |
5 night(s) |
| Feb 19 - Feb 19, 2025 |
Feb 19, 2025 to Feb 19, 2025 |
$454 per Night |
5 night(s) |
| Feb 20 - Feb 20, 2025 |
Feb 20, 2025 to Feb 20, 2025 |
$455 per Night |
5 night(s) |
| Feb 21 - Feb 21, 2025 |
Feb 21, 2025 to Feb 21, 2025 |
$469 per Night |
5 night(s) |
| Feb 22 - Feb 22, 2025 |
Feb 22, 2025 to Feb 22, 2025 |
$472 per Night |
5 night(s) |
| Feb 23 - Feb 23, 2025 |
Feb 23, 2025 to Feb 23, 2025 |
$457 per Night |
5 night(s) |
| Feb 24 - Feb 24, 2025 |
Feb 24, 2025 to Feb 24, 2025 |
$454 per Night |
5 night(s) |
| Feb 25 - Feb 26, 2025 |
Feb 25, 2025 to Feb 26, 2025 |
$455 per Night |
5 night(s) |
| Feb 27 - Feb 27, 2025 |
Feb 27, 2025 to Feb 27, 2025 |
$457 per Night |
5 night(s) |
| Feb 28 - Feb 28, 2025 |
Feb 28, 2025 to Feb 28, 2025 |
$472 per Night |
5 night(s) |
| Mar 1 - Mar 1, 2025 |
Mar 1, 2025 to Mar 1, 2025 |
$475 per Night |
5 night(s) |
| Mar 2 - Mar 2, 2025 |
Mar 2, 2025 to Mar 2, 2025 |
$461 per Night |
5 night(s) |
| Mar 3 - Mar 5, 2025 |
Mar 3, 2025 to Mar 5, 2025 |
$456 per Night |
5 night(s) |
| Mar 6 - Mar 6, 2025 |
Mar 6, 2025 to Mar 6, 2025 |
$458 per Night |
5 night(s) |
| Mar 7 - Mar 7, 2025 |
Mar 7, 2025 to Mar 7, 2025 |
$472 per Night |
5 night(s) |
| Mar 8 - Mar 8, 2025 |
Mar 8, 2025 to Mar 8, 2025 |
$474 per Night |
5 night(s) |
| Mar 9 - Mar 9, 2025 |
Mar 9, 2025 to Mar 9, 2025 |
$460 per Night |
5 night(s) |
| Mar 10 - Mar 11, 2025 |
Mar 10, 2025 to Mar 11, 2025 |
$457 per Night |
5 night(s) |
| Mar 12 - Mar 12, 2025 |
Mar 12, 2025 to Mar 12, 2025 |
$458 per Night |
5 night(s) |
| Mar 13 - Mar 13, 2025 |
Mar 13, 2025 to Mar 13, 2025 |
$460 per Night |
5 night(s) |
| Mar 14 - Mar 14, 2025 |
Mar 14, 2025 to Mar 14, 2025 |
$475 per Night |
5 night(s) |
| Mar 15 - Mar 15, 2025 |
Mar 15, 2025 to Mar 15, 2025 |
$478 per Night |
5 night(s) |
| Mar 16 - Mar 16, 2025 |
Mar 16, 2025 to Mar 16, 2025 |
$462 per Night |
5 night(s) |
| Mar 17 - Mar 17, 2025 |
Mar 17, 2025 to Mar 17, 2025 |
$458 per Night |
5 night(s) |
| Mar 18 - Mar 19, 2025 |
Mar 18, 2025 to Mar 19, 2025 |
$457 per Night |
5 night(s) |
| Mar 20 - Mar 20, 2025 |
Mar 20, 2025 to Mar 20, 2025 |
$458 per Night |
5 night(s) |
| Mar 21 - Mar 21, 2025 |
Mar 21, 2025 to Mar 21, 2025 |
$471 per Night |
5 night(s) |
| Mar 22 - Mar 22, 2025 |
Mar 22, 2025 to Mar 22, 2025 |
$472 per Night |
5 night(s) |
| Mar 23 - Mar 23, 2025 |
Mar 23, 2025 to Mar 23, 2025 |
$457 per Night |
5 night(s) |
| Mar 24 - Mar 24, 2025 |
Mar 24, 2025 to Mar 24, 2025 |
$454 per Night |
5 night(s) |
| Mar 25 - Mar 27, 2025 |
Mar 25, 2025 to Mar 27, 2025 |
$453 per Night |
5 night(s) |
| Mar 28 - Mar 28, 2025 |
Mar 28, 2025 to Mar 28, 2025 |
$465 per Night |
5 night(s) |
| Mar 29 - Mar 29, 2025 |
Mar 29, 2025 to Mar 29, 2025 |
$466 per Night |
5 night(s) |
| Mar 30 - Apr 2, 2025 |
Mar 30, 2025 to Apr 2, 2025 |
$518 per Night |
5 night(s) |
| Apr 3 - Apr 3, 2025 |
Apr 3, 2025 to Apr 3, 2025 |
$517 per Night |
5 night(s) |
| Apr 4 - Apr 4, 2025 |
Apr 4, 2025 to Apr 4, 2025 |
$521 per Night |
5 night(s) |
| Apr 5 - Apr 5, 2025 |
Apr 5, 2025 to Apr 5, 2025 |
$461 per Night |
5 night(s) |
| Apr 6 - Apr 6, 2025 |
Apr 6, 2025 to Apr 6, 2025 |
$448 per Night |
5 night(s) |
| Apr 7 - Apr 8, 2025 |
Apr 7, 2025 to Apr 8, 2025 |
$446 per Night |
5 night(s) |
| Apr 9 - Apr 10, 2025 |
Apr 9, 2025 to Apr 10, 2025 |
$445 per Night |
5 night(s) |
| Apr 11 - Apr 12, 2025 |
Apr 11, 2025 to Apr 12, 2025 |
$514 per Night |
5 night(s) |
| Apr 13 - Apr 13, 2025 |
Apr 13, 2025 to Apr 13, 2025 |
$520 per Night |
5 night(s) |
| Apr 14 - Apr 14, 2025 |
Apr 14, 2025 to Apr 14, 2025 |
$444 per Night |
5 night(s) |
| Apr 15 - Apr 15, 2025 |
Apr 15, 2025 to Apr 15, 2025 |
$443 per Night |
5 night(s) |
| Apr 16 - Apr 16, 2025 |
Apr 16, 2025 to Apr 16, 2025 |
$438 per Night |
5 night(s) |
| Apr 17 - Apr 17, 2025 |
Apr 17, 2025 to Apr 17, 2025 |
$433 per Night |
5 night(s) |
| Apr 18 - Apr 18, 2025 |
Apr 18, 2025 to Apr 18, 2025 |
$494 per Night |
5 night(s) |
| Apr 19 - Apr 19, 2025 |
Apr 19, 2025 to Apr 19, 2025 |
$489 per Night |
5 night(s) |
| Apr 20 - Apr 20, 2025 |
Apr 20, 2025 to Apr 20, 2025 |
$486 per Night |
5 night(s) |
| Apr 21 - Apr 21, 2025 |
Apr 21, 2025 to Apr 21, 2025 |
$484 per Night |
5 night(s) |
| Apr 22 - Apr 26, 2025 |
Apr 22, 2025 to Apr 26, 2025 |
$425 per Night |
5 night(s) |
• Do not play amplified music outside the home due to the Palm Springs noise ordinance which will be monitored. • All guests must be at least 25 years old to book and stay in rental homes. • No Smoking Allowed • Night Time Occupancy: 7
Property Location
Location Type: Beach, Downtown, Town, Near the Ocean, Mountain View
Reviews
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