Horizon Haven - a Mid-Century Modern Desert Oasis Outside of Joshua Tree
Horizon Haven is the PERFECT name for this mid-century modern home. The five-acre property features 360º mountain views, so you get colors all around the horizon line for sunrises AND sunsets. We arrived to our first night at the property shortly before the sun dipped behind the mountains, and the colors in the sky were breathtaking. The next morning we were again blown away when we saw the sun rising over the mountain!
You’ll be blown away by all the stars in the sky you’ll see at night while you’re sitting around the fire, lounging on the patio couches, or soaking in the hot tub. The hosts have thoughtfully also put movie projector screens both indoors and outdoors.
The October nights were the perfect cooler temps for outdoor evenings of cozy relaxation and dinners.
The Living Space
The authentic mid-century modern furniture and finishes throughout the space are so beautiful. Even the ceiling features gorgeous wood! I loved the pops of primary colors with the blue door, the red stained glass window, and the stunning yellow couch! (Which is a sleeper sofa if you have 3-4 people staying!)
The record player and vinyl records sit between a fun cactus plant and a fireplace. There is a pull-down movie screen to use the Roku and projector for indoor movie nights.
The open floor plan lets the light flow in beautifully from various angles throughout the day. The stained glass window by the front door really comes to life later in the day, and it’s fun to watch the blue and red light slowly move across the space. The darling bar cart had everything we needed to make fun cocktails and margaritas.
One night it was too windy to sit outside, but we enjoyed playing board games inside while listening to music on the record player.
The Bedroom
The bed was an extremely comfortable memory foam mattress. Besides the bed is a vintage vanity and desk combo furniture piece, and to the right of the bed is a bookshelf. Hidden behind the closet door is a TV. The floor-to-ceiling giant closet has SO much room to put your things, and the mirrors on the sliding doors make the space feel even bigger. Extra towels, sheets, pillows, and blankets were also stored in the closet.
Kitchen and Dining Room
From the colorful vintage Fiestaware plates to the old-school design of the fridge - the thoughtful details continue in the kitchen and dining room. It’s nice to have a space to cook your own meals, especially at a lovely secluded spot like this. There’s island seating for two and a dining table for four.
In the kitchen, you can find a stove, oven, microwave, toaster, drip coffee machine, coffee + filters, pots and pans, baking sheets, dishes, silverware, and utensils.
The Bathroom
The bathroom has a large walk-in shower, with plenty of shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. The mirror above the sink opens up, and has lots of space to put your toiletry items. While I didn’t put on makeup the majority of the time we stayed here, the mirror had great lighting for makeup on the day we went out for a nice dinner. They also have a blowdryer if you don’t want to pack your own!
The Outdoor Space
The property is 5 acres, with 2 of those acres fenced around the house. Cafe lights run around the entire house, adding to the serene charm as the sun begins to set. The Horizon mural was painted by Milky Way Murals on an old shipping container, and just really ties in the magic of watching the sunrises and sunsets here. The mountains change colors from oranges to pinks and blues and purples. It’s incredibly relaxing to watch that unfold while breathing in the fresh air.
Plenty of outdoor couches or Adirondack chairs to sit around the fire, perfect for stargazing. After a day of hiking in Joshua Tree National Park, it was so nice to utilize the outdoor shower, then soak our sore muscles in the hot tub. The movie projector can be used with the indoor or outdoor screen, and there were easy instructions for setting it up!
The sky out there hits differently at night too! The star gazing at night is incredible, and during our stay, there was a meteor shower!
If all of that wasn’t already a ton of wonderful things to enjoy outdoors, they also have a fabulous horseshoe setup out by the mural!
I’m normally a night owl, and my friends would say I’m not much of a morning person. But I was eager each morning wake up and watch the sun rise.
Things to Note
They've thought of everything here - there's a great guide included, and they have helpful instructions for using the projector, record player, hot tub, etc.
The code to unlock the door is unique to you, which I always appreciate because, safety-wise, I know there are not a bunch of previous guests out there who know the code to get in. It's the little things like this that all add up to a great stay.
Many roads are dirt, and while a four-wheel drive car is not required, the roads can get extra bumpy after rain.
Desert winds are no joke and can become quite strong!
Wi-Fi worked great! Easy to work remote here!
Things to see and do in the area
This spot is an absolute gem, with a great location, a short 15-minute drive to the Joshua Tree National Park North Entrance, restaurants, etc., yet remote enough that you can relax and enjoy the space.
Joshua Tree National Park - just a 15-minute drive to the North Entrance! It has some great hiking and beautiful scenery during the day, but is also a favorite spot for star-gazers at night! I recommend getting your pass ahead of time online!
Sky’s the Limit Observatory - a great spot right before the north entrance to JTNP for seeing the sky at night! A volunteer is usually there on Saturdays to set up the solar scope and give Orrery tours. QR codes posted around campus will take you to a text or audio explanation of what you are seeing.
29 Palms Farmers Market - Check out a variety of food vendors and local artists on Saturdays from 8am-1pm. We loved how easy it was to walk to shops and restaurants in the area from the farmers market.
Skydive Joshua Tree - feeling like a more extreme adventure? You can skydive just 10 minutes from Horizon Haven.
Smith’s Ranch Drive-in Theater - check out their FB page linked here for movies of the week and times. Tickets are $10, which covers 2 movies. Just a 15-minute drive from the property.
Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Art Museum - outdoor desert museum of off-beat art installations. No bathrooms located here, so be sure to stop before you arrive. About 35-40 minutes away.
Knob Hill Ranch - a great spot to book a horseback-riding trail ride! A 45-minute drive.
The Integratron - incredible place for a sound bath and mediation. Open Thursday-Sunday, closed in July and August. Be sure to book your reservation in advance! 50-minute drive.
Pioneertown - I’ve been lucky enough to visit Pioneer town several times, and it’s always a good time! This functioning 188o's themed town served as a filming location for old western movies. There are a several great shops to enjoy as well as a few fun restaurants and bars.
You can enjoy the free Main Street Stampede Wild West Show - website for info here.
Pappy and Harriets - a great spot for live music and delicious food in a rustic setting. (seriously obsessed with their mac n cheese) Usually, there is a wait for a table, so I suggest putting your name in and walking around a bit. (They don’t take reservations) Calendar of events here.
The Red Dog Saloon - was originally built by Gene Autry and Roy Rogers in 1946. Go here for Tex-Mex and cocktails. Really fun spot!
The Pioneertown Post Office is said to be the most photographed P.O. in the United States!
Wild West Drive-In Theater - on the third Tuesday of the month, enjoy old western films, vintage advertising, and food at the drive-in theater.
Where to eat, drink, and shop
Habitat -a really cute home decor shop with unique items, pottery, and gift items
White Label Vinyl - right next door to the Habitat is the cutest little record store that also has vintage clothes, books, and more. Grab a record and bring it back Horizon Haven to play it!
Grnd Sqrl - hip gastropub that is a great spot for food and beer. I can’t rave enough about their breakfast potatoes - such a simple menu item, yet these are seasoned and cooked to perfection. The wings here are pretty incredible too.
Campbell Hill Bakery - Popular bakery in town! There was always a line out the door!
Hi-Desert Daydream - a shop where local makers and vendors can collectively sell their goods
The Jelly Donut - Don’t let the name fool you - the “Jelly Donut” is also home to a super delicious Vietnamese Restaurant too! It’s located in an old gas station, and they still have one of the original red gas pumps. For breakfast, we enjoyed donuts and apple fritters one morning, and went back again for lunch one day to get their taco dumplings - SO GOOD! We loved the brisket ones the best!
Out There Bar - an eclectic place known as ‘a psychedelic desert monument’. Laid back environment for both locals and visitors alike. Often have a fun DJ.
Joshua Tree Saloon - quirky Old west themed restaurant and bar serving burgers, steaks, sandwiches, and seafood.
Kitchen in the Desert - a really fun spot with live music on the weekend, and outdoor table seating. The food was delicious, and the staff was fabulous. It’s a popular spot, so be sure to get a reservation.
I feel so lucky that we got to experience this incredible new rental, and feel like we were transported back in time during our stay. With a hot tub, indoor & outdoor movie projectors, a fire pit, vintage games, classic vinyl, an outdoor banquet table, and more, you’ll never want to leave this 50’s desert time capsule. I can't recommend this unique property enough!
