Collection by Gregg Peterson
Solar panels catch the sun's energy; wide expanses of open doors and windows provide cross-ventilation; and strategic overhangs shade against the desert's endless heat.
Qn the opposite end of the covered patio the Smirkes built two long benches that overlook the open desert. The canvas is a flag they had made by Lindsay Smith of Makers Workshop that says, “Joshua Tree Est. 1957” the year the original cabin was constructed.
It’s hard to believe, but this trendy stay was purchased by Kathrin and Brian Smirke at a tax auction for $7,000. While it sounds like a great deal, the 1957 property was abandoned—and it needed to be stripped to the studs and completely rebuilt. The DIY interiors now are teeming with photo opps—from stylish vignettes to an outdoor tub constructed from a water trough.
The home was stripped down to the studs.
Very few things are as rewarding as transforming a fixer-upper into the home of your dreams. Yet, anyone who has traveled down the path of renovation knows how windy that road can be. To help combat unforeseen challenges, we asked expert renovators what all they would consider before investing in a fixer-upper.
Tech entrepreneur Sam Friedman found himself drawn to the desert after selling his app, ParkMe. He invested in a 112-acre property with an abandoned 1,600-square-foot geodesic dome, and then set to work transforming the structure into an off-grid retreat. He helmed the entire overhaul—from pulling permits and drawing up plans to developing the solar and gray water systems. He gutted and remodeled the structure with the assistance of day help and friends, while living in an on-site Airstream.
As with all Cover projects, Leslie’s home features floor-to-ceiling windows, Wolf-Sub Zero appliances, integrated storage, and minimalist track lighting. The open-plan living areas are arranged axially toward views of the valley.
Los Angeles–based writer Leslie Longworth knew she’d found the perfect retreat when she spotted a five-acre lot in Pioneertown. Immersed in the rugged beauty of Joshua Tree with a dirt road for access, it was an ideal creative space. Seeking a low-impact build, she hired prefab company Cover to draft, construct, and install a custom home. The prefab came complete with fixtures, finishes, Wolf Sub-Zero appliances, and a state-of-the-art radiant heating and cooling system. In order to design around endangered Joshua trees, boulders, and the view, Cover used a combination of 3D mapping via drone imagery and handheld photos.
Nestled on a sweeping 45-acre lot, this dome-shaped cabin was designed by multidisciplinary architect Fritz Haeg. The residence itself is just 721 square feet, but the one-bedroom, one-bath home is big on style. A tall, barrel-like ceiling adds a sense of whimsy, while sliding glass doors bring in a sense of the outdoors.
The home’s exterior features a shaded patio, an enclosed garden, and a fire pit, which is perfect for taking in the starry desert nights.