Bella Nova

Contemporary Villa Spans the Mojave Desert Horizon at Joshua Tree

Four bedrooms and bathrooms fill this elegantly minimalist home, its wings spread open to the private Mojave Desert landscape via large sliding glass doors. The open-concept living, dining and kitchen area is a standout space for the home’s neutral desert vibe, with a striking, light wood backdrop, and a cool marble prep island and bar, with seating for six.

The villa’s calm, earthy décor features subtle art, easygoing accent pieces and statement fixtures, and the home’s wing-shape embraces the outdoor living quarters—a pool and fire pit terrace beyond a covered lounge.

Around

The tranquility of the desert makes this a great place to unwind after exploring the region’s offerings, from the National Park and town of Joshua Tree, to hiking trails, art galleries and landmark eateries such as Yucca Valley’s Frontier Café (11 minutes), Pappy & Harriet’s (17 minutes) and La Copine (17 minutes).

Visitors to the area come for the low-key recreation and wellness therapies. Ask about massages and spa treatments, guided hikes, yoga and Pilates, stargazing tours, horseback riding, and guided desert flora and fauna expeditions. The region is famed for its scenic, arid hiking trails, fat tire bike paths, and its abundance of rock-climbing opportunities for all levels. Joshua Tree town’s main drag is dotted with vegan, organic and veggie cafes, tiny grocers, coffee shops, and old-school diners, while nightlife centers around roadhouses and saloons, the latter with live music and an eclectic, hippie-meets-biker-meets-Vanlife outdoorsy crowd.

Hollywood remnant Pioneertown, once a Wild West movie set is nearby, and the golf courses, restaurants, bars and classic architecture that fill the mid-century modern oasis of Palm Springs are under an hour’s drive away.

Location

Joshua Tree, California, US. Nearest airports: Indio/Palm Springs (25 miles), Ontario/San Bernardino (75 miles), San Diego (110 miles)

Best time to visit

Year round