House in Southern California, CA
Reasons to book
About this house rental
Featured in Vice, JT Improper is a fully renovated 70s house on a bluff above ten acres of North Joshua Tree's Sunfair Heights, with some of the best sunset views in the area. It lives like a private gallery: an original 'Aries' oil by Daniel Bilmes, neon installations by Olivia Steele, a 1971 VW Bug. Swim in the saltwater pool at golden hour, then take the hot tub built into the stargazing deck while records play on an audiophile-grade system. Improper by name, exacting by design.
The Space:
JT Improper is a fully renovated home that pairs modern comforts with 70s charm, featured in Vice Magazine. It sits on a bluff surrounded by ten acres in North Joshua Tree's Sunfair Heights, with some of the best sunset views in the area. Art is everywhere, from an original 'Aries' oil painting by Daniel Bilmes to neon installations by Olivia Steele and a 1971 VW Bug, backed by an audiophile-grade sound system and a European-style kitchen. Two bedrooms, a sunken king primary lit by a disco ball and Steele's custom neon, and a queen room, share a bathroom with a soaking tub, and a queen sofa bed rounds it out for couples or a small group of friends. Choose something from the records and CDs and watch the sun leave the bluff.
-Highlights-
► In-ground saltwater pool (a heating fee applies in cooler months; pool heating is unavailable December through February)
► Large hot tub built into a stargazing deck with a gas fire pit, with no heating fee
► Second gas fire pit off the back patio
► 10 acres on a bluff with sunset views
► Art installations, including a 1971 VW Bug and neon signs by Olivia Steele
► Sunken primary bedroom with a disco ball and neon art
► Audiophile-grade sound system with records and CDs, plus Sonos Bluetooth speakers
► Gas BBQ and an outdoor dining table for 6
► Hammock, cornhole and tetherball
► Outdoor shower (off in freezing months, about October through March)
► European-style kitchen with reverse osmosis drinking water
► Smart TVs in both bedrooms
► Carport parking with a 110V EV charger
► Wi-Fi ready for video calls and mini-split heating and air conditioning
-Outdoor Amenities-
The house sits on a bluff surrounded by 10 acres. The saltwater pool can be heated for an additional fee, and the separate hot tub is built into a stargazing deck with a gas fire pit, the best seat for the night sky. A second gas fire pit sits off the back patio, alongside a gas BBQ, an outdoor dining table for six, a hammock, cornhole and tetherball. The outdoor shower is turned off in freezing months, roughly October through March.
-Living Area-
The living area mixes comfort with retro flair. An original 'Aries' oil painting by Daniel Bilmes hangs above the sofa, which opens into a queen bed for extra guests. The audiophile-grade sound system comes with records and CDs, and Sonos Bluetooth speakers, board games and books round things out.
-Kitchen and Dining-
The modern European-style kitchen is fully stocked with quality appliances, spices, olive oil, cookware and reverse osmosis drinking water. A drip coffee maker and French press come with coffee, tea, sugar and creamer, and the dining area sits close by.
-Bedrooms and Bathrooms-
The sunken primary bedroom has a king bed and a smart TV, and a disco switch lights up a disco ball overhead and a custom neon installation by Olivia Steele. The second bedroom has a queen bed and a smart TV. The bathroom has a soaking tub and a shower, and the living room sofa opens into a queen bed.
-Surrounding Area-
The Transmission sculpture by Daniel Popper and the shops, bars and restaurants of downtown Joshua Tree make good outings from JT Improper, and the West Entrance opens onto the 800,000 acres of Joshua Tree National Park.
Guest Access:
The entire house and property are yours to enjoy! Please note that a few supply closets stay locked to store rental supplies.
The Neighborhood:
JT Improper is in North Joshua Tree's Sunfair Heights neighborhood, about 15 minutes from downtown Joshua Tree. All homes in this area are on acreage, giving guests wide open space and privacy. The last 1.5 miles to the home are dirt roads.
Below are travel times to nearby shops, bars, eateries and attractions:
► 3 minutes ➔ Transmission Sculpture by Daniel Popper
► 15 minutes ➔ Downtown Joshua Tree shops, bars & restaurants
► 19 minutes ➔ The Integratron Sound Bath Experience
► 22 minutes ➔ Flamingo Heights bars & dining: La Copine fine cuisine & Giant Rock Meeting Room pizza & bar
► 22 minutes ➔ Downtown Twentynine Palms shops, bars & restaurants
► 24 minutes ➔ Joshua Tree West National Park Entrance
► 28 minutes ➔ Old Town Yucca Valley shops, bars & restaurants
► 32 minutes ➔ Pioneertown: Pappy and Harriet's & Red Dog Saloon
► 60 minutes ➔ Palm Springs & Palm Springs Airport
Getting Around:
A personal vehicle is necessary to get around in this area - rideshare apps are not guaranteed.
Please note that JT Improper is in a remote location, and the final stretch to the home is on dirt roads, so please take it slow. The dirt roads are maintained, and a four-wheel drive car is not necessary, but please note that the dirt road conditions vary and may have bumps and ruts, particularly after rainstorms.
Please follow our directions to the house, as GPS may take you on roads that are not maintained.
Other Things to Note:
-EV Charging-
A 110V EV charger is available at the carport.
-House-Specific Rules-
► Please avoid using the hot tub right after it has been serviced, while chemical levels are temporarily higher.
-Pool Heating Fee-
Should you wish to have the pool heated to 85 degrees, please notify us in advance of your arrival, as there will be a supplemental charge per day for this service due to high fuel costs in this area. If you'd like the pool heated for multiple days, we ask that days be consecutive to conserve energy, thank you! Pool heating is not usually necessary May through September. Please note that we will need at least 24 hours' notice to heat the pool.
► May through September: $150 per night, if needed
► October and April: $200 per night
► November and March: $250 per night
► December through February: unavailable
During the winter months, please be aware that colder outdoor temperatures may cause the pool to feel cooler than its maintained temperature of 85°F. We kindly ask that you ensure this temperature meets your comfort level before submitting a request, as refunds cannot be issued on this basis.
-Pool Heating Season-
Pool heating is usually not needed from May through September and is unavailable in the coldest months, December through February. If heating for multiple days, the days must be consecutive.
-Pool and Hot Tub Service-
The pool and hot tub are serviced Tuesdays and Fridays, approximately between 11am and 4pm. Please note that these times are estimates and may change slightly due to our technician's busy schedule. He will not approach the house but will go directly through to the backyard.
-Pet Policy-
We welcome your dogs! There is a $100 per dog per stay fee, limit of 2 dogs maximum. Please note on your reservation how many dogs you are bringing. There is an unauthorized pet fee of $500. Please use the provided dog sheets before allowing your dogs on any furniture. Cats and other pets are not allowed.
-Local Experiences-
We've handpicked an incredible selection of local vendors to enhance your Joshua Tree stay, offering a mix of relaxation, adventure, and everything in between. Whether you're seeking relaxation with sound baths, yoga sessions, meditation guides, in-home massages, facials, aromatherapy or the convenience of a personal chef or caterer, you'll find options to elevate your experience. For thrill-seekers, explore rock climbing adventures, dune buggy rides, or horseback riding. Other unique experiences include guided stargazing tours under the breathtaking desert sky or guided hikes accompanied by mini donkeys!
All vendor details are available in our guidebook upon booking, making it easy to craft your ideal getaway. Many services can come directly to the house, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable stay!
-Wildlife & Safety-
The desert landscape is teeming with wildlife and natural beauty, offering a unique connection to nature, but it's important to be mindful of the creatures and plants that call this area home. Guests may encounter a variety of wildlife during their stay, and while direct encounters with dangerous animals like coyotes, snakes, scorpions, bobcats, mountain lions and other desert dwellers are rare, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and to keep a safe distance from these creatures when spotted. Additionally, the desert is dotted with sharp cacti and other spiky plants. For your safety, always supervise children, pets, ESAs, and service animals while outdoors. Dogs should remain on a leash at all times and be watched closely while outdoors, as they can wander into potentially unsafe situations with wildlife or plants. By booking this property, guests acknowledge the potential for wildlife encounters and assume responsibility for their safety and the safety of their group. By respecting the local environment and staying aware, you can fully enjoy the magic of the desert.
-Security Camera-
For your security, there is an exterior camera next to the front door, which monitors vehicles and occupancy. There are no cameras inside the home or facing any private areas, including the pool and hot tub areas.
-Cell Service-
Cell phone coverage in the area may be limited or unavailable depending on your carrier. Wi-Fi is available at the property.
-Damage Waiver Policy-
Each reservation requires either a refundable security deposit or a non-refundable damage waiver.
Interaction with Guests:
The best and fastest way to reach us is to send us a message on the message thread. We kindly ask that all communication be kept on this platform, so we do not miss any questions you may have!
Amenities
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