JTI - JT Improper

JT Improper is a playful, art-filled 70s retreat set on 10 acres overlooking the open desert of Joshua Tree. Spend afternoons in the saltwater pool, explore the home's unexpected art installations, and watch the sunset from a hot tub and fire pit perched above the landscape. With retro interiors, an incredible music collection, and a bedroom that doubles as a private disco, this is a desert escape with a personality all its own.

Part retro hideaway, part living art gallery, JT Improper is a place to embrace the unexpected. Warm wood finishes, bold colors, original artwork, and vintage-inspired furnishings give this thoughtfully renovated home an unmistakable identity. Sliding glass doors bring the desert into view, while inviting indoor and outdoor gathering spaces encourage you to settle in, put on a record, and enjoy a change of pace. It's an especially fun setting for couples or friends who appreciate good design, great music, and a little eccentricity.

-Highlights-
► In-ground saltwater pool with desert views. Heating available for an additional fee during cooler months; unavailable December through February
► Large hot tub built into a stargazing deck with a gas fire pit, no heating fee
► Second gas fire pit with comfortable lounge seating
► 10 acres on a bluff with expansive desert and sunset views
► Outdoor dining for 6, shaded pergola, and gas BBQ
► Hammock, cornhole, and tetherball
► Outdoor shower, closed during freezing months, approximately October through March
► Original artwork and installations, including neon by Olivia Steele and a vintage 1971 VW Bug
► Sunken primary bedroom with king bed, disco ball, and custom neon installation
► Audiophile-grade sound system with turntable, records, CDs, and Sonos Bluetooth speakers
► European-style kitchen with reverse osmosis drinking water, drip coffee maker, and French press
► 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, and a queen sleeper sofa, accommodating up to 6 guests
► Smart TVs in both bedrooms and blackout blinds
► Board games and books
► Wi-Fi suitable for video calls and mini-split heating and air conditioning
► Washer and dryer
► Covered carport with 110V EV charging

-Outdoor Amenities-
Outside, JT Improper feels like a colorful desert playground. The saltwater pool is surrounded by open sky, sculptural landscaping, and loungers that invite you to spend a full afternoon in the sun. An oversized orange daybed adds a pop of color to the pool terrace, while shaded seating beneath the pergola provides a welcome place to retreat between swims.

The outdoor spaces are designed for different moods. Play a round of cornhole or tetherball, settle into the hammock with a view of the mountains, or take a walk around the property to discover its art installations. Among them is Ernie, a 1971 Volkswagen Bug parked in the desert near one of Olivia Steele's neon-inspired works.

For meals outside, the gas BBQ and dining table for six sit beneath the pergola, close to the house. Nearby, a lounge framed by decorative breeze blocks offers comfortable seating around a gas fire pit.

The stargazing deck is a destination of its own. Set against the wide-open desert, it features a large hot tub and a second gas fire pit surrounded by cushioned seating. The bluff's unobstructed horizon makes this an especially memorable place to watch the evening light change, then stay outside beneath the night sky.

An outdoor shower offers another way to enjoy the desert setting, although it is turned off during freezing months, generally October through March.

-Living Area-
The living room brings JT Improper's artistic personality indoors without sacrificing comfort. Wood accents, vintage-inspired furnishings, and an original Aries oil painting by Daniel Bilmes create a space that feels more like a collector's home than a conventional vacation rental.

Music is central to the experience. An audiophile-grade sound system, complete with turntable, records, CDs, and Sonos Bluetooth speakers, makes choosing an album part of the evening. Settle into the sofa, browse the music collection, or open the sliding glass doors to connect the room with the surrounding desert.

Books and board games offer quieter entertainment, and the sofa converts into a queen bed when additional sleeping space is needed.

-Kitchen and Dining-
The European-style kitchen has a clean, modern aesthetic with rich wood-grain cabinetry, sleek countertops, and stainless steel appliances. It is well equipped for preparing meals at home, with cookware, an oven, stove, dishwasher, microwave, blender, and other everyday essentials.

For leisurely mornings, choose between a drip coffee maker and French press, with coffee, tea, sugar, and creamer provided. Reverse osmosis drinking water is also available.

The indoor dining area offers desert views, while the outdoor table for six makes it easy to bring meals outside. Prepare dinner together, fire up the BBQ, and enjoy the open air without leaving the property.

-Bedrooms and Bathrooms-
JT Improper accommodates up to six guests across two bedrooms and a queen sleeper sofa in the living room. Both bedrooms have their own distinctive design, smart TVs, and blackout blinds for sleeping in after a late night.

Primary Bedroom: The sunken primary bedroom is perhaps the home's most memorable interior. A king bed sits beneath exposed wood beams, backed by a sweeping mural in warm orange, yellow, and earthy tones. Sculptural lighting and custom neon art by Olivia Steele give the room a playful, retro character. Flip the disco switch and a glittering disco ball transforms the space into your own private dance floor.

Second Bedroom: The queen bedroom takes a different approach, with a rich green accent wall, shag rug, and colorful furnishings. It is a comfortable, character-filled retreat with a smart TV and blackout blinds.

Bathroom: The shared bathroom features a soaking tub beneath a window, a textured stone wall, and a shower. After a day exploring Joshua Tree, it's an inviting place for a long soak.

Additional Sleeping: The living room sofa opens into a queen bed, providing sleeping accommodations for two additional guests.

-Art & Music-
At JT Improper, the artwork is part of the experience rather than simply decoration. The collection includes an original oil painting by Daniel Bilmes, custom neon installations by Olivia Steele, sculptural pieces around the property, and a wonderfully unexpected 1971 VW Bug sitting out in the desert.

The home's playful approach to art carries into the sunken disco bedroom, the vivid outdoor furniture, and the thoughtfully assembled music collection. Whether you're admiring a painting, browsing records, or discovering an installation outside, there is always another detail worth noticing.

And when you're ready to venture beyond the property, downtown Joshua Tree's independent shops, restaurants, and bars offer plenty to explore. Daniel Popper's Transmission sculpture is another nearby artistic attraction, while Joshua Tree National Park offers a completely different kind of visual experience among its remarkable rock formations and desert landscapes.

-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.

The entire house and property are yours to enjoy! Please note that a few supply closets stay locked to store rental supplies.

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.

-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.

Property License: CESTRP-2021-02563