SFL - StarFire Lodge

Starfire Lodge is a delightfully eccentric 1950s hillside house in Morongo Valley, with sweeping mountain views and two private acres to spread out. Spend slow afternoons in the hammock garden, cool off in the cowboy tub, then slip into the hot tub as the sky changes color. When you're ready to turn up the energy, the Big Cat Lounge has records, karaoke, and a light show that moves with the music.

Built by a retired shipbuilder, this is a house with an unmistakable personality. Exposed metal beams support soaring ceilings, rich wood paneling meets intricately patterned original tile, and walls of windows bring the San Jacinto and San Gorgonio mountains into the living spaces. Vintage lighting, sculptural furniture, colorful textiles and unexpected details give the interiors a wonderfully collected feel. It's a home that encourages you to explore, settle into your favorite corner and enjoy the pleasure of having nowhere else you need to be.

-Highlights-
► Six-person hot tub with mountain views
► 10-foot cowboy tub for cooling off
► Cast-iron cold plunge bathtub with a disco ball
► Hammock garden, croquet and outdoor seating
► Shaded patio with outdoor dining
► Big Cat Lounge with karaoke, projector, surround sound and vinyl records
► LUMITONE music-responsive light installation
► Soaring ceilings and panoramic mountain views
► Fully stocked chef's kitchen with copper cookware
► Oversized stone dining table and vintage bar
► Joshua Tree Coffee Co. beans and burr grinder
► Three bedrooms, including an open-air loft, and two bathrooms
► Memory foam mattress toppers and OEKO-TEX cotton bedding
► Wi-Fi suitable for remote work
► Games and puzzles

-Outdoor Amenities-
The grounds invite you to enjoy the desert at your own pace. Find a hammock in Hammock City and disappear into a book, challenge your friends to croquet, or spend an afternoon moving between the property's unconventional collection of soaking spots.

The 10-foot cowboy tub offers a refreshing escape on warmer days, while a cast-iron bathtub on a raised deck beneath the pergola serves as a cold-water plunge, complete with an overhead disco ball. It's just the right amount of unexpected for a house like this.

A shaded back patio provides a comfortable spot for meals outdoors, with the surrounding hills and mountains as your backdrop. As evening approaches, settle into the six-person hot tub and watch the last sunlight move across the landscape.

-Living Area-
The main living room feels almost like an observation deck, with dramatic ceiling heights and a long expanse of windows framing the Morongo Valley basin and distant mountain ranges. Warm wood walls and original architectural details create an intimate counterpoint to the enormous views.

Leather sofas and striking orange swivel chairs make this an inviting place to spend a slow morning, catch up with friends or simply watch the light change across the mountains. Vintage furnishings and carefully chosen decorative pieces add character without taking attention away from the landscape.

-Kitchen and Dining-
The kitchen is made for guests who enjoy cooking as much as gathering around the table afterward. Fully stocked with sharp knives, specialty tools and copper cookware, it has what you need to prepare a proper dinner together or keep things wonderfully simple.

Mornings begin with Joshua Tree Coffee Co. beans, freshly ground using the burr grinder for a pour-over. Later, the oversized stone dining table becomes the center of the evening, with its vintage chandelier casting a warm glow over dinner and conversation.

A vintage bar stocked with premium glassware adds another reason to linger, while the outdoor dining area offers a change of scenery when the weather calls for eating outside.

-Bedrooms and Bathrooms-
Starfire Lodge accommodates up to six guests across three individually styled sleeping spaces, each with its own take on the home's vintage character.

The Cream Room is the primary suite, with whitewashed finishes, a king bed and a private ensuite bathroom. Its lighter palette offers a calm retreat from the richly layered gathering spaces.

The Blonde Room embraces the home's midcentury roots with warm plywood walls, a queen bed and a dedicated desk. It's a comfortable space to retreat to, with a convenient spot to catch up on a little work when needed.

The Loft sits above the main living room, with a queen bed in a rustic log frame and Pendleton accents that give it a cozy cabin atmosphere. This is an open-air sleeping space rather than a fully enclosed bedroom, so it's best suited to guests comfortable with a little less privacy.

All three beds feature memory foam toppers and OEKO-TEX cotton bedding. Both bathrooms retain their original tilework and are equipped with rain showers, glass enclosures and eco-friendly bath products.

-Big Cat Lounge-
When the mood shifts from relaxation to entertainment, the Big Cat Lounge is where the evening takes on a life of its own.

A curved, half-moon sofa anchors this retro-inspired gathering space, which is equipped with a projector screen with Roku, a high-fidelity surround sound system and karaoke. Browse the record collection, put on an album and watch the LUMITONE light installation respond to the music.

Whether you're putting on an impromptu karaoke performance, sharing favorite records or settling in for a movie, this is a room designed for enjoying the evening together. And when the energy winds down, there are games and puzzles for a quieter night in.

-Surrounding Area-
Morongo Valley's shops and restaurants are close by, and so is Old Town Yucca Valley. Pappy and Harriet's in Pioneertown is an easy drive for live music. Palm Springs and the West Entrance to Joshua Tree National Park are within reach, and Big Bear makes a day trip when there is snow to ski.

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

Please note that a closet at the front of the house and a few cabinets in the dining area are locked and used for rental supplies.

A personal vehicle is necessary to get around in this area - rideshare apps are not guaranteed.

Please note that Starfire Lodge 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.

-Cowboy Tub-
The pool at Starfire Lodge is a 10-foot cowboy tub, not an in-ground pool.

-House-Specific Rules-
► Please avoid using the hot tub right after it has been serviced, while chemical levels are temporarily higher.

-Pool and Hot Tub Service-
The cowboy tub 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-
There are no security cameras at this property.

-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-2021-00355