PPM - PauseHouse PM

Pause House PM is a design-forward desert retreat for two on five private acres in Yucca Valley. Its striking black architecture gives way to warm wood interiors by Hammer & Spear, with expansive views of Mt. San Gorgonio. Spend your days soaking in the private hot tub, cooling off in the seasonal cowboy tub, or enjoying the quiet of the open desert. Here, thoughtful design and the freedom to do very little are the whole point.

From the outside, Pause House PM is a bold piece of modern architecture set against a rugged desert hillside. Step inside, and the mood shifts entirely. Rich wood-paneled walls and ceilings, polished concrete floors, leather furnishings, and carefully chosen lighting create a warm, intimate space that feels connected to its surroundings. Large windows frame the mountains and Joshua trees, making the landscape as much a part of the experience as the interiors.

Designed by Hammer & Spear, this fully solar-powered, net-zero home makes beautiful use of its compact footprint. The open studio moves naturally between sleeping, lounging, cooking, and dining, offering a thoughtfully considered retreat for two. Whether you're spending the afternoon reading beside the window or returning from a day exploring Joshua Tree, everything here encourages you to settle in and enjoy the slower pace.

-Highlights-
► Private hot tub for relaxing beneath the desert sky
► Seasonal cowboy plunge tub, unavailable November through March
► Five private acres with panoramic views of Mt. San Gorgonio
► Propane fire pit with comfortable outdoor lounge seating
► Shaded outdoor dining beneath a modern steel pergola
► Propane BBQ for outdoor cooking
► Outdoor rain shower with desert views
► Fully solar-powered, net-zero home with interiors by Hammer & Spear
► Queen Casper mattress with premium linens
► Ensuite bathroom with rain shower
► Fully equipped kitchen with gas range and stainless steel appliances
► Joshua Tree Coffee Co. coffee, drip coffee maker, and French press
► Smart TV, Starlink Wi-Fi, heating, and air conditioning
► Washer, dryer, and Level 2 EV charger

-Outdoor Amenities-
The five-acre property is a landscape of open hillsides, native desert plants, and scattered Joshua trees, with sweeping views toward Mt. San Gorgonio. Rather than a traditional backyard, the outdoor spaces are designed as a series of places to relax and take in the scenery.

On warmer days, cool off in the cowboy tub or enjoy an open-air rinse beneath the outdoor rain shower. The cowboy tub is a seasonal plunge tub, not an in-ground swimming pool, and is unavailable from November through March. The private hot tub offers another way to unwind, especially when the air turns cool and the surrounding hills begin to disappear into the evening.

A contemporary steel pergola provides patterned shade over the outdoor dining area, where a wooden table and propane BBQ make it easy to prepare a meal and spend the afternoon outside. Just beyond the patio, cushioned lounge chairs surround a distinctive propane fire pit constructed from a stone-filled gabion. It's an inviting place to settle in with a drink, watch the changing colors of the desert, and enjoy the quiet.

-Living Area-
The living area is small in scale but rich in character. A comfortable gray sectional sits beside expansive windows overlooking the desert, accompanied by a leather lounge chair, sculptural coffee table, and natural wood accents. The combination of warm timber, darker furnishings, and soft natural light gives the room a cozy, almost cabin-like atmosphere within its modern architecture.

Spend a quiet afternoon reading by the window, stretch out on the sectional for a movie, or simply enjoy the mountain views without leaving the comfort of the house. A smart TV with integrated sound provides entertainment, while Starlink Wi-Fi keeps you connected when needed. Heating, air conditioning, and an in-unit washer and dryer add everyday convenience.

-Kitchen and Dining-
The kitchen carries the home's thoughtful material palette through warm wood cabinetry, open shelving, dark countertops, and stainless steel appliances. A window above the sink looks toward the surrounding hillside, bringing natural light into the space.

You'll find a gas range, microwave, cookware, and essential kitchen tools for preparing meals at home. Start the morning with locally roasted Joshua Tree Coffee Co. coffee, brewed using either the drip coffee maker or French press.

A round wooden dining table beneath a woven pendant light provides an intimate setting for meals together. When the weather is inviting, slide open the patio door and take dinner outside beneath the shaded pergola, with the BBQ conveniently nearby.

-Bedrooms and Bathrooms-
Pause House PM accommodates two guests in an open studio layout, with one queen bed and one bathroom. The sleeping area shares the main living space rather than occupying a separate enclosed bedroom, creating an intimate setting particularly well suited to couples or solo travelers.

The queen Casper mattress is dressed in premium linens, with warm wood-paneled walls, soft curtains, and view-facing windows continuing the home's understated design. It's a restful space where the surrounding landscape is never far from sight.

The ensuite bathroom features a modern rain shower and clean, stone-toned finishes, offering a contemporary contrast to the warmth of the wood interiors.

-Surrounding Area-
Downtown Joshua Tree is close by, and Old Town Yucca Valley and La Copine and the Giant Rock Meeting Room in Flamingo Heights are an easy drive. So are the Integratron, for a sound bath, and the West Entrance to Joshua Tree National Park, for rock formations and desert trails. Pioneertown and Pappy and Harriet's are within reach for an evening of music.

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.

The final stretch to the home is on maintained dirt roads. Four-wheel drive is not required, but road conditions can vary and may have bumps or ruts, particularly after rainstorms. Please take it slow.

-Cowboy Tub-
The plunge pool at Pause House PM is a cowboy tub, not an in-ground pool. The cowboy tub is drained and unavailable for guest use during the winter months (November through March) to prevent the filter from freezing and breaking.

-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 hot tub and cowboy tub are serviced Tuesdays and Fridays, and service may fall during your stay. Our technician will go directly to the outdoor water amenities.

-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 is one exterior security camera monitoring the driveway for vehicle and occupancy compliance. There are no cameras facing private outdoor living areas, including the hot tub, plunge pool or outdoor shower.

-Cell Service-
Cell phone coverage in the area may be limited or unavailable depending on your carrier. Wi-Fi is available at the property.

Property License: CESTRP-2020-00807