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.
The Space:
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.
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:
Pause House PM is on five acres in western Yucca Valley, private but only minutes from restaurants, shops and Joshua Tree National Park, with open desert, mountain views and wide skies all around.
Below are travel times to nearby shops, bars, eateries and attractions:
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.
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!