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Gorgeous Views, 5 Acres, Sleeps 8, Hot Tub, WiFi, Close to Park!

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Welcome to Zen House!
Panoramic views
Hillside retreat
Five private acres
Overlooking Joshua Highlands

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 8160.2 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Pet-friendly
  • Washer
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

Map
Joshua Tree, CA
  • Joshua Tree Visitor Center
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Joshua Tree National Park West Entrance
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Joshua Tree Courthouse
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Twentynine Palms, CA (TNP)
    ‪37 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

3 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo

Bathroom 3

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Outdoor shower

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Outdoor shower
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Dining area

About this property

Gorgeous Views, 5 Acres, Sleeps 8, Hot Tub, WiFi, Close to Park!

Nestled high on a boulder-filled hillside surrounded by five peaceful acres, Zen House offers breathtaking vistas of the entire basin leading into Joshua Tree National Park.

A unique mid-century modern, open floor plan 3 bed/2.5 bath house features panoramic views in all directions, multiple private outdoor spaces and entrances, covered patios, a shady courtyard with BBQ and outdoor dining table, hot tub, outdoor shower, master bath with 6' soaking tub, high speed internet, streaming-enabled TV, DVD library and LP record collection.

Zen House is light-filled and spacious, featuring three bedrooms with queen beds, three newly remodeled baths, and a large, recently remodeled kitchen with all new appliances and cookware. Newly created upper and lower patios offer great outdoor areas to relax and enjoy sunsets, sunrises and shady afternoons in the desert breeze. Enjoy the outdoor shower, soaking tub and hot tub to view star-filled night skies.

Zen House is a ten minute drive to Joshua Tree National Park entrance, and eight minutes to the little eclectic village of Joshua Tree, offering galleries, shops, and restaurants.

More photos on Instagram @zenhousejoshuatree

Zen House has a 2-night minimum + longer stays are welcome at discounted rates!

Unless otherwise noted, prices are as follows:
1-2 guests:
Nightly -$300
Weekly- $1800
Monthly- $5500

Each additional guest adds $35 per night.

*Guests should note that both the county road to the house and the driveway are part of the natural landscape and are therefore rocky and uneven, and require slowing down and driving with care. We maintain the driveway regularly and have never had a problem getting to the house in a Prius, but some guests have suggested offering a warning about the bumpy roads.

Property manager

Vera Topinka

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs and cats less than 23 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Please do not hike in the hills or explore beyond the property boundary shown on the map posted by the front door. Our neighbors value their privacy!
Please do not leave outdoor lights on unnecessarily and never past 11PM to preserve dark night skies.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock
Property Registration Number CESTRP-2020-00264

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Joshua Tree

Located in Joshua Tree Highlands, a neighbourhood in Joshua Tree, this holiday home is in the mountains. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Joshua Tree National Park and Joshua Tree National Park West Entrance, while Joshua Tree Art Gallery and Hi-Desert Cultural Center are cultural highlights. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Joshua Tree, CA

What's nearby

  • Joshua Tree Visitor Center - 7 min drive - 5.3 km
  • Joshua Tree National Park West Entrance - 7 min drive - 5.1 km
  • Joshua Tree Art Gallery - 8 min drive - 6.0 km
  • Joshua Tree Courthouse - 11 min drive - 9.1 km
  • Hi-Desert Medical Center - 11 min drive - 9.4 km

Getting around

  • Palm Springs, CA (PSP-Palm Springs Intl.) - 57 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Starbucks - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Panda Express - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Steak 'n Shake - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Jack in the Box - ‬14 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Gorgeous Views, 5 Acres, Sleeps 8, Hot Tub, WiFi, Close to Park! pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.

What time is check-in at Gorgeous Views, 5 Acres, Sleeps 8, Hot Tub, WiFi, Close to Park!?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Gorgeous Views, 5 Acres, Sleeps 8, Hot Tub, WiFi, Close to Park!?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Gorgeous Views, 5 Acres, Sleeps 8, Hot Tub, WiFi, Close to Park! located?

Located in Joshua Tree Highlands, this holiday home is within 6 miles (10 km) of Joshua Tree National Park, Joshua Tree National Park West Entrance and Joshua Tree Visitor Center. Joshua Tree Art Gallery and Hi-Desert Cultural Center are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 135 out of 140 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 140 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 140 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 140 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 140 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Martin W.

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Callie H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful property, lovely stay

Just what we were looking for in joshua tree! The property was clean and comfortable. We loved being down the street from the park, near the town yet secluded enough to enjoy peace & quiet. Would love to stay again!
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Steven F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Sisters Get Away

Perfect location close to the city of Joshua Tree and the west park entrance. Quiet and peaceful. The family room has beautiful views. We watched a family of coyotes (4 adults , 3 youngsters) walk thru the north patio one morning.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lon P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Zen House

Perfect for three adults. We hope to return. Peace in the desert. Just what we needed.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

R. R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful

Serenity.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amanda B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

8/10 Good

Christopher P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Listing accuracy

This was our fourth stay

Over the course of 11 years, we've logged a total of 99 nights. So you know we love it. Over that time, we've seen changes of ownership, renovations to the house, steep price increases, and lots of changes in the JT & JT Highlands community. But one constant is the property manager, Vera, who does a great job. The house is well stocked and in general, conducive for living in. What brings me back, even in June when the AC fails to keep up with the heat, is the peace and quiet. Between that, the quails and the view from the patio, it rejuvenates. Of course, not all is perfect... Aside from the general hell of dealing with VRBO and their added fee, there are a few minor suggestions... I would love a deeper cleaning of the house... rugs shampooed, vents vacuumed. Also, an AC in the living room that actually works, a sharpened chef's knife, new towels/sheets (pretty sure we've seen the same ones for 11 years). But these are lesser, fixable issues. Of a more serious nature are some challenges to the Zen-like feel. Too much noise on occasion from another rental house nearby that seems designed for partying. Sound really carries in this area ! And now, I hear rumors that another house may be built on the property. Should that happen, we will not be back. Simple as that.
Stayed 31 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

robert p.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great

Wonderful. Vera is the BEST!!!!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Valorie T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

We loved the Zen House

The Zen House truly has zen feel. There's a fabulous freestanding patio with comfortable seating and wonderful views. Just the place for morning coffee or an evening glass of wine. The house is stocked with everything you could possibly need. There are also gorgeous views from the living spaces. My two sisters and I the best time in this beautiful, peaceful place.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kelly M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing view and comfortable house

This house has an amazing view, and is very comfortable. Part of the appeal is how far it is from civilization, yet only a few minutes from the Joshua Tree park entrance or the town itself. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and would love to come back!
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Anna G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A relaxing stay and beautiful views

Vera is a wonderful host and we had a great stay at the Zen House. The views from the deck made for the perfect place to watch the sunrise and sunset, and the star gazing from the hot tub is fantastic. The house was very clean and we love the decor. We had plenty of towels and bathrobes. The kitchen had coffee, tea and pantry items like salt/pepper and oil. One thing to note is that you'll be on a long gravel road leading up to the house.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Peggy H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Spring Break Retreat

What an amazing experience! So many seating options created outside. Go out to the lower patio seating to look at the stars. Honestly, a great experience.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joseph C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family Holiday

Great location. Comfortable home. Clean. Enjoyed hot tub and coyote serenades.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Siobhan M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome property, great views, quiet, the stars at night!

Lovely property, mid century but new kitchen with everything we needed and new bathrooms, hot tub was perfect with the outdoor shower! Binders and small notes made everything easy. Very comfy beds! And plenty of room for 5 adults and our dog. It’s desert but very few chollas on the property to worry about with our dog. Night sky was awesome! 2 miles from the JTP entrance so that was great! Property manager wanted to know when we arrived and left- unnecessary, since we had her number if we needed anything. Would highly recommend as one of the best houses we have stayed at!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tara C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful

We loved this house! This is our 2nd visit to Joshua Tree and this was better than the first time. The house is beautiful and nicely updated. The kitchen has everything. The windows and the views are amazing! We loved the record player and being able to cook on the grill. The hot tub was absolutely awesome under the stars. We were there during a new moon and it was magical sitting in the hot tub looking at the Milky Way.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Charles D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Truly Zen - Third visit and looking forward to fourth

Our THIRD stay at the Zen house and could not have been better! The house deserves 5 star ratings for everything - and Vera is one of the best hosts you will ever find! My wife and I are looking forward to coming back next year as we have made staying at the Zen house an annual tradition!
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

j c.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

jt

great
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

RJ M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Getaway

The zen house is a perfect getaway! Tucked away from the hustle of every day living this is a great place to unplug from the world and enjoy peace and quiet. It’s conveniently close to all the local spots in Pioneer Town. Most importantly, Vera is a very accommodating host and easily reachable for any and all questions. This is without a doubt a destination that we can’t wait to come back to!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mike M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful place

This is such a peaceful property. You can’t hear anything but the wind and birds. There are so many places to sit outside and enjoy nature. The house is just as described. It’s really close to Joshua Tree National park. Vera, the property manager is very sweet and helpful. I would love to stay longer next time
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nanette I.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome Tranquility and Beauty

The views are absolutely amazing! The seclusion is beyond awesome! The pristine soaking tub comes with an unforgettable view of the many boulders embedded into the mountainside and interesting desert plants on a sunny afternoon. Unique and out of the way and Vera is a rare find, so helpful and super nice! The Mid-Century modern vibe is both inviting and historical, The updated kitchen and baths are welcoming...lovely stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jeanne C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Second Stay at Zen House

Last year the same week I stayed at Zen House for the first time with two friends who had never been to Joshua Tree (I have been there several times at a different property). We loved it so much that we booked for 2023 as soon as we got home and it was very much worth the wait. As before, we were in want for nothing at the house, inside and out. Vera is a great host in every respect and this time we had the pleasure of meeting her in person. We enjoyed many sunrises, birds, flowers, animals, cacti, and a beautiful red racer snake. The park entrance is super close and we hiked a different trail every day, capped off with outdoor showers, cocktails on the awesome patio, and hot tubbing under the stars. An amazing second stay and I look forward to bringing other friends to Zen House in the future.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Benjamin P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic Desert Sanctuary

Very unique and thoughtfully designed home for ultimate relaxation. Fairly secluded and peaceful. The entire property was extremely well maintained. Great communication throughout our stay with the property manager made for an excellent getaway. Highly recommend.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Amy L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Absolutely perfect !

What a beautiful property and great location ! Vera has thought of everything to make your stay relaxing and stress-free ! We will be back !
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

william m.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Joshua Tree weekend

Awesome property; light filled room, views, hot tub, great appliances, minutes from national park, and great communication from Vera.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

8/10 Good

David K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy

Just ok

The house itself was clean and quaint, in excellent proximity to Joshua Tree National Park West Entrance. It has a well stocked kitchen. Downsides the development is on bumpy dirt roads, some of which are rutted and badly eroded. The driveway is dirt and steep. A pickup or suv will have no problem but if you are in a passenger car you might scrape your muffler in spots. A sports car could present a big problem. Saying the house is at the end of a dirt road in the listing doesn't accurately reflect the condition of the road. Another big downside was the shower heads appear to be clogged with minerals or the plumbing wasn't correct when the bathroom renovation was performed. The shower spray is abysmal. The kitchen sink faucet sprayer worked fine though. We noticed the strong smell of gas coming from the clothes dryer the last day we were there, and I would definitely inquire before renting asking the property manager if she had a licensed plumber inspect and certify no gas leak :O. One other thing to consider is there are really only 2.5 bathrooms as the 3rd bathroom has the laundry where the shower or tub would go. There is an outdoor shower behind the 3rd bedroom but if it's cold out you won't want to use it. The walk from the driveway into the house has steps and is not handicap accessible. Overall value for cost of stay 3 stars.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

About the host

Hosted by Vera Topinka

Host profile image
I came to the desert just to see the wildflowers, stumbled across a property for sale with gorgeous views, and fell in love with Joshua Tree. I'm still in love, with my views, and with the wonderful critters, the starry night skies, the bike rides and hikes in the Park, the incredible sunsets and moonrise, the Mojave Desert Land Trust, the smell when it rains, and with this whole amazing community here.

And all the wonderful desert detritus lying around has influenced my photography in a fun, eclectic, and recyclable way…

I look forward to meeting you when you visit (if I can) and sharing my love of Joshua Tree.

Languages:

English
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