A Rare Mid-Century Desert Retreat

Set on 12 private acres near Joshua Tree National Park’s main entrance, The Wheelhouse is a 2,200 sq ft ranch with a storied past. Originally built in 1952 and transformed by beloved California television host Huell Howser into a personal sanctuary, this architectural gem blends mid-century soul with artistic spirit.

Unobstructed mountain views stretch to the horizon. Desert silence surrounds you. Yet downtown Twentynine Palms is minutes away, and Palm Springs less than an hour.

Indoor-Outdoor Living at Its Finest

Two bedrooms plus sleeping den, 2.5 baths, and iconic California indoor-outdoor flow define this space. The expansive pool and spa are surrounded by century-old millstones. A covered outdoor dining pavilion, fire pit, and multiple seating areas create endless gathering possibilities across the property.

Made for Meaningful Gatherings

The Wheelhouse welcomes intimate weddings, creative retreats, corporate offsite, photo shoots, and extended family celebrations. It’s equally perfect for a weekend with friends, a month-long writing residency, or simply escaping the pace of city life to hike, practice yoga, and rediscover stillness.

Luxurious yet rustic. Artistic yet comfortable. Historic yet timeless.

This is where you slow down.

A Living Work of Art

Huell Howser acquired The Wheelhouse in the 1990s and transformed it into something extraordinary. He commissioned award-winning Belzberg Architects of Santa Monica to design the property’s sculptural steel fence—each panel angled to mirror the surrounding mountains. An avid collector, Howser repurposed found materials throughout: quarry stones became yard sculptures, industrial elements transformed into lighting fixtures, and five century-old millstones encircled the pool, giving the home its name.

In the early 2000s, Howser added a sunroom extension with etched glass panels, along with additional living and dining spaces in the same industrial aesthetic, making the home ideal for gatherings and creative collaboration.

Art Meets Legacy

After Howser’s passing, artist Joan Robey acquired the property. Her sculptural work harmonizes seamlessly with Howser’s vision—her pieces integrate naturally into the landscape and interiors. Robey has thoughtfully revitalized the home, elevating comfort while preserving its mid-century-meets-funky soul. The result is an art-filled desert oasis where Howser’s curiosity and Robey’s creativity converge.