Iconic Colorful ‘Monument House’ In Joshua Tree Now Available For Rent

Think of Joshua Tree, and you may recall sand, U2, and a cluster of brightly-colored buildings. Now, you could get a chance to stay in what could be the region’s most famed property, with Monument House up for rent to visitors looking for short-term stays. 

The historic landmark, made up of three monolithic buildings in vibrant pink, blue, and green, was designed by architect Josh Schweitzer in the early 90s. The space was initially intended to be a vacation home, but has never been open to the public till now. 

For the first time, 30 years after it was first constructed, tourists can choose to rent the space via Homestead Modern. 

Covered by the giant boulders surrounding Joshua Tree National Park, the highly-conceptual building, centered around postmodern architecture, offers “an unprecedented alien style” that stands out against the desert backdrop. 

“Everyone thinks of the desert as monochromatic. But when you look carefully, there are all these amazing colors: a vivid green lichen growing on a rock, a bright red flower, and the impossibly blue sky. This compound takes those colors and builds them at the scale of man,” explains Schweitzer. 

The architect reveals that the structures’ cubic shapes and trapezoidal openings were chosen to mirror the landscape; in particular, the fragmented boulders dotting the desert. In fact, the primitive-looking, exaggerated pavillions were meant to comment on both the natural and manmade surroundings. 

Visitors staying over at Monument House will enjoy an open living area complete with a lounge, including a fireplace, and an indoor dining table that can seat groups of six. There’s an additional outdoor dining table in gazebo, with a BBQ grill on standby for any parties. 

To soak in the views, one can hop into the hot tub hidden on the deck among the boulders for maximum privacy, located near a propane fire pit that’ll keep you warm even at night. Like other boutique hotels, there’s Wi-Fi and air conditioning for those who can’t live without technology. 

Rentals at Monument House start from US$299 a night. 

[via Robb Report and Homestead Modern, images via Homestead Modern]