Where: Los Angeles
What: Joshua Tree PlaceList
Who:
Designers and desert wanderers Sara and Rich Combs have zigzagged tons of the U.S. national parks, but it was Joshua Tree that won their hearts. So, the duo bought two run-down 1950’s-era properties in the desert—a quick two-and-a-half-hour drive from LA—and decked them out with photoshoot-ready, modern and earthy decor inspired by the native flora and fauna. The results are a design lover’s ideal escape: The Joshua Tree House and
The Joshua Tree Casita, both of which are available to strangers like you and me via Airbnb and have garnered quite an
Instagram following. Rather than hide or repair the effects of the harsh wind, sun and rain, the Combs celebrate and incorporate the beauty of natural decay in their designs for what we like to think of as the ultimate glamping experience. We caught up with the couple to get the lowdown on all things J Tree so that you know exactly where to eat, shop, hike and lose yourself in the endless horizon once you book a long weekend at one of their glorious desert properties.
Sara and Rich Combs with their 1969 International Harvester Scout in Joshua Tree
The Joshua Tree House living room
The Joshua Tree House master bedroom
The Joshua Tree House
Sara & Rich Combs: This is the first house we designed in Joshua Tree! The house has a ton of character dating back to 1949. Our hope is that our guests use it as a space to reflect, rest and create.
The Joshua Tree Casita
SC & RC: After designing the house, we were addicted! We wanted to design a second space with completely silent surroundings and a full starry night sky. The casita is also available for rent on Airbnb!
La Copine
SC & RC: When we first moved to the desert, it definitely wasn't for the food. Yet, La Copine opened up and changed everything. It's our number one brunch spot. Don't forget to try the Royal Crumpet!
Pappy & Harriet's
SC & RC: Pappy's is another one of our favorite restaurants and an amazing venue. We've seen some incredible shows out back underneath the stars ... Future Islands, Toro y Moi and Caribou to name drop a few. Paul McCartney even played here once!
JT Country Kitchen
SC & RC: This sweet little restaurant in the center of Joshua Tree is our go to comfort food spot. For breakfast, we go for the eggs and toast, and for lunch the peanut tea leaf salad!
bkb ceramics
SC & RC: Bkb Ceramics is our favorite shop in the heart of Joshua Tree. It’s a wonderful curation of locally made ceramics, books, artwork and other home goods.
Joshua Tree Farmers' Market
SC & RC: Every Saturday you’ll find tents covering a parking lot in the middle of Joshua Tree. We love stopping in for some fruits and veggies, locally made cheese and a loaf of fresh bread.
Sky Village Outdoor Marketplace
SC & RC: This is our desert flea market, held every Saturday and Sunday. We've found the first Saturday of the month to be the best, though and have collected so many great books, records and weird desert trinkets for our design projects here.
Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Art Museum
SC & RC: Noah created a series of sculptures using reclaimed items throughout his life in the desert; each one feels like stepping into one of his memories. Joshua Tree wouldn't be the same without this sculpture garden.
Integratron
SC & RC: The Integratron has an incredible history, which you should learn all about when you get a sound bath of your own here! This is the perfect place to relax and begin a trip in JT.
North View Trail
SC & RC: The North View Trail is one of the first trails as you enter the west entrance and is complete with stunning views, boulders and Joshua Trees; a park favorite at the moment.
Indian Cove Campground
SC & RC: The perfect place for a picnic with friends as the boulders in this area are especially breathtaking.
The Joshua Tree Casita courtesy of @saracombs
Pappy & Harriet's courtesy of @dfgreve
Noah Purifoy Foundation
Sky Village Outdoor Marketplace courtesy of @citrine333
Header image courtesy of @thejoshuatreehouse