Adorable desert rock house near Joshua Tree asks $257K

On the market for the first time in over three decades, this 792-square-foot rock house in Morongo Valley is a petite retreat with a great location, with popular desert attractions, including Joshua Tree and Palm Springs about 30 minutes away.

The two-bedroom, one-bathroom home was built in 1935, but was renovated just before being listed. It now has newly plastered walls, carpet, and new kitchen counters, cabinets, and appliances. The updates were not all cosmetic—the roof, evaporative cooler, plumbing, and electrical wiring is also new.

Seller Dana Solomon says, despite the famously scorching desert summers, “you barely have to turn the cooler on, the walls are so thick.” The thick walls help in the winter too. The only heating is the wood-burning fireplace in the front room, but the dwelling retains warmth well, she says.

Solomon bought the property in 1986, property records show, and lived in the house for 20 years with her family while she was the general manager at the nearby Two Bunch Palms resort. A job took her to British Columbia, Canada, but instead of selling, she had a friend live in the house. When her friend moved on, Solomon decided to update the dwelling and put it on the market.

The property boasts views of nearby Mt. San Jacinto and the San Bernardino Mountains, and is about a 20 minute drive to Pioneertown and Joshua Tree. Palm Springs is also close by—about 30 minutes by car.

The house sits on just over an acre of land. It’s listed for $257,000.

• 10730 Juniper Avenue [Peter Roa/Paul Kaplan Group]