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From a wacky spaceship theme to an outdoor bedroom under the stars, two travel experts have opened the doors to four of the “craziest” vacation rentals in California.
Kara and Nate Buchanan of Nashville, Tennessee, hit the road to visit four unique properties in the Joshua Tree Desert in honor of their 11th wedding anniversary.
In a YouTube video documenting their adventure, they give an extensive tour of each of the properties before heading out again.
They start at the famous Kellogg Doolittle House, which was inspired by dinosaur fossils. The duo describes the house as more of a “work of art” than a home.
Scroll down to learn more about this $6,500-per-night property and the other three spots Kara and Nate tested.
Kellogg Doolittle House
The quirky so-called Desert House on the edge of Joshua Tree National Park was designed by Kendrick Bangs Kellogg
In total, the home has three bedrooms and three bathrooms, with sleek, minimalist interiors that are reflected throughout
Kara and Nate tell viewers during their YouTube tour that while the house “looks crazy from above,” the “details inside may be even more impressive.”
Inside, it turns out that the home was inspired by dinosaur fossils and that there are ‘lots of things… that look like skeletons, vertebrae or bones’
The remarkable Desert House on the edge of Joshua Tree National Park was designed by Kendrick Bangs Kellogg, an architect known for his bold and groundbreaking designs. It was completed in 1993 after five years of construction.
In total, the house has three bedrooms and three bathrooms, with a sleek, minimalist interior.
Kara and Nate tell viewers during their YouTube tour that the house “looks amazing from above,” but that the “details inside are perhaps even more impressive.”
Inside, it turns out that the home was inspired by dinosaur fossils and that there are ‘lots of things… that look like skeletons, vertebrae or bones.’
Boulders have also been incorporated into the structure, with the glass panels and walls specially built to accommodate the desert rocks.
But one of the couple’s favorite things is one of the bedrooms, with a 14-foot-wide round bed.
The Desert House was listed on Airbnb for $6,500 a night, but has since been removed. Those interested in staying there are now being directed to a special website at www.kelloggdoolittlehouse.com.
Mars Hangar
Seeking an otherworldly experience, the couple checked into a hangar near Joshua Tree National Park that had been modeled after a spaceship.
As they tour the four-bedroom abode, the couple reveal how ‘obsessed’ they are with the futuristic interiors
Details include two pod bedrooms, colored LED lighting in the bedrooms and kitchen, and Stormtroopers in the living room
Seeking an otherworldly experience, the couple moved into a hangar near Joshua Tree National Park, built in the style of a spaceship.
As they tour the four-bedroom home, the couple say they are “obsessed” with the futuristic interiors.
Details include twin-pod bedrooms, colored LED lighting in the bedrooms and kitchen, and Stormtroopers in the living room.
Outside, the duo shows off the enormous backyard, complete with a ‘super fun patio, hanging lights, fire pit… jacuzzi and a number of hammocks.’
There is also a large above ground swimming pool.
In the evening, after watching television on the big screen, the couple tries out the sleeping pods.
Nate tells viewers that the cabins were quite wide to sleep in, with LED lights on the ceiling, and he also approved of the mattress.
The Mars Hangar is currently available for just under $400 a night on Airbnb.
Invisible House
Another unique property the couple landed on is the famous ‘Invisible House’ in California
Designed by film producers Chris and Roberta Hanley, the 5,500-square-foot home is built with mirrored panels that reflect the desert landscape
Highlights include modern bedrooms and bathrooms with stunning desert views, a 30-metre indoor pool, an open kitchen and a TV on wheels so it can be positioned freely
That evening, the couple celebrates their anniversary by trying to watch a movie while lying in the pool on inflatables
Another unique property the couple came across was the famous ‘Invisible House’ in California.
Designed by film producers Chris and Roberta Hanley, the 5,500-square-foot home is built with mirrored panels that reflect the desert landscape.
When they arrive at the unusual rental, Kara exclaims, “Oh my gosh. It’s so much bigger than it looked… “It’s huge!”
After entering the property, she continues: ‘This place is crazy, it’s unique, it’s funky… it’s incredibly impractical to live there permanently, but very exciting to live there 24 hours a day.’
Highlights include modern bedrooms and bathrooms with stunning desert views, a 30-metre indoor pool, an open kitchen and a TV on wheels so you can place it anywhere.
Kara seems to be completely in love with the kitchen, describing it as the kitchen ‘of her dreams’.
She continues: ‘Llook at all that counter space! If you live in a van [like we do], You start to appreciate this kind of stuff. It’s huge!’
That evening, the couple celebrates their anniversary by watching a movie while lying on inflatables in the pool.
The Invisible House Prices start at just over $2,500 per night on Airbnb and it sleeps eight guests.
Paradise full of boulders
For a true desert experience, Kara and Nate checked into an Airbnb with an outdoor bed
Despite being open air, they note during their tour that the place has a private feel with the giant boulders scattered throughout and that there is even a fire pit and hot tub
While trying to stay there for the night, they get too cold and end up in the hut that belongs to the rental house.
They gave the cozy cabin a big thumbs up and said they especially liked the garage that had been converted into a billiard room
For a true desert experience, Kara and Nate checked into an Airbnb with a outdoor bed.
Despite being an open-air venue, they mention during their tour that the place has a private feel to it due to the giant boulders scattered around. There is even a fire pit and a hot tub.
While trying to stay there for the night, they get too cold and end up in the hut that belongs to the rental house.
Nate tells viewers, “It turns out the bed belonged to an entire house.
“I promise we were planning on sleeping there last night, but we woke up at midnight and it was freezing. Inside we had a nice warm bed waiting for us.”
They were very pleased with the cozy cottage and said that they especially liked the garage, which had been converted into a billiard room.
High West House: A Boulder Filled Paradise starts at just under $600 a night on Airbnb.
