Rugged Sophistication In Joshua Tree, $2.95M

Philip Ferrato January 31, 2025

When a sculptor makes his own home, you can expect it to have an unconventional vision. This is certainly true of sculptor Alma Allen’s former desert dwelling and studio spaces in Joshua Tree, comprising a pair of wood structures contained within a hand-laid stone wall. Now available for the first time on the open market, it’s been respectfully reinvigorated by its current owners around Allen’s original intentions, preserving his original esthetic and handmade details. On 14 acres immediately adjacent to Joshua Tree National Park, this home is a place very much of the desert; there’s no doubt where you are.

Photo Credit: Desert Views Real Estate Photography

Born in Utah and working in bronze and stone, Allen’s work is deeply organic; recognition of his work has burgeoned in the past decade, with sculptures displayed along the High Line in New York and at the 2024 Miami Art Basel.

Photo Credit: Desert Views Real Estate Photography

The big open kitchen retains Allen’s original cabinets, handmade hardware and copper countertop. Floors throughout are polished concrete.

Photo Credit: Desert Views Real Estate Photography

In one of the bedrooms, simple plywood storage solutions may appear ad hoc, but they’re immaculately crafted, looking back to Donald Judd’s furniture and interiors at Marfa. Bathrooms are skylit but austere, and hardware throughout ther house is unlaquered brass.

Photo Credit: Desert Views Real Estate Photography

Go to the listing for additional details and images– an extraordinary desert property represented by architecture specialists Chris Menrad and Keith Markovitz at TTK Represents of Compass and co-listed with Clayton Baldwin of Kinetic Properties.