Savour 360-degree desert views from the other-worldly comfort of an off-grid space-age retreat, ‘hovering' above California's Joshua Tree.
  • Sleeps: 4
  • Bedroom: 1
  • Bathroom: 1
  • Minimum stay: 1 night

Sought-after by collectors the world over, the Futuro house was designed by Finnish architect Matti Suuronen during the late 1960s, partly in homage to man’s conquering of space.

Reminiscent of a flying saucer, featuring round windows and an aeroplane-style entrance hatch, fewer than 100 Futuro houses have ever been constructed, making them extremely rare. So, imagine actually getting the chance to step aboard one, and better still, sleep inside it!

Featured on America’s NBC news channel, the bright orange Area 55 Futuro House ‘hovers’ strikingly over the desert in California’s famed Joshua Tree, with awe-inspiring 360-degree views – so prepare to update your Instagram account constantly.

Refreshingly off-grid, and flooded with daylight from those round windows, up to four lucky guests can reconnect in comfort, with no annoying TV distractions (though the Bluetooth sound system helps you set the perfect background mood…how about the Star Wars soundtrack for a little authenticity?)

Styled with retro décor, accessories, and furnishings throughout, you’ll have plenty of solar power for those essentials, such as phone charging, and firing up the in-house coffee maker each morning! There are board games to keep competitive spirits up, and a downy queen bed for curling up in at night, after a stargazing session quite unlike any other.

Facilities-wise, everything has been thoughtfully covered. There’s plenty of fresh water for invigorating outdoor showers, with a toilet privately housed in an outdoor trailer. Meanwhile, the gorgeous covered outdoor kitchen area is equipped with a propane grill island, for you to whip up your favourite feasts amongst the calming sounds of nature, and a beautiful, sunset-drenched desert backdrop.

Enjoy your meals outside – Area 55 itself boasts five luxurious acres, so there’s more than enough room to stretch out! – before lighting the firepit for that stargazing session, maybe helped along by a few toasted marshmallows.

Keep reading

At a glance

  • A rare and authentic Futuro house, sleeping up to four guests and secluded amongst five acres of desert land in Joshua Tree, California.
  • With its striking, flying saucer look and aeroplane-style wireless access door, you’ll feel as though you’ve been abducted by aliens!
  • The off-grid house is equipped with a queensize day bed, a coffee maker, and sleeping space for two more guests. Solar power is available for charging appliances, and private, covered kitchen and bathroom facilities are housed outside.
  • A car is recommended to access the local shops and attractions, including Joshua Tree National Park, around a 10-minute drive away.

Features

  • Off-Grid

Facilities

Authentic Futuro house, sleeps 4 guests.  Steps to entrance, single-level accommodation includes: queensize daybed, sleeping space for 2 additional guests, board games, coffee maker, seating, table and chairs, coffee maker, heating, air conditioning, WiFi, solar power charging points.  Exterior: outdoor hot water shower and WC trailer, towels and toiletries, covered kitchen area with propane grill island, firepit, cooking equipment, silverware, crockery.

Local Activities

Walking, historic sites, museums, galleries, Joshua Tree National Park, nature watching, desert stargazing

More information

In the mood to go forth and explore? If you can tear yourselves away from the peace and tranquillity in your other-worldly haven, you’ll find there’s plenty to see and do. A five-minute stroll will lead you to Noah Purifoy’s Outdoor Desert Art Museum, an absolute must-visit.

Otherwise, simply hop in the car to access the spectacular Joshua Tree National Park in all its glory, along with a host of local shopping centres and restaurants, all within a ten-minute drive.

(You’re bound to return to your Futuro house with the feeling that being abducted and taken aboard alien craft could be rather fun!)

Things to note

Check in after 3pm, check out by 11am. No smoking or pets. The Futuro house is not suited to children under 2 years old.

Where you'll be staying

Joshua Tree, California

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