
Credit: Brian Rawlins/Desert Views Photography
High desert views inspired sculptor Alma Allen, who once called this Joshua Tree compound his home and studio. Now, the 14-acre hideaway is on the market for $2.95m following a top-to-toe refurb and is looking to inspire a new generation of inhabitants.
Self-taught American landscape sculptor Allen bought the California property in 2005 and collaborated with LA architect Sophie Smits on the hilltop home located adjacent to the Joshua Tree National Park. The site houses a trio of structures, with the main dwelling comprising a pair of shingled pavilions connected by a courtyard and anchored to the desert landscape by two massive handbuilt stone walls.
According to the Robb Report, the artist sold the compound in 2017 in an off-market deal to Ace Hotel Group’s CEO Brad Wilson and his husband, David Davis, of firm Rottet Studio, who enlisted Cannon Hudson to refresh the property. They renovated the home to honour Allen’s original vision, retaining his custom cabinetry and metalwork while adding bedrooms, built-ins and bathrooms.

Credit: Brian Rawlins/Desert Views Photography

Credit: Brian Rawlins/Desert Views Photography

Credit: Brian Rawlins/Desert Views Photography

Credit: Brian Rawlins/Desert Views Photography

Credit: Brian Rawlins/Desert Views Photography

Credit: Brian Rawlins/Desert Views Photography

Credit: Brian Rawlins/Desert Views Photography

Credit: Brian Rawlins/Desert Views Photography

Credit: Brian Rawlins/Desert Views Photography

Credit: Brian Rawlins/Desert Views Photography

Credit: Brian Rawlins/Desert Views Photography
Allen’s former studio is a steel Quonset hut, a stone’s throw from the main house, while the third structure on the site is a pair of L-shaped shipping containers awaiting conversion.
Chris Menrad and Keith Markovitz of TTK Represents of Compass, along with Clayton Baldwin of Kinetic Properties, are listing the desert home. Take a peek at the gallery for more.



