Words by: Jessica Cherner
From Joshua Tree, California, to Lake Como, Italy, there’s a destination for just about everyone.
Postcard-worthy natural wonders aside, the California desert is famous for its assemblage of midcentury modernist architecture and design, a movement that Homestead Modern has embraced with its 40 properties. Founder Dave McAdam says, “The inspiration behind Homestead Modern was the iconic homestead cabins that popped up all over the High Desert area near what is now Joshua Tree National Park during the 1950s.” Stretching across the desert from Pioneertown to Joshua Tree, the vacation rental homes are sizable homages to the sleek lines, earthy shades, and organic materials that defined the design movement of the mid-20th century. McAdam adds, “I wanted to create an entity that could help to not only offer simple and inspiring homes but allow those homes to be enjoyed as much as possible. Thus began our expansion into the hospitality side of the business, focused on allowing visitors to experience the beauty of the High Desert.”
Spanning a modernist cabin designed by bicoastal design and architecture firm Marmol Radziner, a circa 1968 ranch house on more than two acres of land, and a hilltop bungalow (the first one McAdam built) with classic Southwestern decor, Homestead Modern’s portfolio features all the concierge-style offerings of a five-star resort, including a personal chef, sommelier-arranged wine tastings, guided hikes and tours, spa treatments, sound baths, private yoga lessons, and pet-sitting.
