High Desert Home Tour

Nestled between rugged hills and rocks and expansive skies, the High Desert is a realm of stark contrasts and profound beauty. It’s a place where resourcefulness meets artistry, and this unique spirit is reflected in the homes that dot its arid landscape. What draws artists to the High Desert is its raw, untamed beauty and the way the vast landscapes inspire creativity and introspection. Homeowners here embrace the natural splendor of the High Desert, designing spaces that blend seamlessly with the environment. 

At its core, the High Desert lifestyle is about balance—between tradition and innovation, nature and design, simplicity and luxury. Join the L.A. Forum on a unique home tour as we explore the creative houses that embody the desert’s iconoclastic soul.

The homes:

Wilson/Davis Residence

This exceptional house epitomizes the unique intersection of art, architecture, and the natural environment: essences that define Joshua Tree today. Designed by renowned artist Alma Allen as his home and studio, the residence is anchored to the desert landscape by two massive hand-built stone walls. Entry is through a compressed passage, which dramatically opens up to reveal a private inner sanctuary. The home unfolds around the large courtyard, with each room flowing out into the quiet outdoor space. From the courtyard, a generous living, dining, and kitchen area bathed in natural light unfolds, offering sweeping views of the surrounding desert landscape. Alma Allen's artistic influence is evident throughout, with custom-designed cabinet pulls and metalwork, as well as several of his significant pieces created specifically for the home. Located adjacent to Joshua Tree National Park, the home sits on over 14 acres. 

Lavalley Residence

Over the last 13 years, Grant Lavelley has been designing and building his off-grid home from the shell of a homestead cabin. Using as much reclaimed material as possible and on a razor  thin budget, his ongoing project that he calls home has provided him with everything that he needs. Over the past few years, Lavalley has built an off-grid infrastructure that he can depend on, and now finally has the space and time to focus on design elements of his home and his personal artistic practices.

Anderson/Dellinger Residence

Dan John Anderson and Genevieve Dellinger’s home is a handcrafted retreat that embodies the rugged beauty of the High Desert. Surrounded by expansive public lands, the home offers solitude and a deep connection to nature, where wildlife roams freely and the scent of creosote fills the air after rain. Originally a modest 900-square-foot house from 1959, the couple expanded it into a warm, artistic sanctuary featuring native woods, handcrafted furniture, and bespoke design elements. Highlights include a sunken living room, a concrete conversation pit, and an open-air studio where Anderson creates sculptures using locally sourced wood. Every detail reflects their philosophy of adaptation, creativity, and collaboration, making the home a living extension of their artistic and family life.

Please read our ticket policy for this event:

• Tickets cost $45 for non-members, $40 for LA Forum current members, and must be purchased in advance. Student tickets are $30.

• The tour is self-directed, tickets and a map will be issued via email. Guests will be asked to show tickets upon entry to each location.

• All ticket sales are final and no refunds will be given.

• Children under 10 are not allowed. No exceptions, please.

• Some of the homes are located on dirt roads and are not wheelchair accessible, we apologize for this.

• We HIGHLY encourage carpooling or rideshare, since many of these homes are located in rugged terrain. 

• Non-commercial photography is allowed.

One more thing!

We need docents! Volunteers will be assigned a 1.5 hour shift and will receive one free ticket to the tour. Please be willing to commit to a 1.5 hour shift on Saturday, February 15th. Early shift times are 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and late shifts are 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. Docents are present at the door, checking tickets and ensuring visitors are respectful. Please email information@laforum.org  to volunteer. 

Image Credits

- Anderson/Dellinger Residence: Laure Joliet

- Wilson/Davis Residence: Desert Views Photography