At first glance, the “Folly” does look like it might be one—referring here to the architectural concept of a “folly,” which is a decorative structure serving no other purpose.
The unusual “folly” is no folly at all though—it is a functional sleeping space located right next to Joshua Tree National Park.
The unusual appearance of the cabin isn’t just artistic in nature—it is also functional. The reason that the doors and windows are minimal slits is because the cabin is intended for stargazing. This keeps light pollution to a minimum.
The resulting look is quite surreal.
Despite the unusual exterior, the interior of the tiny living area is quite traditional.
You can see here a layout which is quite typical of tiny houses in general. There is a nice long table, ideal for groups, and some relaxing seating areas as well as a TV set (you can enjoy Hulu, Netflix and Amazon Prime during your stay). One large window provides a view of the desert landscape.
Take a look at this lovely bed. The loft is definitely one of the highlights of the Folly.
But the most exciting sleeping space is definitely this one:
Wow! Just imagine gazing right out at the stars and falling asleep under the sparkling desert sky. The sunrise and sunset would be incredible too. I imagine the fresh air would also be very pleasant. In all, there are two queen beds available, plus the sofa bed downstairs and the two hammocks outside. There is plenty of room to set up tents as well if additional space is needed.
The kitchen space echoes the minimalism of the rest of the design.
The accommodations have their own control system.
The shower doesn’t appear to be particularly private, but it certainly is gorgeous! I love the natural boulder serving as a seat. Combined with the view through the huge glass window, it would make you feel like you are right outside, enjoying a rare desert rainfall.
This is the “powder room.” The gray walls and the cool lighting really give this room some amazing vibes.
This overhead view looking down on the living space shows off the couch and the layout. It happens to be a pull-out couch:
More sleeping space—nice!
If you thought those narrow windows were going to make the space claustrophobic, you were wrong. They have quite a lovely aesthetic effect.
The desert seen through the windows almost puts one in mind of artistic wall panels portraying a landscape—only this landscape is of course real.
Cacti are evocative of the desert atmosphere. Also notice the color of the walls, which seems to mirror the sand outside.
If guests become bored (unlikely), there are board games to provide some entertainment.
The more I look at this tiny house accommodation in the desert, the more I think I am head over heels in love with it …
A ladder leads up to the loft bedroom. Notice how it blends right in with the walls and the furnishings. Someone put a great deal of thought into designing the flow of the interior.
Here is a closer look. It has a kind of industrial look to it. The fridge in the kitchen blends in pretty well too, almost appearing more like a design element than an appliance.
This photo shows a unique view looking down through the rungs of the ladder. Even this effect is artistic.
There are a lot of drawers available to store your belongings while you are staying over in the Folly.
The contrast of the dark grey wall and the tan roof is itself evocative of the night sky.
Here is the view you would see looking outside while you showered.
There is a patio where you can relax outside. Here you also can see the ladder which you can use to climb up to the stargazing loft.
There is even a small pool.
Solar panels provide off-the-grid power.
The minimalism of the architecture is a perfect complement to the desert landscape. One imagines that if the desert could have somehow grown into a structure, it would look rather like this one.
These hammocks offer another opportunity to relax.
That just looks heavenly, doesn’t it?
I so want to crawl into that bed right now!
The structure looks even more magical after dark.
What a vacation spot!
If you dream about falling asleep under the desert stars, you can rent the Folly Off-Grid Stargazing Cabin for $400 a night. Learn all about the amenities or book your reservation at AirBnB.
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