A Desert Charmer With Airbnb Clout Is Up for Sale at $899K

Kelly Kai had long been scrolling real estate listings for the fun of it, but this particular property in Morongo Valley was the first one she felt compelled to visit in person. The listing agent felt otherwise. "[They] would not show me the house," recalls Kelly, who had reached out to schedule a viewing. When Kelly did finally arrange a visit, the agent’s reaction made a little more sense—the 1954 home was in total disrepair. 

"There were no walls, really, or windows or doors," she says. "Walking in simply meant walking over a pile of rubble." Despite wondering if she would encounter whoever had clearly been living illegally on the premises, Kelly was moved by what she saw. For starters, the 2.5-acre property was lovely, and quiet. "You’re nestled in the center of this beautiful valley with mountains surrounding you," says Kelly. "It was so peaceful."

Before: Exterior 

After: Exterior

Despite the trash and bats, squatters had left a clue as to what the house could become. "I don't know if people were shooting guns in the house, but you could see through holes to the ceiling," says Kelly. 

After purchasing the home, she took that clue and began a renovation that started with revealing the beautiful wood ceilings. She preserved other intact materials, too, like cinderblock walls and concrete floors. Next, Kelly wanted to emphasize the beautiful setting, so she put in as many windows as possible. "I was designing for people who are expecting a desert experience, and wanted to optimize that bond between nature and humans when they’re at this house," says Kelly. "So, the most important things to me were views."