About House Of
It all started with an old cabin in a cowboy town
01 Origin
We moved from New York to the desert and never looked back.
We're Viktor and Meghan. In 2020, we left New York City for Los Angeles with no plan beyond "somewhere with a yard." We started doing weekend trips to Joshua Tree — neither of us had been before — and kept going back. The desert stuck.
Joshua Tree had something hard to beat: a national park with millions of visitors, almost no hotels, and real estate we could actually afford. We bid on 14 houses before we got one. Then we got two at the same time — a rustic cabin on Roy Rogers Road in Pioneertown, and a boulder-surrounded retreat in Yucca Valley.
Neither of us came from real estate. Meghan had spent years running events in New York — she knows how to make people feel taken care of. Viktor came from tech and design — he thinks in systems and aesthetics. Between the two of us, we had everything except experience. We figured the rest out the hard way.
We redesigned every room of our Pioneertown house from scratch — mixing vintage California furniture with new fixtures, building spaces that feel intentional without feeling precious. The listing went live on a Tuesday and was fully booked by Friday. That was House of Roy. Since then we've added three more properties across the high desert and Los Angeles, each one designed and managed directly by us.
02 How We Work
When you message us, you're talking to the people who designed the house you're staying in.
We don't use a property management company. Every house is managed directly by us — with a local team on the ground who knows each property inside and out. If something comes up during your stay, it gets handled. You'll never be passed around or put on hold.
Every property gets the same standard: hot tubs with views, well-equipped kitchens, quality linens, curated vinyl, and the kind of quiet that makes you put your phone down. Each house has its own identity — we design for the feeling you get when you walk through the door, not for a listing thumbnail.
Booking through our site saves you 10–20% compared to other platforms. No service fees, no middleman markup. Just the nightly rate, a cleaning fee, and tax. You also get direct communication with us, easier date changes, and first access to new properties and availability.
03 FAQ
Do you allow dogs?
Yes. We're dog-friendly across all properties. The fee is $80 for the first dog, $50 for each additional (three max). Every house has outdoor space, and we provide bowls and a bed. For direct bookings, dog fees can be paid via Venmo @houeof.
What is there to do near your properties?
Joshua Tree National Park is 10 minutes from our Pioneertown and Yucca Valley homes. Pappy & Harriet's is a five-minute drive from House of Roy. The Integratron sound bath is 20 minutes away. Palm Springs has mid-century architecture tours, the aerial tramway, and dozens of restaurants. We send every guest a curated local guide before arrival.
What temperatures should I expect in the desert?
Desert weather varies widely by season. Spring (March–May) and fall (October–November) are ideal — 70s and 80s during the day, cool at night. Summers regularly hit 100°F+. Winters are mild days (50s–60s) with cold nights that can dip below freezing. Every property has central heating, A/C, and a hot tub or cowboy tub.
How much do I save by booking direct?
You save 10–20% compared to other platforms by booking through our website. We cut out platform service fees entirely. For longer stays or group bookings, send us an inquiry — we have more flexibility on pricing when we work directly with guests.
Can I bring extra guests during the day?
Daytime visitors are welcome at most properties — just let us know ahead of time. Each house has a guest limit based on its size and neighborhood, so check with us before your trip.
How does check-in work?
Self check-in with smart locks — no key pickup, no coordination. You'll get a detailed arrival guide 24 hours before your stay with door codes, Wi-Fi, appliance instructions, and our local recommendations. Check-in is 4 PM, check-out is 11 AM.
Can I use a property for a photo shoot, event, or retreat?
Absolutely. Our properties have hosted brand campaigns, creative retreats, small weddings, and team offsites. Each house has a different feel and capacity. Tell us what you have in mind and we'll match you with the right space.
Why book direct instead of through a platform?
Lower price (10–20% less), direct communication with the owners, easier date changes, and early access to new properties and availability. No platform middleman — you're talking to the people who designed and maintain the houses.