Private Retreat in Paradise, 22-Acre Park & Wildlife Sanctuary

At 4,400 feet, the undiscovered gem called PIPES CANYON VALLEY, just a stone's throw from historic PIONEERTOWN, is a refuge of serenity nestled at the foothills of the BIG BEAR MOUNTAINS adjoining 33,000 acres of WILDLANDS CONSERVANCY. Our gorgeous solar and wind-powered Southwest casita, graced by fine art within, is situated on 22 acres of nature's own artistry without.

Serene setting, artistry and comforts to sooth the soul. A high desert pied a Terre or a one-of-a-kind healing experience with yoga, meditation and nature immersion with Max Thomas.

Actually, our guests describe it better than we can:

"Here, you can learn to just be."

"Staying at the Casita on this property was an amazing experience. Max and Robin have created a symbiotic environment with the animals and earth and all you have to do is blend in and enjoy."

"Their property is amazing! So many fun spots to explore. They are on acres of land that you can hike, relax on- they have a hammock, tons of rock gardens, a fire pit! They also have a screened in porch that has a bed so you can sleep outside but still be protected."

"My best friend took me here to relax for four days for my 50th birthday and it was life changing and the best gift ever! I have had over the last two years major health issues and surgeries. My soul was broken. But for the first time in two years I felt this wonderful peace and it truly healed my soul!"

"It's a sweet homely, clean perfect place close to nature! I never want to stay anywhere else not even a 5 star resort!"

"The screened-in porch was amazing - it allowed us to wake up to the chirping of the birds in the morning and go to sleep feeling like we were camping out. The scenery around the casita was wonderful -flat top mesas, big boulders to climb, gullies to explore…"

"What an unbelieveable natural setting, with a feeling of remoteness despite the relative proximity to LA. Good food and entertainment up the road at the inimitable Pappy and Harriet's. Magnificent night skies with the distant howl of Coyotes."

"Robin and Max are gracious and generous hosts; they have built and lovingly maintain a nurturing oasis of peace for us pamper-seeking humans as well as a home for a fabulous biodiversity of birds, animals, plants, and rocks. They offer here what we all need most - the rest and renewal that comes from slowing down and paying attention to the elemental essence of life itself - inside and out. We could hardly drag ourselves away to go out and get groceries."

"Waking up to cottontail rabbits outside our bedroom window. Following fresh tracks to the nearby wash for a gorgeous sunrise heralded by coyote howls. Back at the comfortable casita eating breakfast with a primeval view while a covey of quail wander by outside. Midday hike along a ridge of low hills for long views with hardly any signs of civilization--without leaving the 22 acre property."

"At night, since the place is far enough from the light pollution of the city, so many stars are visible - we saw the Milky Way and even caught a few shooting stars while sitting out by the fire pit (which was ready for us when we got there - filled with wood and easy to start up with just a lighter). The bed out on the covered outdoor patio was very comfortable and perfect for spending the night if you want to have more of a "glamping" experience."

* Sleeping arrangements for winter months: Warm weather and cold weather impact the sleeping arrangements. In warm months the screened sleeping porch is everybody's favorite, with its comfy queen bed, which (with the queen in the bedroom and the pull-out queen couch in the living room) makes a total of 3 queen beds (a maximum of 5 guests). In winter, while some are happy to brave cold temperatures on the porch with flannel sheets, down comforters and wool caps, it's not for everyone. A 5th guest can stay on a comfy single couch in the living room or an equally comfortable single fold-up bed in the large bedroom. This works best with adults and kids, but if it's all adults, you need to be a very cozy group.

Keywords: Southwest, luxury casita, wildlands-adjacent, ancient trees, boulders, stargazing, labyrinth, tee-pee, kid-friendly