View all newsletters
Have the short, sharp Spear's newsletter delivered to your inbox each week
  1. Property
January 19, 2023updated 21 Jan 2023 8:32am

California’s famous Invisible House is on sale for $18 million

By Svetlana Nartey

A mirrored ‘fallen skyscraper’ in the desert complete with 100-foot pool and 90 acres of land is one of the rarest pieces of real estate to hit the global property market

Encased in mirrors and steeped in Hollywood influence, the Invisible House in Joshua Tree, California, has gained widespread architectural acclaim for camouflaging into its dramatic arid surroundings – a true mirage in the desert.

A beloved destination of film-makers and stars including Alicia Keys, U2, Lizzo and Seth Rogan, the property has been available as one of Airbnb‘s most amazing rental properties.

Invisible House
The Mojave Desert reflected in California’s Invisible House. Image: Brian Ashby/BriansPerspective.com

Listed at $2,500 (£2,037) per night, it comes with a recommendation from Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky, no less.

But now it’s possible for a lucky homebuyer with a love of the California desert to own the unique home and its 90 acres of land for $18 million (£14.7 million).

Designed by Tomas Osinki in collaboration with indie film producer Chris Hanley (of American Psycho fame) and his actor-writer wife Roberta Hanley, the property could itself be Oscar-worthy with its theatrical reflections of the spiky plants, indigo skies and bouldering rocks surrounding it.

Invisible house
A 100-foot pool overlooking the Mojave Desert. Image: Brian Ashby/BriansPerspective.com

‘There’s a sense of detachment in creating a work of art with an ultimate goal of the world experiencing the art,’ the Hanleys say.

Completed in 2019 on the largest private parcel of land within the area, homeowners can experience the limitlessness of nature in serene solitude.

Content from our partners
Spies and secret ops: How espionage has inspired London’s most exciting hotel
High-flyers: TAG Aviation explains that it's not about the destination, it's about the journey
Finding a purpose for family wealth during uncertainty 

A two-hour drive from bustling LA, the Invisible House neighbours the protected Joshua Tree National Park, an important habitat for the region’s birds, mammals, insects, and lizards. While a sideways skyscraper may not seem the obvious architectural choice for such a natural landscape, its completely mirrored facade works to pay tribute to the area rather than intrude on it.

Invisible House's pool lounge
The pool lounge inside Invisible House. Image: Brian Ashby/BriansPerspective.com

An open-plan design allows free-flowing movement to the impressive 100-foot indoor temperature-controlled pool. All three bedrooms in the house benefit from soundless sliding doors and contain their own full bathrooms.

Upholding its indoor-outdoor living design, the glass walls surrounding the pool can be opened out into the Mojave Desert sunshine – what could be better after a rejuvenating swim?

While nature is at the forefront of the home’s design, inside a smooth, modern aesthetic forms with clean lines coming from naked concrete floors, steel beams and glass aplenty. Simple and pristine features that allow the stunning views to dominate.

Invisible House bedroom
A marble bedframe designed by Chris Hanley is included in the sale. Image: Brian Ashby/BriansPerspective.com

Despite being an immense architectural challenge, Invisible House has been designed with sustainability in mind. With features including an eco-friendly foam roof and clever use of solar-thermal energy, it boasts one of the smallest environmental footprints in Joshua Tree.

New homeowners can expect all furnishings, including marble and glass bedframes included with the purchase. A ready made oasis of tranquility.

The property is being listed by Aaron Kirman and Matt Adamo of AKG | Christie’s International Real Estate.

Images: Brian Ashby/BriansPerspective.com

More from Spear’s 

Why this could be the year to invest in contemporary art

Where to find London’s best luxury vegan menus

The Peninsula London: Hyde Park Corner’s beautiful and ultra-luxe new residences

Select and enter your email address The short, sharp email newsletter from Spear’s
  • Business owner/co-owner
  • CEO
  • COO
  • CFO
  • CTO
  • Chairperson
  • Non-Exec Director
  • Other C-Suite
  • Managing Director
  • President/Partner
  • Senior Executive/SVP or Corporate VP or equivalent
  • Director or equivalent
  • Group or Senior Manager
  • Head of Department/Function
  • Manager
  • Non-manager
  • Retired
  • Other
Visit our privacy policy for more information about our services, how Progressive Media Investments may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications.
Thank you

Thanks for subscribing.

Websites in our network