Splash Time

Splash Time: California

Standing by the glittering pool, staring up at the palm trees and the bright blue sky, you'll feel like you've jumped right into a David Hockney painting. This home hidden away in the Indian Canyons is a dream stay, with its mid-century architectural style, immaculately landscaped gardens and extraordinary mountain views. Inside, the home is bright and airy, with expansive windows and glass sliding doors letting that gorgeous Californian sunshine stream straight in. The styling is simple and elegant with a nod to the 1960s - think butter-soft tan leather sofas, geometric print cushions and fur throws. The bedrooms are so big you could perform an Olympic gymnastic floor routine without touching the walls (probably), and we absolutely love the marble terrazzo soaking tub in the master bedroom's en-suite (also ridiculously large). But the real magic happens out in the garden. The pool is just glorious, and there's also a hot tub, a misting system for when it gets scorching during the day, and a fire pit incase things get chilly at night. Pour yourself a cocktail from the well-stocked bar and watch as the colour fades from the sky and the night rolls in. The famous Indian Canyon Golf Course is right at the end of the garden, and downtown Palm Springs is a short drive away.

Home truths:
* The pool is heated throughout winter at no charge, but if you want to heat it in from spring to autumn, there is an additional cost per day
* There is a fence around the pool, but guests with children should keep an eye on their little ones as it's quite deep
* The second bathroom is accessed through the laundry room
* The golf course location means gorgeous views of the green, but the garden isn't totally private