The It House

The It House: California

The future-thinking design of this home makes sustainable travel easy. Elegant and one hundred per cent off-grid, it’s one of ten partially prefabricated itHouses designed by Taalman Koch Architects. The house makes the most of the intense Californian sun by using solar panels for power and hot water – it’s no wonder it’s been praised by The Los Angeles Times as one of the best homes of all time in Southern California. Combining pared-back, modern aesthetics with green thinking, this is the perfect place to replenish and recharge. Enjoy your splendid isolation by switching off and stargazing from the comfort of your bed or by counting cacti as you hike in nearby Joshua Tree National Park – either way, a stay here is about disconnecting from your everyday hustle and getting back to nature. The open-plan layout and floor-to-ceiling windows mean you’ll always have a breathtaking view – we especially love the panoramic vista from the master bedroom.


Home truths:
*The last few miles to the house are along a dirt road – a 4x4 isn't necessary but be prepared for some uneven surfaces
*Intentionally, there’s no television and only satellite wi-fi for emergency communication so it's not ideal for anyone who needs to be connected for work
*Bear in mind that this house is powered by solar panels so power might not be available 24/7
*This home is passively cooled, so there is no air conditioning
*Check yourself in with the convenient lockbox
*The home isn't suitable for children and infants
*There are no curtains in the bedrooms so you'll want to pack an eye mask if you like your lie-ins
* The nearest supermarket is a twenty-five-minute drive, so you'll want to stock up before arrival