This $1.3 Million SoCal Mountain Retreat Emerges From the Boulders on a Forested Hillside

Forget moving mountains and pushing boulders out of the way—this SoCal home is simply built on and around them.

Tucked away in the forested San Jacinto Mountains between Hemet and Palm Springs, the Idyllwild residence was originally designed by renowned architect Dennis McGuire and feels like something straight out of a dream. On the market for $1.25 million with Compass agent Daniel Miracle, the hillside structure effortlessly blends into its rugged surroundingsn of towering pines and massive granite boulders. And with expansive windows framing sweeping views of the iconic Tahquitz Rock, it’s clear this abode was carefully crafted to be in harmony with nature. 

Built in 1980, the house had seen better days when the current owners discovered it in 2021. Instead of tearing it down or completely transforming it, they took on the challenge of restoring and sensitively reimagining the one-of-a-kind space, eventually acquiring a neighboring lot to ensure privacy and maintain the property’s peaceful, secluded vibe.

The main home, aka the Tree House, is a spacious two-bedroom retreat that feels like an artist’s haven. It has an airy design with tall ceilings, wood beams, and plenty of windows to capture the most available light. An art studio creatively incorporates one of the site’s massive boulders that’s embedded into to the land. With a total of about 1,400 square feet, the mountain retreat is an idyllic escape, whether you’re seeking adventure on the nearby trails or a quiet place to unwind.  

Numerous decks are perfect spots to enjoy morning coffee, get lost in a good book, or just breathe in the fresh mountain air. The deck outside the main living space offers jaw-dropping views, the scenery shifting from the golden glow of sunrise to the soft hues of dusk. If you head down a winding dirt path, you’ll discover the Hut, a guest suite that’s equally as special. Designed by one of the homeowners (a graphic designer with a love for architecture), the minimalist space has subtle influences from design icons like Ray Eames, Le Corbusier, and Henry David Thoreau.

Back in January, another Dennis McGuire-designed property came on the market in Idyllwild for a speck under $1.95 million. The residence, which was featured in a 2002 episode of HGTV’s award-winning Homes Across America series, sits on a 30-acre parcel of land. Similarly, instead of modifying the landscape, McGuire integrated it into the pad’s design—a bridged walkway passes through two massive granite boulders, leading the way to the front door, and the office/guest room features an integrated desk, with a boulder protruding through a wall of glass. 

Click here to see more photos of the Idyllwild retreat.