Sculptor, photographer and designer Blake Simpson has recently opened his Mojave Sands Motel (760-974-9420; info@mojavesands.com) in Joshua Tree.  Simpson spent much of the last 6 years doing an amazing, eco-friendly rehab and renovation of the spot, which was a very run-down  flophouse of sorts before he bought it. “It was home to transients, outlaws and lost souls,” says Simpson. He gutted the entire place and slowly put it back together, enlisting the help of artisans and friends to lend a hand here and there. He used recycled denim for insulation, a lot of reclaimed wood, and plans for solar power panels are in the works. Perched in the glorious high dessert landscape, the motel is a great oasis and serves as a perfect home base for exploring nearby Joshua Tree National Park. “I really wanted to create a place where people can come and recharge and work on creative projects,” he says.

 

For more travel tips to the area check out this lovely write up (here) by Helen, my fellow travel blogger.

 

 

 

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