12 of Our Favourite Homes in California

It’s time to leave the drizzle, the greyness and the mundanity of wherever you happen to be from behind. You’re moving (for a short, or more likely virtual trip) to California. This state is known the world over for its modern architecture and spacious and breezy interiors, so there's no wonder we've got some spectacular homes within our Cali collection. For this particular list, we’re moving away from the obvious locations of San Francisco and Los Angeles, and towards the desert plains of Joshua Tree National Park and serene scenes across Lake Tahoe. Here, you’ll still get all the glitz and glamour, but with a little less stress and chaos. You’ll sleep beneath a sky full of stars that’d make Hollywood Boulevard turn green with envy, and wander along gorgeous nature trails by day (or just hang out in the beautiful surroundings of your Plum Guide home).

It’s quite possible that folk in California look at themselves in the mirror more than anyone else. No surprises, then, that you'll find a breathtaking home made entirely out of reflective material, so the surrounding desert can admire its own beauty. Check out the rock formations and cacti reflected in the mirror façade of this unique home, which harmonises with its environment so well that you’ll bump into it if you’re not careful. Rugged and exquisite, you’re an extremely beautiful person inside and out: you deserve a house that is too.

Floor-to-ceiling windows wrap around this bright and spacious home, which is beautifully-decorated and looks out onto the Agate Bay of northern Lake Tahoe. Enjoy vistas of the snowy peaks across the water and watch an unforgettable sunset, before those stars take their bow. With a hot tub on the terrace and a classy pool table, you won’t have to leave home.

We’re on a bit of a sky theme here, because the vistas from this peaceful home are awesome. Sunbathe on the comfy outdoor beds and cool down in the saltwater pool. Note how the extravagant interior décor and artworks go with the desert topography, and enjoy the solitude out here, where the only noisy neighbours are the silent cacti keeping watch.

Like a spa complex, this expansive haven has multiple beds and umbrellas around the pool. And with its eight bedrooms that all have en-suite bathrooms, it really is fit for the biggest and most demanding families or groups of friends. It lies in one of La Quinta’s most exclusive neighbourhoods, by golf courses, restaurants and shops.

As its name suggests, this casita has a fauvist style, personally decorated by an artist and jeweller. The outdoor area is packed with cacti and a hot tub – don’t confuse the two. The interior is adorned with colourful fauvist art pieces. Enjoy the seclusion and take a trip to the nearby Joshua Tree National Park.

The Desert Saga may sound like an instalment of Star Wars, but it’s actually a home, and quite a spectacular one at that. This unique complex comprises solar-powered edifices built to resemble barns, combining sustainable tourism with luxury, so that you get to feel good about yourself amid all the lavishness. Try the shower with a view and the bed beneath the stars. It even comes with a telescope.

Palmeras Verdes, or Green Palms. It sounds more exotic in Spanish, doesn’t it? The home has a picturesque garden, with a hot tub and BBQ. Enjoy the Spanish Revival design, with white walls, tiles and cobbles. It’s the little (well, not that little) features that make it all come together, such as the colourful fountain built into the wall. You’ll feel like you’re in the Costa del Sol.

Again, the Spanish makes it sound exotic, but the name means simply red. Not the band, of course. This opulent house is anything but ‘simple’, with its Spanish Revival design and antique period décor. Roja is set on two acres of land, making for ample space for you to stretch your legs or play sports. El Peso is nearby, with its shopping and golf options.

The name itself is the loudest part of this minimalist home, with its Zen design and tranquil ambiance. Potter along the trails around the complex between the cacti while still in your pyjamas. Enjoy an outdoor shower between the boulders or, better yet, the saltwater hot tub with views of the undulating desert.

This is about as far away from anything as it gets (aside from the space station). You’ll be in total seclusion on this retreat, with just the desert sprawl for company. Perfect for hermits. Inside this striking home, marvel at the modern art lining the walls and enjoy the finer things, with luxury items placed around the house. Massive glass windows reflect the sand dunes of the desert as well as the sky.

Tall palm trees sway over this modern beauty, with a pool and fountain to keep you cool in the desert. The spacious design of the home is complemented by the smooth sliding doors, the fancy collection of modern art and the deluxe kitchen items and décor. Gather together around the fireplace to keep you warm at night.

This home's name, Mid-Century Modern does all the explaining for us, with its blend of modern and Mid-Century décor and architecture. Against a backdrop of enormous rock formations and desert plains, this colourful beautifully-decorated gem certainly stands out. Every detail is scrupulously planned, from the stylish sunbeds and umbrellas by the pool to the fireplace and chairs inside.