In the world of building design, new ideas often break the rules we are used to. The possibilities seem boundless, from sleek skyscrapers that scrape the heavens to eco-friendly dwellings nestled in nature. But sometimes, some really strange things make us question what we know.
That is the mystery of California’s $18 million invisible house. The Invisible House stands out for its mirrored exterior, which gives the impression that it effortlessly blends into the desert landscape surrounding it.

The Joshua Tree, California, home is up for sale for a whopping $18 million, making it the priciest property ever listed in the town. Situated approximately two hours southeast of Los Angeles in San Bernardino County, this record-breaking listing is known as the Invisible House.
Its unique feature is its mirror-like exterior, which mirrors the desert scenery, seamlessly blending the house into the rocky landscape.

The modern glass building sits on a vast 67.5-acre plot just a stone’s throw from Joshua Tree National Park. Inside, the living area covers nearly 5,500 square feet. The house includes three bedrooms, four bathrooms, and a remarkable 100-foot indoor pool, as detailed in the sales listing.
“This is one of the coolest houses in the world,” said co-listing agent Aaron Kirman, CEO of AKG Christie’s International Real Estate.

The Invisible House gained recognition by becoming one of Airbnb’s most sought-after properties in 2023. With a mix of guest rentals and production shoots, the house has managed to rake in an impressive $1.4 million in revenue.
Kirman explained to CNBC that the $18 million listing is centered around the stunning modern architecture and the captivating illusion produced by the 10,500 square feet of mirrored glass wrapping around the home’s exterior.

The Invisible House was created through a partnership between film producer Chris Hanley and architect Tomas Osinski. Their collaborative effort aimed to seamlessly blend the structure with the desert environment.
The 225-foot-long building, constructed from glass and steel, embodies an inventive concept of modern living spaces that coexist harmoniously with nature.

Inside the Invisible House, smooth concrete floors and steel beams accentuate the lofty 12-foot ceilings. Despite the mirrored-glass exterior offering expansive views of the rocky terrain, the interior remains transparent.
The west-facing glass wall can slide open, unveiling a picturesque scene of boulders, tangled brush, and sturdy trees. The minimalist design around the 100-foot indoor pool elevates the experience, adding to the allure.

One can leisurely swim from the living room to one of the bedrooms. According to Aaron Kirman, finding real estate similar to such unique architecture in a remote desert town with a population of just thousands is almost impossible.
“So let’s just be clear, there are no comps. We are not comping this house based on Joshua Tree,” he stated.

As stated by co-listing agent Matt Adamo, the highest price ever attained for a home in Joshua Tree stood at $3.5 million. Hence, a sale anywhere near the Invisible House’s asking price would significantly surpass the local record.
Kirman also noted that the closest comparables are homes built by renowned architects such as Richard Neutra, John Lautner, and Rudolph Schindler. These architects were considered among the greatest architects from the past.

The $18 million price tag on the Invisible House equates to nearly $3,300 per square foot. On a per-square-foot basis, it positions the Joshua Tree residence above some of the most expensive listings in Los Angeles.
According to the Elliman Report, this exceeds the average of just under $2,400 per square foot for the top 10% of all single-family homes sold during the first quarter.

Moreover, even before any potential sale, the modern desert home which maintains its own Instagram account and boasts approximately 41,000 followers. Clearly, it is already proving to be a lucrative venture.
The home is often rented to guests on Airbnb and for production shoots. “In 2021, this house generated over $1.4 million in total revenue,” Adamo told CNBC, adding about 15% of that came from production.

The home, which includes a small guest house, is rented out on Airbnb starting at $2,500 per night. It can earn even more for production shoots, with past rentals fetching up to $1,000 per hour or $12,000 for a full day.
According to the brokers, the home has hosted famous guests, including musicians and actors like Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato, Lizzo, Diplo, The Weeknd, and many social media influencers.

The strong financial performance and the property’s popularity among notable guests showcase its appeal and versatility as both a residence and an investment opportunity.
“When you do the math, you’re buying significant architecture, uniqueness, grounds, plus the ability to make money on all of that,” Kirman said.

However, despite its high price and popularity, the Invisible House has yet to be sold. However, the agents are confident in its unique value and the strong interest it has sparked.
“I feel like $18 million is 100% the right price,” said Kirman. “Don’t look at this as a house. It’s a piece of art, and look at what art sells for.”