Name: Jason (Bend, OR) Date: 4/14/2008
Message: Style does exist!...and we found it at your DESERT PALMS house. To our surprise we found a perfect balance of elegant living and raw desert. This must be the best decorated home around. The protected yard was our paradise for the week. Nothing can beat our nightly hot tub soak…the stars! We will definitely return for summer and take advantage of the huge pool. Thank you sooo much!

Name: Mike (Encinitas, CA) Date: 4/3/2008
Message: What an incredible stay... We were so impressed we wanted to get on your preferred renter program grin so we washed and folded the sheets and towels, vacuumed, took the trash out and basically got the cabin nearly ready for the next guest... The Godwin Ranch was an amazing adventure to share with the kids we were mountain biking everywhere. Thanks again... Can't wait to come back! Greg your pick of the Godwin was perfect... Incredible attention to details / an amazing place!
Name: Linda & Gus (Somerset, CA) Date: 3/27/2008
Message: We enjoyed the Adobe, it was wonderfully secluded, hot tub was hot, moon was full, wildflowers were way beyond anything we'd seen in the desert. Loved your rebar Ocotillo and metal-sculptured lizard, desert tortoise, etc., very nice title work too...what fun. We had great weather, couldn't have been better. Thanks again!
Name: John (Los Angeles, CA) Date: 3/25/2008
Message: We just got back from Godwin Ranch last night. We had a fantastic time - the place is so wonderful, and conducive to relaxing, visiting, cooking, eating. And, we feel exceptionally lucky that we seem to have hit a good wildflower season at its peak. Both inside and outside the park, the flowers were amazing. The verbena along Amboy Road were dazzling. Thanks for making such a great getaway available to those of us lucky enough to know about it. Cheers
Name: Silva Family (Los Gatos, CA) Date: 2/26/2008
Message: We have looked forward to our return (3rd trip) to Godwin Ranch for a long time. We enjoyed the park and plays at both community theatres (29Palms and Joshua Tree). We saw wonderful carpets of wild flowers near Cottonwood in the park and along Hwy 62. We enjoyed the rain storm but the highlight was the total lunar eclipse on Wednesday. Thank you for maintaining a quality place - it feels like home. We appreciate the horseshoes and swing. Our son still likes the yard at age 14. (see 2-19-04)
Name: Melanie (San Francisco) Date: 2/6/2008
Message: This was our fifth New Year's Eve in Joshua Tree but the first on spent in a home. Thank you for sharing your wonderful home with us. We enjoyed it's peace and tranquility. We will be back! Claude, Makin, Moritz (from Australia :) and Captian the dog.
Name: April (Los Angeles) Date: 2/6/2008
Message: From the cast and crew of Arsenal we thank all of the people at Witt's End and Wikiup for your incredible hospitality. This place has truly made our movie possible. We will undoubtedly forever be in your debt. Thank you
Name: Craig (Cardiff by the Sea) Date: 11/6/2007
Message: My house and local neighborhood remains intact [from the SoCal fires]. I can't thank you enought for accomodating us on such short notice. With all the press going around right now about hotels price-gouging evacuees, it's reall nice to see someone in your profession going out of his way to help us. Our stay was wonderful and we really enjoyed Valle Vista. I'll definately be calling you again for our next trip to J Tree.
Name: Jeanne (Walnut Creek, CA) Date: 5/21/2007
Message: Just had to drop you a quick note to say how much we enjoyed our stay at the "Adobe". The house is absolutely delightful. With our love for decorating we ere very impressed with your attention to detail. The house could not have been more comfortable and charming. We especially enjoyed looking through the book on Ranches and reading the notes on your decorating ideas. Our personal decorating style is chippy cottage decor, but absolutely fell in love with the ranch style. We enjoyed spending one full day just staying at the house and enjoying our surroundings. The Adobe is a real treasure!
Name: Allison (North Hollywood, CA) Date: 4/3/2007
Message: The house (Wikiup) was great -- we had planned to go out to dinner but ended up eating all our meals there -- the evening hours were so beautiful. One of the things that was so nice about the house was all the outdoor seating and fireplaces -- the plentiful wood, and just how well equipped in general the house was (kleenex, paper towels, shampoo) -- it seemed like everything we needed had been anticipated! It also easily accommodated all eight of us -- we would definitely stay there again. Thanks for all you helpful emails.
Name: Evy (Bellingham, WA) Date: 3/15/2007
Message: Just a note to tell you how much we enjoyed your desert! Michael was able to see his sister and aunt and also spent time reflecting on his childhood as he spent a great deal of his youth out there. I, being a lifetime pacific northwest resident, found that desert living could easily become addictive! It was an absolutely wonderful vacation (at Godwin Ranch). The only downfall was that it went by too fast. Thank you again.
Name: Babara, Michael and Alix (Calabasas, CA) Date: 2/26/2007
Message: Thank you so much for a wonderful stay (at Jackalope). We did absolutely nothing but listen to silence, eat great barbeque and play sudoku. The 50's decor was very entertaining as were some of the books. And to be greated by lights, mustic and a bubbling jaccuzi -- thanks so much once again. I know we'll be back.
Name: Stacey (Signal Hill, CA) Date: 2/22/2007
Message: Just wanted to let you know that Cindy and I had a FABULOUS time at Wikiup this past long weekend! We are having trouble getting back into the swing of everyday life and wish we were still there enjoying doing basically nothing. The weather was beautiful and we really enjoyed the home - the hot tub, outdoor speakers, expansive patio area, fire pits, etc. It was great to let the dogs roam around knowing the fence was there and the hiking was really terrific. The home, just like Valle Vista, was decorated and landscaped in such a cozy fashion. We actually used the map you provided and checked out some of the new homes that we have not seen before so that was helpful for next time. Wikiup and Valle Vista seemed to have the most important things that we enjoy – lots of privacy without other people on top of you, great mountain views, hiking right outside our door and nice outside seating – hot tub is an added bonus! It is so strange that some homes/land appear abandoned. Is that really the case? Thanks again for offering Wikiup – we really loved it! We just need to not let so much time past until our next visit!
Name: Carey (Boston, MA) Date: 2/2/2007
Message: Just wanted to let you know that we had a truly wonderful time at Witt's End. All our thanks to you and Greg. The place was really magical and we especially enjoyed the cowboy hot tub and the outdoor hearth. The kids learned a lot about the desert cactus, as in not to touch even the ones with no obvious spikes! We went to J-Tree a lot but even just lounging around the property felt wonderful. Everything was done with such taste and ingenutiy. Mainly, many thanks for a truly wonderful time and all the best.
Name: Karen (New Ipswich, New Jersey) Date: 2/2/2007
Message: Hi John, I just wanted to drop you a line to let you know that we received our deposit check and the t-shirt in the mail a couple of days ago. Thank you so much. We had a great time and will be recommending the house to everyone we know. We really enjoyrd sitting in the hot tub under the stars so the scheduling situation really ended up working to our advantage. We loved the area and will be discussing further the idea of doing some kind of a photo shoot out in the desert some day for the Nat. Geo catalog. If it doesn't work out for work, my family and I would love to get back some time in the Spring and see the desert in bloom.
Name: Sean (Los Angeles, CA) Date: 1/4/2007
Message: We had an amazing, amazing time. Absolutely top-notch! You guys run a really good operation. It made our New Year's completely perfect. We will be doing business with you guys in the future.
Name: Jeff (project manager for JT area contract work) Date: 6/8/2006
Message: Thank you for providing the best "onsite" housing my family has ever had. We will miss the place...but I have a feeling that I'll be back sometime in the future at which point I'll be giving you a call.(5 houses for 5 months)
Name: Andy and Lynne (England) Date: 6/6/2006
Message: Lynne and I had a truly fantastic time at The Wikiup. It was a beautiful house and the desert was magical. We actually did very little during the four nights we were there. We ventured to the Joshua Tree National Park one day, but otherwise we just enjoyed the facilities at the house, cooked barbecues, hit a few golf balls and watched the coyotes, roadrunners and wildlife as it went dusk. The night times were glorious. WE WILL DEFINITELY BE BACK AND HAVE RECOMMENDED THE DESERT RETREATS TO ALL OF OUR FRIENDS. The pictures and video we took have all turned out great and our friend/family think it looks amazing. We just cannot believe we are back home!! Out of all of the visits to Vegas, Palm Springs, etc, the stay at The Wikiup was our favourite part of the vacation.
Name: Krista and Family (Los Angeles, California) Date: 3/31/2006
Message: Thanks for letting us enjoy your home! It has been very comfortable and fun for us all. There are so many lovely touches and thoughtful designs in the grounds, kitchen and bedrooms. The fireplace and eating outside was wonderful. The desert is beautiful and we had some great hikes. Saw the Lot Horse Goldmine and petroglyph's and then came back here to relax and play ping pong.
Name: Barbara (Maryland) Date: 3/27/2006
Message: Mary and I are still in withdrawl from The Adobe. It was everything and more than expected. We read all the books on the early settlers of Twenty-Nine Palms to inspire ourselves. We hiked almost every trail available including the Ladder Canyon in Mecca Hills. We also "drove" Pinkham Canyon and Old Dale "roads";crazy wonderful 4-wheel adventures that have us addicted now.
Name: The Turners (Pennsylvania) Date: 3/24/2006
Message: Spent a very relaxing week in the desert with the whole family. Thank you for providing the "home" away from home for us to gather so we could visit with our Marine while he's stationed in 29 Palms. Pappy got his homecoming revisiting the site after 35 years. A lot has changed but a lot has remained the same. We all enjoyed the change of climate, the change of scenery and the change of pace.
Name: Anne, Bob, David, and Brian (Monroe, Louisiana) Date: 3/18/2006
Message: Thanks for the wonderful memories.... Fires in the outdoor fireplace, S'Mores, hot tub, margaritas, hiking Ryan Mountain, sunsets, ping pong, barrel cactus, The Loft, roadrunners, snow on Keyes View, hammock, jackrabbits, stargazing.
Name: Alexandra Mornell, Weldon Matheson and guests Date: 3/12/2006
Message: Your place is lovely and the beauty of detail is stupendous. Thanks for making this experience so very special to us.
Name: UCLA Regents Scholar Society (LA, California) Date: 1/22/2006
Message: Thank you for renting out such an awesome place! We were very impressed with the condition and everything provided. Witt's End was a blast for our academic retreat. We got a lot accomplished and were able to have fun at the same time. Everything - the hammock, hot tub, golf, was so well thought out and added such a nice touch. Thank you again and best of luck.
Name: Milton, Good, Stone and Anderson Families Date: 12/30/2005
Message: We had a wonderful family Christmas here! How nice to arrive at such a clean and organized home. We fully enjoyed our week here, with many family members getting together for the first time in years! Loved the sunrise, sunsets and the wonderful outdoor fireplace - next time we will come when the turtles are awake. Very well set up for a large group. We will see you again, thanks.
Name: Tim(Eugene, OR) Date: 11/29/2005
Message: We had a great time at the Godwin Ranch. Just what we needed. Day hikes in the natl park, frisbee golf and basketball at the park in town, and some pitching wedge practice, Van Morrison in the speakers, hot tub at sunset, and our only major decisions being whether to grill chicken or beef.
Name: Bryan and Diane (Toronto, CAN) Date: 11/29/2005
Message: We are finally home, after a simply terrific stay at The Oasis. We appreciated so much the care and thought that you had put into making it a home-from-home, with absolutely EVERYTHING we needed anticipated and provided-down to the very last detail. Also, the new hot tub was much enjoyed. We felt comfortably at home from the moment we opened the door and walked around the garden. We also enjoyed the house's beautiful and peaceful desert location, to the extent that our plans to visit Las Vegas, Grand Canyon, etc. were adandoned in favour of sitting in the garden reading, and with daily visits to the incredibly close-by Joshua Tree National Park. You run an absolutely world class operation-one that is evidently a labour-of-love, and we will be recommending Joshua Desert Retreats unreservedly to any friends who want this special experience. Thanks again for all of your assistance in making this such a memorable vacation for us.
Name: Jeremy (Santa Monica, CA) Date: 6/20/2005
Message: Rancho Mesa was perfect this weekend. It had everything we could imagine needing, and was a welcome retreat after hours of hiking.
Name: Deirdre (Los Angeles, CA) Date: 5/17/2005
Message: Rancho Mesa was so wonderful! Wow. It had such good jou-jou. We went to the Joshua Tree Music Festival...came back to the house-where we all just hung out ALL weekend long. We hiked to the boulders, and on the way met up with a big ol' tortoise and saw a huge chuckawalla! Thank you very much. It was a wonderful stay.
Name: Carlee and Wayne(Los Angeles, CA) Date: 4/19/2005
Message: We had a fantastic time! The weather was perfect, and we enjoyed the many amenities The Adobe provided. It was wonderful to sit under the stars, listening to music, and having a nice BBQ and wine.
Name: Marmy(Wisconsin) Date: 3/30/2005
Message: We absolutely loved The Adobe and enjoyed ourselves immensely during our stay! Wow-it was just beautiful and perfectly situated near Joshua Tree National Park. We hiked in the park everyday!
Name: Kristen and Scott(Los Angeles, CA) Date: 8/29/2004
Message: Witt's End is magical and enchanting with all the creature comforts of home. We love the "clothes optional" pool! The energy is great here and we love the musical choices, library and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Thank you for making this possible for us and others.
Name: Sarah(London, England) Date: 7/26/2004
Message: I had the most amazing trip, really one of the best experiences of my life. I'd go as far as saying it was life changing! I really feel it was so, largely because of having the luck to find you guys at the start...I felt so welcomed even before I got there. The house(Adobe) itself was very special to me too, and will always feel that way. It felt like mine after 4 weeks- so beautifully decorated and had such a great feel about it. I loved sitting on the patio for hours in the evenings and spent nearly every afternoon painting in the porch which came to feel like my own studio. Very happy memories of a time of calm and getting away from it all. It was all so inspiring. I'll be out in the Mojave again for sure. I can't stay away...obviously.
Name: Susan and Ted(Pasadena, CA) Date: 6/7/2004
Message: We had a wonderful time at The Adobe. It is a truly magical place and we will be back. After spending all day Saturday and Sunday hiking in the park, what a treat to come "home" to cold beer in the frig, an awesome sound system, beautiful sunsets, BBQ's and a Jacuzzi under the stars! Thanks also for having a 3 night minimum. We made the most of every moment there and hated to leave.
Name: Janet(Long Beach, CA) Date: 5/13/2004
Message: We just loved Godwin Ranch- just loved it -it was so utterly perfect and we all had an amazing time-we will be back! Thanks again for organizing such a wonderful spot!
Name: Diane(Rochester, NY) Date: 5/7/2004
Message: We had a wonderful stay at The Oasis. The house worked out great for our group and we appreciate that it was just as promised. The wildflowers in the park were gorgeous- we had four days of fabulous hiking. And great star gazing and campfires every night. Thanks for the wonderful hospitality.
Name: Ken(Simsbury, CT) Date: 4/27/2004
Message: We had a nice long weekend at The Adobe. I would definitely want to rent it again next time we are in the area and recommend it to anyone who wanted to escape the "real world". Thanks.
Name: Beth (Springfield, Oregon) Date: 4/6/2004
Message: We had a FABULOUS time; Witt's End is a delightful place with lots of on-site recreation. You have done a great job of thinking of all the support items that make the living experience top notch. Delilah the resident desert tortise was a treat! The cowboy hot tub was great!
Name: Eric(Los Angeles,CA) Date: 2/18/2004
Message: After a day of climbing with my two friends and their daughters, settling in at Godwin Ranch was a real treat. We made a fire in the outdoor fireplace and stretched out on the chaise lounges in the backyard looking up at the Milky Way. Not only was it a peaceful retreat, the decorations were a great source of interest for the girls. I had a lot of questions about the old washing machine and desert paintings. Thanks for the great stay. We had a great time.
Name: Anthony (Los Angeles, CA) Date: 1/27/2004
Message: We had a blast! great house(The Oasis), great setting for a birthday.
Name: Rina (New York City) Date: 1/12/2004
Message: Staying at The Oasis was an amazing experience
Name: Paula(Athens, GA) Date: 1/6/2004
Message: Just wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed Witt's End and The Oasis. There were so many nice touches, like comfortable reading chairs, outdoor lighting, outdoor fireplace with great seating, beautiful planting, well-equipped kitchens (ever marshmallow-roasters!), etc. - much appreciated. We had perfect weather, spectacular sunsets, and wonderful hiking. Thanks again for offering these well-maintained properties.
Name: Stephnie & Kimberly (PA) Date: 5/25/2003
Message: My friend Kim and I are traveling nurses & spend 3 whole months here (Valle Vista) in the High Desert. We are from Pennsylvania, so our time here has been... let's say interesting. Different? Well it's been an experience anyway, and I'm glad I had the opportunity. Stephnie As Steph said this has definitely been an adventure. I think my favorite part of this place is how quiet it can be. Great for thinking. I wouldn't trade some of these memories for anything. Kim
Name: St. Gregory Church (L.A., CA) Date: 5/18/2003
Message: We had a blessed retreat and weekend. The surroundings and home (Witt's End) added to our experience. We enjoyed the wonderful decor and cozy atmosphere. Thank you for the space; the house will be a part of our memories.
Name: Peter & Kate (Peters Creek, Alaska) Date: 4/2/2003
Message: Thank you for a fantastic desert cottage (Godwin Ranch). We 5 came & met our grandparents here for a wonderful week. Days of hiking & climbing & nights of games & BBQ's Very comfortable accomodations with everything we needed! The kids enjoyed spending almost all their time outside.
Name: Linda (Davis, CA) Date: 3/28/2003
Message: Greg, The last month at Godwin Ranch has been a wonderful respite from the usual chaos of life. Stillness except for the wind & coyotes. A 360 degree mountain vista outside and in (from your mirror magic). The house is a work of Art! The perfect place for a sabbatical leave. I'm looking forward to an encore.
Name: J.J. (CA) Date: 2/8/2003
Message: Our time in the desert; the experience is sweet, yet a little rich. The aura of the desert has released soul harmonies that seldom flow so freely. A moving experience. (Valle Vista)
Name: Stacey Date: 1/2/2003
Message: WOW! I almost hesitate to draft a review of our fabulous stay at Valle Vista out of fear that it will book-up and we won't be able to make reservations! Our visit was just what Dr. Relaxation ordered. So, if the simple things in life appeal to you - then don't hestitate to make this trip! Pack your favorite eats and drinks and be prepared to have an unforgetable and truly relaxing experience!
Name: Judy (Santa Cruz) Date: 11/13/2002
Message: Hi. We just got back from Witt's End and all I can think about it finding a way to go back. It was a great place with something for everyone to enjoy. We had some close pool games and a few heated ping pong games, but my favorite is sitting by the outdoor fire place in the evenings! It is always a bit of a gamble finding something on the internet and just trying it out. What a rare gem of an experience this turned out to be. From the moment I walking into the house I knew we had gotten lucky! Can't wait to do it again.
Name: Lark and Jimmy (Los Angeles) Date: 10/15/2002
Message: Hi Greg, Just wanted to say how much my family and friends enjoyed the place. It was a really special time for us, and the houses made it all the more so. Everyone loved the fire pit and pool. The weather was amazing, as were the stars. The kids loved the loft/crow's nest. My only regret is that I didn't get to spend time in the hammock. Best, Lark
Name: Skip & Jeremy (S.F., CA) Date: 9/29/2002
Message: Yow! Greg - Your familiar but distinctive architectural images settle a civilized veneer on Nature's gorgeous desert. We never missed a sunrise, moonrise or sunset all month, and we lived on your ranch (Godwin) porch day and night. Never once dined indoors! We're leaving you some kitchen additions but we're not leaving you for long. And we hope to grow our own neighboring architecture soon. Our best wishes for you, and endless thanks, for a spectacular September.
Name: Hal & Dee (Cortez, Colorado) Date: 9/25/2002
Message: Dear Greg, The "grandetour" of the five properties did not disappoint; rather, it overwhelmed! We begin to understand better the basis of your success - your love (acceptance) of ALL mankind. We depart with full assurance that "our homestead" (in 1959) [Witt's End] is in GOOD HANDS. With deepest sincerity - the Hoffmanns, Dee & Hal
Name: Alan Hughes (England) Date: 7/12/2002
Message: Well, we are finally leaving...the two months spent at Godwin Ranch were lovely. We've experienced the best sun rises and sunsets ever! We really enjoyed the outdoor set-up.. we'll miss the hammock! Thanks for everything.
Name: Bill and Elizabeth (Detroit, Michigan) Date: 5/1/2002
Message: Dear Greg, It's been a true desert experience! The wildlife was thoroughly enjoyed. We feel very fortunate to have been here to see all of your beautiful trees and plants in full bloom. It was a joy to interact with the Hummingbirds and Tortoises...hopefully they aren't too spoiled now! We will always have fond memories of our four months here at Witt's End, and we look forward to experiencing your other properties in the upcoming months.
Name: The Reilys (Dallas, Texas) Date: 3/1/2002
Message: Great place. Loved using the ourdoor fireplace. The days are so serene and the kids can run around the property without a care. Thanks for keeping the place well stocked and comfortable.
Name: Gregory Wilsdon (England) Date: 1/10/2002
Message: Many thanks indeed for ensuring that Kate and I had a relaxing stay at the Adobe. It was just what we needed, very quiet, very nurturing. We were impressed by all the thoughful touches you have put into the decor, and we appreciated the personal attention you gave us while we were out there.
Name: N. Hollywood High Academic Decathlon Team Date: 1/1/2002
Message: Amidst all the studying we had lots of fun. Your home is beautiful and we especially enjoyed your VHS collection. In fact, we recommend "Deliverence" for all your guests. Ultimately, there is so much to do here, that even two weeks wasn't long enough! We definitely plan to bring next year's team here. Now, as our stay ends our season begins, and we will definitely send you any news of success. Lot's of "Aca" Love,
Name: Melissa & Kate (Portland, Oregon) Date: 12/25/2001
Message: Godwin Ranch is a fabulous place! Fabulous decorating! We've fallen in love with huge rocks, blue skies and wild and crazy vegitation. (we also love the sweet white doge from over the hill!)
Name: Tom & Bill (England) Date: 6/1/2001
Message: Dear Greg, Witt's End is a great private resort. We have enjoyed the solitude and comfort. Your wildlife is charming. Good luck on your resort empire. We hope to be back soon. Thanks for having us!
Name: Ann & Wade (Long Beach, California) Date: 1/16/2001
Message: Thanks from the bottom of our hearts for this fantastic week. I can't believe it took us this long to get to the desert - watch out we'll be back soon. The stay at The Oasis was perfect and I haven't been so relaxed in a long time. Too much laughing though. We're anxious to see how the compound evolves over the years.
Name: The Hoggan Family (San Jose, California) Date: 4/19/2000
Message: This week we found the brilliant nightime sky; we saw 3 coyotes, 1 jack rabbit, a few birds, and a bat - not to mention quite a number of lizards. A suprise snowfall sugar-coated our morning on a hike up to Lost Horse Mine. We got to see the beauty of the desert, close up and personal, without a rush, without a pager, and without the heat. But mostly we got to enjoy quiet time and 29 adventures with family. Thanks for helping us make great memories.
Name: The Bosekes (Trenton, New Jersey) Date: 7/10/1999
Message: "Awesome" is the only way to describe this getaway. Never in my life could I have thought I could enjoy going to a desert; but I thank you for making this a beautiful experience. I've enjoyed the tranquility, the back to basics and nature. This has truly been a memory to treasure for a lifetime.
Name: Jeanne (Honolulu, Hawaii) Date: 3/27/1999
Message: The resident bat has the right idea. Find a wonderful place and hang. You're "work in progress" is a work of art. And accommodate thirteen people! Bats, lizards, jackrabbits, coyotes, abandoned houses, ostrich carcasses - always the unexpected. A memorable spring.
Name: Collette,Jason & Sofia (Santa Monica, California) Date: 1/15/1999
Message: RETREAT - A place to get away from it all. A place to clear your mind, sort your thoughts, and enjoy your life. A place to spend time with the people you love. A place to be alone. A place to be who you are and who you want to be.
Name: Dee and Hall Hoffman (Cortez, Colorado) Date: 4/11/1998
Message: We are overwhelmed, to say the least, with what you have conceived and achieved with this property (Witt's End). This has got to be our favorite "B&B". We truly value how you have developed the property and feel gratified that you are the proud owner!! (original owners and "homesteaders")