Stunning Palm Desert Airbnb Designed by ‘Queer Eye’ Star Bobby Berk

Introduction

The celebrity designer talked to iBestTravel about his biggest project yet, becoming an Airbnb host.

Property Details

Located in California’s Palm Desert in the Coachella Valley, Bobby Berk’s 5,000-square-foot Spanish hacienda-style property, known as Casa Tierra, sits on five acres with seven bedrooms and 6.5 baths spread across three homes, accommodating about 20 guests.

Renovation Journey

The idea of purchasing a house first emerged in Berk’s mind about seven years ago during Modernism Week. During a stay at the Airbnb property The Summit in Palm Desert, Berk realized that becoming an Airbnb host could justify owning such a property.

After buying Casa Tierra last August, Berk collaborated with designer Paula Oblen, who specializes in vacation rentals, to renovate the 1950s property. They transformed the entire grounds and homes, preserving original elements like handmade stained windows and terracotta floors.

Guest Experience

Berk emphasized creating a memorable experience for guests. He mentioned, “Hotels are great, but when I stay in a place on vacation, I like to be immersed in where I’m staying.” Consequently, he designed multiple spaces for smaller gatherings, including:

• Two outdoor bars
• A bocce ball court
• A fire pit
• A courtyard with dining tables
• Outdoor living rooms leading to the pool

The living room features about 15 fair-trade hand-woven pendants sourced from a Tunisian village, adding to the dramatic ambiance of the space.

Personal Insights

Berk has incorporated lessons learned from his travels, from a lakeside property in Queenstown, New Zealand, to an 1850s Victorian-style home in New Orleans. He aims to make Casa Tierra not only a place to stay but a destination in itself. “Airbnb has opened up the world,” he noted.

Berk enthusiastically shared his excitement about seeing how guests enjoy the property. Casa Tierra has already started to make a name for itself, including a notable mention by Lizzo in an Instagram video.