Rich Redwood And Open Spaces Provide Tranquility At Sparrows Lodge

By  Kristine Hansen

Palm Springs has long been a haven for people looking to get away from it all, and Sparrows Lodge is no different. When Doug and Josie Smith purchased the property in 2013 — which was built by actor Don Castle in 1952 — and then sold it a year later, the new owners hoped to capture the area's established escapism. "[The Smiths] are the ones who really set up the bones," general manager Jason Perry said. Rich redwood beams are a consistent backdrop throughout the lodge's 20 rooms, and kitschy decor gives off the cheerful coziness of a sleep-away camp. Pair that with an abundance of open spaces, like private patios and a pool, and it would seem like that would be enough to make guests feel at ease. But, Perry notes that's Sparrows Lodge has other detail to make sure visitors are truly relaxed: there are no TVs or phones in the rooms, he said, so that the lodge "really has that communal feel." Sip a glass of white Sangria at check in, and escape. In a setting like this, it's not that hard.

buffer lobby Jaime Kowal

1. Front Garden

From the roadside, it's easy to miss Sparrows Lodge, but that's what makes it such a treat. The "buffer" lobby, or the outdoor space that features a vegetable garden and pool, is encircled by the guest rooms and the "barn kitchen" where meals are served.

2. Guest Room

guest roomJaime Kowal

Each of the 20 guest rooms have vaulted ceilings and doors that open out to the garden or pool. Swiss Army blankets and footlockers-turned-armoires give the room rugged details against modern artwork and butterfly chairs.

3. Bathroom

bathroomJaime Kowal

Many of the rooms feature these deep baths, which are separated from the rest of the guest room by a short wall that doesn't break the view of the ceiling's redwood beams.

4. Dining Room

communal roomJaime Kowal

"We do dinners for about 20 or 30 people every Wednesday and Saturday," Perry said. The original owners outfitted the communal space with their own collection of art, including work by Edward Ruscha and John Baldessari.

5. Pool

poolJaime Kowal

Guests can get to know other travelers near the quiet, secluded pool. There's also a nearby fire pit where complimentary s'mores are served.

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