Description
In this episode of NBC's 'Open House: Outrageous,' co-hosts Megan Batoon and Tim Chantarangsu hit the road across Southern California in search of vacation rentals that push the boundaries of architecture, design, and the traditional getaway. Their journey begins in Los Angeles with a stop at Langer's Delicatessen, the celebrated institution serving its famous pastrami sandwiches since 1947. Fueled up and ready to explore, the duo leaves the city behind for Palm Desert and Palm Springs, where three distinctive vacation homes offer vunique takes on the California desert escape.
First on the itinerary is Casa Tierra, a private wellness estate in Palm Desert owned and designed by Bobby Berk. Named for its connection to the surrounding earth and canyon landscape, the property combines the experience of a boutique hotel with the privacy and amenities of a personal retreat. Designed to accommodate 18 guests across three separate homes, the estate centers on a main residence with four bedrooms, five bathrooms, a spacious living room, dining room, and kitchen. Desert inspired colors complement the surrounding terrain, while handmade pieces from a fair trade village in Tunisia bring warmth and texture to the interiors. Megan and Tim explore the upstairs bedrooms before venturing into Casita Sol, where adult bunk beds and intricate tilework give the guest house its own personality. The tour continues to Casita Aqua, a polished pool house with direct access to the water. Beyond the residences, the grounds feature a pickleball court, bocce ball, outdoor gathering spaces, and a bar overlooking the desert. As the sun begins to set, sweeping views of the surrounding landscape provide a fitting backdrop for this expansive wellness retreat.
The road trip then takes an unexpected turn at an extraordinary property built around a 1942 Beechcraft C18 aircraft. Originally owned by the Air Force and used to train World War II pilots, the plane later became involved in a remarkable chapter of aviation history. After drug runners stole the aircraft in 1972, it ran out of fuel and crashed at the very site where it now stands. Years later, owners Carrie and her partner discovered the plane while clearing the overgrown property and decided to preserve its history by incorporating it into a one of a kind vacation home. Megan and Tim explore the unusual structure, where the original aircraft wing remains suspended above the residence, creating the impression of a plane in midflight. Inside, aviation inspired details include a working propeller feature, themed bars, paper airplanes, and a collection of memorabilia. A cleverly concealed wine cellar adds an unexpected discovery, while the outdoor spaces extend the experience with a deck, bridge, kayaks, and a yurt. Combining an unconventional architectural concept with a fascinating history, the property offers a stay unlike anything the duo has encountered before.
As for their final stop? Megan and Tim head to Palm Springs to explore The Pink Cabana of Desert Vibes, a boldly designed vacation home that embraces color, personality, and a sense of playful escapism. Conceived as a place where guests can reconnect with their inner child, the property takes its inspiration from the carefree atmosphere of summer celebrations. The interiors make an immediate impression, beginning with the Genie Room, a cozy retreat featuring a statement headboard and whimsical details. Elsewhere, a multicolored painted brick fireplace, feather lighting, and imaginative use of color give the rooms their own character. The design carries seamlessly outdoors, where spacious entertaining areas, a dining table set for gatherings, and inviting canopy beds create plenty of room for friends and family. At the center of the outdoor experience, the pool and generously sized daybeds set the scene for leisurely sunny afternoons. Popular with bachelorette groups, families, birthday celebrations, and festival visitors, The Pink Cabana offers a distinctly vibrant alternative to the traditional Palm Springs getaway.
From Bobby Berk's expansive wellness estate to a historic aircraft transformed into an unconventional retreat and a dreamy pink escape in Palm Springs, each property offers a completely fun way to experience the California desert. On that note: Which one would YOU book?
Check out highlights from Tim and Megan's trip to Palm Springs below:
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00:57 Langer's Delicatessen
01:47 Casa Tierra by Bobby Berk
03:29 Inside Casa Tierra
04:32 Casita Sol and Casita Aqua
05:51 Desert Views and Outdoor Amenities
07:25 The Historic Airplane Home
08:07 The Story Behind the 1942 Beechcraft
09:11 Inside the Aircraft Inspired Home
12:07 The Hidden Wine Cellar
12:57 Exploring the Outdoor Grounds
14:25 The Pink Cabana in Palm Springs
15:29 The Design Inspiration
16:10 Inside the Genie Room
16:50 Exploring the Colorful Interiors
17:40 The Pool and Outdoor Entertaining Spaces
19:44 The Final Decision: Which Home Would You Book?