A Striking Desert Contemporary in Rancho Mirage Seeks its First Owner

Listed for $2.3M, the newly completed home offers exquisite indoor/outdoor living.
Text by

A spacious, four-bedroom desert retreat is now up for grabs in Rancho Mirage, California. Nestled in an upscale nine-home enclave called Echo, the 4,155-square-foot property was designed by award-winning architect Sean Lockyer of Studio AR&D, and offers an intimate connection between home and nature, inside and out.

One of nine homes in Echo, a residential enclave in Rancho Mirage, this recently finished contemporary was designed by Sean Lockyer of Studio AR&D. A large overhang cuts through a stone facade along the entryway. 

One of nine homes in Echo, a residential enclave in Rancho Mirage, this recently finished contemporary was designed by Sean Lockyer of Studio AR&D. A large overhang cuts through a stone facade along the entryway. 

Although the exterior is dominated by commanding stone masonry walls, a softer palette awaits inside, made up of natural materials like stone, marble, and hardwoods. Indirect skylights bathe the walls in natural light, while floor-to-ceiling windows and doors overlook a central garden and swimming pool. The result is a visual interplay of light and form throughout the one-story structure.

Built as a series of pavilions, different areas of the home all overlook a central pool area. 

Built as a series of pavilions, different areas of the home all overlook a central pool area. 

"There's an undeniable magic to this project," describes Echo developer and desert native Eric Smith. "With Echo, my brother, Byron, and I wanted to contribute something genuine and relevant to the cultural landscape. We didn’t want anything forced or seemingly unnatural. Sean was our first and only choice to fully execute that vision." 

"The selection of natural materials alone is sensational and creates a timeless environment," says Eric. "From the oak floors and decorative stone walls to the countertops and custom millwork—the house not only looks stunning, but it just feels great." 

"The selection of natural materials alone is sensational and creates a timeless environment," says Eric. "From the oak floors and decorative stone walls to the countertops and custom millwork—the house not only looks stunning, but it just feels great." 

Stone walls visually connect inside and out. Expansive glass doors enhance effect.

Stone walls visually connect inside and out. Expansive glass doors enhance effect.

"Once we brought Sean on board, it then became a truly architecturally driven project," continues Eric. "Trusting his talent, we simply asked him to do what he does so masterfully: Design spectacular living spaces. With open mountain vistas in every direction, he took full advantage of capturing the view corridors." Scroll ahead to see more of the home, currently listed for $2,300,000.

The selection of natural and raw materials results in a clean, unadorned aesthetic throughout.

The selection of natural and raw materials results in a clean, unadorned aesthetic throughout.

The kitchen offers contrasting tones with matte black fixtures and marble. A long, central island provides additional seating and prep area.

The kitchen offers contrasting tones with matte black fixtures and marble. A long, central island provides additional seating and prep area.

The formal dining area effortlessly connects to the exterior patio.

The formal dining area effortlessly connects to the exterior patio.

The view from the dining area, looking out toward the pool and guest house at the back right.

The view from the dining area, looking out toward the pool and guest house at the back right.

One of four bedrooms, the master suite provides direct outdoor access.

One of four bedrooms, the master suite provides direct outdoor access.

In total, the house includes four full and one partial bathroom. Here, the master bathroom features a floor-to-ceiling window in the shower.

In total, the house includes four full and one partial bathroom. Here, the master bathroom features a floor-to-ceiling window in the shower.

A look at one of the other bedrooms, which also opens to the patio.

A look at one of the other bedrooms, which also opens to the patio.

Nearly every corner of the house opens to breathtaking mountain panoramas.

Nearly every corner of the house opens to breathtaking mountain panoramas.

The guest house offers a private bedroom and patio overlooking the pool.

The guest house offers a private bedroom and patio overlooking the pool.

4 Echo Lane is currently listed for $2,300,000 by TTK Represents of Compass.  

Project Credits:

Architecture: Studio AR&D / @studioardarchitects

Know of a home for sale or rent that should be featured on Dwell.com? Find out how to submit to Dwell.

Published

Last Updated

Get the Real Estate Newsletter

From midcentury classics to the best contemporary spaces for sale, see the latest listings for modern homes on the market around the world.