Pineapple Ranch

Joshua Tree Street Renovation
by Pineapple Ranch Design

Sitting vacant for almost 18 years before husband and wife, Wade and Erica Coggin, saw it as the diamond in the rough they had been searching for, this home has undergone an extensive, meticulous, and incredible three-year renovation process, restoring its beauty as a Mid-Century Modern abode. This is one of the early homes of Palm Desert built in 1951 nestled at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains, just a short golf cart ride away from the luxurious shops and restaurants on El Paseo.

The intention was to carefully preserve as much of the original mid-century features that were salvageable and stay as true to that era of design with modern convenience and luxuries added. Hand-made, reclaimed, vintage, and antique materials from all over the world were sourced to complete the vision. Many iterations of design happened before all of the pieces of Pineapple Ranch came into place. They broke ground on the project just a few months before Covid touched down, this would be a benefit in the long run but the cause of many headaches that only made them more resilient in the process. Wade was already a skilled builder and woodworker among other things but he added many new trades under his tool belt during this project due to the lack of talented labor available. It quickly became a two-person job with Wade and Erica doing all of the design and a large majority of the work themselves.

Within twenty-four hours of getting the keys, the property was stripped down to the studs for a complete overhaul. The bones of the house were good but the floor plan wasn't optimal. Walls were removed and structural beams were installed for a new layout to create spacious but warm social areas. A focus on natural woods and stones such as Mahogany, Walnut, and Onyx highlight the rooms. The floors were torn out and Mapei concrete floors were poured in place. When first arriving one enters the home through a dramatic, oversized Mahogany pivot door with a custom-made brass handle that sets the tone for the rest of the aesthetic to be found inside.

Creating space for entertaining at home was an important concept that the house was designed around. Many entertaining areas intersect inside and outside to give ample space for guests to congregate. Another concept they designed around was interactive art. Musical instruments and foreign antiquities are incorporated into the design and can be enjoyed off the wall anytime. Artifacts from many eras are brought to the property where they are fashioned into carefully crafted adornments that are reimagined for functional and artistic use. Wherever you look there is more than meets the eye at first glance.

The large corner lot boasts ample outdoor living space that was transformed to look and feel like a boutique resort. Double gates and block walls were built around the property for security and complete seclusion. The master bath, a home spa room featuring a steam shower, was added to compliment the amenities of the property. A secret bookcase door leads to a fitness room with a large Finnish Cedar Sauna. Palm trees line both sides of the original pool that was drained, cleaned, and upgraded to a heated saltwater pool. A 5500 pound Indonesian river boulder carved into a large soak tub is situated in a corner of the property secluded by two fruiting date palms.

A plethora of native desert cacti and trees were planted to give an oasis feel to the grounds. State-of-the-art Rain Bird underground irrigation systems were installed for the most efficient watering possible and can be controlled remotely on an app. Shade sails were erected with steel beams over the outdoor kitchen and dining area and a corner of the pool. The new outdoor kitchen has almost 30' of polished white concrete countertops hosting an Argentine asadero grill, Hestan cooktop burners, Hestan fridge, full-size kitchen sink, and built-in ice chest..

In the main living area, an original double-sided block fireplace that extends skyward through the home was painstakingly restored. A custom stone mantle was commissioned and made from a slab of Onyx from Henry Ford's former mine outside Scottsdale, Arizona. Breeze block walls were added for additional privacy around the bedrooms. The primary suite has a breeze block patio that also serves as a private entry to the pool. The electrical service was replaced and upgraded to a 400 amp service, all lines feeding the property moved underground.

The unique kitchen layout features dual kitchen spaces as well as an oversized outdoor kitchen. The prep kitchen is built behind sound insulated walls that can be cordoned off with a Rustica sliding oak door. Inside are GE Monogram 36" full height refrigerator and 36" full height freezer, a built-in Monogram french door oven, Bosch dishwasher, sink, and countertop appliances. Brizo fixtures with smart capabilities are located in both kitchens. Commercial kitchen-style shelves were designed and built for the ultimate utilization of the space. Views of the San Jacinto mountains are seen from the prep kitchen window.

The show kitchen features a European onyx waterfall island with dining space for four around a Monogram induction cooktop complemented by a matching monogram downdraft system. Kitchen appliances can be controlled via WiFi. Kelly Wearstler Elliot Barstools were modified to fit the island as dining chairs. The Onyx countertops are sealed with TuffSkin to protect them from scratches, stains, and other damage. The cabinetry is made from hand-carved 1" thick basket woven teak wood panels imported from India, finished with custom-made brass and leather drawer pulls. A prep sink with Brizo Smart Touch faucets was built to match, and behind it, new dimensional tile was laid.

The pineapple is the international symbol of hospitality, Pineapple Ranch Design is about hospitality at home. This project was more than renovating a house, it was about creating a space that evokes a sense of calm, complete tranquility, and immersive wellbeing. Wade and Erica believe your environment directly impacts the way you feel and think, and that creating aesthetically pleasing habitats is beneficial for a positive mood. They decided to start designing and building full-time, Joshua Tree Street was their first project together. It was a life-changing experience for both of them. They lived in the house during much of the renovation, this could either destroy a relationship or make it stronger. This process tought them how to work together through extremely stressful situations and helped them grow together.

Their work fuses global styles with modern and natural elements to make spaces inviting and intriguing, refined yet playful. Their passion for design extends beyond residential development, they have several product lines in the works and they will be breaking ground on an off-grid build in the high desert next year.