This $950-per-night 'dome house' Airbnb overlooks the California desert and has a chic outhouse see inside

Jamie Killin

• Stephanie and Blake Monroe purchased a desert dome house in 2020 to turn it into a rental property.
• The "Serenity Dome House Oasis" in Joshua Tree costs anywhere from $395 to $950 a night to rent.

The Serenity Dome House Oasis at Joshua Tree is an Airbnb owned by Stephanie Monroe, who recently told Insider what it was like becoming an Airbnb owner.

The Serenity Dome House Oasis in Joshua Tree, California.      Jamie Killin

You can read more about it here.

In 2020, Monroe set out to find a dome house in Joshua Tree for a rental property because she liked the architecture. "Our goal was to put the hard work in now and have a retirement job, and an additional income source, when we do retire," Monroe said.

A unicorn floatie in the pool at the Serenity Dome House Oasis.      Jamie Killin

This one stood out to her because the home was one story — offering guests high, dome-shaped ceilings.

The high dome ceiling inside the Serenity Dome House Oasis.      Jamie Killin

The house offers a space for up to 16 guests, with 14 beds and three bathrooms. It costs between $395 and $450 a night for up to eight guests during the week and $950 for up to eight guests on the weekend.

The pool at the Serenity Dome House Oasis.      Jamie Killin

It's located on a sprawling 2.3 acres of land.

A full view of the the Serenity Dome House Oasis property in Joshua Tree.      Jamie Killin

In May, Monroe and her husband, Blake, upgraded the property with a two-bedroom addition to create more living and storage space for guests. They also added solar panels to cut down on electric bill costs.

A birds-eye view of the Serenity Dome House Oasis.      Jamie Killin

They also prioritized updating the furniture to be trend-forward and appealing to guests. "When we bought our property, we looked at what the previous owner was doing and we said, 'How can we do better?'" Monroe said. "We made sure the decor and everything vibes together through the property."

A couch in front of the colorful mandala on the wall inside of the dome house.      Jamie Killin

The painting on the wall of the living room, as well as the trailers that surround the property, were painted by local artist CJ Troxell. Monroe said the trailers and custom paintings were already part of the property when she bought it with her husband.

A trailer with orange and green flowers painted on it.      Jamie Killin

The trailers are also great for photo ops.

A trailer with the galaxy painted on it.      Jamie Killin

This trailer depicts the famous Joshua Tree, which the city is named after.

A trailer with a Joshua Tree on it.      Jamie Killin

Next to the trailers is the outhouse, which features two bathrooms and private showers. Guests use the outhouse during their stay since there are no bathrooms inside the main building.

The outhouse on the dome house property.      Jamie Killin

The interior is modern and not what you'd expect from a trailer.

Inside the outhouse.      Jamie Killin

The outhouse is located in between the three trailers.

Two trailers parked next to the outhouse on the dome house property.      Jamie Killin

A full kitchen allows guests to cook on-site and gather together at the bar and large dining table.

The kitchen and a dining room table inside the dome house.      Jamie Killin

The kitchen also offers a view of the backyard and access to the pool.

The dining room table inside the dome house.      Jamie Killin

The backyard includes the pool, a hot tub, seating areas, and a barbecue. Monroe added new Adirondack chairs, an automatic pool cover, a fire pit, and a shade pergola to the outdoor space.

The pool in the backyard at the dome house.      Jamie Killin

The patio table is relatively new and helps provide more outdoor seating to guests.

An outdoor table.      Jamie Killin

The new addition to the property is a rectangular building attached to the back of the dome structure.

The newest building on the Serenity Dome House Oasis property.      Jamie Killin

The pool has become one of the most popular aspects of the property, providing a refuge from Joshua Tree's hot summer temperatures. Monroe said she sees more bookings during the hotter months due to the pool amenity.

A person on a unicorn pool floatie.      Jamie Killin

Guests can help themselves to a pool float to use for lounging or a photo op. Monroe said the floats come and go as they get popped or when guests leave them behind.

Dinosaur, flamingo, and unicorn pool floaties.      Jamie Killin

The backyard offers plenty of space to admire Joshua Tree's vibrant sunsets.

A person wrapped in a blanket sitting on the edge of the hot tub at the dome house.      Jamie Killin

The above-ground hot tub has become a big selling point for guests and helps to increase bookings during the winter, Monroe said.

The hot tub on the dome house property.      Jamie Killin

The expansive backyard also has a fire pit.

The dome house lit up at night.      Jamie Killin

Additional seating around the fire pit offers another space for large groups to gather.

The fire pit on the dome house property.      Jamie Killin

Outdoor lighting allows guests to enjoy the backyard in the evening and gather at one of the outdoor seating areas.

Twinkle lights in a tree in front of the outdoor dining table.      Jamie Killin

One of the bedrooms in the new addition has a king-sized bed.

A bedroom inside the dome house.      Jamie Killin

Monroe opted for Southwest designs and bright patterns on the beds because she and her husband like the style and saw it was trending.

A bed with a brightly colored bedding inside the dome house.      Jamie Killin

She also purchased many of the interior decor pieces from Etsy to provide a unique look to the space.

A couch and vibrant rug inside one of the bedrooms in the dome house.      Jamie Killin

For Monroe, shopping online was easier than finding items in stores during the pandemic because many online retailers automatically notify shoppers when an item is back in stock.

A shelf with clay pots inside a bedroom in the dome house.      Jamie Killin

The closet in the master bedroom is outfitted with a Macramépiece. Monroe said she takes pride in displaying the custom-made piece in the home.

A white macramépiece inside the dome house.      Jamie Killin

The second bedroom has two queen beds.

Two queen sized beds inside a bedroom at the dome house.      Jamie Killin

Monroe said desert-themed decor details like this cactus are popular among guests.

A queen sized bed next to a cactus.      Jamie Killin

Monroe's goal was to find unique items that fit the desert landscape around the house.

Another macramépiece hanging inside the dome house.      Jamie Killin

The main room is 1,000 square feet, with only a short hallway separating it from the new addition. Monroe said she added the new room for storage and to have a roof to put solar panels on.

The living room inside the dome house.      Jamie Killin

The living room also features an extra bed to help comfortably fit large groups. "Pretty much all our bookings are for some kind of a special event whether it's a family gathering, a birthday party, a wellness retreat, or a corporate retreat," Monroe said.

A fold out bed inside the dome house.      Jamie Killin

The home has become so well-known for its unique look that it can even be rented out for photo and video shoots. Monroe said she loves seeing guests post on social media about their stay and appreciates the free advertising that comes from it.

The illuminated dome house in the evening.      Jamie Killin

"Our house has been doing pretty well," Monroe said. "We bought it because of its unique characteristics, and now we've started a portfolio of unique places as a result of that first purchase."

The view of the horizon from the hot tub on the dome house property.      Jamie Killin