This historic adobe home, documented in Remington’s The Adobes of Twentynine Palms, was crafted by Allen Balch in 1933. Once the residence of desert homesteaders John and Alice Stratton—along with a roster of colorful early locals—this property holds a special place in Twentynine Palms history. A former resident even recalls Ansel Adams staying in the guest house while photographing what is now Joshua Tree National Park.
Overflowing with classic early California adobe character, the home showcases its heritage with heavy front columns, pine-board beamed ceilings, railroad-tie lintels, thick adobe walls, a rock-faced fireplace with freestanding stove, solid wood doors, and a charming block-built guest cottage with a vintage enameled steel sink.
The layout features a spacious primary bedroom, a comfortable guest bedroom, a dedicated dining room, guest quarters, three covered patios, mature desert landscaping, and a garage—creating a rare blend of beauty and livability.
Modern updates provide comfort without compromising authenticity: paid solar panels, central heat and air in the main home, a mini-split and laundry in the guest house, natural gas cooking, dual water softeners, and cable internet access. Select historic furnishings may also be negotiated in the sale, along with existing furniture.
Perfect as a full-time residence or weekend retreat, this historic jewel is minutes from the Joshua Tree National Park entrance and close to shopping and dining. Perched on a spacious corner lot with wide-open skies and mountain views, this adobe is a rare opportunity to own one of 29 Palms’ most storied properties—see it before it’s gone.
Sold for $369,900 on 10/30/25
Listing Provided by:
Stephen Buchanan DRE #02093622 818-568-9040,
29 Palms Realty
Bought with: Cherie Miller & Associates
$369,900
6668 Manzanita Ave, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
3beds
1,291sqft
Single Family Residence
Built in 1933
0.32 Acres Lot
$-- Zestimate®
$287/sqft
$2,335 Estimated rent
Owner options
What's special
Zillow last checked: 8 hours ago
Listing updated: October 30, 2025 at 10:29am
Listing Provided by:
Stephen Buchanan DRE #02093622 818-568-9040,
29 Palms Realty
Bought with:
Thomas Murtagh, DRE #02041938
Cherie Miller & Associates
SunnyHill Realty Inc
Source: CRMLS,MLS#: JT25222276
Originating MLS: California Regional MLS
Facts & features
Interior
Bedrooms & bathrooms
- Bedrooms: 3
- Bathrooms: 2
- 3/4 bathrooms: 2
- Main level bathrooms: 2
- Main level bedrooms: 3
Primary bedroom
- Features: Main Level Primary
Bedroom
- Features: All Bedrooms Down
Bathroom
- Features: Bathroom Exhaust Fan, Closet, Low Flow Plumbing Fixtures, Linen Closet, Remodeled, Separate Shower, Tile Counters, Walk-In Shower
Other
- Features: Dressing Area
Kitchen
- Features: Granite Counters, Pots & Pan Drawers, Walk-In Pantry
Heating
- Central, Heat Pump, Solar
Cooling
- Central Air, Ductless
Appliances
- Included: Convection Oven, Dishwasher, Freezer, Gas Cooktop, Disposal, Gas Oven, Gas Range, Microwave, Refrigerator, Water Softener, Water Heater, Water Purifier, Dryer, Washer
- Laundry: Washer Hookup, Laundry Room, Outside
Features
- Beamed Ceilings, Built-in Features, Brick Walls, Separate/Formal Dining Room, Furnished, Granite Counters, Open Floorplan, Pantry, Storage, Smart Home, All Bedrooms Down, Dressing Area, Main Level Primary, Walk-In Pantry, Walk-In Closet(s)
- Flooring: Concrete, Tile
- Doors: Panel Doors
- Windows: Blinds, Wood Frames
- Has fireplace: Yes
- Fireplace features: Decorative, Family Room, Living Room, Outside, Wood Burning
- Furnished: Yes
- Common walls with other units/homes: No Common Walls
Interior area
- Total interior livable area: 1,291 sqft
Property
Parking
- Total spaces: 1
- Parking features: Concrete, Door-Single, Driveway, Garage Faces Front, Garage, Gated, One Space
- Attached garage spaces: 1
Accessibility
- Accessibility features: Parking
Features
- Levels: One
- Stories: 1
- Entry location: 1
- Patio & porch: Rear Porch, Covered, Front Porch, Patio, Porch, Wood
- Exterior features: Awning(s), Rain Gutters, Fire Pit
- Pool features: None
- Spa features: None
- Fencing: Good Condition,Wood
- Has view: Yes
- View description: Desert, Mountain(s), Panoramic
Lot
- Size: 0.32 Acres
- Features: 0-1 Unit/Acre, Back Yard, Corner Lot, Desert Front, Sloped Down, Landscaped, Near Park, Rectangular Lot, Sprinklers None, Street Level, Walkstreet, Yard
Details
- Additional structures: Guest House Detached, Storage, Workshop
- Parcel number: 0616294120000
- Special conditions: Notice Of Default
Construction
Type & style
- Home type: SingleFamily
- Architectural style: Ranch
- Property subtype: Single Family Residence
Materials
- Adobe, Drywall, Log, Stucco
- Foundation: Pillar/Post/Pier, Slab
- Roof: Shingle
Condition
- New construction: No
- Year built: 1933
Utilities & green energy
- Electric: Electricity - On Property
- Sewer: Septic Tank
- Water: Public
- Utilities for property: Electricity Connected, Natural Gas Connected, Water Connected
Community & neighborhood
Security
- Security features: Carbon Monoxide Detector(s), Smoke Detector(s)
Community
- Community features: Biking, Dog Park, Hiking, Mountainous, Rural, Street Lights, Sidewalks, Park
Location
- Region: Twentynine Palms
Other
Other facts
- Listing terms: Cash,Conventional,Contract,1031 Exchange,FHA,Submit,USDA Loan,VA Loan
- Road surface type: Paved