Incredible Modernist Glass House TOTALLY ABANDONED in the Desert!

Welcome to Wonderhussy Adventure #654
Dates of adventure: 6/11/22
Exploring possibly the #1 coolest thing I’ve ever found out in the desert: an abandoned house made entirely out of glass! Why did someone go to all the trouble to design and build this masterpiece…and then abandon it?! Join me and find out!
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wonder hussy, wonderhussie, wonder hussie, wonder hussey, wonderhussey

[@allanerickson5053]

I worked on the Glass House with Walt Benson in '93 when it was near completion! He was a wonderful man and that house is a treasure.

[@andytaylor5476]

I don't understand why he built it in a hot summer climate-all glass? Was there a cooling system to make it bearable in the heat?

[@RRaucina]

Is it private land or BLM or a mining claim?

[@TobyCostaRica]

@@andytaylor5476 you would need a major cooling system designed for a house 10x the size to stay comfortable in that. Maybe a winter house?

[@allanerickson5053]

@@RRaucina - BLM land now

[@allanerickson5053]

@@andytaylor5476 - summer at that location is short, spring doesn't arrive until late May -early June. And winter? Oh my. We had 5' snow drifts on the road into the ranch I was at and the lowest temp that winter was -10°F. He wanted it for non-summer times.

[@billj9838]

I did a little research and found this paragraph The house was built by Walt Benson, a wine grape grower from CA. I did some of the work on the house while living at The Nature Conservancy's Crump Lake Preserve (the abandoned ranch 1/ mile south of Fisher Hot Springs) in 1992 - '93. There is a solar well located down near the gate. Last I had heard Walt was trying to sell the place. The old homestead just west of Walt's place is the original valley homestead and is on TNC property. Locals were disappointed w/ their entire TNC experience (I was the good part of their experience). They were especially miffed that TNC was letting the homestead fall apart. Living at Crump Lake was one of the best experiences of my life. A quiet unmatched in my experience. The numbers on the toilet lid correspond with the build.

[@wonderingtimesllc7203]

The place has 120 AC and 12 Volt DC all those little round sockets are for 12 Volt DC connections.

[@steveheath4256]

Yeah my first thought was 12 volt outlets too. But I bet she knows 12 volt outlets when she sees them.

[@skyking228]

Thank you.

[@S.E.C-R]

What are they used for in a house?

[@steveheath4256]

@@S.E.C-R 12 volt appliances maybe?

[@rogersmith7396]

@@S.E.C-R Vibrators.

[@garydavis2473]

You can always tell when WH is excited, her voice gets super high. 💫

[@jayforkner2692]

19:45 Had to giggle when she finally found the rat playing "hide and go seek" with her.

[@corasslickcs9839]

I found this about the builder Walter Benson. This is a rerun story, but, Walter Benson, for what ever reason,(that I cant explain), made such a special impact on my life. I think it was around 1990. He was an eccentric small framed, in his 60s man that drove an old ranch pickup, always wore a tie-dyed vest and jeans. He had a personality and smile that lit up a room. He came in once a week to the "Duck Inn" at Hunters Lodge and even though I only worked there a short time, we had lots of conversations. I Learned of his love for his wife "Madam LuLu", that he had a winery in the Sonoma area, (he gave me a bottle, pictured), and, that he was building a glass house on Hart Mountain. He gave me his insight of the world that I agree with even today..I looked him up and found he passed away in 2018 at the age of 92. I know his house still stands in the Plush area, but dont know who owns it now... Years have passed and I'm just learning who Walter Benson was. He raced cars, flew planes, planted and maintained his vineyards. He designed and constructed homes with his own award winning designs. He created Bennett Ridge Winery & Ranch in Sonoma County. The Sonoma Historical Society gave him an award for his hillside designs that used preservation planning.. He replanted an underground winery centuries after the phylloxera devastation destroyed it.( I googled this and found it was an aphid that almost destroyed all the worlds vineyards). He helped create a metal sculpture that sits between the original buildings on the Sonoma State University Campus. Walter patented early LED lighting used in his wine caves and he designed furniture, mobiles and sculptures..Most people at that time, didnt know he was anything more or less than an unusual hippie, happy Californian that was building a house in the middle of no where. Walter told me he loved Lake County and cherished the people and the solitude of his glass house. RIP Walter, you are missed...

[@Double2KK]

Thanks for filling in the pieces of the background for the rest of the story.

[@MoeLarrycurly1]

Wow 👍😲😊

[@konaken1035]

agreed. wow

[@SheriLatulip]

Thanks

[@bshingledecker]

A person who lives on through memories, never dies.

[@dougcalvin4224]

Well, there goes the neighborhood! Stumbled into this unique place one week ago and admired Walt's vision of serenity, creativity and architectural artwork. Not to mention all the hard work! Never met him but last time I was near there 6-7 years ago it was posted "No trespassing" so respected it's owners privacy. This trip it was very windy and cold(0-15 degrees F) at night and up to a foot of new snow. This place needs to be preserved even though it is not the primary goal for the Hart Mountain National Antelope Refuge. I've lived off the grid for thirty plus years and will see if the USFWS has a plan for it; otherwise I encourage all who feel the same to visit with the locals and see what vision it could become! Outback educational visitor center for wildlife viewing perhaps? Best to start with a grassroots effort first and build upon that! I enjoyed a visit from a pair of barn owls flying overhead while I was there probably waiting for the wood rat to come out from behind the plexiglass! Never heard of the Wonderhussy before but she did do an exceptional job sharing the details of this odd place in the desert! Anima mundi

[@daveneil3963]

That thing in the kitchen you thought might be for hanging onions was a a towel rack for drying dish towels. What an awesome house, sure glad you took us along, I'll bet star gazing while laying in bed would be out of this world, and the views during the day were killer, great find!

[@SierraGal]

Correct! You beat me to it!

[@OneStudPuppy]

The “strange light fixtures / round things” from what could see actually look like 12 volt power outlets.

[@SierraGal]

I was hoping she would get closer so we could see them a bit better. I agree they are a power source and I thought maybe a primitive computer coax type cable or a power source for a different country but I think your theory is more probable.

[@jsrocker1]

My thoughts exactly

[@jinlamb1998]

i thought they were electric eyes

[@kaylahw]

They could also be the old style screw In fuses.

[@genehart261]

It's a really good system for battery-powered living "off grid" Anything that can be run on 12 volts dc avoids the use of an inverter and its losses. Should still be used but lots of folks don't understand the concept.

[@craignevels3530]

It's unbelievable that this place was just abandoned. It would be a fantastic place to live.

[@chieflodgepole]

He died...no body tolebe it too

[@Katseye102]

Just when I think the last place couldn’t be beat…..you find another cool place!! Can’t wait for the next one!!! Stay safe out there! Be glad your not caught in the floods in Death Valley!!

[@richwhitaker1506]

Only drawback would be you can't throw stones. Sarah, you find some pretty unique places in the middle of nowhere. Stay safe.

[@timmobley6907]

Very cool house! The “cheese grater” is actually a toaster for a gas stove.

[@angelas4681]

So glad the door was unlocked so we could experience this house with you. Fascinating...

[@steveheath4256]

19:45 the sound Wonderhussy makes when she finally finds that dead body. After binging on FBI raids the past couple days I needed this. Thank you Wonderhussy.

[@girlinthecurl93]

Imagine the stars laying in the funky bed looking 360 stars

[@mariemorgan7759]

Growing up in the 1970s I used to see books on those Earth ship homes in New Mexico, that is what this place reminds me of. I love the orange, yellow walls and kitchen cabinets ,very 1970s!💕🌻🌞

[@roygorman6624]

All I can say,is that dude had a great work ethic to be able to build that with one helper!

[@jamesbrown1674]

I live in Pahrump and every morning at the gym I look to the Tecopa mountain pass and say " Hello Wonderhussy".

[@leedanielson7452]

Does she say anything back?

[@tomlangley6236]

The round outlets are low voltage DC power-Often found in Campers. Also I bet the Star shaped thing on the fireplace is the damper control.

[@jasmith1867]

thanks, I scrolled all the way down to find that answer.

[@hirammelvin6209]

It seems like you don't care about your subscribers anymore.ive been with you from the begining.i guess that doesn't mean much

[@paulsimonds9270]

What an interesting little house that was well built. But remember people in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.

[@neilkearns9684]

Turns out that you actually can throw stones in a glass house, as long as those stones are fluffy lightweight pumice. Some scratching of optical surfaces may occur.

[@michaelsimmons261]

@@neilkearns9684 people in glass houses get STONED

[@dennismackiewicz9256]

It’s cool that the house has both AC and DC power provisions.

[@jamesgrill6016]

I think the round outlets in the wall may be 12 volt plugs like a cigarette plug.

[@dthomas3065]

So glad you’re visiting our wonderful state. So much to see and do

[@lawrenceharp6396]

Beautiful off grid modern structure, I bet it had solar, and generator as well. It could still be easily made into a volunteer cabin before it gets totally destroyed by vandals! So gorgeous and luxurious, such a waste. It must have been amazing to stay in during the winter. What a find!

[@sisken12]

So relieved to see that you are ok, and unaffected by the flooding in Death Valley. Hope your house is ok.

[@ronaldmason7053]

No flooding in Tecopa - her house is fine.

[@chuckbrasch4575]

@@ronaldmason7053 Even if Tecopa was flooded, her house is up on a little hill so it would be 'high and dry!'......

[@shawnheneghan4110]

It is really nice that it has not been trashed.

[@goldiecaulfield3266]

Beautiful home, the wall colors are 70's retro. Thanks for taking us along and sharing a Wonderhussy Fantastic Find!

[@scubatrucker6806]

It's nice to see that none of the glass is broken over the years❤❤

[@MrRyguy2112]

Yeah the owners must not have thrown stones. Lol

[@scubatrucker6806]

@Fuzzy Knuckle it still can be damaged and I'm impressed all the visitors haven't vandalize the place❤❤

[@tom1644x]

Glad no one has used it for target practice.

[@jimclaytor9834]

Wow that was a lot of work building that house. Great find wonderhussy and thanks for your hard work in bringing us this video 👍👍

[@cherylpaquette5626]

I have to agree with you the glass house is an artistic masterpiece. Just beautiful.

[@kevindelaney1951]

Someone had a dream & vision & realized it. Beautiful place & I hope the builder got to enjoy a bit of time in it. Wonderful find & explore. Thank for sharing.

[@kimsharesvideo]

The yellow streak of flowers ‼️Fabulous house. Clearly a broken dream. ❤️ winter dream hose.

[@kennysherrill6542]

One of the commenters got it right, that house has a dual electric system, 120 and 12 volt. The refrigerator, hot water heater and air-conditioning system are missing and the rest can be fixed with a little work. Nice place but who ever made it passed on by now. Wish I was there with you Sarah, your so beautiful. 👍♥️🇺🇸

[@dyrnl58]

I'm a long time fan. I'm retired and love what you do. That would have been me 25 years ago. So for now I'm in Vegas, losing money, getting tan, drinking fancy concoctions!! Keep on my friend!!!!!

[@rogersmith7396]

Don't worry, it will be abandoned soon.

[@tommacek6134]

This place is just plain awesome!!! Great video WONDERHUSSY. Thanks for sharing this video. I really look forward to all of your videos. Be safe and PEACE.

[@belindabitzer6304]

Good vlog. It's so amazing how you come across these properties that are in the middle of nowhere and in decent condition 😊

[@Stan_Rich]

Great Vid ! We love everything about the Hart Mtn Antelope Refuge ! Mr. Benson really hit the bull’s-eye with this house and location!

[@TOM-C.]

I'm in agreement Hussy, this one will be difficult to beat! Thanks for showing it to us, and for all the commenters below who gave further information. Whoever has domain over this home should make it a a volunteer camp site. If ever there was an abandoned home that deserved to be preserved for everyone to enjoy, it's this one! 👍✌

[@danielpiccinini]

Absolutely a work of art , beautiful!. by the size of the fire place stove chiminines , perfect for the cooler weather months.

[@harryyarrow4110]

Beautiful location.Maybe someone could renovate that property.What a place!👨‍🌾👩‍🌾

[@pinksparkle258]

They've made lots of films all over Oregon and for a reason...it's all so picturesque from the mountains to the desert to the coastline. Matter of fact, Disney used one of my relatives Ranch near Seneca for outdoor scenes way back in the day...1950's I think 🤔

[@wngimageanddesign9546]

One of your coolest discoveries! Thanks for sharing this one!

[@limecool3035]

Love this place, too bad its not being used everyday.

[@S.E.C-R]

I’ve loved in Oregon my whole life and I’ve never heard of this place… now I want to take a drive south to check it out!!

[@larslarsman]

Amazing. All laid out to a plan, and I want one just like that.

[@pixelpeter3883]

Have to agree WH: this must be one of the most special locations you've visited so far. Loved it! Still have my doubts about all that glass (would be interesting to hear the reason for that), but it's surely a sight to behold!

[@bluewave7120]

The the most unique & coolest of all the houses you have ever taken us too! Even the stone work on the walls was accurate and done to perfection. And I love the triangle stainless sink! Who was this artistic gentleman?

[@chrisblack8390]

Very cool!!! Loved all the rock walls. Bed was gorgeous. And one of the comments tells all about him. Thanks Cheers

[@MM_in_Havasu]

Very interesting glass house out in the middle of f'n' nowhere! Thanks for such a cool video, Wonderhussy!

[@suzanjournagan1112]

All the doors open and screend in would be great venting. Yes awesome explore. Happy WH Wednesday 👍🙂✌

[@bobmulligan4597]

Glad to see you made it after all the flooding. Keep up the adventures 🥰

[@forevermetalartm.winegart]

What a cool place Sarah. Love your Chanel be safe and have fun.

[@joanna5881]

Very characteristic of Mid-Century Modern architecture popular from 1945 to 1969. Elements include clean lines, muted tones, a combination of natural and manmade materials, graphic shapes, vibrant colors, and integrating indoor and outdoor motifs. This was one of my favorite design styles and still is to this day. I can see why you enjoyed touring the place in spite of the extreme heat. ;-)

[@sharksport01]

Its contemporary, not modern. And 1969 is hardly the middle of the century.

[@thebeautifulhobo1]

@@sharksport01 OH MY! Hardly you say?

[@wdjones4735]

What a great house!!!!!! WooHoo for Wonderhussy Wednesday!!!!!!!

[@larrygodfrey859]

Fantastic place, great find!

[@lisameyer7757]

i agree with everything Wonderhussy says about this place! How AMAZING!!! SO COOL! This house is a National Treasure! Thanks for sharing😁

[@tomfrye9037]

Wow! This is something else. It's about the last thing one would expect to find in the middle of nowhere. Other commenters have said it was for a winter get-a-way. And it might work out well in tht area. It wouldn't work well for any season near me🙂. Thank you so much for braving the blacksmith forge to film that location. Much Love, Darlin'.

[@Michigan.maiden]

I absofrickenlutely love your videos and your no bs attitude and tenacity is admirable. I got to visit Death Valley last year but didn't get to spend much time. My next venture is Oregon!! Thank you for sharing!

[@ashbyandrus1917]

Glad to see that you are ok as well. The flooding was a great surprise to us followers as well as to you. Fortunately you're in Oregon - nowhere near Death Valley. Just hope your Death Valley compound is withstanding it all. Be safe...

[@martingindulis5310]

I enjoy your passion when visiting places like this😆😆😆😆

[@jonnboy]

Great video thank you for the view of this wonderful home. Interesting architecture. THANKS

[@wilmeaux12]

How about a report on the Death Valley situation?

[@debbiemclaughlin3460]

My thought to

[@Fuff63]

Really enjoyed this thx. Could grow a lot of pot in there or other plants or flowers. What a beautiful surrounding. Happy travels, Cheers.

[@debbieweckler6832]

Very cool. I am preparing to paint my log bunk house, and really like the colors of this. Hmmm!

[@baeschler]

All the round receptacles are 12 Volt receptacles. Look forward to your vids every week. Hope you do not go away.

[@larajackson7506]

Those metal rails are also used as towel holders ect can be used to dry washcloths too! Thank you for sharing! Amazing video as always! Much love to you ❤

[@imsunasong3912]

I did enjoy it too. Pretty cool house in the middle of nowhere!!😯

[@davidbansner3823]

I really enjoy this video! The architectural design brings joy to me! A powerful design like Frank Loyd Wright.. thank you Wonderhussy 🤠

[@johnnylightning1491]

The thing that is absolutely amazing to me is that the graffiti vandals haven't found this place. As for the builder(s) all I can think is that they are the ultimate exhibitionists, it's not like there would be any privacy at all unless you put up a lot of curtains. Neat house. Those numbers on the toilet are model numbers for the toilet. Keep the good stuff coming.

[@LaurelsPeace]

Wow. A gorgeous and extraordinary residence created with inspiration and love ☮️ WH You told this story well 💟

[@jburnett8152]

Just beautiful surroundings and very interesting house.

[@rockingredpoppy9119]

Absolutely amazing, I so hope nobody trashes it. 😊

[@gonnn777F]

Amazing House, amazing video, Congrats!!!

[@skyepilotte11]

Great place and location...very well preserved...thx Wonder Hussy.

[@hamilton1191]

When exploring buildings with intact windows/glass, you must do so with the doors CLOSED behind you to prevent animals from sneaking in behind you and being trapped when you lock up on your way out.

[@jasmith1867]

I lost my cat for a week one time like that. Scurried in behind me when I opened a shed.

[@thegroovetube3247]

A. There's already at least one mouse/rat happily living in there. B. At 23:27 there's clearly a smashed pane of glass in the door.

[@hamilton1191]

@@thegroovetube3247 Discovered after the fact.

[@johnrogers6291]

Amazing house..Thanks for showing us, Sarah.

[@bluetrue6062]

Wow! Cool find and story in the comments about the builder and his history. Thanks!

[@roseapple8786]

This house is very interesting. Just think if you lived there the stars that you would see on a clear night. That deck is big and just think of the parties you could have on it. Pass me a glass of wine please. Thank you for sharing and be safe and God Bless.

[@william.weir2023]

i,m just amazed that most of the glass is intact.. one of your best wonderhussy.😀❤👍👍

[@rachelk7555]

That view is stunning.

[@tracybrown9634]

I'm interested in buying this place. I love the isolation.

[@kennethblackman3234]

Perfect winter place . Love this area

[@Lulu-122]

I love that place! That is really Far Out!! Great Architecture, great landscaping, I love e! TY for bringing us along.

[@colleenhelminiak1429]

Just when I wonder if you can find anything to surpass your last great video......you glide in with one that is absolutely astounding - you go, girl!!!! Love it, love it, love it 💖💖💖😄😄😄

[@jfowler7604]

A fun destination and adventure. Really good to see that the graffiti and bullet hole morons have not been there to defile this totally cool location.

[@eugenenelson5398]

Wonderhussy, you are great! And thanks for showing this house.i would love to go there to see , be neat to see all that open land,.

[@DClean]

hey huss ! hope the Desert Compound has withstood the recent flash floods in the Death Valley area 🌊🌊🌊

[@parkallen3511]

Looking good wonder hussy always like your adventures

[@billy690100]

I don't think anyone here would call these people dumb, Amazing vision✌

[@Sparose3]

That was cool!👍💕

[@scubatrucker6806]

Looks like a Vacation place.❤❤

[@sharonbaptista1122]

Nice to hear from u again. I thought you got lost!!Last story i watched was from the Lake Powell adventure.

[@OU-tn4nt]

That's some pretty unique hardware on that door. You don't see craftsmanship like that anymore. Great video and thanks for taking us along with you.

[@anitabackroadsonly9086]

Must be something to be in there during a big rainstorm

[@ohanailo7743]

Enjoyed this broadcast, Miss Hussey.

[@richardsisk1770]

Wow! Thank You Wonderhussy!!!😍

[@genechronister7085]

Looking good,sarah!

[@emilylosl]

The funny light fixtures by the light switches are 12 Volt connections like for a car power cord in case they use 12 Volt battery outside someplace to have light or other things to charge or run a 12 V shaver or hair drier.

[@dlschgo]

Thanks for the interesting content!

[@Rockstar97321]

If you are used to living in the desert, when you go to Oregon, the colors can be almost overwelming. If you are used to living in Oregon, and then you go to the desert, it looks almost colorless. I'm an Oregonian, and when I went to Nevada for the first time, it took me months to see the colors in the desert. It just all looked tan to me.

[@kathypriest95]

We're from lake county il, very green. When my husband came back from Iraq all he could talk about was how horrible the desert color was, white, off white, and beige. At first it was wow,look at how dry everything is to get me the flock outta here. Speaking of water, I wonder how Sarah's house is

[@garydavis2473]

Nope

[@kathypriest95]

@@Tomcat8911 😉👍

[@MarkSeibold]

I've lived in Portland Oregon my entire life as a serious advanced astronomer. A coworker amateur astronomer and I drive down to the Southeast corner of the state at the Steen's Mountain up at the 7,000 ft level for The Oregon Star Party with 250 other serious amateur and professional astronomers in 1991. I attended another nine of the Oregon Star Parties after they moved it to the more Central part of the State in the Ochoco Mountains just east of Prineville. I haven't watched the entire video yet but I'm curious to know more about this place. I don't really understand exactly where the home is located but 35 years ago at the age of 33 I designed and helped to build our own home for my wife and daughter and I just 15 miles east of Portland Oregon in the Columbia River Gorge in the town of Trouble. As I was an art major after high school graduation, I couldn't wait to soon design and build our own home. What I don't understand is why this beautiful modernist home out in the Southeast Oregon Desert seems to be abandoned. It looks like living there was not the greatest idea after all. I imagine the people that designed it and built it are probably not astronomers. This region is known to have the darkest skies in the nation, in that location in the entire Eastern side of Oregon and especially the Southeast corner near the Steen's Mountain.

[@Rockstar97321]

@@MarkSeibold That's a Krupp glass house. Look at the glass TyssenKrupp headquarters in Essen, Germany. It's a massive office building made of glass. Their family owns Napa Valley. I spent a few months recently east of Prineville in the Ochoco Forest. The Milky way is so bright that you can see at night by starlight when there is no moon. I plan to go back up there when it cools down. I'm on the Oregon Coast right now where the high temps are in the lower 60s. It's the coolest place in the Wild Wild West. Last Fall, I heard a sasquatch near the Ochoco Ranger Station about 20 miles east of Prineville.

[@tayatay6501]

Cool place! Love your videos ❤️