Nestled just north of Joshua Tree National Park, the Kellogg Doolittle House owned by Scott Leonard is a masterpiece of organic architecture, designed by Kendrick Bangs Kellogg and handcrafted by John Vugrin. Its 26 curved concrete columns and boulder-embedded walls create a modernist mirage that blends seamlessly with the desert landscape. Commissioned in 1984 by artists Bev and Jay Doolittle, the nearly 5,000-square-foot residence took over two decades to complete, earning praise as one of America’s most significant homes. However, its current owner, Scott Leonard, has drawn intense scrutiny due to allegations of sexual assault and other legal troubles, raising questions about the property’s future and its cultural legacy.
The Kellogg Doolittle House, often described as a “utilitarian museum,” was envisioned as a structure that harmonizes with its environment. Kellogg, a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright, designed the house with fanned concrete roof panels resembling a fossilized carapace, while Vugrin crafted site-specific elements, including marble vanities sourced from Italy. Construction began in 1988, with the Doolittles moving in around 2000 after years of meticulous work.
The house has been featured in The New York Times, Architectural Digest, and Hypebeast, and its Instagram account, @kellogg_doolittle_official, has 16,000 followers. It was sold in 2014 to Daniel and Michelle Lardieri for $1.65 million and again in 2021 to Scott Leonard for $6.55 million.
The ownership history provides context for the current controversies:
| Year | Owner(s) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1984–2014 | Bev and Jay Doolittle | Commissioned the house; sold in 2014 for $1.65 million. |
| 2014–2021 | Daniel and Michelle Lardieri | Purchased in 2014; sold to Scott Leonard in 2021. |
| 2021–Present | Scott Leonard | Purchased for $6.55 million; likely current owner as of July 2025. |
Some confusion exists due to a reported 2025 article mentioning the Lardieris as owners involved in a short-term rental (STR) violation scandal. However, primary sources, including the Los Angeles Times (July 2024) and The HartBeat (November 2024), confirm Leonard’s ownership, with no evidence of a sale by July 2025.
Scott Leonard, a self-described former music industry executive, purchased the house in 2021 after being inspired by its design in the early 2000s. He has used the property for high-profile events, such as a February 2023 Alicia Keys concert sponsored by Hennessy, attended by celebrities like Elizabeth Olsen. Leonard listed the house on Airbnb Luxe for $5,000–$6,700 per night, offering guests access to Joshua Tree’s natural beauty. He has also worked with Vugrin on preservation efforts, planning additions like a pool and a westward-facing bar. However, his ownership has been overshadowed by serious allegations.
Sexual Assault Allegations
In July 2024, the Los Angeles Times reported allegations by two women, Jamie-Lee Dimes and Courtney Barriger, accusing Leonard of drugging and sexually assaulting them at the Kellogg Doolittle House.
Jamie-Lee Dimes
- Incident: In August 2022, Dimes, a singer-songwriter, was invited to discuss her music career. She alleges Leonard drugged her with a “heavy tranquilizer,” slapped her, and raped her in a bedroom. She awoke with bruises, blood, and a displaced menstrual cup, with foggy memories.
- Legal Action: Dimes filed a police report in September 2022, resubmitted in May 2024 due to a cyberattack, and a civil lawsuit in 2024. She submitted clothing for DNA evidence and spoke to family and friends.
- Statement: “This incident took away my dreams, the light behind my eyes, and my spirit” (Los Angeles Times, July 2024).
Courtney Barriger
- Incident: On November 11, 2021, Barriger, an artist and model, alleges Leonard invited her to a gathering, made disturbing comments about rape, and drugged her with a pineapple-flavored cocktail. She experienced enhanced visuals, confronted Leonard, and alleges he attempted to assault her.
- Legal Action: Barriger filed a police report in March 2023, resubmitted in May 2024, and a civil lawsuit in 2024. She sought an MDMA test but initially hesitated to report.
- Statement: “I am taking a stand to pursue justice against Scott Leonard” (ABC7 Los Angeles, August 2024).
Investigation Status
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department is investigating both cases, but a 2023 cyberattack delayed progress, requiring victims to resubmit statements. No charges have been filed as of July 2025, and Leonard’s attorneys have declined to comment (Z107.7 FM, August 2024).
Additional Legal Troubles
Leonard faces seven criminal counts in Los Angeles related to a 2022 fire at his Hollywood recording studio, which killed Nathan Edwards, 26, and injured Aimee Osbourne. The charges stem from building safety violations, with a civil lawsuit settled and a criminal hearing held in July 2023 (ABC7 Los Angeles, August 2024). No updates were found for 2025.
The lawsuits allege Leonard exaggerated his music industry credentials, such as claiming to co-manage Björk, which was debunked by the Los Angeles Times. This issue is secondary but adds to scrutiny of his reputation.
A reported 2025 article claimed the Lardieris violated Joshua Tree’s STR regulations, facing citations and a May 2025 injunction. However, this is not corroborated by 2024 sources, which confirm Leonard’s STR activities. The house was removed from Airbnb post-allegations, likely during Leonard’s ownership.
Impact on the Property
The allegations led to the house’s removal from Airbnb, where it had a 100% five-star rating. Real estate experts offer varied perspectives:
| Expert | Affiliation | Opinion |
|---|---|---|
| Sonia Christian-Bendt | Berkshire Hathaway | Scandal will lower value until new ownership creates a new ambiance. |
| Cara Ameer | Licensed Broker, California | Property tainted; some may avoid supporting the owner. |
| Denise Supplee | SparkRental.com | Scandalized properties may sell slowly or quickly, depending on context. |
| Bruce Ailion | Re/Max, Atlanta | Unique design may outweigh scandal’s impact. |
The scandal draws comparisons to Jeffrey Epstein’s Manhattan townhome, which sold at a $23 million discount. Local residents and the Joshua Tree Historical Society have criticized the house’s commercialization, citing noise and disruption.
The allegations highlight power dynamics in the music industry, where aspiring artists may face exploitation. The 2023 cyberattack underscores challenges in law enforcement. The scandal raises questions about balancing cultural preservation with ethical concerns, as the house’s significance clashes with its controversial use.
Conclusion
The Kellogg Doolittle House remains a pinnacle of organic architecture, but its legacy is tarnished by allegations against Scott Leonard. The ongoing investigations, combined with his recording studio charges, leave the property’s future uncertain. While its architectural allure may preserve its value, the scandal underscores broader issues of accountability and cultural stewardship.
