Las Vegas
Three Iconic Homes You Can Rent in Palm Springs
(November 4, 2024) – Known as the original “playground of the stars” when Palm Springs was incorporated in 1938, the resort city came of age after the Second World War when an exciting new design aesthetic called Desert Modernism merged midcentury innovation with indoor-outdoor desert living and forever changed its landscape.
The once sleepy town would soon become known for its innovative modernist architecture as much as for the celebrities who lived and played there.
Of the many iconic homes once occupied by famous names, three midcentury gems offer a unique chance to experience architectural history firsthand, via vacation rental platforms such as AirBnB.
Living in style at Frank Sinatra’s Twin Palms Estate
Each house captures the essence of the desert modernist movement with timeless appeal, clean lines and seamless indoor-outdoor living. Once home to famous figures such as Frank Sinatra, Howard Hughes and Dinah Shore, these properties offer a blend of elegance, luxury and storied pasts.
Frank Sinatra House
Built in 1947 and designed by E. Stewart Williams, the Frank Sinatra House – also known as “Twin Palms” because of, you guessed it, a pair of palm trees on its grounds – is a hallmark of midcentury modern architecture. Commissioned by Sinatra as his first desert retreat, this home embodies the era’s quintessential esthetic with its sleek lines, floor to ceiling walls of glass and an emphasis on integration with the surrounding desert landscape.
Perhaps its most striking feature is the piano shaped swimming pool, a nod to Sinatra’s musical legacy, visible from the expansive living room. Inside, the open-plan layout reflects Sinatra’s entertainment driven lifestyle, with spacious rooms and effortless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. The home’s original recording equipment is still on display, offering guests a chance to step into the world of Ol’ Blue Eyes and his Rat Pack crew. Staying here is like living in a slice of Palm Springs’ golden age.
Howard Hughes House, unassuming outside, stylish inside
Howard Hughes House
Not as well known, but equally fascinating, is the Howard Hughes House, once a private hideaway for the former movie producer and reclusive billionaire. This modest home, tucked away in beautiful Araby Cove, reflects Hughes’ desire for seclusion with a simple, minimalist design that is as functional as it is stylish. The understated architecture captures the era’s love of large open spaces framed by walls of glass, bringing the outside in while maintaining privacy.
Surrounded by the desert’s natural rugged landscape, the home offers breathtaking, unobstructed views of the San Jacinto mountains. Inside, the interiors are sleek yet casual, using natural materials like wood and stone to create warmth within the modernist design. The pool area provides a serene escape, perfect for guests looking to retreat into tranquility.
Dinah Shore Estate
The Dinah Shore Palm Springs Estate, designed by Donald Wexler in 1964, is another midcentury masterpiece. Known for its innovative use of steel in residential design, Wexler crafted a sprawling six-bedroom home that blends modernist elegance with practicality. Large glass walls (this seems to be a theme!) offer panoramic views of the local mountains while allowing natural light to flood the interiors, emphasizing the indoor-outdoor connection (another recurring theme!).
Dinah Shore Estate, photo via 432hermosa.com
The estate’s grounds feature a swimming pool and lush gardens, perfect for soaking up the California sun. The open living spaces and stylishly furnished rooms, including a sunken bar, make this property ideal for groups looking to host an unforgettable retreat. Wexler’s clean, minimalist lines paired with the luxurious comfort of this estate embody the best of midcentury modern design.
Each of these homes offers more than just a place to stay, rather, they are immersive experiences in midcentury modern design as well as a glimpse into the lives of the Hollywood icons who lived there. Whether you’re drawn to Frank Sinatra’s glamorous lifestyle, Howard Hughes’ private sanctuary or Dinah Shore’s luxurious retreat, these architectural gems offer a chance to live in style … if only for a few days.
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