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    A Beverage Maven’s Groovy Palm Springs Midcentury Hits the Market Again for $5.2 Million

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    Back in 2015, an article in Palm Springs Life magazine touted the fact that this “white, bright and ready-to-entertain” midcentury-modern villa in the California desert city’s Old Las Palmas neighborhood revealed the chosen passions of its entrepreneurial owners in “wildly colorful fashion.” Think retro-esque interiors offering up a one-of-a-kind office bathed in fuscia and British-themed den hosting a vintage motorcycle collection, plus a fun little music room filled with collectible guitars and stereo equipment thrown in for good measure.

    Originally designed and built in the early 1960s as the personal residence of the late real estate developer Robert Marx—son of “Gummo,” a member of the famed Marx Brothers vaudeville act—the house turned out to be a study in Bacchanalia-style extravagance, complete with a swath of Corinthian and Ionic columns. The next owners were Spa Girl Cocktails founder Karen Haines and her husband Chris, proprietor of an off-road motorcycle tour company, who picked up the place for a mere $895,000 back in spring 2012.

    Now, after first floating the home up for sale at $4.8 million in summer 2022, the couple has opted to return the stylish pad to the market, this time with an increased $5.2 million price tag. But the pair did give the premises a “wall-to-wall makeover” during their tenure, which included adding a touch of Hollywood Regency flair.

    Armed with a British motif, the den is adorned with pop art, vintage racing motorcycles and an area rug bearing the traditional flag of England.

    Oscar Flink

    Resting amid a nearly half-acre parcel hidden away behind gates and tall hedges, and known as “Villa del Leone,” the private property features panoramic views of the San Jacinto Mountains. Four bedrooms and three bathrooms are spread across a little more than 4,300 square feet of U-shaped living space, which is punctuated throughout by floor-to-ceiling walls of glass, white epoxy tile floors, original molding and custom lighting.

    A set of hand-carved front doors opens into an entry foyer, which flows to an open-concept great room holding a fireside living area, as well as a bookshelf- and mirror-lined dining room resting beneath a concave dome ceiling topped by a gold and crystal chandelier embellished with silver ornaments. Other highlights include the aforementioned den, which is adjoined by a wet bar, and a gourmet kitchen decked out with high-end stainless appliances,

    One of the house’s four bedrooms was converted into a brightly colored office for the owner’s ready-to-drink cocktail company.

    Oscar Flink

    Secluded in a separate bedroom wing, the lavishly wallpapered master retreat is showcased by two walk-in closets, and a marble-clad bath equipped with dual vanities, an elaborate soaking tub and a glass-encased shower; and outdoors, the palm tree-laced backyard holds a swimming pool flanked by a grassy lawn, along with a harlequin-patterned patio ideal for al fresco lounging and entertaining. There’s also an attached two-car garage out front.

    According to listing agents Lloyd Ross and David Williams of Douglas Elliman, the entrepreneurial couple have decided to sell so they can “continue to pursue new adventures and opportunities.”

    Click here for more photos of the Haines house.

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      Formula 1’s Jenson Button Puts Colorful Rental Villa up for Sale in Palm Springs

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      Seeking a potential income opportunity—specifically a 1930s Spanish-style rental property that’s been revamped in keeping with the iconic style of The Beverly Hills Hotel and Jayne Mansfield’s “Pink Palace,” plus a little bit of Barbie DreamHouse thrown in for good measure? Look no further! A vacation villa owned by former Formula 1 champ Jenson Button and his wife Brittny has just popped up for sale in the California desert city of Palm Springs, at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains, asking $2.1 million.

      Per records, the U.K.-born racer and his interior designer wife Brittny purchased the place in fall 2021 for $1.7 million from filmmaker and screenwriter Josh Evans, son of actress Ali McGraw and the late movie producer Robert Evans. They subsequently reworked the premises for use as “The Mesa Bungalows,” with rates currently starting at $900 per night via Natural Retreats.

      A neon sign out front welcomes guests to the four-bedroom rental villa.

      Natural Retreats

      Built way back in 1937, the two-story structure offers four en-suite bedrooms with their own separate entrances and five baths in 2,200 square feet of retro-inspired living space adorned throughout with varying shades of pink and green accents. There also are palm-laced grounds sporting a kidney-shaped pool and spa, white iron gazebo and tiered water fountain.

      Other highlights include a kitchen outfitted with a mint-green gas stove, an eat-in island and a butler’s pantry, along with an adjoining dining area that connects to a living room spotlighted by a vaulted wood-beam ceiling and floor-to-ceiling fireplace; and elsewhere is a primary bedroom boasting a bath equipped with dual vanities, a freestanding soaking tub and large glass-encased shower, as well as a guest bedroom with access to a sundeck.

      The kitchen is decked out with a mint-green gas stove and pink refrigerator.

      Natural Retreats

      A couple of additional guest bedrooms spill out to resort-like grounds spanning over a third of an acre, and hosting the aforementioned pool and spa flaunting a cascading waterfall. There’s also an upper-level patio, which is ideal for al fresco lounging and entertaining with a pergola holding a kitchen and barbecue setup, an inviting fireplace and a custom wood daybed shaded by colorful metal palm leaves.

      An upper-level patio is the ideal spot for relaxing with a frond-covered day bed and cozy fireplace.

      Natural Retreats

      After having one of the most successful careers in Formula 1 history—earning 15 wins, 50 podium finishes and a 2009 World Championship—and then taking a turn at the Super GT series, Jenson Button returned to the Nascar driver’s seat over the summer after taking a sabbatical. He also recently joined with actor Keanu Reeves to release the documentary The Impossible Formula 1 Story, which is now airing on Disney+. 

      In addition to their Palm Springs home, the Buttons also maintain a primary residence in Calabasas. Earlier this year, the couple offloaded a Spanish Colonial-style getaway in the historic El Mirador neighborhood of Palm Springs for $2.1 million; and in 2022, the pair netted a total of $9.3 million on two properties they sold in Palm Springs and Santa Monica.

      Listed by Joseph Babineaux of Windermere Real Estate Desert Properties, the turnkey property is being marketed as a short-term vacation rental investment opportunity or private desert getaway.

      Click here for more photos of “The Mesa Bungalows.”

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      Elizabeth Taylor’s Palm Springs Getaway Can Be Yours for $5 Million

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      Though Dame Elizabeth Taylor passed away in March 2011 at age 79, the legendary star’s legacy lives on at this modern Palm Springs vacation home that she owned for almost a decade, not to mention the 50-plus films she appeared in throughout her lengthy career. Recently updated by her close friend Kathy Ireland, the Coachella Valley oasis is now on the market in the desert city of Palm Springs, asking just under $5 million.

      Often revered for her seemingly violet eyes, Taylor starred in National Velvet when she was just 10 years old and went on to glam it up in roles such as Cleopatra later in life. Married eight times (twice to Richard Burton), the British-born actress gained more than her share of acclaim along the way, having received two Oscars for BUtterfield 8 and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? She also was a strong advocate in the fight against HIV/AIDS, helping to found The Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR) and launching the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation.

      The open-concept great room is warmed by a fireplace and opens to the pool area.

      Mark San Agustin

      One of two homes Taylor laid claim to at the time of her death—the other being a 1960s Bel Air estate that was previously occupied by Nancy Sinatra—the Palm Springs property was originally built in 2001 and purchased by Taylor some three years later for $1.4 million. She subsequently enlisted close friend Kathy Ireland to design the place, with the supermodel-turned-entrepreneur also pitching in on a recent remodel of the premises.

      Currently owned by Fred Bin, CEO of Westlake Village-based real estate company Zoom Casa, who bought the house this past March for nearly $3.8 million, the low-slung structure rests on over a half-acre gated parcel in the Old Las Palmas neighborhood. Known affectionately as “Casa Elizabeth,” it features four bedrooms and five baths spread across a little more than 4,200 square feet of single-level living space that opens to a pool area providing scenic views of the San Jacinto Mountains.

      Highlights include an entry foyer that flows to an open-concept great room centered around a living area sporting a fireplace encased in a slat-wood accent wall, plus floor-to-ceiling glass doors spilling out to a covered terrace ideal for al fresco entertaining with a barbecue, refrigerator, sink and seated bar. Back inside, an adjacent dining area connects to a kitchen outfitted with sleek wood cabinetry, high-end appliances and an eat-in peninsula.

      The backyard is dotted with palm trees, and hosts a pool flanked by a sundeck and cabana.

      Mark San Agustin

      Sequestered off by themselves are two primary suites, each of which come complete with spa-inspired baths decked out with dual vanities, soaking tubs and walk-in showers. Both baths also are accessible to the secluded palm tree-laced grounds, which are showcased by a waterfall-fed pool flanked by a sundeck on one side and an open-air cabana on the other. There’s also an attached three-car garage out front.

      The listing is held by Sandra Upchurch of Signature Real Estate Group.

      Click here for more photos of Liz Taylor’s Palm Springs vacation home. More

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      Suzanne Somers’s Fantastical 28-Acre Former Compound in Palm Springs Hits the Market for $13 Million

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      A nearly century-old desert compound in Palm Springs is the talk of the town—and not just because it used to belong to Suzanne Somers.  

      The enchanting, 28-acre property is one of the most impressive residences in The Mesa community, and it recently reemerged on the market asking a cool $12.9 million. The Three’s Company star and her husband, Alan Hamel, bought the hillside spread in the ‘70s and decided to sell it back in 2021 after over 40 years of ownership.

      The seven-bedroom, 10-bathroom oasis comprises a European-inspired main house, four individual villas, a total of 10 outdoor venues including a hand-carved natural rock amphitheater, and a lagoon-style swimming pool. Even cooler, the residence comes with its own custom-built funicular that allows you to be ferried up and down via cable car.  

      A desert compound in Palm Springs where Suzanne Somers used to live just listed for $12.9 million

      Kelly Peak

      “The layout of our home is unique,” Somers said, speaking to People, prior to the sale. “It’s a great home for having guests because they can each go off to their own cottages at the end of the day and have privacy.”

      Originally built in 1939, the compound sports sweeping views of Mesa Canyon and a whopping 7,280 square feet of living space. In fact, one of the guest dwellings dubbed “The Rock House” was designed by prominent Palm Springs architect Albert Frey, best known for his midcentury modern creations. The stone-clad abode includes two suites, a fireplace, a meditation garden, a claw-foot tub, and walls of glass.

      The 28-acre property includes a pool, a natural waterfall, hiking trails, and secret patios

      Kelly Peak

      Overall, the property strikes us as the perfect place to entertain with its two-room chef’s kitchen, a hidden 2,000-bottle wine cellar, five outdoor fireplaces, and parking for over 20 cars. Of course, there’s also a formal dining room that can seat up to 32 guests, while that alfresco entertainment center has enough room for 50 of your closest friends, not to mention its own dance floor. 

      “It has all this acreage and hiking trails and a beautiful gated long driveway,” Somers told Homes and Gardens back in 2021. “There’s nothing like it and there never will be again.” 

      Scott Lyle of Compass holds the listing. 

      Click here to see all the photos of 252 Ridge Road. 

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      F1 Champ Jenson Button’s Palm Springs Estate Just Hit the Market for $2.5 Million

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      Buyers, start your engines: The race to own Jenson Button’s Palm Springs pad is on.  

      The Formula 1 driver, who famously won the world championship in 2009, is zipping out of his California desert retreat so you can drive on in. The Englishman and his wife, Brittny, bought the Spanish-Colonial residence roughly a year ago. However, they now own a second vacation rental in the area, which is why they’ve decided to sell.

      “Between my design career and Jenson’s busy work schedule, on top of our family life, we don’t have time to manage two homes in Palm Springs,” Brittny told Dirt. “We are so sad to say goodbye, but we know whoever is lucky enough to purchase the property will be very happy there.”  

      Formula 1 champion Jenson Button is selling his Palm Springs vacation home for $2.5 million.

      Michael Karam/Calilookbook

      On the market for $2.5 million, the estate is situated within the historic El Mirador neighborhood. Spanning 3,000 square feet, the main home comprises four bedrooms and four bathrooms. There’s also a guest casita for your pit crew. Oh, and the couple’s furniture is up for grabs, too.

      The abode was originally built in 1946 by American starchitect John Porter Clark, who is credited as one of the pioneers of desert modernism. For an older spread, the Mediterranean-inspired villa has a ton of charm. Think vaulted wood-beam ceilings, dramatic columns and terracotta flooring throughout.

      The Spanish Colonial home was furnished by the racing driver’s wife, Brittny, who’s an interior designer.

      Michael Karam/Calilookbook

      The light, airy living quarters are characterized by bright white paint and expansive windows. Highlights include a custom chef’s kitchen outfitted with top-of-the-line Dacor and Sub-Zero appliances. There’s also a cozy breakfast nook and a separate dining area for entertaining racing royalty. Nearby, the living room sports a soaring, floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace that creates a cozy vibe.

      Large French doors open up to the landscaped grounds, which have been decked out with a two-car garage, a fountain and a covered wraparound veranda. Extra perks include a sparkling pool and spa, a fire pit and a built-in barbecue. Best of all, you can enjoy jaw-dropping views of the nearby San Jacinto Mountains from your new digs. The peaks are a great place to put the pedal to the metal like Button, too.

      Joseph Babineaux of HK Lane Real Estate holds the listing. 

      Click here to see all the photos of 667 E. Mel Avenue.

      Michael Karam/Calilookbook More

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      667 E. Mel Avenue in Photos

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      <!– <!– _ _ _ ____ _ _____ _ ___ | | (_) | _____ / ___|___ __| | ___ | ____| |__|__ | | | | |/ / _ | | / _ / _` |/ _ | _| | '_ / / | |___| | 667 E. Mel Avenue in Photos – Robb […] More

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      Darling Digs: Zsa Zsa Gabor’s Glitzy Palm Springs Hideaway Just Hit the Market for $3.8 Million

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      The former home of late Hollywood legend Zsa Zsa Gabor is up for grabs, and it’s just as over-the-top as you’d expect.

      The socialite’s glitzy Palm Springs pad was originally custom-built in 1964 for her sister, Magda, by her fourth husband, Arthur “Tony” Gallucci. Though, Zsa Zsa lived there after her sibling passed away in 1997. In the years since it’s been given a modern and maximalist refresh thanks to its current owners. Interior designer Tracy Turco and her husband, Jerry, who’s a real estate developer, scooped up the three-bedroom residence back in 2020, reported Mansion Global. “When we found out the Gabor estate was for sale—totally glamour—I wanted it before I had even seen it. Hollywood-Regency style is my aesthetic!” Tracy told the listing site over email.  

      The Palm Springs home of late actress Zsa Zsa Gabor just listed for $3.8 million

      Michael Roth

      The midcentury stunner is set on an elevated plain atop the picturesque Little Tuscany neighborhood. The spare desert setting makes the playful, pink brick exterior stand out all the more. Outside, you’ll find a giant mosaic-tile swimming pool complete with a stone deck and statues. Inside, nearly every inch of the 3,500-square-foot estate is a study in baroque aesthetics. There are shimmering chandeliers and mirrored walls throughout, which were part of the original home. Oh yeah, and all of the furnishings, a grand piano and even a portrait of Magda are all included in the sale. The latter is worth a whopping $20,000, according to agent Conrad Miller of Avenue 8, who holds the listing with colleague Brandon Holland. 

      The home still has its original mirrored walls but has been renovated by owner and interior designer Tracy Turco

      Michael Roth

      Naturally, the Turcos put their own artsy stamp on the place. The kitchen, which has ample wine storage and an original Hungarian rotisserie, features a metallic gold ceiling and black cabinets. Elsewhere, funky wallpaper designs are plastered all over the abode. In the primary suite, the couple added an office and seating area. The space also has pink carpeting and a matching closet, a makeup room, an en suite bath and striking views of the surrounding mountains.  

      The California estate can now be yours for a cool $3.8 million, and to quote Zsa Zsa, it’s simple, darling.  

      Click here to see all the photos 1090 W Cielo Dr.

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      1090 W Cielo Dr in Photos

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      <!– <!– _ _ _ ____ _ _____ _ ___ | | (_) | _____ / ___|___ __| | ___ | ____| |__|__ | | | | |/ / _ | | / _ / _` |/ _ | _| | '_ / / | |___| | 1090 W Cielo Dr in Photos – Robb […] More

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      Elvis and Priscilla Presley’s Palm Springs Honeymoon Hideaway Just Listed for $5.6 Million

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      The seller of this Palm Springs landmark has left the building. And now, you too can live like Elvis and Priscilla Presley once did.  

      Most famous for being the futuristic residence in which the King and his wife honeymooned in 1967, a popular California tourist attraction dubbed “The House of Tomorrow” has just hit the market after an ambitious two-year renovation. The mid-century modern abode dates back to 1962 when it was first designed by William Krisel for home builder Robert Alexander. Alexander loved it so much; he kept the commission for himself. Shortly after, the “it” couple was said to have leased the space for a year prior to their marriage, reported The Wall Street Journal.  

      Its unusual design can be likened to that of a spaceship, gaining the attention of architectural lovers and Elvis fanatics alike throughout the years. The nearly 5,000-square-foot home has four bedrooms and a pentagon-shaped pool. Sadly, the original tennis court is no longer. However, what makes it stand out is the geometric design and its space-age aesthetic. Think a winged roof reminiscent of a butterfly mid-flight and four circular pods that are interconnected to form the framework. All that’s missing is a flying car in the driveway.  

      Elvis and Priscilla Presley’s former Palm Springs home just listed for $5.6 million

      Chris Miller/One Point Media Group

      Internally, you’ll find several other nods to the modernist movement including curved stone walls, a rounded built-in sofa, terrazzo floors and tons of floor-to-ceiling windows. The sellers, Dan Bridge and Paul Armitstead, even went as far as to restore the original color of the exterior with the help of a 1960s paint supplier during the reno. “Our goal in this was not to have a museum, but rather turn this into a living and breathing home for people who will live in it, not just use it as a showpiece,” Bridge tells WSJ.  

      The landmark dubbed “The House of Tomorrow” just underwent a two-year renovation but kept its mid-century modern theme.

      Chris Miller/One Point Media Group

      The two came across the property during Palm Springs’ Modernism Week and decided to buy the residence in 2020 for $2.6 million with the hope of restoring it to its former glory. Inside, they were met with loads of Elvis memorabilia—most of which has been removed and auctioned off by the previous owner. Today, their most important updates include a rebuilt kitchen and a brand-new round center island. Elsewhere, the circular theme continues with custom fixtures and finishes, in addition to a floating fireplace. 

      This stunning remodel has us all shook up. 

      Marc Sanders of Compass holds the listing. 

      Click here to see all photos of Elvis and Priscilla’s honeymoon hideaway.

      Chris Miller/One Point Media Group More