Elvis Presley Honeymooned Here

In the scorching heat of the summer desert, thankful for the air con,  we drove a self guided architectural tour of the beautiful mid-century modern homes in Palm Springs. 

The tall, leggy palm trees typical of Palm Springs waved a warm welcome as we toured the beautiful residences built in the specific, localized architectural mid-century style known as Desert Modernism.

​Long and low, simple and minimal, crafted out of local, natural materials, sometimes in warm earthy tones to blend in with the environment and sometimes in stark whites for contrast, sleek lines with expansive floor to ceiling walls of glass, huge windows to create a light and airy vibe to exhibit the magnificent desert landscape; smooth rocks, prickly succulents, statuesque cacti, the imposing San Jacinto Mountains, pops of color from flowering desert shrubs. Stunning!

Huge overhanging roofs jutting up and out in stark geometric shapes casting much needed shade from the mid-day desert heat, over patios, sun decks, loungers and pools. Think of Bambi and Thumper protecting Willard Whyte's home from the intruding James Bond in an epic fight in "Diamonds Are Forever. " That is the Elrod House designed in 1969 by John Lautner, an apprentice to Frank Lloyd Wright. It is right here in Palm Springs.

We saw the Raquetball Club where Marilyn Monroe was first spotted by a talent agent in 1949. Later she was a regular visitor to Palm Springs with her second husband Joe DiMaggio and often stayed at the Mira Loma Hotel, now known as the Palm Springs Rendezvous, where they stayed in the Pretty in Pink room. Marilyn Monroe continues to be a beloved presence in the city to this day. 

Next up, The Jetsons-like, futuristic home known as "The House of Tomorrow" designed by William Krisel, where Elvis and Priscilla honeymooned in 1967. The wide triangular overhanging roof made it look like a hang glider about to take off and fly away from the mountainside. The circular windows that wrapped around the heart of the home with views out over the valley created a spaceship feel. The local stone lava rocks that covered the walls and a water feature at the front of the home added to the cool vibes.

It was Ol' Blue Eyes himself, Frank Sinatra, who brought the star quality to Palm Springs in the 1940's. Palm Springs had all the glitz, glamor and movie star sex appeal of the period and became the chosen destination for the rich and wealthy but most especially the famous. It was Frank Sinatra that led the pack. We saw his desert home, known as Twin Palms, and you can see why it is called that in the picture below. Both his wives, Nancy first and then Ava Gardner lived in this home and he raised his family here too. 

In the backyards, we saw trimmed lawns with rectangular pools, splashes of blue, with short diving boards worthy of David Hockney, large pink flamingo inflatables, bright pool umbrellas, low loungers all finding shade under the swaying palms. It was like taking a sneak peek at a bygone era. 

We saw many wonderful homes in the Desert Modernism architectural style belonging to the rich and famous like Bob Hope, Steve McQueen, Elizabeth Taylor, Liberace, Dean Martin and more. We drove around in awe.

By the time we had finished our tour, the heat of the day was ebbing and I was ready for a strawberry malt milkshake and a quick dance in front of a jukebox at a fifties diner in a pair of blue suede shoes.

Welcome to Palm Springs

Elrod House as seen in "Diamonds are Forever." Photo Credit: Redfin

Elrod House as seen in "Diamonds are Forever." Photo Credit: Redfin

Elvis Presley Honeymooned Here

Frank Sinatra Residence