590 Avenida Granada

In 2006 William Krisel allowed builder Nate Otto to build six of Krisel’s iconic 1957 butterfly-designed homes. The owners of 590 E Avenida Granada seized this amazing opportunity to own a classic Mid-20th Century home but built with all the amenities of today’s standards and moved forward. Some of the features that make this home stand out are solar, tank-less hot water heaters, ceiling insulation and double-pane windows. Replacing their existing tennis court on the beautiful Indian Canyon view lot put the project in motion.

While the home’s high ceilings and clerestory windows not only make the relatively small three-bedroom, two-bath home feel much more generous in size and allow for full-on views of the mountains and golf course, the owners realized that their 1,640 square-foot home would not only seem too small but would underutilize the 19,500 square-foot lot. So they hired an up-and-coming local architect, Sean Lockyear, to design the accompanying casita to complement the lines and high ceilings of the main home. The 450 square-foot detached casita hosts its own living space as well as offers another outdoor seating area with indoor/outdoor fireplace. An interesting feature of Lockyear’s design is the 8 x 16 cinder block construction matching the exterior walls that frame the entire property.

During the numerous visits by William Krisel prior to his death in 2017, he reported that he would have preferred the owners to have painted the beams his signature chocolate brown and the beautiful tongue and groove ceilings white instead of the white beams and clear coated ceiling. However, Corrine Krisel, Bill’s wife, had to remind him he did not live there and that the owners should be able to do as they please.

601 Avenida Granada

Designed in 1963, this is one of the earliest in Palm Springs by architect Stan Sackley, whose career flourished in the late ’60s and ’70s. The architectural drawings show that Sackley was still in partnership with his USC mentor and professor, Herman Charles Light, FAIA. In 1962, Light was the works architect for the LA Hall of Records, designed by Richard Neutra. Light’s AIA role gave Sackley the necessary step to launch his own career. By 1966, Sackley was advertising locally as a designer for custom homes.

The Simon Residence was an unusually spacious 3,800 square foot home for a young family. Simon was an attorney, Palm Springs High School Class of ’57. After only two years in their home, an unfortunate car accident forced the sale. Described in ads then as a “custom built, Spanish-style home for luxurious fairway living.” But its unusual design is more “Modernist Hacienda” similar to Kaptur or Cody homes of the late 60s and early 70s. Canted walls front and back offer privacy between living and bedroom areas; along with the deep overhangs on the rear elevation these features hint at the evolution in Sackley’s late-Modern architecture.

Updating the home in 2022 required “a lot of excavation,” in the designer’s words. Removing tired finishes and decor to create a contemporary environment was the remit. Room layouts and space are mostly original, including the atrium, respecting Sackley’s original design. A bump-out makes the kitchen slightly larger. Of the home’s original four bedrooms one is now used as a media room and the other an office. Spaces have been reopened to create a better flow. Full-height doors and glass throughout have been retained, along with original raked plaster finishes. The new owners’ art and furnishings complement the home’s considered and respectful modernization.

850 Sierra Way

Built In 1968 by Paul Butler, architect Hal Lacy designed a residence that seamlessly blends mid-century modern aesthetics with contemporary design elements. Purchased in July 2020, the property underwent a comprehensive 2.5-year renovation, culminating in the addition of a brand-new pool and a covered patio. The remodel introduced bold colors to highlight the home’s character, creating a harmonious fusion of classic and modern styles.

A standout feature is the front pivot door, inspired by bank vaults, which influenced the home’s name, “The Bank.” This theme is thoughtfully integrated throughout the design, offering a unique and cohesive living experience.

940 Balboa Circle

Designed by Raymond Levanas, AIA, and built in 1963, this is one of the many “Plan 3” houses Harry Kelso built in Canyon Country Club Estates. Of the six floor plans initially offered, it was among the most popular in the initially developed western half of the neighborhood. Plan 3 homes were built with varying facades, and many have been altered considerably, including 940 Balboa.

Extensively remodeled in 2020 by the architect-owner, breeze block walls were added to the façade, the rear of the house was expanded, and a rooftop deck was added. The pie-shaped lot resulted in a small front yard offset by an expansive rear yard, perfect for desert life and entertaining.

While the architecture of the home is not Hollywood Regency, much of the décor pulls from that 1950’s neo-classic tradition. Signature pieces include period furniture by Jansen and Billy Haines, wallpaper by Gracie and Zuber, and art by Slim Aarons and John Hilton. The color palette of black, white, purple and gold was applied throughout. Custom dining room wallpaper was hand painted featuring desert plants and animals. The living room ceiling was vaulted and beamed to create a more expansive space that still feels modern. The media room was added, complete with 13 dramatic gem-faceted ceiling lights. Windows and exterior doors were heightened and many doors pocketed into the walls, both to capitalize on the exceptional views and enjoy the indoor/outdoor Palm Springs lifestyle.

The pool is complemented by four fountains and a Hollywood Regency cabana that is the essence of 1960’s Palm Springs glamour. Finally, the rooftop deck offers drop dead views of the golf course, Indian Canyons neighborhood, and the magnificent surrounding mountains.

2312 Via Lazo

This mid-century home combines architecture and superior orientation to provide the epitome of Palm Springs living. The house was designed by architect David Curtis and built by Harry Kelso in 1963. Panoramic views from the floor to ceiling glass capture the private front-loaded pool courtyard on the south and the north facing 7th fairway of the golf course in the rear, with mountain views all around. The design features post and beam construction with exposed trusses and a pitched tongue and grooved ceiling with clerestory gable end windows.

The current owners, an architect and an interior designer couple, purchased the now 2,700 square foot house in 2011. They have since opened walls and remodeled the kitchen, as well as a completely remodeled guest wing, adding a 600 square foot second master suite, completing the 4 bedroom/4 bath layout. A Mies van der Rohe inspired rear pergola was added to provide a much-used outdoor covered bar/BBQ/fire table entertainment space. The front and rear outdoor spaces allow the owners to graciously entertain, sometimes with 200 or more. The house design contributes to the enduring legacy of the architects who transformed Palm Springs into a modernism Mecca.

2444 Alhambra

The Pink Paloma exhibits a rich history of chic desert elegance. Designed by Hal Lacy and built in 1963 by Boris Gertzen, the main house and accompanying casita have undergone meticulous maintenance and updates over the years to preserve the original character.

When the current owners purchased this home, they envisioned creating a unique expression of Palm Springs’ vibrant spirit. Pink Paloma’s charm is unmistakable, with blooming shades of fuchsia found throughout the mid-century modern design and furnishings. The open floor design welcomes streams of natural light into the great room through the nearly floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a luminous glow upon the collection of modern art. Sliding glass doors open to the outdoor oasis, adorned in pink with sophisticated black and white accents – featuring a covered patio with incredible desert-mountain views.

2494 Alhambra

Constructed in 1963 for Bill Lear (of LearJet fame), THE LEAR HOUSE is a classic example of the “Golden Era” Hollywood Regency style, characterized by the bold use of color and contrast often with metallic and glass accents meant to signify both opulence and comfort for both the interior and the landscape architecture. While no pictures exist, countless rumors of Hollywood celebrities who have lived and partied here include Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Carol Channing to name a few!

Located behind 10-foot bright yellow front doors, the 4,374 square foot home features original terrazzo throughout, a step-down living room with a circular fireplace, three bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms, a separate den, game room, and two offices. It was one of the first homes constructed in the Indian Canyons Neighborhood and was situated to take maximum advantage of the stunning mountain views.

The current owners purchased the house in 2016 and have completed extensive renovations. While trying to preserve the original integrity of the home, the new owners have added a few more modern touches where appropriate. A mural by the famed artist James Haunt, featuring a woman boarding a LearJet bound for a Palm Springs getaway, complements the outdoor dining pergola. THE LEAR HOUSE is a testament to the luxurious living of both the 1960s and today.

2685 Camino Real

Designed by Raymond Levanas, AIA, and built in 1962, CASITA REAL is one of the first homes built on the Canyon Country Club golf course by Harry Kelso. What began as a 1600 square foot mid-century ranch went through a few iterations, one being a pseudo-Tuscan re-do and addition in the mid 1980’s.
With respect to its origins, and an appreciation for some of the organic transformations, the current owner/architect, who worked for the firm of Mies van der Rohe in Chicago, and her husband, gutted the house in 2015 and completed further additions, pool and landscaping in 2022. The exterior belies the interior which is an oasis of comfortable modernism.

The original lines have been restored to reveal the home’s elegant bones, and expanded to include all new windows and doors, plumbing, electrical, heating, solar, and smart home control. The kitchen and bedroom wing were reconfigured and enlarged, and an attached studio/conservatory/guest suite was added for a total of 2800 square feet.

The 1963 kidney shaped pool was enlarged by adding a tanning shelf and adjacent spa and spillway. The landscaping was designed by the owner/architect who removed walls to capture gardens and a BBQ/dining courtyard from the front yard. Extensive living areas were created in the rear.
Vintage Cleo Baldon and teak furnishings rub elbows with Minotti, Poltrona Frau and Roche Bobois.

The Owner’s collection of vintage menus from around the world is displayed using the Systematic Art gallery system, and art, vintage posters, and ceramics are scattered throughout. Casita Real is a true indoor/outdoor environment and maintains a classic desert living vibe.