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ByKambili/Updated: March 3, 2023 1:39 pm EST
According to Harper's Bazaar, Old Hollywood was a glamorous era between the '30s and '60s when movie stars like Marilyn Monroe and Judy Garland lit up the big screen. The glitzy aesthetic captures the entertainment and luxurious fashion of the time. The nostalgia inherent to the style embodies the lifestyle of the movers and shakers who made Hollywood what it was. Old Hollywood real estate is still alive, featuring stunning homes built with glamorous features and luxe designs for stars like Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, and other icons.
Old Hollywood stars chose Palm Springs as a secondary playground and bought vacation homes here (viaVisit Palm Springs). This desert oasis is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Hollywood. Here is a look at some of the most stunning Old Hollywood homes in Palm Springs. These glamorous retreats will dazzle you with their luxurious design, eccentric details, and star power.
Frank Sinatra's home with the piano-shaped pool
Frank Sinatrais one of history's greatest entertainers, perBrittanica. In 1947, when Sinatra earned his first million, he rushed to Palm Springs to create this 4,500-square-foot home (viaTwin Palms Frank Sinatra Estate). Sinatra wanted a Georgian design, but his architect opted for something better suited to the desert made of non-traditional materials. The architect finally got his way, and Twin Palms was born.
This home was where Sinatra went to escape Hollywood and throw lavish parties. His home convinced the other icons to retreat to Palm Springs. The gorgeous mid-century modern house boasts a piano-shaped swimming pool, historic terrazzo tiles within the interior, and St. Charles Cabinets in the kitchen. This brand is a staple of 20th-century decor and is favored by the elite (viaBusiness of Home). While other cabinet makers were doing the same thing, St. Charles switched things up by introducing cabinets in different colors.
Elvis Presley's Graceland West estate
According toGraceland, the King of Rock and Roll was born in a modest two-bedroom house in Tupelo, Mississippi. However, thanks to his lucrative career, which included hits like "Hound Dog," the Grammy-winning artist could afford a luxurious Palm Springs palace in addition to hisGracelandestate. Presley followed the Old Hollywood crowd to invest in a second home called Graceland West for him and his wife, Priscilla. It boasted a sauna, flashy checkerboard floors, an outdoor Jacuzzi, steam room, and bathrooms with chic tiled designs (viaElvis Presley Biography). Elvis typically spent about three months of the year relaxing at this Palm Springs retreat.
The address for the four-bedroom, seven-bathroom house is 845 W Chino Canyon Rd, Palm Springs, and it sprawls over about 5,040 square feet. The interior boasts flashy red carpet floors and floor-to-ceiling curtains that help maintain the tall window aesthetic (viaZillow). Frankie Valli from The Four Seasons bought the home after Presley.
Carey Grant's Spanish retreat
The Agency
According toThe Encyclopedia of World Biography, Grant experienced childhood trauma due to the absence of his mentally challenged mother. To escape this, he made his way to Hollywood in the 1920s in the company of a vaudeville theater group and went on to have a lucrative acting career.
Like his fellow actors, he settled in Palm Springs in a stunning Spanish abode, Las Palomas. The home is an inviting residence with all the makings of a tranquil desert retreat (viaThe Agency). The six-bedroom, six- bathroom home was built in 1930 by John Byers, and Grant purchased it in 1954. The residence is in the Movie Colony neighborhood of the desert community at 928 N. Avenida Palmas. When Grant passed away, the house went for sale for $3.5 million. The lucky new owner gets to enjoy a private pool, vaulted ceilings, original design elements, French doors, and the unbelievably lush greenery (viaModern Tours Palm Springs).
Marilyn Monroe's mountain view estate
The iconic Marilyn Monroe was discovered by a photographer while working at a munitions factory, perBiography. Shortly after, she signed a film contract with 20th Century Fox. After making a name for herself in Hollywood, the blonde bombshell purchased an abode at 1326 North Rose Ave, Vista Las Palmas (viaRedfin). It has four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and plenty of mid-century charm. The exterior steps leading to the front gates of the home are terracotta with patterned tiles. If you wish to recreate it,Clay ImportsStudiooffers a similar version.
The designer of the home Charles DuBois, strived to convey architectural elegance. He certainly succeeded. The interiors include a dramatic fireplace and gray porcelain tiles. There is a stunning swimming pool in the backyard and historical memorabilia from Monroe's life. Residents can enjoy scenic views of the mountains, the valley, and a bevy of palm trees swaying in the wind.
Nat King Cole's North Rose Avenue abode
According to New World Encyclopedia, Nat King Cole is a highly celebrated pianist and jazz hitmaker. Despite the color of his skin and the racism he often experienced, he achieved a successful career as an artist. Cole's former residence is at 1258 N Rose Ave, Palm Springs (via Zillow). The 2,799-square-foot home features four bedrooms and three bathrooms and dates back to 1961. The house features a vibrant flower garden in the front yard, which adds beauty and conceals the home from prying eyes. The exterior also has two parking spaces and stucco siding.
If you are going for a Spanish Mediterranean aesthetic for your home, stucco is the way to go (via Forbes). The material is durable and boasts fire resistant qualities. After Cole passed away, his daughter Natalie took possession of the dreamy desert retreat (via Duende by Madam ZoZo).
Dean Martin's sweet Palm Springs digs
According to Britannica, Ohio-born Dean Martin was a singer, songwriter, actor, and entertainer with Italian roots. He spent 10 years in a comedic duo alongside his colleague Jerry Lewis. Afterward, he delved into singing, acting, and hosting television variety shows.
In 1949, Dean found love at first sight with Jeanne, a model and 1947 Orange Bowl queen (via The Hollywood Reporter). However, the couple eventually split up 20 years later, leaving many fans and friends absolutely heartbroken. The couple remained on good terms. Before they went their separate ways, the couple lived at 1123 N Via Monte Vista in Palm Springs (via Forbes). Their abode was a white monochromatic single-family residence that sprawled over 2,145 square feet. Towering palm trees lined the property, which featured a swimming pool and plenty of room for entertaining guests. This four-bedroom house with three bathrooms is worth $2 million (via Redfin).
Elizabeth Taylor's mountain villa
Elizabeth Taylor's fortune includes a significant real estate portfolio, including a stunning Old Hollywood Palm Springs residence. Known as Casa Elizabeth, this hideaway home is at the foot of the San Jacinto mountains in Palm Springs. It's where Taylor lived until her death (viaDaily Mail).
If you love the desert community, you can take a tour of this gorgeous abode. The home comfortably sleeps eight individuals. If you want to indulge in the glamour and style of the Queen of Old Hollywood herself, you can also rent the holiday villa. Indulge in the luxurious home spa or take enviable pictures next to the large outdoor pool with statues (viaLast Movie Outpost). Taylor had a penchant for art. Not only did she try her hands at paintings, but she also owned stunning artwork from famous names, including her self-portrait by the iconic Andy Warhol (viaYahoo).
Barry Manilow's desert escape
According toMod Traveler, Barry Manilow once lived in the Kaufmann House in Palm Springs. The residence is a classic mid-century modern structure dubbed the "machine in the desert." It was built in 1946 by Richard Neutra, a legendary modernist architect. It was one of the game-changing structures of the 20th century because Neutra found strategic ways to create an open-air living area while avoiding the two-story building codes that limited builders back in the day (viaPalm Springs Life).
The five-bedroom, five-bathroom abode features stunning mountain views and is perfect for enjoying sunset and sunrise (perUrbana Design). It has a private swimming pool, charming fireplace, and luxurious details throughout the interiors. Marmol Radziner restored the home and integrated modern elements within the desert home (viaWest Shore Realty). The house went on the market for $25 million in 2020 (viaThe Wall Street Journal).
Liberace's lair in the desert
One notable home Liberace owned is located in Palm Springs, per Desert Sun. This desert lair boasts four bedrooms and four bathrooms. He lived here between the late '50s and '60s and sold it in 1971. There's an inscription on the fence reading "Piazza Di Liberace," musical notes etched onto the iron gates, and a mini piano on top of the mailbox. Does it get more creative than that?
Other amenities include a private swimming pool, a marble living room, and a brick-floored area for entertaining. In 1997, the new owner renovated the home to add a one-car garage and spacious laundry room (via Redfin).
The exterior boasts a charming circular driveway and a gated entrance. The house was put up for sale again in 2010. If you had about $700,000, this 3,101-square-foot abode could have been yours. Elizabeth Smalley and her husband, Garth Gilpin, purchased the home and vowed to keep the memorabilia in place to honor Liberace's legend (via Palm Springs Life).
Dinah Shore's love nest
Actress and singer Dinah Shore built a home in Palm Springs in 1952, perPalm Springs Life. The 317 Camino Norte, Palm Springs abode has four bedrooms, two of which boast primary bedroom features (viaRedfin). There are four bathrooms, and the whole property sprawls over 4,301 square feet. Once you step inside and pass through the double entry doors, you will be captivated by conversation-worthy ceilings. There is also a unique fireplace that is said to be inspired by legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Instead of modern floor-to-ceiling windows, the living areas have clerestory windows, another feature synonymous with Frank Lloyd Wright (viaThought Co).
There is a two-car garage and a semi-circular driveway, which further elevates the home's aesthetic. The exterior part of the home allows the residents to enjoy the best of both worlds, courtesy of the clear desert vistas available and the unreal San Jacinto mountain view.
Jack Benny's Little Tuscany residence
According to Biography Articles & Resources, Jack Benny was a legendary entertainer and comedian with true star power. His career spanned over 50 years and included radio, television, and stage roles. His Palm Springs residence dates back to 1952 and features post and beam construction which was highly sought after in the '50s (via Compass). This construction technique consists of vertical beams holding up horizontal beams in a way that allows the beams to be seen in the interior and protrude onto the home's exterior (via Atomic Ranch).
Benny's abode is a single-family home on the corner of West Vista Chino in the Movie Colony neighborhood. A remodel in 1995 added a modern touch to the living space. The mid-century home now boasts soaring ceilings, a terracotta roof, glass walls, spacious living room, majestic stone fireplaces, a primary house, and two guest houses for visitors.
Zsa Zsa Gabor's chic abode
Zsa Zsa Gabor was a Hungarian actress born in Budapest as Sari Gabor. According to Britannica, she moved to the United States in 1941 for greener pastures. During her 99 years, the actress had nine husbands and many iconic film roles. Gabor lived in a chic two-bedroom desert escape in Palm Springs with two bathrooms and 1,784 square feet of living space. When Zsa Zsa passed away after a heart attack, her 1958 home sold for $1 million (via Daily Mail).
The new homeowner enjoys sleek decor like the stone mosaic fireplace, the kidney-shaped pool, the mid-century kitchen, and natural lighting that floods through the floor-to-ceiling windows around the peaceful abode. There are also stunning views of the mountains and surrounding landscapes from the wrap-around deck. A separate guesthouse is perfect for visitors or as a creative studio. A fire pit in the backyard is ideal for entertaining company until late into the night.
Sammy Davis Jr.'s mysterious mansion
According to Maggie Ink, Palm Springs residents are used to the double-decker bus of tourists who shuttle through the community, eager to spy on all the Old Hollywood mansions still standing. One of these homes belongs to legendary Sammy Davis Jr. The all-white residence with the Mediterranean terracotta roof was once his humble abode.
Davis first served in the army before focusing solely on music (via Musician Biographies). In 1946, when he performed the hit tune, "The Way You Look Tonight," nothing was the same for him. Davis became an opening act for none other than Frank Sinatra. He was a member of the iconic Rat Pack and hung out with many stars of the time, including Dean Martin and Peter Lawford. Like Sinatra, Davis settled in Palm Springs. His four-bedroom home is spread across two stories and features three bathrooms and a private outdoor pool (via Trulia).
Goldie Hawn's California cool residence
According toRanker,longtime love birds Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell have owned their Palm Springs residence for years. Of all the homes they own in California, the Palm Springs abode they purchased in the '70s is the most conservative. The Southern California getaway is perfect for them to escape and unwind from the hubbub of Hollywood. While the couple eventually sold their home, Kate Hudson, Hawn's daughter, bought it in 2005. She remodeled it into a perfect-sized home with 6,400 square feet for her and her family (viaThe Morning Call).
Hudson can look forward to enjoying vintage features like floral wallpaper in the bedroom, richly hued oak dressing tables, and unique retro desk lamps with floral fringes. The home also has a white outdoor pool with a matching pristine pool house. However, Hudson added plenty of modern touches, such as the free-standing bathtub (viaHello!).
