The Timeless Allure of Mid-Century Modern
- Michelle Serafini
- Jun 11
- 4 min read
A week ago, while attending a conference in Palm Springs, I participated in a private modernism architectural tour which featured historically significant homes once owned by celebrities. All I can say, for an architectural buff like me, what a treat!
The tour started at the hotel hosting the conference, The Riviera Resort and Spa. Built in 1959, this was the first large hotel in Palm Springs featuring a ballroom and space for meetings. It was also the first hang-out place for the Rat Pack. As Palm Springs grew in popularity with the Hollywood crowd, mid-century modern homes and estates began popping up, especially in an enclave of homes now referred to as The Movie Colony.
Developed by renowned architect William Krisel and Donald Wexler in the 50s, this neighborhood was Palm Springs’ first planned neighborhood. To this day, Twin Palms is filled with many mid-century modern gems, many with Krisel’s recognizable butterfly roof design and floor-to-ceiling windows that define the most classic mid-century modern aesthetic. You’ll also find a veritable rainbow of Palm Springs doors. But what makes Twin Palms truly iconic are the signature twin California palm trees that were included with each lot.
First stop, Frank Sinatra’s home. The story has it that Frank walked into the commercial developer’s office of E. Stewart Williams and asked to see him. One of his staff supposedly told Sinatra that E. Stewart didn’t design residential homes. Supposedly Sinatra patiently waited and when E. Steward came out of his office and saw it was Sinatra who was waiting for him, he said, “and how I can be of service to you Mr. Sinatra.”
Sinatra’s Twin Palm Estate was the first private residence designed by E. Stewart Williams. Built in 1947 for Sinatra and his first wife, Nancy, it was their secluded hideaway away from Hollywood. This 4-bedroom, 6.5-bathroom estate which eventually fell into disrepair was artfully restored and is now managed by Natural Retreats and available for lease for getaways and events. So next time you want to channel your Rat-Pack vibe, maybe splurge and lease this exquisite estate with its 8-foot deep, piano-shaped pool, put on a little Sinatra music and pour yourself a Jack Daniels cocktail and raise a glass to musical history.
Our next stops included Elvis’ home where Elvis and Pricilla spent their honeymoon, Marilyn’s home which is easy to identify from the road by the gorgeous pink mailbox, and Debbie Reynolds classic white mid-century. Our knowledgeable guide, Nalani, a long-time Palm Springs resident, shared many stories both good and tragic of many Hollywood legends who flocked to Palm Springs to escape the pressures of Hollywood.
We passed by not only iconic homes but also architecturally significant public buildings like the city hall, designed by E. Stewart Williams, with its signature oculus and the airport which is a prime example of the desert modern style, characterized by clean lines, open spaces, and the use of natural materials like glass, stone, and steel designed by Donald Wexler.
A fun treat to see, albeit from a distance, was Bob Hope’s home designed by famed modernist architect John Lautner, a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright, the Bob Hope House features an awe-inspiring undulating triangular roof with a central circular skylight that creates a striking volcano-like effect. The home is constructed of concrete, steel, and glass, and blends harmoniously with the desert surroundings.
At its peak, the domed roof reaches 40 feet high and spans 180 feet in diameter, with a dramatic 60-foot-wide opening at the top to flood the interior with natural light. The outer shell alone covers approximately 25,000 square feet, while the main living space encompasses 14,000 square feet. With 10 bedrooms and 13 bathrooms, the house was built to host grand events while still offering the comforts of a luxury home.
Perched high in the exclusive Southridge neighborhood of Palm Springs, this residence is an architectural marvel and a lasting tribute to mid-century design, Hollywood history, and the golden age of Palm Springs.
One story Nalani told was how Mrs. Hope started a family Christmas tradition for her children. Bob was rarely home right at Christmas because he was in Vietnam entertaining the troops, she told her children that Santa would finish and then make their house the last stop after Christmas, deliver their gifts and take a couple days to play golf before returning to the North Pole. This enabled Bob to get home and enjoy his family and watch his kids delight in what Santa delivered. What a charming story!
Right below the Hope Estate is the Elrod House, one of the most stunning villas ever featured in a James Bond film. Check out Sean Connery in Diamonds Are Forever.
In San Diego, we have an array of neighborhoods that also showcase classic mid-century modern design. The Pacifica neighborhood in north PB is a prime example where most of the original homes were designed by Palmer and Krisel. This era refers to the period roughly between the end of World War II through the mid-1970s.
Mid-century modern's enduring appeal lies in its timeless aesthetic, emphasis on functionality, and ability to adapt to various styles. Its clean lines, simplicity, and use of natural materials resonate with modern sensibilities, while its history evokes nostalgia and a sense of optimism.
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