You Won’t Believe Which Retro Hollywood Stars Lived Here
Written By: Tamara Philips Howard Hughes Palm Springs Estate
Photography Provided By: HÔM Sotheby’s International Realty
Aside from these beautiful desert views and the privacy of the estate, the sexiest selling point of this HÔM Sotheby’s Palm Springs listing is the lineage of owners in its history who spent a great deal of time in the Hollywood limelight. For the first time in over 50 years, this phenomenal property has hit the market.
Beginning with actress/celebrity Eva Gabor, then Paul Keyes, an Emmy award- and Golden Globe-winning comedy writer and producer of “The Jack Paar Tonight Show,” “The Dean Martin Show,” and “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In,” and many of Frank Sinatra’s TV Specials. And finally, the notorious and legendary world famous aviator/producer/billionaire recluse Howard Hughes owned this estate. “This is a trophy home,” says HÔM Sotheby’s agent Leonardo Montenegro. “It’s a one-of-a-kind because of its pedigree.”
Since the architect is unknown, this home offers a ‘Golden Days of Hollywood’ connection.The ideal buyer for this estate is “someone who loves Hollywood history, a collector of sorts, who loves the idea of walking in the footsteps of Howard Hughes and sleeping where he slept,” says Montenegro. “Or someone who wants a trophy home and is looking for a one-of-a-kind [property]—an architect or designer, or architecture/design enthusiast who appreciates this type of architecture.”
True to the architecture of the period, the three-level home is sexy and unique. It was designed to take advantage of the incredible views of the valley and the mountains with the use of glass walls and its back to the road to ensure complete privacy. The carport, living area, kitchen, and two bedrooms en-suites are on the main street level and the upper bedroom and kitchen wing is only a few steps above the living and second bedroom area, with a third bedroom wing down a flight of floating stairs. The pool area is on a lower level yet, down another short stairway from the lower bedroom level. And the third bedroom en-suite, along with the spa, are on the lowest level, with the pool only a few steps below.
“The house is a time capsule in which the owners have kept the integrity of its design and architecture,” says Montenegro. While the home has been substantially updated with new flooring and a third HVAC unit, the space maintains many of the original high-end appliances of the era like the oven, cooktop, and vintage tile in the classic ‘50s green.
Because the house sits up high at the base of the mountains where Bob Hope’s and Steve McQueen’s homes are, along with the Elrod houses, this house possesses incredible views from inside and outside the home. With amazing features like massive glass walls; amazing design and architecture; pool, spa, bar, and three separate outdoor lounging levels, you’re sure to feel as though you’re living the Hughes billionaire lifestyle. Be sure to grab a martini and lounge under the brightly colored pool cabana to fully encapsulate a day in the life of the film tycoon and create your own personal paradise. However, with the ample lounging space on the decks and by the pool, you’ll have to invite all your friends over to have drinks with you! It’s the perfect outdoor setting for entertaining with lounge chairs galore, a barbecue, and hammock.
If you like the solitude but still want access to all of fabulous Palm Springs shopping and nightlife, you’re in for a treat. The privacy of this location in Araby Cove is extremely quiet and tranquil, yet less than five minutes from shopping, restaurants, cafes, museums, more. What more could you possibly want for your Palm Springs getaway home? With this location, it’s also a great property to use as a vacation rental when you’re away.
Top Performer: As a partner in The Leonardo Group with Marcio Baggio, Leonardo Montenegro has earned recognition as a Top 1 percent agent in Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley.
In the Details:
3 Beds
3 Full Baths
2,400 Square Feet
0.23 Acres
HÔM Sotheby’s International Realty
500 S Palm Canyon Dr, Ste 101
Palm Springs, CA 92264
Photoshoot Location:
2195 Rim Rd
Palm Springs,CA,92264
Leonardo Montenegro
CalBRE# 01413476
760.464.5600
This Former Hollywood Star-Studded Abode Is on the Market!
Tamara is SoCal born and bred with Dutch roots. With an English degree from Vanguard University, she is thrilled to be part of the LOCALE editorial team. She enjoys reading, eating green bell peppers, petting other people's dogs, and cooking/baking while singing into a kitchen spoon to Broadway show tunes.
