The Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway Throws It Back to the Pinnacle of Midcentury Modern Architecture
Written By: Diego E. Gaxiola
Photographed By: Kenneth Alexander Scott Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway
It isn’t too often that a property is listed for sale with as much history as 1350 Ladera Circle, located a few blocks from North Palm Canyon Drive. The lot is situated in the prestigious community of Vista Las Palmas, known for decades to attract the rich and famous. Originally built for esteemed Palm Springs developer Robert Alexander and his family in the early sixties, the estate serves as a pristine example of quintessential elements distinct to midcentury modern design. In addition, two separate parcels bordering 1350 Ladera Circle are for sale, allowing buyers the rare opportunity to own the entire cul-de-sac.
Bennion Deville Homes agent Scott Histed is responsible for representing the property and is eager to showcase this historic estate. The home was designed by famed Palm Springs architect William Krisel, who was responsible for the development of nearly 2,000 residences in the Greater Palm Springs area. The estate was originally built for Robert and Helene Alexander and gained notoriety after being featured in multiple 1960s publications, dubbing the home “The House of Tomorrow.” The residence gained even more popularity after Elvis and Priscilla Presley spent their honeymoon at the home in 1966. Today, the home is still referred to as the “Elvis Presley Honeymoon Hideaway” and has been featured in Architectural Digest, Time Magazine and The Travel Channel.
If you’re traveling southbound on North Palm Canyon Drive, you’ll make a quick right onto Via Las Palmas, the main drive leading into the renowned Vista Las Palmas neighborhood. Upon passing the Old Las Palmas main entrance sign, you’re welcomed with a seemingly infinite amount of palm trees and pristine gated residences lining either side of the street. While discussing the characteristics of the Vista Las Palmas neighborhood, Histed explains, “It’s ranked the most expensive price per square foot in all of Palm Springs.” Continuing on your journey down Via Las Palmas, you will ultimately reach the serene Ladera Circle cul-de-sac. “The House of Tomorrow” stands out in the center and powerfully exemplifies the key components of midcentury modern architecture.
The distinctive roof reigns over the residence’s unique floorplan, evoking a sense of curiosity to those admiring the home. Histed points out the significance of the butterfly-shaped roof by stating, “Alexander was known for incorporating butterfly roofs in his developments.” From the street, circle-shaped stairs zigzag up the front yard, guiding you towards the front gate. Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway
The stairs themselves are part of an elaborate stone waterfall feature, allowing one to admire the gently flowing water as they walk. Entering through the front gate, you are met with a secluded courtyard that’s filled with a variety of vibrant plants and shady trees. The front of the home, seen from the courtyard, features a stone facade and floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing you a glimpse into the lively interior of the home. At night, the lights of the interior fill the courtyard with warm light, welcoming all who enter the grounds of the estate. Once you enter through the grand main entrance, you are met with calming tones of ivory on the walls and similar-colored Terrazzo flooring. To the left of the front entrance is one of the most magnificent interior spaces of the estate, the central living and dining room.
A stone wall frames the circular living space, and floor-to-ceiling windows provide the space with an abundance of natural light. A beige-colored custom sectional lines the interior stone wall, providing ample space to entertain or simply enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning. In the middle of the living room is a circular fireplace, precisely marking the center of the space. The white-paneled fireplace hangs from the ceiling, allowing guests sitting in both the living and dining room areas to enjoy the view. Slightly elevated above the living room is a light-filled dining area where the floor-to-ceiling window trend continues, offering guests an uninterrupted view of the glistening backyard pool and lounge area. Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway
The sliding glass doors found in the living room lead out to the relaxing backyard. A pentagon-shaped pool can clearly be seen when entering the patio area with the San Jacinto Mountains peeking out just above the property’s treeline. A variety of mature trees provide the backyard with shade from the hot desert sun. However, grass can be found in case you and some house guests were looking for an ideal place to get your tan on. Once entering back inside through the sliding doors, you can quickly make your way to the kitchen. The kitchen has a simple, yet unforgettable design to it—all-white custom cabinetry and a circular center island. Similar to the fireplace found in the living room, the kitchen’s range hangs from the ceiling, which is another element often found in midcentury modern design.
Though the estate has five bedrooms, the most spectacular of private rooms is the master bedroom suite. The bedroom features a picturesque view of the exterior desert thanks to the four windows adorning the bedroom wall. The master bath features a tranquil bathtub and a black-and-white-tiled bathroom floor.
An opportunity to own a property as unique and historic as “The House of Tomorrow” is an event rarely seen in Palm Springs. Whether you’re looking for a new address to call home or an amazing investment opportunity, one thing is certain: 1350 Ladera Circle is a property fit for “The King” or queen!
[column size=one_third position=first ]Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway
1350 Ladera Cir
Palm Springs, CA 92262[/column]
[column size=one_third position=middle ]Bennion Deville Homes
850 N Palm Canyon Dr
Palm Springs, CA 92262
760.218.1751[/column]
[column size=one_third position=last ]Listing Agent:
Scott Histed
CalBRE# 01031722
760.218.1751[/column]
Priscilla is a Southern California native who is studying English and Literary Journalism. Some of her favorite things to do are archery, traveling, and trying out new foods. Aside from school and writing for Locale Magazine, she is working on a young adult fiction novel and hopes to achieve her dream of publishing a book series.
