10 Classic Hollywood Homes You Can Rent in Palm Springs
Palm Springs has long been a desert oasis for the glitterati of Hollywood’s Golden Age, like Frank Sinatra and Kirk Douglas and Walt Disney. Today, many of these former celebrity getaways are available to rent out for the night or the week. Here are 10 of our top picks.
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Frank Sinatra Twin Palms Estate
Designed by E. Stewart Williams, the Frank Sinatra Twin Palms Estate once hosted parties attended by Old Hollywood's most glamorous stars. This historic four-bedroom home has been restored and furnished with vintage designer pieces. Guests can savor the nostalgia by relaxing with a martini and listening to the stylings of Sinatra thanks to an extensive music collection inside the home. Classic memorabilia and photographs can be found throughout the estate. Take a swim in the piano-shaped pool, then freshen up in the pool house in his-and-her cabana-style bathrooms. There's even a personal concierge who will be with you throughout your stay. From $2,200 per night.
Casa Elizabeth
Want to spend the night in Elizabeth Taylor’s former vacation home? You can! Imagine mingling with old Hollywood inside this luxurious palm-lined escape. Known as Casa Elizabeth, this lavish four-bedroom retreat sits in the upscale Las Palmas section of town. Prepare for a sensory explosion as you enter brightly colored rooms, even a bubbly pink poolside casita with a crystal chandelier (because, why not). An Andy Warhol painting of Taylor hangs above the fireplace and photographs belonging to Taylor decorate the home. In the evening, relax poolside and enjoy incredible views of the San Jacinto Mountains. From $575 per night.
Villa Carmelita
This ultra-private five-bedroom Spanish-style estate was once home to '60s pop music duo, Sonny and Cher. Originally home to 1940s film star Joseph Cotten, the retreat in the sought-after Mesa neighborhood later became a playground for Hollywood elite, like Natalie Wood, Lloyd Bridges and Kirk Douglas. Highlights of Villa Carmelita include fountains in the entry courtyard, a magnificent staircase, terra-cotta floors, spa-style bathrooms and an elaborate gourmet kitchen. The home sleeps up to 12 people, making it perfect for a family reunion or getaway with friends. There’s even a bonus bunk bedroom just for kids. From $836 per night.
Howard Hughes Mini Estate
The Howard Hughes Mini Estate is a classic midcentury-style desert paradise, boasting three master suites, floor-to-ceiling windows, vaulted ceilings and a private spa. The estate once belonged to eccentric billionaire Howard Hughes and retains many of the original tiles and fixtures in the bathrooms, as well as a kitchen with original appliances. Guests will be treated to near panoramic views of all of Palm Springs from this home. There’s nothing better than a cool desert breeze, swaying palms and a sky full of stars at this Palm Springs escape. Eva Gabor of Green Acres fame also once owned this property. From $570 per night.
Merv Griffin Estate
The former home of late Hollywood great, Merv Griffin, the Merv Griffin Estate is a 39-acre equestrian property located in the heart of the Coachella Valley, close to the music festival of the same name. It’s frequently rented out by young celebs coming in from Los Angeles for the weekend. Even the Real Housewives of Orange County have rented out this retreat. The expansive grounds include a 2.5-acre pond, infinity pool, a bocce ball court and an equestrian racetrack (Griffin raised thoroughbred race horses here). This house has 13 bedrooms across a main house and five additional guest houses on the property. From $5,650 per night.
Walt's Desert Escape
Walt's Desert Escape is a delightful four-bedroom rental home that sits on the Indian Canyon Golf Course. It boasts a classic midcentury design, typical of Palm Springs in the day. Designed for Walt Disney, this 1962 home features much of the original architectural design and details that make this home unique. The current owner has decorated this rental with Hollywood memorabilia, playful art deco touches and bright colors, like reds, blues and yellows, an ode to Technicolor and the famous 1961 transition of Disney’s famous black-and-white television show Walt Disney Presents to Walt Disney’s Wonderful World of Color. From $313 per night.
El Nido
This lovely Spanish-style home, El Nido, dates back to 1935 and was once owned by actress Dorothy Lamour, best known for appearing in Road to... movies with Bing Crosby and Bob Hope. This four-bedroom home sits on one-third acre and is just a stone’s throw from Ruth Hardy Park. From the home, French doors open up to a manicured yard with mature trees, as well as a heated pool and in-ground spa. From $380 per night.
Harold Lloyd Estate
One of the most well-known silent film stars also once lived in one of the most elegant Spanish-style homes in the Movie Colony section of Palm Springs. The Harold Lloyd Estate boasts a glamorous ranch house, as well as two private guest villas. Spacious rooms impress with hand-painted embellishments and terra-cotta tile floors. A carefully curated collection of vintage photographs is on display throughout the estate, including a black-and-white portrait of Charlie Chaplin. Situated on one acre, the main house and two guest villas can sleep up to 10 and features a saltwater swimming pool and an outdoor fire pit. From $1,395 per night.
Deep Well Guest Ranch
Historic Deep Well Guest Ranch was long a destination of choice among Old Hollywood A-listers, like Clark Gable, Cary Grant and Don Ameche. This private ranch-style estate in South Palm Springs boasts six bedrooms and was renovated with modern amenities and vintage furnishings, like an antique dining table that seats 12. The bright living areas delight with glass walls and a cathedral ceiling. Get in a few games of basketball on the private court in the backyard that sits behind the privacy of high hedges and fruit trees. Famous former residents include Academy Award winner Loretta Young and her costume designer husband Jean Louis. From $609 per night.
The Kirk Douglas House
Built in 1955 for Kirk Douglas, this desert paradise impresses with its mid-century design and retro style throughout the home. As you approach, the playful cotton candy pink front door of The Kirk Douglas House invites guests into a spacious open-concept floor plan. Look for splashes of bold color set against bright white interior walls. The lavish four-bedroom home centers around an open indoor fire pit that’s just right for entertaining friends and family. Glass walls along the back of the home open up to a kidney-shaped pool and breathtaking mountain views. From $395 per night.