Holiday Homes, Destination Spotlight, Local Events

Icons in Palm Springs: Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe

Published on Feb 01, 2023

The Movie Colony in Palm Springs, California is a must-visit destination for any movie buff. This neighborhood was named for Hollywood's most recognizable stars who owned or frequented its many beautiful properties between the 1930s and 1960s, including Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe. Known as a Hollywood hideaway for big-name celebrities, this residential neighborhood—and, of course, greater Palm Springs—have provided a sanctuary for movie stars and continues to do so today. You never know whom you'll bump into! (Fingers crossed, it's Leo!)

JOE DIMAGGIO & MARILYN MONROE

Hollywood saw some of its brightest stars in the mid-twentieth century, none more famous than the "Blonde Bombshell" herself, Marilyn Monroe, and "The Yankee Clipper," Joe DiMaggio. The couple's relationship was one of the great love stories of the time. With both at the height of their careers, they took glamorous vacations around the world—but the Sand Acre Estate in Palm Springs was rumored to have been one of their favorite destinations. Some speculate that this home is the very spot where DiMaggio proposed to Monroe and that they even honeymooned here.

THOUGH THEIR RELATIONSHIP DIDN'T LAST LONG, MARILYN MONROE AND BASEBALL LEGEND, JOE DIMAGGIO, WED IN 1954.
MARILYN MONROE WAS AN ACTRESS, MODEL, AND SINGER—MOST FAMOUS FOR PLAYING COMIC "BLONDE BOMBSHELL" CHARACTERS.

SAND ACRES ESTATE

Step into a bygone era of Hollywood glamour and bask in the grandeur of a Sand Acre Estate (circa 1933) with its large circular driveway and stunning fountain. Situated on a one-acre lot in the heart of The Movie Colony, Sand Acre Estate gives you the utmost privacy on this gated property with its tall stucco walls topped by even taller hedges. Among the sprawling lawns and soaring palm trees, this classic Spanish colonial revival property sits across from Cary Grant’s estate, which you can almost see through the large ornate gates that grace the entrance.

Surrounded by manicured grounds and a private tennis court, this 3,434-square-foot architectural gem boasts an in-ground pool with an elephant water feature and a stunning sitting spa adjoined to an oversized patio area with a poolside cabana to escape the heat. From every vantage point, sweeping views of the San Jacinto Mountains stretch along the horizon. It’s easy to picture Monroe and DiMaggio sitting out by the pool, on their rumored honeymoon, soaking up the sun.

Inside, Sand Acre Estate, you’re met with an elegant living space featuring vaulted ceilings with exposed wood beams, multiple wood-burning fireplaces, period furnishings, and authentic decor to reflect its rich mid-century-modern history. The recently updated chef’s kitchen, equipped with a full suite of stainless-steel appliances, makes entertaining a breeze—as well as the 5 luxurious bedrooms with posh furnishings, a media room for additional entertainment, and a private gym for those who want to stick to their regimen.

Sand Acre Estate is the perfect way to step back in time and experience elite Hollywood lifestyles at the height of Modernism. With its glamorous mid-century architecture, this estate is one of the most iconic homes in the city and offers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to truly become part of Palm Springs’ alluring past. Walk in the footsteps of Hollywood’s biggest stars, as you lounge around the pool, imagining extravagant parties with some of cinema's most adored stars.

SAND ACRE ESTATE IS THE PERFECT WAY TO STEP BACK IN TIME AND EXPERIENCE ELITE HOLLYWOOD LIFESTYLES AT THE HEIGHT OF MODERNISM. [CITY OF PALM SPRINGS ID #199]
SAND ACRE ESTATES FEATURES AN IN-GROUND POOL AND SITTING SPA WITH AN OVERSIZED PATIO AREA AND POOLSIDE CABANA. THIS HOME PERMITS WEDDINGS AND OTHER EVENTS TOO. [CITY OF PALM SPRINGS ID #199]

BOOK NOW

Sand Acre Estate is full of functionality, minimalism, and seamless integration with its natural landscape, which makes Modernism so appealing. Book now to relive a time of the ageless glamour and celebrity energy that makes this Palm Springs region so special.

MODERNISM WEEK

Natural Retreats is a proud platinum sponsor of Modernism Week, a yearly celebration that fosters an appreciation of mid-century architecture and design. Modernism gave us clean lines, organic curves, and a juxtaposition of unique textures with uncommon materials—a design so ageless, it remains the style of our times. It was an iconic movement that now, decades later, designers, architects, and connoisseurs of the practice gather annually to honor.

Planning a trip for Modernism Week? Share your favorite moments with Natural Retreats on social media by tagging @naturalretreats and using #TravelOn.