Holiday Homes, Destination Spotlight, Local Events

Icons in Palm Springs: Frank Sinatra and Nancy Sinatra

Published on Feb 15, 2023

Palm Springs has long been a beloved destination for A-list celebrities looking for a weekend respite from the hustle and bustle of Hollywood. The warm desert climate shaded by palm trees, spectacular San Jacinto Mountain views, and Mid-Century Modern homes with sparkling pools brought many legendary stars—such as Frank Sinatra and the entire Rat Pack—to beautiful Palm Springs. Modernism Week provides visitors an opportunity to experience the modern California Desert style firsthand with expert panels and popular home tours.

FRANK SINATRA & NANCY BARBATO SINATRA

One of the most well-preserved legacies of the Modernist Movement is the Twin Palms Estate, commissioned by the highly successful singer and actor Frank Sinatra and his wife, Nancy Barbato Sinatra. Their permanent residence from 1948 to 1957, this property was rumored to have been built as a celebratory gift to himself for signing a large contract with MGM, cementing his millionaire status. ("It was a very good year" for Sinatra!)

A pinnacle of Modernism Week 2020, Sinatra's grand estate features many of the exclusive elements, such as clean lines and seamless integration of indoor and outdoor living spaces, that makes Modernism so appealing to the masses.

 

FRANK SINATRA WAS A LEGEND—CONSIDERED BY MANY TO BE THE GREATEST AMERICAN SINGER OF 20TH-CENTURY POPULAR MUSIC.
SINATRA AND NANCY FIRST BEGAN DATING AS TEENAGERS JUST AS THE SINGER’S CAREER WAS ABOUT TO TAKE OFF. THEY LIVED TOGETHER WITH THEIR CHILDREN IN TWIN PALMS.

TWIN PALMS ESTATE

Designed by E. Stewart Williams in 1947, Sinatra originally wanted a Georgian-style home until Williams persuaded him to adopt the California Desert Style—synonymous with Palm Springs and now Old Hollywood. Located in the famous Movie Colony neighborhood, the Twin Palms Estate is around the corner from residences once owned by Cary Grant and Jack Benny.

Surrounded by manicured grounds, tall hedges, and palm trees, this 4,500-square-foot estate offers total seclusion while still being close to downtown. Guests will find exquisite period furnishings inside this 4-bedroom, 6-bathroom architectural gem, including Terrazzo floor tiles, St. Charles cabinets, and a perfectly fitted wraparound sofa. A vintage audio system and grand piano sit nearby as a wall of windows illuminates the space with natural light. Just off the living room is an elegant dining table that offers a unique experience—eat inside under Twin Palm's roof or dine alfresco when the oversized glass doors open to the large back patio.

Once known for its star-studded soirees, it's easy to imagine Sinatra singing "The Best is Yet to Come" while his guests dance the night away around the famed piano-shaped pool. Walk under the beautiful colonnade that stretches to the pool house, as well as Sinatra's original recording studio gifted to him by Columbia Records—although it's not for use.

At the end of the night, guests can retire to the 4 bedrooms—1 primary bedroom and 3 guest bedrooms, one room is accessible through an exterior entrance. Each dreamy bedroom features a private bathroom with an additional powder room off the great room. For all movie lovers, memorabilia can be seen throughout this restored residence that remains a stunning desert retreat to this day.

Although Sinatra passed away in 1998, his legacy lives on in Palm Springs. A stroll down any street will show you his influence on the style—from modernistic homes with vivid colors to classic cars lining the streets for Sunday brunch. He truly made his mark on this town, and he did it his way.

IN THE MAIN HOUSE, GUESTS WILL LOVE THE EXQUISITE PERIOD FURNISHINGS SUCH AS TERRAZZO FLOOR TILES, A WRAP AROUND SOFA, AND A VINTAGE AUDIO SYSTEM. [CITY OF PALM SPRINGS ID #1039]
THE TWIN PALMS ESTATE IS A LOVELY PLACE WITH PLENTY OF PRIVACY THAT PERMITS WEDDINGS AND OTHER EVENTS. [CITY OF PALM SPRINGS ID #1039]

BOOK NOW

The unique history, lavish amenities, and architectural features make Twin Palms Estate a timeless combination of classic mid-century design and modern Palm Springs elegance. As one of the most famous houses in the area, Twin Palms continues to be an iconic symbol of old Hollywood glamour, which guests can experience just like Hollywood's biggest stars once did. Book now!

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.

Heading to Cali for Modernism Week? Share your favorite designs with Natural Retreats on social media by tagging @naturalretreats and using #TravelOn. We can't wait to see all your favorites!