Palm Springs has long been a playground for the rich and famous, with its glamorous mid-century architecture and stunning desert landscape. One of the most iconic homes in this city is The Lucy House, formerly owned by Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. This beautiful Spanish-style home is an ode to Old Hollywood, and one that still stands today as both a testament to their love story and a reminder of the golden age of stars. Let’s take a closer look at this iconic residence and the celebrities who inhabited it.

LUCILLE BALL & DESI ARNAZ

Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz were one of Hollywood's most beloved couples. From 1951 to 1957, they starred in the television sitcom "I Love Lucy," which showcased their magical on-screen chemistry—even earning them a primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actors in a Comedy Series. The two were frequent visitors of Palm Springs throughout their time on "I Love Lucy" and eventually purchased The Lucy House in 1950s.

 

LUCILLE BALL AND DESI ARNAZ SHOWCASED THEIR MAGICAL ON-SCREEN CHEMISTRY IN THE TELEVISION SHOW, "I LOVE LUCY."
LUCY IS ONE OF THE GREATEST COMEDIC ICONS IN HISTORY STARRING IN MANY MOTION PICTURES AND OTHER TV SERIES.

THE LUCY HOUSE

A sprawling, Spanish-style home with terracotta roofs and a guest casita, The Lucy House is located in one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in downtown Palm Springs, known as El Mirador. Surrounded by a wrought-iron gate and a 12-foot ficus tree wall, this 5-bedroom home sits on manicured grounds lined with soaring palm trees with plenty of privacy.

Inside the main house, cinephiles will be delighted by its mid-century modern design mixed with elegant Spanish villa decor as they are transported back to a glamorous era. Luxuriate by 2,800 sq. ft of space, this home is an entertainer’s delight—and was rumored to have hosted fabulous parties with movie legends staying across the street at El Mirador Hotel. (If these walls could talk!)

The expansive great room boasts vaulted ceilings, tiled floors, a gas fireplace, and a wall of windows that floods the room with natural light. Just beyond the living area, a custom, hardwood dining table seats 10 guests when you prefer to dine in the comfort of air conditioning. The gourmet kitchen features granite countertops, high-end appliances, and a wet bar for making a tray of cocktails to be served poolside.

Three sets of French doors open to the backyard from the kitchen, where guests can dine alfresco at the 10-seat table under the covered patio, sun on one of eight chaise lounge chairs, swim in the luxurious 35-foot pool, and take in mountain views from the above-ground spa. The Lucy House seamlessly blends indoor living with outdoor fun!

Once the party’s over, guests can take refuge in the main house with 1 primary suite and 4 attached guest casitas—all of which open onto the courtyard and pool area with stunning, panoramic mountain views from their own private entrances. The stylish primary bedroom boasts an ornate gas fireplace and a stand-alone spa tub for soaking. The detached casitas are perfectly spaced out to provide added privacy and are very stylish with posh finishings.

Between its resort-style amenities, chic décor, and celebrity history, The Lucy House offers a unique opportunity to experience the storied destination of Palm Springs just as Hollywood’s biggest stars once did. And although this classic home has gone through renovations to modernize certain features, one can easily imagine Lucille and Desi spending time in the pool, hosting parties on the patio, or lounging around with friends and family during the golden age of Modernism.

THE MAIN HOUSE, STYLED IN THE DECOR OF AN ELEGANT SPANISH VILLA, BOASTS VAULTED CEILINGS, TILED FLOORS, AND WALLS OF PICTURE WINDOWS. [CITY OF PALM SPRINGS #1309]
LOCATED IN THE HEART OF DOWNTOWN PALM SPRINGS, THE LUCY HOUSE OFFERS A TASTE OF THE OLD HOLLYWOOD LIFESTYLE. [CITY OF PALM SPRINGS #1309]

BOOK NOW

The Lucy House provides many of the same exclusive elements, such as functionality, minimalism, and seamless integration with its natural landscape that makes Modernism so appealing. Book now to relive a time of the ageless Hollywood 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. Can't wait to see your favorite photos!