Natural Retreats Top 3 Homes of 'Modernism Week'
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 in its mecca, Palm Springs during Modernism Week.
While Modernism is honored year-round in this desert oasis, Modernism Week provides an opportunity to experience it first hand, with exclusive home and garden tours, expert panels, and vintage furniture exhibitions. This year, three of our private homes have been selected to participate in the tours. Each home holds a unique story and embodies the principles of the movement: functionality, minimalism, and seamless integration with its natural landscape.
1. Frank Sinatra Twin Palms Estate
If you’re looking for the defining archetype of mid-century modern architecture and design head to Sinatra’s Twin Palms Estate for the weekend or take this Modernism Week Tour. The home was originally designed by E. Stewart Williams in 1947 for Frank Sinatra and his first wife, Nancy Barbato as a weekend respite from the bustle of Hollywood.
It has since been thoughtfully restored incorporating period specific fixtures like St. Charles cabinets and stone floor tiles with historical details like Sinatra’s original sound and recording studio and piano-shaped pool. Once known for its star-studded soirees, Twin Palms will open its bar once again for an evening of classic mid-century themed cocktails during Modernism’s Week’s Night at The Sinatra Estate.
City of Palm Springs ID #1039
2. On The Rocks
Carved out of the rocks in the hillside of the Mesa Neighborhood, the aptly named dream home, On The Rocks is a work of modernist perfection. Originally designed in 1959 by famed architect Hugh Kaptur and reimagined by modern architect James Schmidt, On The Rocks takes everything we love the most about modernism — uncluttered lines, subtle hues with bursts of color, and varying materials both classic and inventive — and combines them into this masterwork.
Abandoning standard window frames for glass walls and sliding doors, every room emphasizes indoor-outdoor living leading to the grand finale: unsurpassed 200-degree views of three mountain ranges and the Palm Springs' cityscape from an enlarged outdoor patio featuring a striking infinity-edged saline pool and spa.
Experience the grandeur in person during Modernism Week’s Signature Home Tour or inquire about renting this space for a private retreat or photoshoot.
City of Palm Springs ID #3943
3. Villa Sierra - "That Pink Door"
Its front door made it famous but what lies beyond the peony pink entrance truly steals the show. Villa Sierra more affectionately known as “That Pink Door”, is a sprawling 5,300 square-foot ranch-style home that elegantly blends mid-century modern architecture with Hollywood Regency design.
Iconic, high design pieces like a limited edition, Claritone Stereo pair perfectly with the elevated, built-in, lounge seating and step-down bar with its art deco-inspired scheme of rich textures and colors. Each meticulously designed room transports you to an era of glamorous gatherings and profound aesthetic appreciation. A commodious outdoor living area encourages family and friends to relax and recreate together around the 75-foot pool with coupled spa and Bisazza in-laid tanning shelf.
Villa Siera will be participating in Modernism Week’s Door Tour.
City of Palm Springs ID #4037