Famous aviator Howard Hughes’ former Palm Springs homes sold for the first time in 4 decades

Famous aviator and billionaire Howard Hughes’ former Palm Springs home changed hands for the first time in over four decades, confirmed real estate agent Leonardo Montenegro.

The home on Rim Road was owned by the son of one of Hughes’ good friends and studio executives until last week. Hughes was the third owner of the home, which he purchased from producer Paul Keyes, who purchased the home from actress Ava Gabor.

Signs of the eccentric Hughes are still evident in the home, even decades after his death in 1976. Hughes designed light switches to allay his fears about germs. The switches didn’t require using your hands to turn on. The metal plates with an airplane propellor shape were installed on the floor, and could be tapped on using your feet, recalled Montenegro.

“The midcentury architecture of this house is very sexy, gorgeous, and very unique,” said Montenegro. “Because the house sits up high at the base of the mountains it possesses incredible mountain and valley views from inside and outside due to its walls of glass. Also, the patios and lounging areas with their own unique design ensure access to the outdoors wherever you are in the house.”

The year after Hughes died, the Rim Road home was the first of his estate to sell, and was purchased in 1977 for $8,000 by the Newman family, friends of Hughes. The three bedroom, three bathroom house was owned by their son, Rob Newman, a commercial producer, until last week, shared Montenegro.

The home sold for $1.35 million, and the new buyer was not disclosed.

Photo Gallery: Take a look inside the mountainside home on Rim Road