Palm Springs Extends Invitation To Next Generation Of Hollywood

Palm Springs has long been known as “the playground to the stars,” but is the city becoming home to any of today’s stars? Or is it more of a playground for the stars of yesteryear?

We decided to explore Palm Springs celebrity real estate, past and present.

What we found, were properties with lush landscaping, infinity pools, magnificent views, and designer dcor.

They’re gated estates, as breathtaking as they are rich in Hollywood history.

Actor Robert Wagner tells us he has fond memories of having a home in the desert.

“Oh, it was wonderful,” he said. “I loved it. I had a beautiful home.”

He lived in the Mesa neighborhood of Palm Springs, for seven years. In fact, he lived across the street from the house that would eventually become Sonny Bono and Mary Bono Mack’s home up until Bono died in 1998.

Now, the former Bono home is on the market, for just under $4 million.

Real estate agent Stewart Smith, of Patrick Stewart Properties, said it’s a lot of property for the money.

“What’s special about it , I think, is the privacy that it offers the potential buyer,” he said. “When you get inside the gates, it’s like you’re in your own little world, and [it] also offers up a large main residence, two separate guest houses, a tennis court and a pool. I think the history of the house is special as well.”

In fact, it was the first house built in the Mesa, by King Camp Gillette, the founder of the Gillette Razor Company.

It sits on an acre-and-a-half, landscaped in tropical greenery, avocado trees and date palms.

The main house boasts 6,600 square feet, with rooms warmed by fireplaces and original hardwood floors.

It was once two separate buildings, but Sonny Bono combined them into one.

So, does the fact that a star like Bono had a hand in creating this home, give realtors with the listing, an edge?

“At cocktail parties, saying you just bought Sonny Bono’s former house in the Mesa, that’s a plus,” said Smith.

The current owner, D’arcy Joseph, says regardless of its celebrity history, it’s been the perfect place to call home for 12 years.

“This is the most peaceful compound you can find,” she said. “It is just a garden, a beautiful garden and property and wonderful things happened for my family here and I expect wonderful things for other families as well.”

And what about new generations?

Are any of today’s names looking to make the desert home?

“Some,” said Smith. “There are some. They like to remain private, but there are some Hollywood celebrities coming out to desert. I would have to say it’s primarily with the baby boomers, as opposed to real young Hollywood.”

Another real estate agent, Scott Histed, of Windermere has William Holden’s former home, at Southridge, on the market for $4.5 million.

“Celebrities, I feel, are coming back,” he said. “I have a lot of clients and agents calling, asking about real estate in Palm Springs. I had several showings of this house and a couple of other homes and celebrities.”

Currently owned by actress Allison Janney, of ABC’s “Mr. Sunshine,” this home has walls that can talk.

Oscar-winner William Holden built the 8,000 square foot estate in 1977. With floor-to-ceiling windows, mid-century modern architecture, secret passage ways, and views from the hills to the windmills–it appeals to the indoor-outdoor style of Palm Springs living.

It’s that lifestyle, that seems to call out to Hollywood’s elite.

Robert Wagner agreed.

“With most of us in the industry, you work very hard, and you wanna play very hard. This is a place where you can have a lot of fun, it’s healthy living here. It’s fabulous. We love it!”