How to Buy Real Estate In Palm Springs: 

By Melissa Feldman on October 11, 2017

A burgeoning cultural scene, new hotels, and a fresh crowd are signaling a revival. Here’s how to secure your own sun-drenched, modernist retreat.

No longer considered a resting place for retirees, Palm Springs is undergoing a desert revival distinctly its own. Established in the 1930s as a Hollywood getaway, the area now spans nine distinct cities, including Desert Hot Springs, Palm Desert, and Rancho Mirage, which encompasses the exclusive Thunderbird Heights community, where the Obamas recently vacationed. Today, more and more Angelenos are flocking to the area, much like New Yorkers to the Hamptons.

This year’s events calendar featured the inaugural DesertX, an art biennial emphasizing site-specific installations by 16 internationally known artists like Doug Aitken and Lita Albuquerque. Modernism Week (February 15–25), a citywide design celebration with lectures, tours, films, and a modernism show and sale, is heading into its 13th year. Music festivals in nearby Indio and Coachella bring in a star-studded crowd. (Look out for the remake of A Star Is Born, with Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga, shot this spring at Coachella.) Add to that the annual BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament in close-by Indian Wells and the ongoing Palm Springs International Film Festival, and it’s no wonder the valley is fast evolving into a western cultural hub.

L’Horizon, an oil tycoon’s 1952 compound by architect William F. Cody, was refurbished and is now the only hotel in the Coachella valley to join the Leading Hotels of the World collection. New hotel projects under development include those for Virgin, Andaz, and Kimpton brands, and the Parker was recently renovated by Jonathan Adler.

According to local Realtor Patrick Jordan, the region is brimming with available “grande dame estates,” like actor Cary Grant’s former home, which sold for $3.4 million in 2016. Jordan’s firm, Patrick Stewart Properties, which specializes in luxury homes, sold the John Lautner–designed, 23,366-square-foot Bob and Dolores Hope estate to investor Ron Burkle for $13 million last November. Another Lautner gem, featured in Diamonds Are Forever, was sold to Los Angeles fashion designer Jeremy Scott for $7.7 million.

If midcentury modern architecture or a golf resort is what you’re after, specialized Realtors include John Nelson and Cat Moe of Coldwell Banker Residential or Keith Markowitz. According to Nelson, “We’re getting a much younger crowd. It’s no longer a place where your grandparents have a condo.” Nelson recommends homes built in the ’50s in the Vista Las Palmas district by architecture firm Palmer & Krisel, which is known for modular post-and-beam construction with a butterfly roof. The neighborhood, he says, is overflowing with midcentury three-bedrooms with mountain views and proximity to downtown that run $900,000 for a fixer-upper and $2.9 million for a renovated 2,400-square-foot open plan with a pool. Nelson adds, “We’re seeing more people from the East Coast because of direct flights from New York. Our midcentury modern houses and affordability are a big draw.”

When one thinks of Palm Springs, they generally don't think of Japanese made home goods and other products.  Having written that, Palm Springs does have its share of good sushi restaurants.  A new downtown Palm Springs retail store, one that specializes in Japanese and Asian home goods, is having its grand opening/open house Sunday, December 10 from 3 - 6 pm.


The name of the store is "Wabi Sabi Japan Living".  Located at 258 N. Palm Canyon Drive, the store will offer shoppers dinnerware, flatware, kitchen knives, chopsticks (over 100 styles), books on travel, culture and design and pottery.  You will not find Ginsu knives at Wabi Sabi (They weren't even Japanese knives, just a marketing gimmick).  Top-quality, not for the price sensitive, knives will be found there. 

In addition, Japanese Beer, coffee and tea accessories and even Sake tastings will be available.  Japanese art, jewely, decorative hand fans clothing and Bonsais round out the selection of products and services.  I plan on checking it out on Sunday.  Maybe I'll see you there.  Click here to learn more about Wabi Sabi Japan Living: https://www.wabisabijapanliving.com/

4 Saints Restaurant, Rooftop Upscale Dining, Bar & Lounge Now Open

The brand new Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel in downtown Palm Springs features a rooftop pool with expansive views, cabanas and a selection of top-notch dining and drinking options.  The dining and drinking options have been specially curated to create a delightful and upscale, yet laid-back, experience.

I recently had dinner at 4 Saints, the rooftop restaurant, bar and lounge.  First let me say that the ambience of this place is chic, modern, warm, rich and elegant all rolled into one beautiful indoor/outdoor space.  Tables feature soft supple brown leather chairs, a cluster of modern light fixtures dangle overhead, and even the bottles of alcohol at the bar have their own mood lighting.  This coupled with futuristic sounding lounge music creates a stunning social setting. 

The menu is made up of sharable small plates, amped up with international flavors,  inspired by the fresh, clean spirit of Mediterranean cooking.  I was there with a friend so we decided to start the evening off with the "Slim Jim Eggplant" appetizer.  While waiting for this first course to arrive, we enjoyed some cocktails.  I started with a Jack and Coke and thought it was the best Jack and Coke I had had.  My second drink was one of their signature drinks.  Unfortunately, I don't remember the name but do remember really enjoying the libation.  So far so good.  The Eggplant appetizer sure looked pretty, but both me and my friend thought it was kind of bland.  Mental note, don't order the Slim Jim Eggplant.  This was the only let down of the evening.  My friend ordered the Dry Aged Duck entree and was very happy with his choice.  That dish came with Foie Gras sausage, dates, sweet and sour beets and caramelized fennel. I ordered the Baja Kampachi, a smoky fish dish that came with the most amazing sauce I've ever had.  If you like fish, you are going to love the Baja Kampachi.

On top of the unique amazing food and perfectly crafted cocktails, the service was exemplary.

In my opinion, 4 Saints at the Rowan Palm Springs offers a five star dining and drinking experience.    Click here to learn more: http://www.rowanpalmsprings.com/palm-springs-restaurants/rooftop-bar-restaurant/