Luxury vacation homes for movie buffs and car lovers

For those seeking truly luxurious vacation homes with high-end amenities, the Palm Springs valley offers up some pretty amazing choices. Home movie theaters and multi-car garages figure high on discerning buyers' lists and many properties meet those criteria. Here are some estates now on the market offering private multi-media rooms and/or plenty of parking space for car buffs and guests.

This one-of-a-kind Bighorn Golf Club tennis estate boasts five bedrooms, a two-room guest cottage, fireplaces in every suite, inside/outside audio system, flat-panel TVs and fireplaces galore both inside and out.

The backyard of this sumptuous Palm Desert estate is punctuated by an inviting tennis pavilion and lap swimming pool with spa off the master suite.

Check out the plush seating and big screen in the home's cozy indoor theater, conveniently located near the great room.

The separate guest house thoughtfully offers lucky visitors their own living room, two bedrooms, kitchen, outdoor living space, fireplaces, 2-car garage, even a private pool and spa.

Professionally furnished, the south-facing home offers 10,000 square feet of living space in addition to ample six-car parking and dual golf-cart storage. Priced at $9,980,000 ($996/sf).

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This one-acre gated Tuscan estate resides in the heart of Rancho Mirage, only a short hop to Eisenhower Medical Center and The River. The south-facing home is capaciously designed for both comfortable living and lavish entertaining. With six bedrooms, a separate guest casita, formal rotunda and dining room, huge gourmet kitchen, and library with stone fireplace. Rustic wood ceilings contrast with travertine counters and floors for both warm and cool accents.

The sweeping paver-stoned driveway hints at the sumptuous estate hidden behind impressive front doors.

The resort-like grounds are highlighted by a covered portico, a gazebo with bar and fireplace, pool and spa, misters, and heaters. Views encompass 180° of blue skies and mountains.

A five-car garage includes plenty of storage and character for any car lover.

The red leather-accented private theater promises entertaining evenings for family and friends.

The 8113 square-foot estate is priced at $3,897,000 ($480/sf). Truly an amazing residence to call home.

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Here's a jaw-dropping estate in The Quarry, La Quinta's posh enclave embraced by a curve of the Santa Rosa Mountains. The Tuscan-themed property features trompe l'oeil walls, curved doorways, heavy wood-beamed rooms, and rustic accents befitting its Italian-inspired design.

South-facing on a huge 25,000 square-foot lot, this 7,000 square-foot, five bedroom estate features a two-bedroom detached casita with private spa for lucky guests, a gym, dry sauna, top-flight kitchen with Viking and Miele appliances, wood-burning pizza oven, formal dining room, even a 1,000-bottle wine cellar.

A plush stadium-seated theater hints at the indulgent lifestyle up for grabs in this meticulously-planned space.

The covered portico invites the vaunted indoor/outdoor desert lifestyle, while the sumptuous pool/spa punctuates the yard and spectacular vista of fairway and Santa Rosas.

Priced at $4,950,000 ($706/sf), the gorgeous property overlooks the  Tom Fazio-designed golf course.

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This contempoarary stunner in Mission Hills Country Club sits on almost 2/3 of south-facing acreage with 180° views of the Pete Dye course, lake and mountains.

With 4146 square feet of living space—including a two-bedroom guest house—the open, light-filled home beyond the striking entry features expansive walls of glass in an easy-living space. Unusual details include kitchen cabinetry made from pearwood and wenge.

A delightful, entertaining-ready backyard includes pool/spa, BBQ and waterfalls framed by the stunning desertscape.

The private home theater boasts top-of-the-line AV equipment with stellar acoustics.

The solar powered home is on the market for $2,495,000 ($601/sf).

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To end on a veritable high point, this final La Quinta property welcomes owners who relish superb design and craftsmanship. Truly no expense was spared in creating this magnificent estate in The Tradition—with its Old World aesthetic, soaring ceilings and endless details.

Moorish style archways and turrets abound. Cantera stone columns, ornamental wrought iron, textured glass, and gold leaf ceiings capture the imagination. Custom frescos and murals—both inside and outside the home—grace a truly unique residence.

An elevated master suite includes its own library. Three guest suites and a separate two-bedroom casita provide abundant guest accommodations. A capacious, climate-controlled garage stores up four automobiles and some golf carts.

The amazing home theater features state-of-the-art equipment in a setting reminiscent of old-time cinemas.

This amazing abode features 11 climate-control zones and central vacuuming. It's located at the end of a cul-de-sac with private, perch-top views of the gorgeous Arnold Palmer course.

The 8720 square-foot home is priced at $7,995,00 ($916/sf) and comes turnkey furnished. I have toured this home and can attest to the high-end furnishings gracing its interior.

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There are several other homes scattered throughout the Coachella Valley country clubs with similar amenities of home theaters and multi-car garages but space forced me to spotlight the above five properties. If you are desirous of a first or second home with all the bells and whistles, give me a call and I'll gladly elucidate on other candidates!

Listing photos courtesy of Lorna Ball/Bighorn Properties; Cass A Graff-Redford/Windermere Real Estate; Brady Sandahl/HOM Sotheby's International, John  Bamgardner/Coldwell Banker; Greg Cosgrove/Windermere Real Estate.