Frank Sinatra's estate, Twin Palms, is on track to be declared an historical landmark by The Palm Springs City Council. The council will discuss the historical landmark designation at meetings over the next two weeks but the request before them comes with unanimous recommendation from The Palm Springs Historic Site Preservation Board. Once granted landmark status, the designation will ensure that future changes to the former Frank Sinatra property must be approved by the city's Historic Site Preservation Board.
Twin Palms was built in 1947 and designed by local Palm Springs architect, E. Stewart Williams. According to locals here at that time, Frank walked in to Mr. Williams' office in the summer of that year eating an ice cream cone saying, "I want to build a house and I want it done by Christmas." The strict time frame given by Mr. Sinatra allowed the architect some free reign to design a home that was uniquely modern and to incorporate elements not yet utilized. The 4,500 square foot house is constructed around a large pool offering mountain views plus four bedrooms. Two of those bedrooms are pool cabanas complete with their own baths. The house remains considerably intact but was modified to reconfigure the entrance in the late 1990s. Last year a new retro-fit St. Charles kitchen was installed in the house making it more reflective of the period in which it was built. Frank lived in this remarkable estate for 10 years which also encompasses the time he was married to Ava Gardner.
A revitalized interest in the modern movement just over 10 years ago brought many Palm Springs structures and their architects to national attention and today the Modernist designs of many buildings and residences in the area are highly regarded for their architectural significance. The restoration and rehabilitation of Frank's Twin Palms estate not only helped spark that movement but the design itself spearheaded much of the architecture that defines the city today.
Twin Palms is not open to the public but it is available for rent on a daily basis through Beau Monde Villas, a luxury vacation rental agency with offices in Palm Springs. It is available for overnight stays, special events and location usage for film and photography. For more information contact them at (877) 318-2090 or visit their website, www.BeauMondeVillas.com.
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