An Important William Krisel-Designed Home in Palm Springs Can Be Yours for $2.2 Million
One of the United States’ most coveted architecture hubs, Palm Springs, California, was the birthplace of desert modernism, and today it still has one of the highest concentrations of well-preserved midcentury-modern homes, literally block after block of them, entire neighborhoods even. One of the resort community’s most beloved homes, designed by renowned architect William Krisel in 1957, has recently become available for $2.2 million.
While he refused to refer to himself as a “modern” architect, the homes Krisel designed were, in fact, a big reason why midcentury modern architecture became the signature style in Palm Springs. During his career, Krisel worked alongside the Alexander Company, one of the first and most prolific modernist builders in the United States. This house, along with the surrounding Twin Palms neighborhood, was a collaboration between Krisel and the Alexander Company. And, as with many of the neighborhood’s Krisel-designed and Alexander-built homes, it retains many of the architect’s original signature flourishes.
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The 1,600-square-foot home has three bedrooms and two bathrooms and sits on a quarter-acre parcel. Dotted with native plants and towering palms, the property has a circular driveway and a barrel cactus-lined entrance that leads to the front door. The interiors have been restored and updated for a modern lifestyle in 2012 with the original architect, while original elements remain in the form of clerestory windows, huge expanses of glass, and sliding glass doors that promote indoor-outdoor living, along with high ceilings, terrazzo flooring, and deep roof overhangs.
Filled with natural light, the heart of the home is the open-plan great room with a wood-beamed ceiling and a white-and-yellow masonry fireplace. Even the kitchen looks straight out of the 1950s, albeit with an upgraded twist. Wood cabinets are accented with perforated panels painted a retro-pale green, but the stainless steel appliances are 100 percent up-to-date. A window over the sink overlooks the picturesque backyard.
Clerestory windows add light to the bedrooms. The primary suite also has access to the backyard through a sliding glass door, and the materials and design for the double-sink vanity in the primary bathroom mirror the kitchen, but with baby-blue perforated accents. Two other bedrooms share a hall bath.
“This property was meticulously restored in collaboration with William Krisel himself,” says listing agent Jesse Huskey of Compass, who is co-listing the property with Romina Gil de Matos. “The expansive private backyard, with stunning mountain views, provides a tranquil oasis for outdoor living. Twin Palms is one of the most architecturally significant neighborhoods in Palm Springs, designed by William Krisel in 1956 and developed from 1957 to 1958.”
The backyard, too, feels a bit like stepping back in time. There’s a saltwater pool with curved edges, a spa, a waterfall, a manicured lawn space, and a quaint area for outdoor barbecues. Tall hedges surround the backyard for added privacy, and a light blue fence circles the perimeter. There are several fruit trees, including a lemon tree, and no matter where you look, you’re met with palm trees and mountain views.
The house is a treasure in the Palm Springs community. It’s a highlight during Palm Springs Modernism Week, which hosts architectural tours of midcentury homes, and is the only William Krisel-designed home listed on the National Register of Historic Places, only adding to its immense value.
Click here for more photos of 1882 South Caliente Drive.
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