Life in The Springs

As far back as the early 40's Palm Springs has been a popular destination to relax and enjoy the desert climate in a casual atmosphere. Our desert has played host to the Hollywood elite, young starlets, ambassadors, former presidents, singers and comedians who kept a home in the Palm Springs area. Last Sunday John and I attended a party at the former estate of legendary crooner Frank Sinatra. As I took this photo, I couldn't help but think about all the intersting things that had gone on in this house. Here, Sinatra hosted many glamorous parties, with stars including Bob Hope, Joan Crawford, Phil Silvers, Greta Garbo, Mary Livingston, George Burns, Gracie Allen, Lana Turner, and Ava Gardner. If only the walls could talk! The classic mid-century house was designed with Sinatra in mind, including a pool shaped like a piano. The walkway along side the pool has a shade structure that casts a shadow of piano keys. It's a beautiful property with loads of character, and represents an era of the high life in our desert community.

Life in The Springs Today...
Even today, the social scene in Palm Springs is largely what takes place in private homes, hidden behind tall hedges and stone walls. Poolside cocktails and intimate dinner parties are framed with a dramatic backdrop of the mountain-scape. Palm trees glow by the light of the pool and are illuminated by landscape lighting in the cool of the evening. It's the perfect setting to surrender to the desert and let your mind escape from it all.

above: I took this photo at the home of some friends during a party they hosted recently. I could have sworn I felt the presence of Marilyn Monroe...
Where the Young Elite Go...

above: Private poolside cabanas at The Viceroy hotel are where today's trendy visitors relax and enjoy the desert. It's a fun place to go to watch the LA crowd play in our desert sun...at least this is a place I can call "home". Happy Friday everyone!
-Rick Rockhill