Palm Springs is a city known for its luxurious spas, hot springs, and warm weather. It’s also known for its famous residents who have flocked to the desert oasis to escape the hustle and bustle of Hollywood. One of the most famous neighborhoods in Palm Springs is the Movie Colony, which has been home to many iconic Hollywood celebrities over the years.
The Movie Colony neighborhood was named after the film industry professionals who started buying property there in the 1930s. The neighborhood is located just east of downtown Palm Springs, and is known for its Spanish Colonial Revival and mid-century modern architecture. Many of the homes in the Movie Colony were designed by famous architects such as William Krisel, Albert Frey, and Richard Neutra.
One of the earliest residents of the Movie Colony was Jack Warner, the co-founder of Warner Bros. Studios. Warner built a large estate in the neighborhood in the 1930s, which he called “Villa Warner”. The estate was known for its expansive gardens, which featured a lake, a rose garden, and a Japanese garden.
Another early resident of the Movie Colony was Samuel Goldwyn, the founder of Goldwyn Pictures. Goldwyn built a Spanish Colonial Revival mansion in the neighborhood in the 1930s, which he called “El Mirador”. The mansion was known for its ornate architecture, which featured intricate tile work, arched doorways, and a large courtyard.
In the 1940s and 1950s, the Movie Colony became even more popular with Hollywood celebrities. Many of the biggest stars of the era, including Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, and Bing Crosby, built homes in the neighborhood. Sinatra’s home, which he called “Twin Palms”, was designed by modernist architect E. Stewart Williams and featured a piano-shaped swimming pool. Hope’s home, which he called “The House That Laughter Built”, was designed by John Lautner and was known for its unique design, which featured a conical roof and a circular fireplace.
Other famous residents of the Movie Colony over the years have included Cary Grant, Dinah Shore, and Tony Curtis. Grant’s home, which he called “Las Palomas”, was designed by Richard Neutra and featured a stunning view of the San Jacinto Mountains. Shore’s home, which she called “The Dinah Shore Estate”, was designed by Donald Wexler and was known for its indoor-outdoor living spaces. Curtis’ home, which he called “Houdini House”, was designed by Lloyd Wright, the son of famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright, and was known for its unique circular design.
In recent years, the Movie Colony has become a popular filming location for movies and television shows. The neighborhood’s unique architecture and desert landscape have been featured in a number of films, including “The Player” and “The Big Lebowski”. The neighborhood has also been featured on several television shows, including “Mad Men” and “American Horror Story: Hotel”.
The Movie Colony is a testament to the glamour and luxury of old Hollywood. The neighborhood has attracted some of the biggest names in the film industry over the years, and its beautiful homes and unique architecture continue to inspire visitors and residents alike. Whether you’re looking to live the Palm Springs lifestyle or just soak up a bit of Hollywood history, the Movie Colony is definitely worth a visit.
#MovieColony #PalmSprings #OldHollywood #Celebrities #Architecture #Glamour #EstateHomes