Modernism Week 2019: The Frank Sinatra Palms Springs Estate

Frank Sinatra - Palms Springs midcentury home - Front

A tour of the Frank Sinatra Estate, not only provides visual indulgence into the serene setting of Las Palmas’ Movie Colony, a neighborhood that was developed during the 1930s and 1940s with the stately El Mirador tower as its centerpiece, but also feeds the imagination with fantasies of the lives that were led by some of Hollywood’s biggest stars at the time.

Frank Sinatra - Palms Springs midcentury home - swimming pool
Frank Sinatra - Palms Springs midcentury home - swimming pool

The homes here, designed by some of the most prominent midcentury modern architects such as E. Stewart Williams and Donald Wexler, and William Cody among others, were home to the likes of Cary Grant, Gloria Swanson and Jack Benny. Following WWII, Frank Sinatra fashioned the neighborhood into “his” own, with his home residence known as “Twin Palms” playing the role of what was known as legendary party central of the area. 

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The Twin Palms Estate was designed by the prolific California-based architect E. Stewart Williams in 1947 for Frank Sinatra and his first wife, Nancy Barbato. Situated in the heart of Palm Springs, the midcentury style masterpiece bears historical significance, from the modern amenities such as the infamous piano shaped swimming pool to the well-known glamour parties for Hollywood’s celebrities. 

Frank Sinatra - Palms Springs midcentury home - dining room
Frank Sinatra - Palms Springs midcentury home - living room

Since the days of 1950s cocktail revelries, the estate has undergone refurbishing, yet maintains its classic Hollywood charm. Memorabilia from the golden era can be found on site, pointing to the fabulous lifestyle that was established at The Twin Palms Estate, lasting a decade until Sinatra sold the residence in 1957. 

Our friends at the Modernism Week will host a tour of the Frank Sinatra Estate, during the Feb 16-24 edition.

The tour will move through the Movie Colony over two and a half hours. Please note that the homes will be viewing the homes from the exterior only, led by a Docent, who will be glad to answer any questions that may rise during the tour. 

Frank Sinatra - Palms Springs midcentury home - living room
Frank Sinatra - Palms Springs midcentury home - living room

This event is organized by the Palm Springs Historical Society. Due to popular demand, tickets for this tour are sold out. However, there are still tickets for the party at the Sinatra Estate. Link to tickets.

Frank Sinatra - Palms Springs midcentury home - bathroom
Frank Sinatra - Palms Springs midcentury home - bedroom
Frank Sinatra - Palms Springs midcentury home - terrace
Frank Sinatra - Palms Springs midcentury home - terrace
Frank Sinatra - Palms Springs midcentury home - exterior
Photos by Jeff Mindell
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