Sunset’s New Idea House in Palm Springs Is an Indoor-Outdoor Masterpiece and Open for Tours Now

Perched in the architectural wonderland of Desert Palisades, which boasts the last developable view lots in the Palm Springs area, Sunset’s latest Idea House is a tribute to timeless design and visionary architecture. This is a one-of-a-kind contemporary design by famed desert modernist architect Donald Wexler, in association with Lance O’Donnell, that bridges Palm Springs architectural history and cutting-edge design. And now lovers of architecture and desert living can experience this striking and sustainable home that honors the past but includes the best in contemporary features and finishes: floor-to-ceiling windows that let in the epic desert views, decks for effortless outdoor entertaining, opulent bathrooms, intelligent storage, and other amenities that set the high bar for living well in the desert West.

Thomas J. Story

Often referred to as the “Rediscovered Wexler,” this vision was established by Wexler well before his passing in 2016. The home was originally designed in 2011 for a parcel in The Hamptons in collaboration with Lance O’Donnell, a highly regarded architect from Palm Springs who was mentored by Wexler in the early days of his career. The house was never constructed in New York, but the plans remained highly desirable. O’Donnell identified lot #57 in Desert Palisades as the one parcel that would accommodate the home, allowing it to be preserved without any significant architectural alterations. The home boasts four bedrooms and five bathrooms, floor-to-ceiling windows, fluid interior layouts, a pool and spa, and views for days. This home will be the last and final architectural design to be added to Wexler’s renowned portfolio and this is the last chance for the public to tour it before it’s sold. 

Thomas J. Story

Our friends at Palm Springs Life are running tours on Saturdays from May 17 through June 14. Tours run every 30 minutes from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and tickets can be purchased here.

Thomas J. Story

For architecture buffs, this is an amazing opportunity to see a piece of history. Wexler’s work is often credited with establishing Palm Springs as a destination and the embodiment of a modern, sophisticated, desert resort lifestyle. Some of his classic designs include El Rancho Vista Estates (1960), Alexander steel houses (1962), Dinah Shore House and Dinah Shore-Maurice Smith House (1964), Palm Springs Airport (1966), Desert Water Agency (1978), and Larson Justice Center (1996), plus dozens more houses, commercial buildings, and schools. And now the Sunset Palm Springs Idea House joins this roster of significant architecture.