ICONIC

By Dave Ware

Frank Sinatra was a giant in the entertainment industry, with a career spanning six decades. Starting out as a singer with the Harry James and Tommy Dorsey orchestras, Sinatra created a stir with his original voice and vocal styles. He became the first “teen idol” and made a life for himself as an A-list singer. He later turned to film, acting in several films with his “Rat Pack,” made up of other famous singers and comedians, and winning a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for “From Here to Eternity.” Sinatra famously loved to stay up late, drinking and partying, and hated to be alone. Palm Springs was a natural destination for Sinatra, close enough to Hollywood that he could drive in for shooting days and far enough to keep the paparazzi at bay. The 1950s saw a resurgence of celebrities buying properties and spending time in Palm Springs, and, as in all things, Sinatra was at the head of the pack.

Where Did Frank Sinatra Live in Palm Springs?

The Twin Palms Frank Sinatra Estate (as it’s now known) was built for Frank and his first wife Nancy, not far from the Palm Springs International Airport. Sinatra lived in the house for a decade before selling it. He also owned other homes in the area but Twin Palms is the most well known. You can read more detail about the history of the house here.

The house was built in 1947 by legendary Palm Springs architect E. Stewart Williams. Sinatra wanted a Georgian-style mansion built, but Williams was able to convince Sinatra that a modern, mid-century design with an open concept would be perfect for the area.

What’s Special About Frank Sinatra’s House?

The house was designed to incorporate its desert landscape into the living areas. The house is framed by the foothills of Mt. San Jacinto State Park and features the eponymous Two Palms near the piano-shaped pool. The house is designed to flow from indoors to outdoors with wall-sized sliding glass doors, offering living space and in every corner.

The house also features Terrazzo floor tiles, a vintage sound system, four bedrooms, each complete with an en-suite bathroom. The pool house has a kitchenette and cabana-style bathrooms and features Frank’s own recording studio.

The house is located in Palm Springs’ famous Movie Colony neighborhood, near homes once owned by Jack Benny, Cary Grant, and Al Jolson.

SO… Can I Go Inside Frank Sinatra’s House? How much does it cost?

Yes! Well, if you’ve got the cash to make it happen, it’s a definite possibility. You can rent it for about $3,300 night, with a minimum three-night stay. You’ll also pay $2000 in hospitality fees and another $1200 in taxes and fees. All in, your three-night visit will cost you about $13,000. Those prices are for the off-season, by the way. Christmas week would cost you just shy of $19,000.

The house is often rented out for events or open during Modernism Week or Fall Preview Week. But moderntourspalmsprings.com gets you as close as you can get legally, and still have a great view and learn the secrets of the home, and great stories of the Chairman of the Board in his heyday.