When you think of the golden age of Hollywood, one name almost always stands at the top of the list: Kirk Douglas. He wasn’t just a movie star; he was a force of nature. From his chin-dimpled grin to his powerhouse performance in Spartacus, Douglas defined an era of rugged masculinity and artistic integrity. But away from the flashing lights of Los Angeles and the grueling schedules of movie sets, Kirk Douglas had a sanctuary. That sanctuary is the kirk douglas house palm springs, a home that is as much a part of his legacy as his films.
Located in the prestigious Old Las Palmas neighborhood, this house is a stunning example of what happens when high-end architecture meets the relaxed, sun-drenched lifestyle of the California desert. Built in 1954, this home isn’t just a building; it’s a time capsule. It tells the story of a man who loved his family, appreciated fine design, and knew how to throw a legendary party.
The Architectural History of a Masterpiece
When you look at the Kirk Douglas house in Palm Springs, you are looking at the work of masters. The home was originally designed in 1954 by the architectural duo of Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison. If you know anything about Palm Springs architecture, those names should ring a bell. They were the pioneers of what we now call “Desert Modernism.”
The Vision of Wexler and Harrison
Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison were experts at creating homes that felt like they belonged in the desert. They didn’t want to fight the environment; they tried to embrace it. The kirk douglas house palm springs is a perfect example of their “post-and-beam” philosophy.
This style uses a skeleton of heavy timbers to support the roof, which allows for massive walls of glass. Because the walls aren’t “load-bearing,” you can replace wood and stucco with floor-to-ceiling windows. This creates a seamless transition between the inside of the house and the beautiful desert landscape outside. When you stand in the living room, you don’t feel like you’re in a box; you feel like you’re part of the mountains and the sky.
Key Features of the Property
To give you a better idea of the physical layout and the materials used, let’s look at the specific details that define this home. The architecture is a mix of rugged natural materials and sleek, modern lines.
FeatureDescriptionMidcentury Significance
Structure 4,000 sq ft on 0.75 acres. Emphasizes horizontal lines and indoor-outdoor flow.
Roof & Ceilings: Asphalt/gravel roof with beamed ceilings. Classic Desert Modern hallmarks that provide texture.
Walls Flagstone accents, and glass walls blend natural stone with the transparency of glass.
Expansions Updates in 1964 and 1976, Wexler and Harrison returned to ensure stylistic unity.
Historic Status Class 1 Historic Site #118 Officially recognized for its architectural and cultural value.
The Evolution of the Design
The house didn’t stay the same over the years. As the Douglas family grew and their needs changed, the house evolved. In 1964 and again in 1976, the original architects (along with partner Morrison) returned to add more space.
They expanded the home from its original footprint to include five bedrooms and eight bathrooms. What is truly impressive is how they maintained the original “vibe.” Even with the additions, the kirk douglas house palm springs feels like a singular, cohesive thought. They added a K-shaped saltwater pool—a cheeky nod to Kirk’s first name—and a full-sized tennis court. These weren’t just luxury add-ons; they were integrated into the landscape to enhance the overall aesthetic.
Stepping Inside: The Interior Layout
The interior of the Kirk Douglas house in Palm Springs is a masterclass in midcentury luxury. When you walk through the front doors, you aren’t met with a cramped hallway. Instead, you are greeted by an explosion of light and space. The design focuses on “sightlines,” meaning you can often see from one end of the house all the way to the other, or straight out into the backyard.
The Foyer and Living Areas
The entry of the home features a stunning combination of flagstone floors and pecky cypress wood. Peckey cypress is a rare type of wood with a unique, textured “pitted” look that was very popular in high-end homes during the 50s and 60s. It gives the entryway an organic, warm feeling that balances out the cool glass and stone.
The main living area is the heart of the home. It features soaring ceilings with exposed beams and massive glass walls that look out onto the pool and the tennis pavilion. In recent years, renovations have updated the floors to terrazzo, which is a composite material made of chips of marble, quartz, and granite. It’s incredibly durable and has a polished, high-end look that perfectly complements the midcentury style.
The Private Quarters: Bedrooms and Suites
One of the most interesting things about the Kirk Douglas house palm springs is how the bedrooms are laid out. As mentioned earlier, there are dual master suites. These rooms are massive and offer direct access to private patios.
- The Master Suites: These rooms act as private retreats within the home. They feature large dressing areas and spa-like bathrooms.
- The Guest Suite: This area includes a beautiful atrium, allowing guests to enjoy the desert sun in total privacy.
- The “Boys’ Bunk”: A dedicated space for the Douglas children, which has since been updated but still maintains a sense of nostalgia.
The layout ensures that even with a full house of guests, everyone has their own corner of paradise. The use of skylights and clerestory windows (high, narrow windows near the ceiling) ensures that every room is bathed in soft, natural light throughout the day.
The Kitchen and Dining Experience
No Hollywood home is complete without a space for entertaining. The kitchen in the Kirk Douglas house palm springs has been modernized to meet today’s standards while keeping its retro soul. It features a breakfast bar for casual mornings and a formal dining area for elegant evening meals.
There is also a wet bar, which was a staple of the 1950s social scene. You can almost imagine Kirk Douglas standing behind the bar, mixing a martini for a fellow actor while looking out at the San Jacinto Mountains. The flow between the kitchen, the bar, and the outdoor patio makes this home a dream for anyone who loves to host parties.
The Exterior and Grounds: A Desert Oasis
While the inside of the Kirk Douglas house in Palm Springs is spectacular, the grounds are where the “Palm Springs lifestyle” really comes to life. The home sits on a three-quarter-acre lot, which is quite large for the Old Las Palmas area.
Privacy and Security
Privacy was paramount for a star of Kirk’s caliber. High stone walls and gated entries surround the property. This creates a “compound” feel, where the family could relax without the prying eyes of the paparazzi. Once you are inside the gates, the world of Hollywood disappears, and you are left with a quiet, serene garden.
The Iconic K-Shaped Pool
You can’t talk about the Kirk Douglas house in Palm Springs without mentioning the pool. It is a K-shaped saltwater pool. While some might find a literal “K” a bit much, in the context of a 1950s celebrity home, it is perfectly charming.
A large patio with an outdoor fireplace surrounds the pool area. This is the ultimate spot for “indoor-outdoor living.” In the desert, the evenings can get chilly, so having a fireplace right next to the pool allows you to enjoy the outdoors all year round. The view from the pool deck is breathtaking, offering an unobstructed look at the rugged peaks of the San Jacinto Mountains.
The Tennis Pavilion: A Walk Down Memory Lane
The tennis pavilion is the most famous part of the exterior. Added in 1976, it remains largely untouched in terms of its spirit. As we noted before, this is where Kirk kept his movie posters. But it’s more than just a trophy room. It’s a fully functional lounge with its own bathroom and kitchenette.
It served as a “man cave” long before that term became popular. It allowed Kirk to engage in his love for fitness and sports while having a dedicated space to reflect on his incredible career. The landscaping around the pavilion and the main house features drought-tolerant plants, palms, and manicured lawns, creating a lush green contrast against the tan desert soil.
Renovations and Sales: Keeping the Legend Alive
The Kirk Douglas house in Palm Springs has had an interesting journey since the Douglas family sold it in 1999. It has passed through the hands of a few owners, each of whom has played a role in preserving or updating the property.
The 1999 and 2016 Sales
When Kirk and Anne sold the home in 1999, it went for about $1.3 million. At the time, that was a significant price, but as the demand for midcentury modern homes skyrocketed, so did the value of the property. In 2016, the home returned to the market with an asking price of $3.45 million.
This jump in price reflects not just the rising real estate market in Palm Springs, but the increasing value placed on “celebrity provenance.” People aren’t just buying a house; they are buying a piece of history. They want to be able to say, “I live in the house that Kirk Douglas built.”
Modern Updates by Michael Budman
One of the most significant recent owners was Michael Budman, the co-founder of the apparel brand Roots. Budman is a huge fan of midcentury design, and he undertook a very thoughtful renovation of the property.
His goal wasn’t to change the house, but to “clean it up.” He removed some of the privacy walls that had been added over the years to open up the views. He also installed the beautiful terrazzo flooring we mentioned earlier and updated the electrical systems. Perhaps most importantly, he opened up some of the beam structures to allow even more light to flow through the home.
The result is a house that feels fresh and modern but still retains that “Old Hollywood” aura. It is a perfect balance. It doesn’t feel like a museum where you can’t touch anything; it feels like a vibrant, livable home that honors its past.
Market Appeal and Famous Neighbors
Today, the Kirk Douglas house in Palm Springs is more desirable than ever. Its location in Old Las Palmas puts it in the company of some very famous neighbors. In fact, Leonardo DiCaprio owns a home nearby (the former Dinah Shore estate).
The home has also been used as a high-end vacation rental at various points, allowing fans of architecture to stay there for a few nights and experience the magic for themselves. Whether it’s being used as a private residence or a luxury rental, the market appeal of this property remains incredibly high.
The Cultural Impact of the Douglas Estate
The kirk douglas house palm springs is more than just a piece of real estate; it is a cultural landmark. It represents a specific moment in American history when the desert became the epicenter of cool.
A Pillar of Desert Modernism
Architecture fans from all over the world travel to Palm Springs to see buildings like this. The Douglas house is a textbook example of why this style works. It shows how steel, glass, and wood can be used to create a home that is both minimalist and incredibly cozy.
The work of Bob Higgins, who handled much of the construction, and the vision of Wexler and Harrison, have ensured that this house remains a point of study for aspiring architects. It’s a reminder that good design is timeless. A home built in 1954 shouldn’t feel this relevant in 2024, yet it does.
Historic Site #118
In 2020, the city of Palm Springs officially designated the kirk douglas house palm springs as a Class 1 Historic Site #118. This is a big deal. It means the home is protected, and any future changes must be approved to ensure the architectural integrity remains intact.
This designation cements the home’s place in history. It’s no longer just a private house; it’s a protected piece of the city’s heritage. It stands as a tribute to the “celebrity/architect” collaborations that made Palm Springs the world capital of midcentury modernism.
Visiting and Ownership: Can You See It?
You might be wondering if you can go and visit the Kirk Douglas house in Palm Springs. Since it is a private residence, you can’t just walk up and knock on the door for a tour. However, there are ways to get a closer look.
Modernism Week and Tours
The best way to see the home is during Modernism Week, which happens twice a year in Palm Springs. During this event, many private homeowners open their doors for guided tours. The Douglas house is frequently featured on these tours, especially those focusing on celebrity homes or the work of Donald Wexler.
If you can’t make it to a tour, you can still see the exterior from the street. Just remember to be respectful! It’s a quiet neighborhood, and the current owners value their privacy just as much as Kirk did.
Investing in the Palm Springs Dream
If the Kirk Douglas house in Palm Springs inspires you, you aren’t alone. The real estate market in Palm Springs is booming, especially for midcentury homes. While you might not be able to buy Kirk’s actual house, there are many properties in the area that share the same DNA.
Buying a home in Palm Springs is more than an investment in land; it’s an investment in a lifestyle. It’s about slow mornings by the pool, mountain views, and a connection to a storied past. Whether you are looking for a fixer-upper to restore to its former glory or a turnkey modern masterpiece, the spirit of Kirk Douglas’ desert escape lives on in the city’s vibrant real estate market.
Where Does Kirk Douglas Currently Live?
Kirk Douglas passed away in 2020 and does not have a current residence.
