The contemporary-meets-mid-century property is located within the Desert Palisades, the last hillside development of Palm Springs, and is one of three iconic homes in the setting. All of the properties in Desert Palisades are ultra-rare and were specifically crafted as the next chapter in the rich history of Palm Springs architecture. Forward-thinking and design-driven, this development includes properties with clean lines, ageless aesthetics, and a natural flow between indoor and outdoor living. See: World’s best homes – tour the globe’s most beautiful houses Ray Kappe’s style is considered to be an extension of the early Southern California master architects Frey, Kaufman, Wright, Schindler, Wexlter, and Neutra. The incredible home bears the essence of the seasoned artist brought full circle, and is the last residential design from a major contributor of the pioneering modern architecture movement in Southern California. Kappe brings his gifted vision for site-sensitive design to this rarified location, evoking the spirit of the mid-century, yet with a wholly modern approach. Features include architectural elements that characterize Kappe’s profound sense of complex structural components engineered to allow volumes to float via extensive use of cantilever, with minimal intrusion to the natural terrain, honoring the rugged topography found in this rare site. See: Living room ideas – clever ways to decorate living spaces Nestled in the hillside enclave of Desert Palisades, an exclusive gated community, the house boasts commanding views over the entire Coachella Valley capturing multiple mountain ranges and city lights. Standardized materials of poured concrete and steel structural elements blend seamlessly with sophisticated interior detailing of custom teak paneling, built-ins and polished concrete floors that evoke a relaxed, but quiet elegance.
See: Dining room ideas – inspiration for decorating and furnishing your space
See: Kitchen ideas – decor and decorating ideas for all kitchens
Featuring three bedrooms, four bathrooms, and a family room, the home benefits from wraparound windows so you can enjoy the almost otherworldly landscape from every space. One reading nook is home to a chic Eames lounge chair and ottoman, creating the perfect space to while away the hours. Multiple plants, like succulents and cacti, are dotted throughout the home to reflect the surrounding landscape. Outside, you’ll find multiple terraced entertaining areas in cool concrete finishes, and an incredible pool. The property is listed by Mark Sanders at Compass (opens in new tab).
Who was Ray Kappe?
Ray Kappe was the founding director of the Southern California Institute of Architecture, better known as SCI-Arc. He was known as one of the great innovators and educators on the Californian modernist movement. His love of nature and the environment are evident in his work, and he designed over 100 residences that are still considered visionary today. His own home in the Pacifici Palisades, built in 1967, is regarded as one of the finest modernist homes in the US, and has become something of an attraction. Kappe died in 2019 at the age of 92.
