Suzanne Somers and Alan Hamel snap up designer-done home in Palm Springs
Actress-entrepreneur Suzanne Somers and her husband, producer Alan Hamel, have bought a pedigreed home in the foothills of Palm Springs through a trust for $2.35 million, records show.
Found on a ridge within a gated community, the custom-built house features the work of Steve Chase, the late interior designer who worked with Arthur Elrod before launching his eponymous firm in 1980. Rona Barrett, Farrah Fawcett and Gene Hackman were among his clients.
Built in 1978, the single-story house boasts such modernist staples as high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows and function space designed for entertaining. A mirrored ceiling tops a conversation pit in the great room, which has a two-way fireplace.
Nearly 4,900 square feet of living space also holds an eat-in kitchen, a dining room, four bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms.
Grounds measuring more than an acre include a separate casita, a spa and a swimming pool. Views from the property take in the Coachella Valley floor and surrounding mountains.
The property came up for sale in January for the first time in its history, records show. Over the last month, the median sales price in Palm Springs was $415,000, up $9.8% compared with the previous year, according to Redfin.
Jeff Litton of HomeSmart Professionals was the listing agent, according to the Multiple Listing Service. Scott Lyle of Douglas Elliman represented the buyers.
Somers, 72, is known for the 1973 film “American Graffiti” and, later, the sitcoms “Three’s Company” and “Step by Step.”
Hamel, 82, hosted such 1960s television game shows as “Wedding Party” and “Anniversary Game.” He later produced a number of Somers’ TV and video specials.
Last year, the couple was set to sell their longtime Palm Springs compound by auction with no reserve, but ultimately chose to not go through with the bidding process. The 73-plus-acre property, which in the past has listed for as much as $35 million, is not currently for sale.
neal.leitereg@latimes.com | Twitter: @LATHotProperty
