Frank Sinatra’s retreat above Palm Desert returns to market for $3.9 million
If these walls could talk. A scenic retreat built for legendary singer and actor Frank Sinatra in the mountains above Palm Desert has come back on the market in its entirety for $3.9 million.
The mid-century lodge was previously offered a year ago for $3.95 million, without surrounding parcels of land now being included in the sale, said listing agent Markus Canter of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties.
Named Villa Maggio by Sinatra in recognition of his Oscar-winning role in “From Here to Eternity,” the estate on roughly 7.5 acres was custom-designed with privacy and entertaining in mind.
Native landscapes and rock outcrops surround the home, which sits at an elevation of 4,300 feet on the sunrise side of the San Jacinto Mountains. A gated road and a private on-site helipad provide access to the property.
“Sinatra specifically worked with architect Ross Patton to build a comfortable home where he could entertain his friends and family,” said Canter. “This is where [Sinatra] could just be Frank, and live life his way.”
During his dozen years of ownership, Sinatra used his sanctuary to host a variety of guests. Members of his inner circle known as the Rat Pack, as well as an endless stream of celebrities and dignitaries, were known to frequent the property . There were countless female visitors, too, before his marriage to Barbara Sinatra in 1976.
The current owners, who knew Sinatra from his days performing in Las Vegas, have meticulously maintained and restored the 1967 property, keeping its original vibe. Vintage details include beamed and vaulted ceilings, locally sourced stone fireplaces and wood-paneled walls. Multiple viewing decks and balconies take in sweeping desert panoramas.
Three structures reside on the property and can comfortably sleep as many as 20 people. A rustic main lodge, a two-story guest house and a pool house with a great room and two saunas combine to more than 6,400 square feet. Each building has its own kitchen, and there are nine bedrooms, 13.5 bathrooms and nine fireplaces in all.
Outdoors, a dance floor sits in between the tennis court and a lighted swimming pool and spa. Nearby, a large patio surrounds a fire pit.
Cristie St. James, also with Berkshire Hathaway, and Scott Palermo and Jim Sanak of Harcourts Desert Homes share the listing.
Sinatra, who died in 1998 at age 82, had timeless hit songs that include “Strangers in the Night,” “My Way” and “New York, New York.” Last year marked the 100th anniversary of his birth.
Twitter: @NJLeitereg
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