Supersized estate in Rancho Mirage was built for Joan Kroc of McDonald’s fortune
A desert home built for the late philanthropist Joan Kroc, the third wife of McDonald’s Corp. franchiser Ray Kroc, has returned to the market in Rancho Mirage at $5.275 million.
At the time the sleek contemporary was constructed in 1984, a fast-food burger could be purchased for about half a buck.
The estate today has no echoes of golden arches, but looks like it could still be used for corporate retreats. Large gallery-like walls are lined with art. The supersized great room easily accommodates 11 sectional sofas connected in a U shape and facing a four-stool bar. The dining room seats 10. High ceilings and walls of glass give the space the vibe of a high-rise lobby.
Oddly, listing photos show that the game and media room currently has a statue of Big Boy in it. Also within the nearly 8,000 square feet of living space are two guest houses, a galley-style kitchen, a breakfast nook, a theater room, six bedrooms and eight bathrooms.
A rock-accented pool and spa, a cabana, mature palm trees and patios fill out the grounds of 1.2 acres.
The property previously traded hands in 2008 for $4.2 million.
Kroc, who died in 2003 at 75, owned the San Diego Padres with her husband, Ray. Her philanthropist causes included alcoholism, hospice care, homelessness, children’s charities and public radio, among others.
Cat Moe and John Nelson of Nelson-Moe Properties, Compass, are the listing agents.
Twitter: @laurenebeale
