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A desert home which may—or may not—be linked to a famous architect is on the market for $2.2 million.
Casa de Rosa in Palm Springs, CA, dates back to 1940.
“There’s a theory that I cannot confirm or deny … that it was designed by Cliff May, that he was the architect of the house,” says listing agent Kennon Earl, with Compass. “I don’t have any anything to back that up, but that is a theory that’s traveled with the house.”
Exterior
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Aerial view
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May was well known for developing suburban dream homes, mainly in a ranch style with post-and-beam construction.
“Houses that were built in this period, if they were using utilizing a good architect, those architects would go sit on the property—they’d figure out where’s the sun, and where does [the house] need to be to get good shade and good sun exposure,” Earl explains. “It feels like that’s what the architect did with this house. The front part of the house stays nice and cool, and I think they really considered that in 1940 when there was no air conditioning.”
As a result, the front of the house has an overhang to shield the home from the relentless desert sun, and the back of the home is a bit more exposed.
“It was a very thoughtful design in the beginning, when they designed the house originally,” Earl points out.
Interior
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Interior
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Kitchen
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This two-bedroom, two-bath home measures in at 2,144 square feet. It’s maintained a lot of its original character, particularly its fireplace, open-beam ceilings, and wood floors.
“In the bedrooms, all the cabinetry is original, and each has a sitting vanity, which is really sweet in both of them,” Earl says. “Then it has all of the decorative elements on the cabinetry itself, which is kind of fun.”
Bedroom
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Bedroom
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Bathroom
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While the character has been well preserved, the house has been updated over the decades.
“I think it’s rare that you get this kind of authenticity in Palm Springs,” Earl notes. “A lot of people come in and try to do different things with these houses, and twist them up a lot, and try to make them supermodern. I just love the authenticity that you can walk in and feel the original intent of the house, but you still get this amazing ability to live with all the modern conveniences.”
Pool
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Roses
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The backyard, anchored by a pool, offers up sublime views of the surroundings.
“When you’re in the backyard, you know you’re in the desert,” Earl says. “It feels very much like you’re at a resort. One of the beautiful elements of the area is the contrast between the flatland and the mountains that just rise up superquick. When you’re sitting in the backyard, looking at the view from your chaise lounge, they’re just towering right in front of you. It’s very dramatic.”
The home’s enchanting nickname, Casa de Rosa, was inspired by the abundant roses and other flora blooming around the property, Earl says.
A few blocks south of the city’s downtown area, the house sits in the desirable Mesa area.
“It is one of the original upscale neighborhoods of the Springs,” Earl notes, adding that many celebrities call or have called Mesa home. “The neighborhood itself has a lot of great value and it grows in value pretty easily.”
A buyer could use the home as a vacation rental or as a full-time residence.
“Everybody loves this house,” Earl reports. “I have not gotten one bad comment at any of the showings. It’s the style itself—it lends itself to somebody being passionate about it. Somebody will walk in and just fall it love with it, because it’s got this charm.”
The post Was This $2.2M Palm Springs Home, Dubbed Casa de Rosa, Designed by Cliff May? appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.
