Frank Sinatra. Marilyn Monroe. Cary Grant.
What did these stars of Hollywood’s Golden Age have in common — aside from being rich, famous, and beautiful? All three lived in or spent significant time in Palm Springs’ historic Movie Colony East district.
As the name suggests, Movie Colony East began as just that: A hamlet for stars of the silver screen; a place to enjoy the secluded privacy of the desert, far away from the bright lights of Hollywood. But how did this famous neighborhood come to be?
Rumor has it that it all started with a poker game between fellow movie executives Darryl F. Zanuck and Joseph Schenck, in which Zanuck won Schenck’s Palm Springs estate. Zanuck then introduced the neighborhood to other Hollywood moguls and the rest is history. Which brings us to the present.
Over the ensuing decades, a steady influx of Hollywood luminaries to the area played a significant role in the evolution of Palm Springs as a destination. After the movie stars came other wealthy clientele in search of relaxation and the enviable lifestyle enjoyed by their favorite celebrities. This established Palm Springs as a getaway for all demographics, resulting in a wave of golf course, restaurants, and attractions.
Movie Colony East is also significant for its unique architectural style. Many of the homes in the area feature a distinct mid-century modern aesthetic, with clean lines, flat roofs, and large windows. This style has become synonymous with Palm Springs and continues to have a lasting influence on contemporary architecture and design. Combine these modernist masterpieces with towering palm trees and soaring mountain vistas, and you have a picture-perfect paradise.
With its enduring legacy of Hollywood’s Golden Age and its mid-century modern design heritage, there’s a lot to love about Movie Colony East. Fortunately, you can get the full experience by booking a stay with ACME House Company.
Here are seven notable properties:
Step into the realm of Old Hollywood glamour as you enter the enchanting home that once belonged to Oscar-winner Kirk Douglas. A captivating blend of modern luxury and stirring memories, this 1955 property has everything a movie star could want. Captivating mountain vistas, a sun-drenched tanning deck, rejuvenating spa, and much more line this amazing estate.
It’s a bird… it’s a plane… it’s Reeve’s Garden House. According to local lore, this was once the home of 1950s Superman, George Reeves. Equipped for maximum privacy and ultimate luxury, this home can be your fortress of solitude, a true oasis getaway, but it doesn't have to be. Within walking distance from famous Palm Canyon Drive and Ruth Hardy Park, this home is at the center of it all.
This luxurious property is all about soaking it up in the sunshine. Designed to blur the lines between indoor-outdoor living, it delivers with fabulous art and furnishings, spacious open floor plan, and gorgeous marble floors. Guests can take refuge in the perfectly secluded outdoor paradise complete with mountain vistas, poolside chaise lounges, and alfresco dining.
Designed with a nod to the Apollo Missions, this Palm Springs getaway features art inspired by the Apollo missions possible, innovative mid-century architecture, and the glamour of a James Bond film. Take it from us, it’s truly breathtaking.
This amazing home focuses on easy, livable comfort, exemplified by the open floor plan allowing you to interact with the whole group. It also features a number of cozy spots tucked away for you to curl up with a good book when you want some alone time. This property also blends indoor and outdoor living with its floor-to-ceiling windows and resort-style amenities such as a pool and spa.
This quaint and peaceful cottage is a haven in the desert. Surrounded by mature fruit trees and amazing mountain views, this property is perfect for small families or couples looking for the perfect getaway. Featuring an open floor plan, bright spaces, and a mix of vintage and modern décor, it’s truly one of a kind.
This recently renovated ranch home will make you feel right at home. Modernized yet respectful of the 1964 architecture at its roots, this property includes a heated pool, integrated waterfall spa, and outdoor dining pavilion, allowing you to soak up the sun in style.
With it being walkable to Palm Canyon Drive and Ruth Hardy Park, you can be sure to find plenty to do not just in your rental property, but in the area abroad.
It’s easy to see why these Movie Colony East properties are some of the most popular in ACME House’s entire inventory. To book your Palm Springs stay, click HERE.
ABOUT ACME HOUSE COMPANY: Acme manages Luxury Vacation Rental Homes & Condos in Greater Palm Springs and the surrounding desert cities, catering to those looking to travel to the world-renowned destination for the season, week-long stays and extended weekends. Fabulous pool homes for when you and your peeps want some together time. Visit Acme’s Website to explore more Palm Springs Vacation Rental Homes.