Thanks to the pandemic, we haven’t spent as much time checking in on Western Canadians’ fave winter getaways as we usually do. On the upside there is some cautious optimism that travel may be easing back into some semblance of normal. On the downside, our go-to spots are slammed with American visitors and prices are seriously elevated€”and nowhere more so than real estate, where Palm Springs has been leading the surge. So believe me when I say the $4,500,000 the sellers are asking for this historic house is actually not that bad a deal.

The Neighbourhood

Bing Crosby, Bob Hope and Frank Sinatra were all synonymous with the golden era of Palm Springs. One of Frank’s houses €”Villa Maggio€” is still for sale, Bob’s famous John Lautner residence is the most recognizable house in the valley and this is Bing’s compound. It’s set on over an acre in Thunderbird Heights, a gated community that blends old-school charm with luxe properties (a certain ex-President is a rumoured resident). And Bing had a nice slice of it.

The House

Well, let’s start with the positives: it’s huge. 6 bedrooms, 5 baths, 6,700 square feet. And the principal rooms are likewise very expansive€”check out how much room there is in that master bedroom. The kitchen has clearly been redone (there’s not much mid-century left in any part of the house), and while it’s traditional, it’s also pretty swank. And there’s a full screening room€”to watch White Christmas in, no doubt.

READ MORE: Sinatra’s Bonkers Desert Compound Is For Sale

The Challenges

Well, the decor needs an update. You maybe don’t need to move walls, but some bathroom refreshes (goodbye glass brick!) and surface refreshes are in order.

The History

If Bing isn’t enough, there’s the fact that the casita is named after its frequent guest, JFK, who also was rumoured have had a “one-on-one” meeting with Marilyn Monroe in said guest house. So there’s that.

The complete listing is here.

Neal McLennan

Neal McLennan