1210 N Via Donna

Description

Originally constructed with a much smaller footprint in 1940 by pre-eminent Swiss architect and long-time Palm Springs resident Albert Frey, this impressive mid-century modern inspired home has an impressive past. Frey designed the original house for himself and it served as the architect's first home in the desert. Called Frey House I, the home was expanded and redesigned several times from 1947 through 1953 by Frey himself. In 1965, after Frey sold the home, he was commissioned to expand the home around the pool, enclosing it in a center courtyard. In 1987, Frey was commission once again to redesign the home and expand it even further for a project christened "Eldersgate." In 1990, a developer purchased the property, subdivided the large lot the home sat on and removed most of Frey's design elements in an attempt to create a model for future spec homes on the subdivided parcels. That project never came to fruition, however, and the home changed hands again. The home that stands now is a large 4,643 sqft entertainer's delight that features four bedrooms, four-and-a-half bathrooms, a media room, a lounge with wet bar and some of Frey's original design features from various stages of the home, like the original iconic square swimming pool, an expanded kitchen and laundry room, a large primary bathroom with recessed tub, a sauna and a large living room, dining room combination with the original sliding glass wall featured in the iconic images of the original home by famed photographer Julius Shulman. This home, which has not been on the market for almost twenty-three years, offers a unique opportunity for those seeking to acquire a property with an historic past and perhaps restore it to Frey's last vision. Albert Frey's plans for the 1965 and 1987 versions of the home are available and could possibly be used to recreate a very unique residence. Neighborhood short-term rental density quotas are in effect in the city of Palm Springs. Buyers should verify the availability of city permits and verify all information stated or otherwise prior to purchase.