Photos from my trip to Palm Springs
I recently embarked on a whirlwind tour of Palm Springs, chronicled in the October issue of Martha Stewart Living. I've begun to call such trips "immersions:" The stay was brief, and the itinerary, packed. In the span of a few days, we toured the area's famous modernist buildings, including 11 homes. We also explored the immense and beautiful Joshua Tree National Park at sunrise. In addition to the photos in the magazine, I will be posting extra photos of the gorgeous houses, the park, and our favorite restaurants. Enjoy this first gallery, featuring the Elrod House and Bougain Villa.
1 The Elrod house (1968), my favorite, was designed by John Lautner, an apprentice to Frank Lloyd Wright. This sculpture by Dale Chihuly is installed in the living room.
2 Here I am in sitting beneath the soaring poured-concrete ceiling, punctuated with slivers of glass. This house has a cameo in the 1971 James Bond film, "Diamonds Are Forever."
3 The gorgeous curved pool of the Elrod house
4 A sleek fireplace in the living room, surrounded by zigzagging slate floor tiles
5 The Elrod house kitchen, with Dale Chihuly sculpture overhead
6 A bathroom in the guest house, where the landscape's boulders come inside
7 Sculpture by Harry Bertoia lines a garden wall.
8 Curved walls, a looming boulder, and me in the shadows
9 The pristine master bedroom
10 The master bathroom, equipped with a sunken tub, has a floor-to-ceiling view of the rocks and bamboo outside.
11 Kevin Sharkey, executive editorial director of decorating, perches on an indoor-outdoor boulder.
12 This giant metal flower, by Harry Bertoia, is one of several that adorn the garden walls.
13 Fritz Karch, editorial director of collecting and Palm Springs enthusiast, balances on the roof, taking in the view. I'm on my way to join him.
14 The glass facade of Bougain Villa (1958) is mirrored on the outside to reflect the terrain; inside, visitors take in views of the city through the floor-to-ceiling windows. The home was designed by William Burgess and Hugh Kaptur.
15 An outdoor lantern at Bougain Villa
16 Here I am with Harold Meyerman, who owns Bougain Villa with his wife, Dorothy.
17 A sweeping view from the terrace
18 The owners of the house have a great collection of pots and planters.
19 An outdoor shower gets a colorful beaded curtain.
20 Bougain Villa is nestled into the rocky hill. Above the roof line, tan pots and umbrellas blend into the surroundings.
21 A koi pond on the edge of the house
22 A monumental vessel beside Bougain Villa's pool
23 A handmade outdoor lantern
24 Taking a rest on a swing made of exotic wood
25 Bougain Villa's owner, Dorothy Meyerman, and me
26 The house backs up to the cliff's edge. Garden pots and a sculptured cougar, teeth bared, decorate the rocks.
27 Gael Towey, chief creative officer and acting editor in chief of Living, enjoys the view from the terrace.
28 Another look at the well-appointed terrace
29 A vibrant mix of color and pattern
30 Here, mid-century furniture mingles with a giant boulder.
31 Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the bathroom with light.
32 Fritz Karch in the living room
Amazing architecture! I love the boulders, wooden swing and koi pond!
Posted by: Kari | September 6th, 2009 at 9:44 pm
Martha,
I love you! That being said. I don't know if this. Is the appropriate place. For this comment. For the past five years. I've been meaning to tell you this.
About ten years ago. I purchased an old Life magazine from 1964. There is a drop dead gorgeous pic. Of you in a swimsuit ad. I immediately knew it was you. Everyone I know said no way. I said it's definetely "Martha". The first season I wanted to send you the ad. Though unfortuneately. I either lost or misplaced the mag. Do you recall the ad. I can't remember if it was for a product or just a shoot. You were and are drop dead gorgeous. Just wanted to tell you. How much I love and admire you! Love and Best Wishes
Posted by: Ben Koffler | September 6th, 2009 at 10:26 pm
Hi Martha, Wow, these sure are gorgeous photos of the beautiful houses, terraces, countryside and sculpture by Dale Chihuly. When did you go to Palm Springs? I remember when you went to Joshua Tree National Park and I thought that was quite a while ago. Can't wait to see the October issue of MSL with more of these stunning photos. You go to the neatest places and I just love the results of each of your trips. Thanks so much for introducing us to the beauty of Palm Springs. The weather looks absolutely gorgeous. Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | September 7th, 2009 at 1:44 am
This is just truly amazing! I enjoyed every bit of it. Thanks for posting.
Posted by: Norbie K. Las Vegas | September 7th, 2009 at 9:01 pm
Hi Martha,
I have never seen houses quite like these - both are very gorgeous and I think unique would be a good word. I like the clever name Bougain Villa. I look forward to seeing your extra photos when you post them as well as the October issue of Martha Stewart Living. You captured so many interesting things. Thanks for showing us! Trish
Posted by: Trish | September 8th, 2009 at 9:43 am
martha thank you for all your pictures,,,they are all educational, for us who wont be able to reach this places is sure enough thankful for a special person like you who can make it possible...god bless you and your staff and please continue to do what you are doing...
Posted by: emy de jesus | September 9th, 2009 at 12:11 pm
Thank you so much for posting these fabulous pictures. Palm Springs and the surrounding area is such a wonderful place to live. The appreciation that the people here have in architecture makes it the jewel of desert living.
Posted by: MaryLisa Noyes | September 9th, 2009 at 5:16 pm
Martha...Gorgeous photographs of a beautiful part of the world. I know, because I've lived here for 16yrs (previously lived in England, South Africa and Zimbabwe). The Coachella Valley is a little piece of Heaven in the midst of a desert wonderland. Well done - look forward to reading all about in your October issue. Thanks - Linda Clark.
Posted by: Linda Clark | September 9th, 2009 at 6:23 pm
Martha thanks again for sharing, especially the indoors shots of homes we can only imagine the interiors from afar, like Bob Hope's and Albert Frey's homes, It was frustrating not to be able to tour the homes as we were short of time. We were in Southern California and had a chance to drive through the downtown areas of Palm Springs. Modern is beautiful!
It was 107 deg.F outdoors.
We know it was not the best of time to go there. We compensated by going to Indio for that rich, rich "date shake" in a tall tumbler
(guess how much? $3.75). Too bad could not take some home for my future cravings.Where's our next trip Martha. Wherever it is, I am in great anticipation.
Posted by: Nikki | September 10th, 2009 at 12:05 am
Absolutely magnificent photos . . . My favorites are the bathrooms having the "outdoors" inside and of course the gorgeous pool. . .How exciting and fascinating your trip must have been . .
thanks again . .
regards,Nina
Posted by: nina zeumer | September 11th, 2009 at 9:57 am
martha, thank you for letting me be a voyeur into your life. it is truly inspirational and i try to find ways to incorporate a little bit of "martha stylye" in home and gardens and life. i am sitting on my porch on a sunday morning and you are great company. frank
Posted by: frank j borghi | September 13th, 2009 at 9:50 am
Used to own property in Joshua Tree. And have long admired the Elrod House from the outside. Thanks so much for the inside story. It's lovely to see so many mid-century homes restored. Palm Springs is really coming into it's own.
Posted by: Susan | September 18th, 2009 at 6:54 am
Absolutely as beautiful as the last time I was in Palm Springs! Thank you for teaching me to do something is worth doing well; I haven't had a mother in over 10 years (I'm 40). It is tough being the care-giver of the family, but I am the "Martha" of our home.
If you ever gift cake decorating classes at an intermediate to advanced level; I would fly to the moon to be a part of your class!''
Thank you for allowing me to live vicariously through you; it would be my dream to speak with you about kitchen design & set-up as mine is 25+ yrs old; and, it will not be remodeled until just in time to move when either my husband or I die. He does not understand a homemaker's need for a good work-space; money is his interest.
Thank you again,
~Nicole
Posted by: Nicole Vickery Borek | September 18th, 2009 at 9:33 am
What a beautiful place. I hope I can visit someday.
By the way, I've been watching your shows with my kids and my son loves it...and wants to visit you. LOL!
Posted by: Connie Weiss | September 18th, 2009 at 10:07 am
That is such a cool house!
Posted by: Alyzabeth | September 18th, 2009 at 10:24 am
You just signed a deal with Home Depot and they move your TV show to 3:30am in Atlanta. What is the deal?????????
Posted by: Nancy | September 18th, 2009 at 11:17 am
What a beautiful house! I just received my October issue of Living and the cover is fabulous! Thanks for a wonderful magazine and a cover that I always look forward to.
Posted by: joan vogt | September 18th, 2009 at 1:07 pm
Coincidentally, I just read a little something about Frank Lloyd Wright - this house is gorgeous! Maybe even prettier than the one he did near Pittsburgh.
Posted by: Lynn from For Love or Funny | September 18th, 2009 at 1:49 pm
martha you have not been on tv on your regular 2:00 time on nbc...or any other time...why not...i miss you
Posted by: maryann | September 18th, 2009 at 4:49 pm
Wow! What different architecture than back home in the 'colonies'! - how 'bout it?
~
I just wanted to check in and lend my usual (but usually more long-winded) support. [giggle]
~
I've got to scoot...enjoy the upcoming early autumn weekend due in the northeast, Martha!
~
Lots of love always,
=^..^=
~
"I love spring anywhere, but if I could choose I would greet it in a garden."--Ruth Stout
Posted by: Cindy Bricker | September 18th, 2009 at 5:29 pm
Dear Martha, Thank you for a super first week on the Martha Stewart Show. I've enjoyed each day so much! After waiting all summer, I must say this season so far is "kicked up!" You are such an inspiration!
Posted by: Bonnie | September 18th, 2009 at 10:08 pm
Great photos. I love the pool and sunken master tub. The poured concrete ceiling is incredible.
Posted by: kim - mommyknows | September 19th, 2009 at 12:20 pm
Martha, where are you? I can't find you on T.V. anywhere.
Posted by: karen from b.c. | September 19th, 2009 at 1:26 pm
Palm Springs is my passion. Thanks for sharing your personal photos. You make us feel like relatives. Needed a cover mention on your October issue. I can feel the old Hollywood glamour of Frank and Ava and Bob Hope by just driving through the city. Can't wait to see more especially the Kauffman House.
Julie
Posted by: Julie Templin, former "Daytime" TV show Affiliate Marketing | September 19th, 2009 at 2:33 pm
Martha thank you for the beautiful photographs. They are just lovely. I love architeecture. Is Mid-Century Modern the new style in America? I've noticed the younger generation really likes the clean lines and minimalist looks. Guess us baby boomers will stick with the eclectic antique look. Love you By the way, I really think your homes are prettier.
Posted by: Pam from Indiana | September 19th, 2009 at 2:37 pm
Beautiful coverage on your new Martha Living issue about these modernist homes. The Viceroy Palm Springs and the Parker / Meridien are both excellent choices for your stay in Palm Springs (very Versace looking to me). I'm glad you took some times for this amazing trip!
Posted by: Sandra (L'esprit Sud Magazine) | September 19th, 2009 at 6:18 pm
Martha, PLEASE tell me you made a stop at the new Ace Hotel?!?! I think you would find the style truly innovative and charming. If not, maybe next time!
Posted by: Alex | September 19th, 2009 at 6:46 pm
Your photos are a wonderfuldepiction of Palm Springs. I am from Columbus, Ohio. I have family living in Palm Springs and this City is my second home. The Airial Tram is also a wonderful site to see, as well as, the desert tours of the mountains offered by the locals.
Posted by: Susan Rasoletti | September 20th, 2009 at 3:29 pm
Martha,
I picked up the October issue of Living today. I was so excited to see the article about your trip to Palm Springs! We are a military family that just moved to Twentynine Palms, CA (the gateway to Joshua Tree). I can't wait to check out your suggestions.
By the way, my husband is an architect in the Navy and he loves reading your magazine! Can't you picture a man in full camouflage sitting down to read your magazine after work? Love it!
Posted by: Holly Christopher | September 21st, 2009 at 12:26 am
Wow this is stunning! The Elrod house is breathtaking - the architecture as well as the design. The lines are amazing - super modern and clean. The pool at the Bougain villa, as well as the views are absolutely enchanting. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: LadyLUX | September 21st, 2009 at 12:36 am
hi martha! i'm from the philippines and i am a secondary mathematics teacher in one of the government schools here in my country. i love your show and even tried the recipes especially the baked products. your show inspired me alot... more power to you and your staff and god bless.
Posted by: ma. julia judy borromeo | September 21st, 2009 at 2:52 am
Martha
Thank you for the great pictures of Palm Springs. I have lived here for 5 years and love it!! It is an amazaing place and you helped to show that side of it
Posted by: Larry Hanson | September 23rd, 2009 at 6:42 pm
Yes, the Elrod house reflects the wonderful architecture that palm springs has to offer. Palm Springs is all about the unique mid century decor. Thanks for the lovely photos;)
Posted by: Michael Graham | September 23rd, 2009 at 7:40 pm
Martha,
So happy you graced our desert paradise with your presence! I wish I knew you were coming to town. I would have taken you to lunch! Seriously, I hope you had some of our wonderful Palm Springs cuisine and had a peek at some of the beautiful resorts such as the Parker, Viceroy and Riviera. I am thrilled you saw the Elrod House. Bambi and Thumper (the characters in "Diamonds are Forever") would be so thrilled! We are very proud of our desert home and hope you come back and stay a bit longer next time. Thanks for all you share with us!
Hugs!
Posted by: R. Christian Anderson | September 24th, 2009 at 4:15 am
Wow! Thanks for a peek into the Palm Springs houses. We were there for Spring Break 2009 and it was beautiful. Did you ride the gondola and see the gorgeous view of the city? That's one great ride!
Posted by: Cheryl | September 24th, 2009 at 11:55 am
The pictures of Palm Springs are amazing! Looking forward to you visiting us again in Palm Springs, California and Joshua Tree National Park and/ or perhaps taping a special segment for MARTHATV.COM. We look forward to your brand new season on television and the Palm Springs Issue of LIVING Magazine. There is no place quite like this California desert paradise.
Posted by: Jonathan | September 24th, 2009 at 5:58 pm
Martha,
Your photo's from your Palm Springs trip are beautiful. I am so glad I got to be a part of this by assisting with the cocktail gathering at the William Holden House. It was a pleasure to meet you and your staff. Looking forward to seeing the Palm Springs show.
Posted by: Samuel Cowan | September 28th, 2009 at 7:59 pm
I missed the first part of your show featuring the Elrod House. Arthur Elrod,a prominent interior designer and former owner of the home, was my second cousin and was killed in a tragic accident along with his business partner in NY in 1973. Elrod was the designer to the stars in his day.I wish I had known him, but he left SC and studied in Atlanta before moving to Palm Springs.
Posted by: Gail Williams | September 29th, 2009 at 11:57 am
Loved the PSP "Immersion" feature. You captured much of the what makes PSP so unique and appealing! Sorry, after today's segment on "hamburgers" around the nation that you did not have a chance to sample Tyler's burgers in downtown Palm Springs, not far from Sherman's! They are well worth the wait on a sunny Palm Springs day! Maybe next time!
Posted by: Elaine | October 12th, 2009 at 10:12 pm
Well, even though Miss M hardly has time to do her blog (let alone read it), it was great seeing her in PS, and I hope she had a good time rummaging through the not-so-wild west.Ciao
Posted by: Robert Lawrence | October 29th, 2009 at 12:31 am