Palm Springs: The Annenberg Estate

Walter and Leonore Annenberg’s extravagant Sunnylands morphs into view at the eponymously named Rancho Mirage in Palm Springs, two hours east of Los Angeles. With spectacular views out to the surrounding San Jacinto desert mountain range, the spread is one of the largest properties in the area, a 200 acre landmark of mid century design and now, in its latest incarnation, a center for world peace.

The home sits in the midst of meticulously groomed lawns and colourful gardens, man-made lakes and water features and includes a 9-hole golf course that has seen presidents, monarchs and celebrities tee-off for over fifty years.

The Mayan influence of A.Quincy Jones’ architectural design is exemplified by the pink wall of the property perimeter. Further modernist traits can be seen as well in the distinctive perforated rooftop square-dome on the main house.

In the interior, expanses of glass reveal progressive views to the immaculate gardens and swimming pool, which are framed by huge horizontal shuttered lintels that provide much needed shade to external paths. The Annenberg’s were prolific and serious art collectors, and while much of their art has been donated to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, Modernist kinetic sculptures feature in all zones of the grounds.

Referred to as the “Camp David” of the West, Sunnylands continues the tradition of its late philanthropist owners, hosting meetings between the Chinese President Xi Linping and US President Barack Obama in February 2013. It was reported that the drought had impacted the grass so the staff of Sunnylands’ solution for the diplomatic visit was to have the affected lawn patches painted green.