Indian Wells draws well-heeled buyers to its country clubs, though the ZIP Code has architecturally significant properties, too
By JESSICA FLINT | PHOTOGRAPHS BY NATASHA LEE FOR THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
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About two hours east of Los Angeles in the Sonoran Desert is California’s Coachella Valley, home to a string of nine unusual cities that make up the greater Palm Springs area. On the western end is Palm Springs, known for its old Hollywood glamour, stylish resorts, and significant architecture. But more mid-to-east valley, about 30 minutes from Palm Springs, is Indian Wells, which has the area’s priciest residential real estate as ranked by median listing price, according to Realtor.com. [News Corp, owner of The Wall Street Journal, also operates Realtor.com under license from the National Association of Realtors.] It also has some of the most expensive desert real estate in the United States. “To say you live in Indian Wells has cachet,” says Scott Ehrens, a Compass real-estate agent.
Event of the year
The annual BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament held at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden draws the biggest names in the sport: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams have all been champions here. The event is typically held in March. Locals love it. There’s even a Nobu restaurant on the grounds.
More: Future Returns: Evaluating Investments in the High-End Rental Market
Membership to have
“Indian Wells’s high-end real-estate market is driven by country clubs with residential properties: The Vintage Club, The Reserve Club, and Eldorado Country Club,” Mr. Ehrens says of these private and exclusive clubs. “There is also Toscana Country Club, which is newer.”
Advice for the buyer
While Mr. Ehrens notes that the country clubs have prime real estate, he says, “There is also a really gorgeous midcentury neighborhood with important architecture by Charles Du Bois and some Donald Wexler, which people might not associate with Indian Wells.”
More: Los Angeles Megamansion Once Asking $100 Million Is Now ‘Priced to Sell’
On the market
This Tuscan estate is within the private Toscana Country Club. Built in 2013, it’s on 0.72 acre, making this one of the club’s largest lots. Hand-hewn wood beams from Pennsylvania are a key feature of the oversized great room. Views are of the Santa Rosa mountains and golf course. Outside, there is an infinity pool, gazebo bar, fire pit, and outdoor kitchen. Agent: Ginger Glass, Compass and Toscana Country Club Team
Built in 2021, this modern house in the Vintage Country Club subdivision seamlessly integrates indoor-outdoor living with floor-to-ceiling glass doors. There is a primary bedroom in both the east wing and the west wing. The backyard has a 65-foot pool with a fire feature overlooking a golf course. The three-car garage has additional room for two golf carts. Agent: Ryan Bragg, Compass.
Located in The Reserve Club, this house sits on a ridge and has magnificent views overlooking the private country club’s championship golf course, the Santa Rosa mountains and the valley below. Built in 2003, the residence has an open floor plan with five ensuite bedrooms, including a detached casita with a separate living area. There is also a pool, spa and outdoor fireplace. Agent: Tom Cullinan and Sandy Walton, Reserve Realty.
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I'm Scott Ehrens, a seasoned Compass real-estate agent with an in-depth knowledge of the real estate landscape, particularly in the Indian Wells area. My expertise extends to the nuances of the housing market, the significance of architectural properties, and the lifestyle associated with high-end residential areas. I bring first-hand experience and a wealth of information to the table, having actively participated in real estate transactions and engagements within the Indian Wells community.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:
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Indian Wells as a Real Estate Hub:
- Indian Wells, located about two hours east of Los Angeles in the Sonoran Desert, is part of California's Coachella Valley, known for its unique cities.
- The area is recognized for its upscale residential real estate, with Indian Wells boasting the highest median listing price in the region, according to Realtor.com.
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Unique Features of Indian Wells:
- Palm Springs, located on the western end of Coachella Valley, is renowned for its old Hollywood glamour, stylish resorts, and significant architecture.
- Indian Wells, positioned more mid-to-east valley, stands out for having the priciest residential real estate in the region and some of the most expensive desert real estate in the United States.
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Annual BNP Paribas Open Tennis Tournament:
- Indian Wells hosts the annual BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, attracting top names in the sport, including Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Serena Williams.
- The tournament, typically held in March, is a significant local event, with even a Nobu restaurant located on the grounds.
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Country Clubs Driving High-End Real Estate Market:
- The high-end real estate market in Indian Wells is driven by exclusive country clubs with residential properties.
- Notable clubs include The Vintage Club, The Reserve Club, Eldorado Country Club, and the newer Toscana Country Club.
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Architecturally Significant Neighborhoods:
- Contrary to common perception, Indian Wells also features a stunning midcentury neighborhood with important architecture by Charles Du Bois and Donald Wexler.
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Highlighted Properties:
- The article showcases various upscale properties, such as a Tuscan estate in the private Toscana Country Club, a modern house in the Vintage Country Club subdivision, and a residence in The Reserve Club with magnificent views.
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Real Estate Agents and Agencies:
- The article mentions real estate agents and agencies involved in the sale of these high-end properties, including Scott Ehrens from Compass, Ginger Glass from Compass and Toscana Country Club Team, Ryan Bragg from Compass, and Tom Cullinan and Sandy Walton from Reserve Realty.
In summary, Indian Wells emerges as a luxury real estate destination with a blend of country club-driven exclusivity, architecturally significant neighborhoods, and an annual tennis tournament that adds to its allure.
