Twin Palms Frank Sinatra Estate (2024)

Designed by E. Stewart Williams, to a commission from the American singer and actor Frank Sinatra.

Twin Palms Frank Sinatra Estate became a reality when Frank Sinatra purchased his very first home at 1148 East Alejo Road (between Caballeros and Sunrise in Palm Springs). It was his primary residence from 1948 to 1957. Sinatra had been quoted as saying that in his life he always felt the need “to get away from it all, but not too far away.” The desert estate he built in 1947 seemed to fit the bill.

He chose the Palm Springs Movie Colony neighborhood, where names like Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Al Jolson, Jack Benny, and Cary Grant all had houses at one point or another. Palm Springs, at the time, still felt spacious and fairly unpopulated. Legend has it that the two signature palm trees on Twin Palms property were the tallest in the valley during his reign. Frank would hoist a Jack Daniels flag between them to alert to his movie star neighbors every time co*cktail hour had commenced. Welcome to the Win Palm Frank Sinatra Estate.

Twin Palms Frank Sinatra Estate (1)

Architect E. Stewart Williams

E. Stewart Williams recounted to Vanity Fair magazine that one day in May of 1947, Frank Sinatra wandered into his Palm Springs architecture firm. The 31 year-old singer wore a white sailor’s hat and carried an ice cream cone, and informed Williams that he wanted a Georgian-style estate built in Palm Springs. And it needed to be completed in time for a Christmas party. Construction crews labored around the clock, and Twin Palms Frank Sinatra estate was ready just in time for a lavish star-studded New Year’s party.

Glamorous and Cutting-Edge

But the estate turned out a little different from Sinatra’s Georgian fantasy. Abhorred by Sinatra’s choice of styles, Williams tactfully drew up Sinatra’s requested design as well as another modern option far more practical and elegant. Fortunately, Frank agreed to the second design, and the Williams family firm breathed a sigh of relief that wouldn’t have their reputation destroyed by a Georgian monstrosity in the desert. During its era, Twin Palms Frank Sinatra estate quickly became well known in national media as a glamorous and cutting-edge home. It was designated a Class 1 historic site by the city of Palm Springs in March 2011.

E. Stewart William’s father had already established his local architectural name with the Spanish-inspired La Plaza in downtown Palm Springs. In 1947, the young E. Stewart had yet to build what would become his desert icons: 1955’s Coachella Savings and Loan, 1960’s Santa Fe Savings and Loan, 1961’s Coachella Savings and Loan, 1976’s Palm Springs Desert Museum (renamed later to The Palm Springs Art Museum).

Twin Palms Frank Sinatra Estate (2)

Outstanding features of Twin Palms Frank Sinatra Estate.

The 4,500 square-foot, four-bedroom, seven-bath estate is best known for its piano-shaped swimming pool, despite the fact that E. Stewart Williams stated the shape was purely coincidental. The pool house comes equipped with a kitchenette and “his and hers” with cabana showers. The Twin Palms Frank Sinatra estate compound includes a canopy skylight entryway past the pool to the house, and the great room’s huge sliding glass doors open up to an expansive patio. Tall floor-to-ceiling windows create an open panoramic feel to the rooms, and Sinatra designed his bedroom in a separate wing in order “to get away from it all, but not too far away.”

The residence has been completely restored with vintage designer furnishings and features. It includes a 1950’s recording system installed by Valentino Electronics in Hollywood, similar to the one Frank used to record songs at Twin Palms. The snow-white kitchen is the original design but upgraded with Viking appliances and St. Charles cabinetry. And of course, a property-wide sound system belts out Sinatra tunes upon request. Fun memorabilia and personal photos on the walls highlight Sinatra’s career and his life in the desert.

Twin Palms Frank Sinatra Estate (3)

Frank Sinatra’s Drama Unfolds.

What would a Frank Sinatra residence be without a some gnashing of teeth along the way? The entertainer described himself as “an 18-karat manic depressive” It true to form, the Twin Palms Frank Sinatra estate was the site of both sparkling Hollywood parties and full-throttled private confrontations. Sinatra and his first wife, Nancy, divorced soon after the home was built. It wasn’t long and his mistress, Ava Gardner, quickly moved in. The pair married in 1951, only to divorce in 1957. Soon after that, Frank sold Twin Palms and got away, but not too far by taking up residence in Rancho Mirage.

Of her time at Sinatra Twin Palms estate, Gardner said, “It was the site of probably the most spectacular fight of our young married life, and, honey, don’t think I don’t know that’s really saying something . . . Frank’s establishment in Palm Springs, the only house we really could ever call our own, has seen some pretty amazing occurrences.” The master bathroom sink still bears the scars of an off-target champagne bottle hurled at Gardner’s head. Ava also wrote about how Frank threw all of her belongings into the driveway during a screaming match over his infidelities with Lana Turner. And there are Sinatra’s other questionable Twin Palms estates houseguests like Chicago mob boss Sam Giancana and other syndicate members.

Sinatra lived primarily in the Coachella Valley for the rest of his life, but drama followed him all the way up to his death in 1998: Fourth wife Barbara didn’t even bother to inform Frank’s children that his end was imminent.

Frank Sinatra is buried at Desert Memorial Park in Cathedral City, near the grave of his prizefighter father Anthony Martin Sinatra. Frank’s tombstone is marked by a simple sentence: “The Best Is Yet to Come.”

Twin Palms Frank Sinatra Estate (2024)

FAQs

Twin Palms Frank Sinatra Estate? ›

In 1995, the compound was purchased by multi-billionaire Jim Pattison, who owns the Ripley's Believe It Or Not! attractions, among other things. He has kept it largely the way Frank had it, including retaining his huge collection of toy trains, but tourists may not enter.

Who owns Frank Sinatra's house in Palm Springs? ›

In 1995, the compound was purchased by multi-billionaire Jim Pattison, who owns the Ripley's Believe It Or Not! attractions, among other things. He has kept it largely the way Frank had it, including retaining his huge collection of toy trains, but tourists may not enter.

What happened to Frank Sinatra's house in Palm Springs? ›

The current owner has had the home since 1997, and it has bounced on and off the market numerous times since then, including as recently as last year. Located outside of Palm Springs in the more secluded (but rapidly developing) suburb of Palm Desert, the house was built by architect Ross Patton starting in 1967.

How much is it to rent the Sinatra House in Palm Springs? ›

Here's What To Know About Twin Palms Vacation Rentals And Their Cost. Those who'll be checking into Frank Sinatra's glamorous Twin Palms estate between 29th June 2022 to 28th Sep 2022 will pay $2,500 per night.

How much is Frank Sinatra's estate worth? ›

Although like many celebrities, Frank Sinatra's net worth was known to fluctuate throughout his career, it is said that he was worth about $200 million at the time of his death. His estate reportedly included not only cash but also a collection of cars and other valuable items.

Where do the celebrities hang out in Palm Springs? ›

The swanky Parker Palm Springs hotel is often a go-to spot for celebs when they come to the desert.

Who owns Elvis house in Palm Springs? ›

Investors Dan Bridge and Paul Armistead bought the property for $2.6 million in 2020 and spent two years renovating it, an effort that earned it a historic designation from Palm Springs last year.

Did Elvis Presley ever live in Palm Springs? ›

Presley rented the property in 1966 and lived there for about a year, returning to the abode with his bride, Priscilla, to celebrate after their 1967 Las Vegas nuptials.

How was Frank Sinatra's estate divided? ›

He left his sheet music to his son. Sinatra's will covered only a portion of his wealth, his attorneys have said. Much of his estate was left in a living trust. Sinatra also gave $1 million to a trust fund established in 1983 for his granddaughters, Angela Jenifer Lambert and Amanda Katherine Lambert.

Did Marilyn Monroe have a house in Palm Springs? ›

The iconic blonde movie star lived here, but never actually owned the place. In fact, most of the 43 places she lived in her lifetime were rented.

What is the average price of an Airbnb in Palm Springs? ›

Average Daily Rate (Nightly Price)

The Average Daily Rate for rentals in Palm Springs is $395 dollars.

What hotel did Frank Sinatra live in? ›

After making Caesars Palace his home in 1967, Frank Sinatra embarked on a decades-long relationship that saw him bring the house down nightly. Las Vegas was Frank Sinatra's kind of town.

Who is Frank Sinatra's best friend? ›

Frank Sinatra's Best Friend Tony O Reflects on Their Relationship.

Who did Dean Martin leave his money to? ›

After Dean Martin died in 1995, his agent, Mort Viner, and defendant Laura Lizer became co-trustees of the Dean Martin Family Trust, which consisted of Dean Martin's half of his royalty payments, the complaint states. Jeanne Martin says she is a trust beneficiary, in addition to being entitled to half of the royalties.

Who did Frank Sinatra leave his fortune to? ›

Sinatra, his fourth wife, and his three children, Nancy, Tina and Frank Sinatra Jr. Mrs. Sinatra inherits his real estate, including a Malibu beach house and a Beverly Hills estate, as well as a lucrative Budweiser beer distributorship. The children get Sinatra's music catalogue.

Does Leonardo DiCaprio live in Palm Springs? ›

Palm Springs, California has plenty of homes and mansions that are breathtaking inside and out. Leonardo DiCaprio's Palm Springs estate, located at 432 Hermosa, is no exception.

What is the richest part of Palm Springs? ›

Andreas Hills is often referred to as the "Bel Air of Palm Springs'' since it's the most exclusive, prestigious, and scenic neighborhood in the desert city.

Which Kardashians live in Palm Springs? ›

Kylie Jenner's mansion appears to be the crown jewel of an expanding Kardashian-Jenner real estate empire in the Palm Springs, California area, where her mother Kris Jenner and sisters Kourtney Kardashian also have opulent abodes.

Does anyone famous live in Palm Springs? ›

Frank Sinatra House Palm Springs

Stewart Williams to construct his dream house in the Palm Springs desert. Today, The Twin Palms is a surefire stop on every celeb-home tour in the city. However, you don't have to limit yourself to admiring Frank Sinatra's house in Palm Springs from afar.

Do any celebrities still live in Palm Springs? ›

You can find star home maps listing homes that belonged to the likes of Liberace, Debbie Reynolds or Frank Sinatra. But even celebrities that are popular today, like Kim Kardashian and Leonardo DiCaprio that are perhaps a little more familiar to the hipster and Gen X crowd are also choosing to chill in Palm Springs.

Can you drive by celebrity homes? ›

Can you drive by celebrity homes? While a few celebrity homes are tucked away on private roads, you can definitely drive by most of them. It's one of the reasons tours of Hollywood are so popular!

How much did Elvis pay for Graceland when he bought it? ›

In the spring of 1957, when Elvis Presley was 22, he purchased the home and grounds for just over $100,000.

Who owns Graceland Guest house? ›

CARMA LOVELY PRESLEY - Owner - The Guest House at Graceland | LinkedIn.

Who is the sole owner of Graceland? ›

Lisa Marie Presley retains 100% sole personal ownership of Graceland Mansion itself and its over 13-acre original grounds and her father's personal effects - meaning costumes, wardrobe, awards, furniture, cars, etc.. She has made the mansion property and her father's personal effects permanently available for tours of ...

What homes did Elvis own when he died? ›

Not many people realize that when Elvis Presley died, he owned two homes: the Graceland mansion in Tennessee and a home on the West Coast sometimes referred to as “Graceland West.” Far enough away from Hollywood to maintain privacy, Presley's Palm Springs home was his favorite getaway when he could not be at home in ...

How many homes does Elvis own? ›

Elvis owned a total of 7 homes during his lifetime. He bought his first home, a 5-bedroom house in Memphis, in 1957 for $24,500. He then went on to purchase a ranch in California, a estate in Virginia, and 4 homes in Tennessee. Rock'n'roll's real estate legacy is fascinating to learn about.

Where is Elvis Presley's coffin? ›

Elvis died on Aug. 16, 1977, in Memphis, Tennessee. Two days after his death, he was buried next to his late mother, Gladys, at Memphis' Forest Hill Cemetery. However, after an attempt was made to steal his coffin, he was moved to Graceland.

Why did Sinatra carry a roll of dimes? ›

The kidnappers demanded that all communication be conducted by payphone. During these conversations, Frank Sr. became concerned that he would not have enough coins, which prompted him to carry 10 dimes with him at all times for the rest of his life; he was even buried with 10 dimes in his pocket.

How much money did Frank Sinatra leave his kids? ›

Son Frank Sinatra Jr. and daughters Tina and Nancy will receive $200,000 each plus undivided interests in a Beverly Hills office building. The children already had been given rights to much of Sinatra's lucrative music catalog.

What is on Frank Sinatra's grave stone? ›

I'll park in the shade of a wind-swept tree and watch the devotees, men and women, young and old, who pat the sun-scorched grass, present a tribute of a few dimes or maybe a bottle of Jack Daniel's, and lovingly run their fingers over the etched words on his weathered marker: The Best Is Yet To Come/Francis Albert ...

Where did Elizabeth Taylor live in Palm Springs? ›

It is here, in the upscale Old Las Palmas neighborhood, that you find the oasis of the one and only Elisabeth Taylor. Known as Casa Elizabeth, this home is full of Taylor's art collection, from photography to oil paintings, including Andy Warhol's famous portrait of the hostess.

Where does Marilyn Monroe live now? ›

Who owns Marilyn Monroe estate? ›

75 percent of Monroe's intellectual property and estate were left to her acting coach, Lee Strasberg, and the remaining 25 percent was given to her New York psychiatrist Dr. Marianne Kris.

Are airbnbs legal in Palm Springs? ›

Yes, Airbnb is allowed in Palm Springs, but there's a ceiling to how much you can earn because of the vacation rental laws that exist. While they are more stringent here than in most other markets, these laws also make for a more predictable return.

Is Palm Desert a good real estate investment? ›

The recent housing market data shows that Palm Desert is an investment favorite with Coachella Valley Residents. The population in Palm Desert is 52,807, Annual Growth Rate is at 1.33%, Average Household Income is $105,011. Detached homes price in Palm Desert is $500,000.

Do you have to be 25 to rent an Airbnb in Palm Springs? ›

Airbnb property managers or property owners must enter into a contract before allowing guests to stay at the property. There's a variety of requirements for what the contracts must specify. Palm Springs requires the Airbnb guest signing a vacation rental contract to be at least 25 years of age.

What restaurant did Frank Sinatra eat at in Palm Springs? ›

Frank Sinatra ate here: Dining at Melvyn's, the most Rat Pack restaurant in Palm Springs. Table-side steak Diane was Frank Sinatra's favorite meal at Melvyn's.

What was Frank Sinatra's favorite casino? ›

Sinatra's chief performance venue in Vegas was once the now-defunct Sands Hotel, but his public feud with its billionaire owner Howard Hughes drove him to favor the Caesars Palace hotel and casino starting in 1967.

Where did Frank Sinatra eat in Palm Springs? ›

Melvyn's Restaurant & Lounge at The Ingleside Inn (200 West Ramon Road, Palm Springs) – the legendary hotel and restaurant was the site for Sinatra's pre-wedding dinner to Barbara Marx in 1976. Sinatra invited 80 people and made all the arrangements himself.

Who was Frank Sinatra's one true love? ›

And while Sinatra was a legendary lothario linked to the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Lauren Bacall and Judy Garland, Tony reveals he had only one real love – first wife Nancy Barbato. Nancy Senior, as Tony affectionately refers to her, is now 98 and never remarried after her 12 year union to Sinatra ended in 1951.

Who was Frank Sinatra's favorite wife? ›

"Nancy was probably the single longest friendship that he had in his life," said Oppedisano. "And there was a comfort there. But that didn't change the fact that Frank was very much in love with Barbara, his last wife, obviously. Their marriage lasted 22 years longer than any other marriage in his story.

Who gave Frank Sinatra's eulogy? ›

With the Archbishop of Los Angeles presiding as celebrant, Kirk Douglas and Gregory Peck delivering eulogies and Tony Bennett and Sidney Poitier acting as an honor guard, the service was in every way worthy of a show-business legend, but the guest list also included less-famous members of Sinatra's famously large ...

Did Jerry Lewis attend Dean Martin's funeral? ›

Thankfully, this led to Lewis gracefully attending Martin's son's funeral in 1987, offering support for his old friend when he needed him the most.

How much was Dean Martin worth at his death? ›

When the world lost Dean Martin in 1995, the beloved singer, actor, and comedian was worth a whopping $30 million. What is this? How Much is the Dean Martin Estate Worth in 2023? In 2023, Dean Martin's $30 million price tag translates into more than $58 million when you factor in inflation.

How much was Bing Crosby worth at death? ›

Bing Crosby was raking in the money when he died of a heart attack after playing 18 rounds at a golf course outside of Madrid, Spain. What is this? He was worth an estimated net worth of $50 million.

Who owns the rights to Frank Sinatra's music? ›

FSE also owns and manages Frank Sinatra's name and likeness rights and represents the artist's rights to Columbia and Capitol catalogues. (www.sinatra.com).

Did Frank Sinatra apologize? ›

All or Nothing at All. Sinatra, however, refused to budge. According to a member of his entourage, the superstar had never apologized to anyone in his life and wasn't about to make an exception. Sinatra holed up in his luxury hotel suite and plotted his escape.

What was Frank Sinatra's net worth when he died? ›

Although like many celebrities, Frank Sinatra's net worth was known to fluctuate throughout his career, it is said that he was worth about $200 million at the time of his death. His estate reportedly included not only cash but also a collection of cars and other valuable items.

Who inherited Frank Sinatra estate? ›

Sinatra, his fourth wife, and his three children, Nancy, Tina and Frank Sinatra Jr. Mrs. Sinatra inherits his real estate, including a Malibu beach house and a Beverly Hills estate, as well as a lucrative Budweiser beer distributorship. The children get Sinatra's music catalogue.

Who owns Elvis Palm Springs home? ›

Investors Dan Bridge and Paul Armistead bought the property for $2.6 million in 2020 and spent two years renovating it, an effort that earned it a historic designation from Palm Springs last year.

Did Frank Sinatra have a house in Palm Springs? ›

Designed by E. Stewart Williams, to a commission from the American singer and actor Frank Sinatra. Twin Palms Frank Sinatra Estate became a reality when Frank Sinatra purchased his very first home at 1148 East Alejo Road (between Caballeros and Sunrise in Palm Springs). It was his primary residence from 1948 to 1957.

How much money did Frank Sinatra leave his children? ›

Mrs. Sinatra was to receive up to $3.5 million of any assets left over after all the will's specific bequests are made; any surplus above $3.5 million would go to the children.

Did Frank Sinatra leave any money to his children? ›

He left his sheet music to his son. Sinatra's will covered only a portion of his wealth, his attorneys have said. Much of his estate was left in a living trust. Sinatra also gave $1 million to a trust fund established in 1983 for his granddaughters, Angela Jenifer Lambert and Amanda Katherine Lambert.

Which Kardashians own homes in Palm Springs? ›

Kylie Jenner's mansion appears to be the crown jewel of an expanding Kardashian-Jenner real estate empire in the Palm Springs, California area, where her mother Kris Jenner and sisters Kourtney Kardashian also have opulent abodes.

Who owns Bob Hope's old house in Palm Springs? ›

But in 2016, venture capitalist Ron Burkle purchased the property for $13 million and recently completed a massive restoration in an effort to showcase Lautner's unrealized original vision. Now, the house stands as a permanent tribute to both Lautner's architectural genius and the lasting legacy of its former owner.

Where was Frank Sinatra's last home? ›

Welcome to Sinatra House, the legendary former estate of Frank Sinatra, located in the Movie Colony in Palm Springs. Twin Palms Frank Sinatra Estate is available to rent for a variety of events including private vacations, corporate events, retreats and functions, private events and dinner parties.

What hotel did Frank Sinatra stay in? ›

Frank Sinatra was one of the first entertainers to put Vegas on the map. He often stayed at the now-demolished Sands hotel where he also had some of his most famous Vegas performances.

Why did Sinatra like Palm Springs? ›

Palm Springs was Sinatra's retreat. His refuge from all the hubbub of Hollywood. It was also a playground for him and his Rat Pack buddies who visited and wound up living in Palm Springs as well. One of the interviews is with Sidney Williams, daughter-in-law of modernism architect E.

Where did the Rat Pack stay in Palm Springs? ›

The Riviera Hotel In Palm Springs Receives A Stunning Transformation. An iconic getaway that once welcomed the likes of the Rat Pack and Elizabeth Taylor has been reimagined with new design and new spirit. If you were a Hollywood star visiting Palm Springs in the 1960s, you stayed at The Riviera. It was that simple.

Is Frank Sinatra buried in Palm Springs? ›

Where is Frank Sinatra Buried? Bono and Sinatra are both buried at Palm Springs Cemetery District's Desert Memorial Park in Cathedral City.

What is Sinatra steak? ›

It's made with filet mignon, some asana tomatoes, capers, a little red wine, and some fresh mozzarella cheese on top with a little angel here.

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