Hugh Kaptur Hideaway

Classic, Palm Desert Mid-century Modern Villa by Hugh Kaptur

A sweep through this classic California mid-century modern masterpiece reveals all the period bells and whistles: breeze block-accented interiors, a two-sided fireplace, cool traditional fixtures, and low-slung, rectilinear rooms divided by decorative partitions and clad in rich, walnut wood paneling. Designed by Hugh Kaptur in 1962, it’s known as the landmark Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Gulick House.

With maximum vintage charm, this retro home still showcases its original walnut cabinetry and paneling, updated by new Bertazonni appliances in the kitchen and renovated bathrooms equipped with contemporary designer fixtures from Hansgrohe, Dornbracht and Duravit. The post-and-beam house is hung with art from the era, chock full of books and interesting objets d’art, and has a retro poolscape out back.

Two of the bedrooms feature private furnished patios and a shaded, open-air living room with couches and a TV stretched out cabana style a few steps from the pool. (You can even watch from the water.) An outdoor shower and half bath, grill station, ping pong table and covered dining patio add to the Palm Desert oasis allure. Lush landscaping insulates the pool terrace and adds to the property’s curb appeal, where a curving driveway is flanked by timeless, designer rock gardens pocked with cactus, native grasses, and palms.

Around

Palm Desert is Palm Springs’ little sister, set against the dramatic San Jacinto mountains in southern California’s famous Coachella Valley. Located at the heart of Palm Desert, the house makes easy business of exploring the shops and restaurants on El Paseo, the town’s landmark street lined with luxury brands. Country clubs, art and design galleries, funky shops, retro-inspired nightlife, plus classic mid-century modern architectural landmarks have put Palm Springs and Palm Desert on the map, and the greater Coachella Valley area has enjoyed a youthful renaissance of late, the result of its synonymous music festival and the popular embrace of all things desert hippie chic.

A quick drive from Palm Springs, poster child of the Desert Modernism movement, the house makes an authentic base for architecture lovers drawn to the region to tour its iconic structures. Kaptur was one the era's leading architects and Palm Springs’ retro-glam strip features a wealth of vintage boutiques, hip concept stores, plenty of Modernist signage and period neon, and too many cafes and cocktail bars to count.

Both Palm Desert and Palm Springs have a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities to boost their architectural allure. Golf courses and leisure resorts, spas, hot springs, horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing are all big draws to the area. And the town serves as a gateway to Joshua Tree National Park, the otherworldly landscape that’s become a hot spot for desert combers, new age seekers, and expert rock climbers. Also nearby, the breathtaking Indian Cove and the San Jacinto Mountain range, both offering dozens of trails, overlooks, and unforgettable California views.

Location

Palm Desert, California, US. Nearest airport: Palm Springs (½ hour)

Best time to visit

Year round, with best weather in fall and spring