Krisel's Glass Cabin

William Krisel's Modernism Week Featured Home

Nestled into a private desert oasis of native cacti and palm trees and hidden behind distinctive block walls, this classic holiday home in Palm Springs is a private vintage hideaway. Meticulously updated to preserve its mid-century beauty, the property now features the best of the historic architecture with luxurious modern amenities and a reverence for architect William Krisel’s original design.

Inspired by the dramatic environment's grand scale and vast blinding horizon, a wave of architectural talent and a who's who of early and mid-century visionaries began an unprecedented revolution of residential development in the city. Originally designed and built by the Alexander company in 1958 as a winter cabin getaway, the current owners researched the original renderings of the house and grounds for updates, choosing saturated slate color wash on the exteriors, adding drama to the long, low silhouette.

The all-in-one layout includes the sitting room with expansive walls of glass, polished concrete floors and high vaulted ceilings anchored by a stacked brick fireplace at the far end. A bright and modern space, the interiors are nevertheless warm and inviting with a calm sophistication and subtle updates. The remodeled kitchen with eat-in dining island has been refinished and customized with appliances cleverly disguised as cabinets in Scandinavian plywood. 

Design features combine custom built-ins and mid-century reproduction furniture and lighting including Serge Moulle, Tom Dixon & Arne Jacobson lighting, Eames chairs and Daybed sofa, Nelson bench and a Saarinen Womb Chair.

The design allows the living space inside to blend seamlessly with the gardens blurring the boundaries and providing stunning views of the San Jacinto mountains.

The en-suite master bedroom overlooks the pool and mountains with private access to the gardens. There is an additional double bedroom with access to its own private cactus garden and a twin room with floor to ceiling windows and a secret cactus garden.

The walled yard (with a striking original mural by Chicago based Struggle Inc) and outdoor living spaces feature a sparkling pool, Bocce court, and outdoor dining and lounge areas perfect for entertaining with stunning mountain views rising from the West.

The owners consider this home to be their personal take on desert modernist architecture and design, retaining William Krisel's original 1958 modernist lines but featuring their own favorite furniture. Read more about the clesks at this home in our Stories section here.

SUNMOR

The Sunmor neighborhood was originally imagined in the mid-1950s by legendary builder Bob Higgins. Constructed on the WW2 era airport, the area was named Sunmor because its location provided an additional 45 minutes of sunshine before it set behind the San Jacinto mountains. 

Within a short drive is the famed movie colony east neighborhood and the Uptown Design District, which features some of the finest in dining, shopping and culture. Just minutes from the hustle of downtown Palm Springs, the house is ideally situated close to the city center. Further afield, the San Jacinto mountains rise above the desert floor and are lined with miles of hiking trails at a cooler elevation. Joshua Tree, Indian Canyon and Palm Canyon are also within driving distance of the city for the rural getaways

LOCATION

Palm Springs, California. Nearest Airport: Palm Springs International Airport (.5 miles and reachable on foot)

BEST TIME TO VISIT:  September through May is the most popular when desert temps cool, with prime time from September through October and March to April.