A ranch-style home that once belonged to one of America’s most famous entertainers is now for sale.
The Palm Springs, CA, home of the late days Lawrence Wilt– whose music variety show of the same name was broadcast from 1951 to 1982 – was popular with buyers.
Listed for $ 2.5 million with Alex Dethier The Paul Kaplan Group in Palm Springs valued the 2,800-square-foot home at almost five times the city’s current median list price of $ 449,000.
The premium is worth it for Welk’s former residence. It is located on a third of a hectare in the coveted El Mirador district. And because the Welk Resort Group (now run by his grandson) included an estate in Palm Springs, Welk spent a lot of time in the desert. The band leader died in 1992 at the age of 89.
The Welk Residence is listed as a Class 1 Historic Estate and benefits from the Mills Act, a California law that allows historic property homeowners to enjoy reduced property taxes.
For Welk’s former three bedroom, three bathroom home from 1952, built as a custom home by the Palm Springs builder Joe PawlingDethier said buyers who would appreciate the property would be targeted, adding that the marketing pitch would focus on the way home on the large property.
“In Palm Springs, of course, it’s orientation. The property has a breathtaking view, ”says the agent.
Much of this is due to the walls of the windows. Whether you are lying in bed, preparing a meal or working in the home office, the view of the private pool and the desert is framed.
“When you are in the living room, the green belt and the desert landscape are next to each other,” says Dethier.
Architectural and interior designers were drawn to original furnishings and other relics, from the baby blue wash basin in a bathroom to the stone fireplace. The seller – a local preservationist, JR Roberts– The house as snapped up in 2018 and spent the next two years renovating it, guided by a mix of old postcards and private photos taken of the property.
Wooden beams have been renewed and windows and doors have been replaced with contemporary options.
“It is important that the house has been restored in such a way that the essence remains as it was,” says Dethier. “This is in line with its original fame.”
A new roof, plumbing and electrics brought the house up to date. Red brick cladding, artificial pillars and aluminum cladding – additions by previous owners – were removed.
Exterior of house in Palm Springs, CA.
Ruben Vargas Jr.
living room
Ruben Vargas Jr.
kitchen
Ruben Vargas Jr.
Dining area
Ruben Vargas Jr.
House bar
Ruben Vargas Jr.
One of the bathrooms
Ruben Vargas Jr.
Another bathroom
Ruben Vargas Jr.
bath
Ruben Vargas Jr.
One of the bedrooms
Ruben Vargas Jr.
garage
Ruben Vargas Jr.
In order to bring the house into modern times, the shaggy carpet was torn out and thrown aside in favor of terrazzo floors.
Despite the changes, the bathrooms have original blue and pink sinks, as well as newer additions such as a stand-alone, angular bathtub and glass-walled shower. In the kitchen, vintage St. Charles furniture is a reminder of a bygone era.
The property is typical of most Palm Springs homes and includes a pool. Part of the recent redesign was the creation of a sculptural cactus garden with an outdoor lounge and gas fireplace.
The buyer may be intrigued by the changing demographics of the desert area.
“We see people settling here all day, which is a change,” says Dethier. “We’re seeing lots of buyers from the Los Angeles, Seattle, Bay Area, and San Diego areas.”
Welk’s variety show can still be seen on some PBS stations.
-
See the full listing for more photos and details.
-
Homes for sale in Palm Springs, CA.
-
Learn more about Palm Springs, CA.
Comments are closed.