An elegant pink villa that epitomizes old Hollywood glamour has hit the market in the heart of California’s Coachella Valley—providing a glimpse of what life was like during the movie industry’s golden age, when actors would retreat to the desert to relax in their private residences.
Unlike those opulent abodes, however, this petite property in Palm Desert comes with a surprisingly approachable price tag, having recently been brought to the market by listing agent Stephen Clark of Desert Sotheby’s International Realty. The list price is just $649,000.
The two-bedroom home, which features a classic Hollywood Regency design, is located inside the iconic Marrakesh Country Club, a private community known for its bold color palette and stylish midcentury roots.
Designed by celebrated architect John Elgin Woolf, whose signature Hollywood Regency style helped define Southern California glamour in the mid-20th century, the villa captures the playful elegance that first put the Marrakesh community on the map.
Often called the “architect to the stars,” Woolf designed homes for such Hollywood icons as Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn, and Judy Garland.
With its pastel façade and unmistakable personality, the villa looks like something from a vintage postcard rather than a home that’s very much move-in-ready.
Although the listing describes it as “a rare opportunity to obtain a renovation project within Marrakesh,” the 1,800-square-foot space has clearly seen some upgrades since its 1977 construction.
Stone and tile floors run throughout the interiors, the kitchen is equipped with basic yet modern appliances, and a newly landscaped south-facing terrace overlooks the golf course and mountains.
Offering two bathrooms as well, the property presents a wealth of opportunity, as either a primary residence, a vacation retreat, or a lucrative short-term rental.
While it could do with some updates throughout, the bones of the home are in excellent condition, and there are high-end finishes throughout.
“The primary suite features a walk-in closet and classic marble counters, while the guest suite includes a versatile retreat space that can be used as a home office or extra sleeping area,” the listing notes.
Elsewhere, 10-foot-tall ceilings drench the space in natural light while giving it a breezy, open feeling, and large windows make each room appear much more spacious.
A walled garden courtyard acts as both a grand entry point and outdoor living room, providing a private space for al fresco dining or morning coffee.
Bordered by palm trees and manicured hedges, the property feels very much like its own private oasis, a place where one can truly kick back and relax.
Beyond the home itself, life at Marrakesh Country Club adds another layer of appeal. Residents have access to an 18-hole private executive golf course designed by Ted Robinson, along with tennis courts, pickleball, and 14 pools and spa pavilions.
The community also features a fitness center and a newly remodeled clubhouse. The location is also convenient, as it places you just minutes from the upscale boutiques and restaurants of El Paseo, often dubbed the “Rodeo Drive of the Desert.”
Palm Desert continues to attract buyers for its sunshine and playful architecture, and this listing fully embraces that.
“Ideally situated on a large, elevated corner lot offering open mountain views from the expansive courtyard and beyond, this property is a true find,” the listing says.
From the pastel exterior to the dramatic courtyard entry, the villa is distinctly retro in the best possible way, channeling the breezy glamour of Old Hollywood. And while it might require some upgrades, the first should definitely be a bar cart—preferably one that’s stocked for sunset cocktails.