The Kaufmann Desert House is a Palm Springs, California, property that inspired the work of architectural photographer Julius Shulman and society photographer Slim Aarons. All photos: Daniel Solomon for Vista Sotheby’s International Realty
The Kaufmann Desert House is a Palm Springs, California, property that inspired the work of architectural photographer Julius Shulman and society photographer Slim Aarons. All photos: Daniel Solomon for Vista Sotheby’s International Realty
The property was designed by Richard Neutra, considered one of the most influential Modernist architects of the 20th century
The property was designed by Richard Neutra, considered one of the most influential Modernist architects of the 20th century
It was originally owned by Edgar J Kaufmann, Sr, who commissioned its build in 1946
It was originally owned by Edgar J Kaufmann, Sr, who commissioned its build in 1946
It is considered one of the best examples of American Mid-Century Modern architecture
It is considered one of the best examples of American Mid-Century Modern architecture
The property is known for featuring in 'Poolside Gossip' by Slim Aarons, who was known for his images of the American high life
The property is known for featuring in 'Poolside Gossip' by Slim Aarons, who was known for his images of the American high life
In the 1990s the property was renovated to its original style
In the 1990s the property was renovated to its original style
Following Kaufmann's death in 1955, the property cycled through a number of high profile owners, including Barry Manilow
Following Kaufmann's death in 1955, the property cycled through a number of high profile owners, including Barry Manilow
It was also owned by former San Diego Chargers owner Eugene Klein
It was also owned by former San Diego Chargers owner Eugene Klein
In 2008 it was named as one of the best houses in Los Angeles by the 'Los Angeles Times'
In 2008 it was named as one of the best houses in Los Angeles by the 'Los Angeles Times'
The house is split across two levels
The house is split across two levels
The property spans 3,162 square feet
The property spans 3,162 square feet
The plot of land is 0.9 hectares and outside there is a tennis court, as well as the swimming pool
The plot of land is 0.9 hectares and outside there is a tennis court, as well as the swimming pool
The property makes the most of the sunny Palm Springs weather, with floor-to-ceiling windows
The property makes the most of the sunny Palm Springs weather, with floor-to-ceiling windows
The property has full mountain views
The property has full mountain views
Views out over the garden
Views out over the garden
An al fresco deck to dine on
An al fresco deck to dine on
The property was restored by Marmol Radziner
The property was restored by Marmol Radziner
The property has a mountainous desert backdrop
The property has a mountainous desert backdrop
The property's entrance
The property's entrance
An exterior staircase
An exterior staircase
A long passageway within the property
A long passageway within the property
The Kaufmann Desert House is on the market for $16,950,000
The Kaufmann Desert House is on the market for $16,950,000

Lifestyle

Luxury

Kaufmann Desert House: Palm Springs home made famous by Slim Aarons on market for $17m

This International Property of the Week is a showcase of American Mid-Century Modern design

Farah Andrews
Farah Andrews

October 18, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic

Images of this Californian archetypal Mid-Century Modern property feel like postcards from Palm Springs.

The Kaufmann Desert House inspired the work of famed architectural photographer Julius Shulman and Slim Aarons, who was known for his images of the American high life.

Here, we spotlight the stunning Kaufmann Desert House located in Palm Springs, California, as part of The National's International Property of the Week series.

The key details

The property was designed by Richard Neutra, considered one of the 20th century's most prominent Modernist architects. Photo: Daniel Solomon for Vista Sotheby’s International Realty
The property was designed by Richard Neutra, considered one of the 20th century's most prominent Modernist architects. Photo: Daniel Solomon for Vista Sotheby’s International Realty

The Kaufmann Desert House is a sleek split-level five-bedroom, six-bathroom family home spread across 3,162 square feet. Located in Palm Springs, the property boasts mountain views and has a swimming pool on its 0.9 hectare plot.

It is on the market for $16,950,000.

What's the story?

Designed by Richard Neutra, considered one of the most influential Modernist architects of the 20th century, the Kaufmann Desert House was originally commissioned and owned by Pittsburgh department store owner Edgar J Kaufmann, Sr. The property was built in 1946 as somewhere to retreat to during the cold Pennsylvania winters.

However, images taken by Shulman in 1947 and the 1970 image Poolside Gossip by Aarons have ensured the property has an enduring legacy in the photography world.

Silm Aaron's image 'Poolside Gossip' taken at the Kaufmann Desert House in January 1970. The image shows Lita Baron approaching, while Nelda Linsk and Helen Dzo Dzo talk in the foreground. Slim Aarons / Getty
Silm Aaron's image 'Poolside Gossip' taken at the Kaufmann Desert House in January 1970. The image shows Lita Baron approaching, while Nelda Linsk and Helen Dzo Dzo talk in the foreground. Slim Aarons / Getty

After Kaufmann's death in 1955, the property cycled through a number of high-profile owners, including Barry Manilow and former San Diego Chargers owner Eugene Klein. In 1992 it was bought and renovated to its original design by couple Brent Harris, an investment manager, and Beth Edwards Harris, an architectural historian. They worked with Shulman in the restoration of the property.

Also on the plot is a swimming pool and tennis courts. Inside, there are five bedrooms, six full bathrooms and a media room, which was added in the 1990s.

In 2008, the property was named as one of the best houses in Los Angeles by the Los Angeles Times.

What the broker says …

The Kaufmann Desert House designed by Richard Neutra is regarded among the most important and iconic houses of the 20th century," reads the listing by Sotheby's International Realty.

"The home that inspired the iconic images of Julius Shulman and Slim Aarons is an investment in one of the world's most important treasures of modernism."

Results

2pm Handicap (PA) Dh85,000 1,800m

Winner AF Al Baher, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Ernst Oertel (trainer).

2.30pm Maiden (TB) Dh75,000 1,400m

Winner Alla Mahlak, Fabrice Veron, Rashed Bouresly.

3pm Handicap (TB) Dh80,000 1,400m

Winner Davy Lamp, Adrie de Vries, Rashed Bouresly.

3.30pm Handicap (TB) Dh105,000 1,400m

Winner Ode To Autumn, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar.

4pm Handicap (TB) Dh80,000 1,950m

Winner Arch Gold, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson.

4.30pm Maiden (TB) Dh75,000 1,800m

Winner Meqdam, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson.

5pm Handicap (TB) Dh90,000 1,800m

Winner Native Appeal, Sam Hitchcott, Doug Watson.

5.30pm Maiden (TB) Dh75,000 1,400m

Winner Amani Pico, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar

ALL THE RESULTS

Bantamweight

Siyovush Gulmomdov (TJK) bt Rey Nacionales (PHI) by decision.

Lightweight

Alexandru Chitoran (ROU) bt Hussein Fakhir Abed (SYR) by submission.

Catch 74kg

Omar Hussein (JOR) bt Tohir Zhuraev (TJK) by decision.

Strawweight (Female)

Seo Ye-dam (KOR) bt Weronika Zygmunt (POL) by decision.

Featherweight

Kaan Ofli (TUR) bt Walid Laidi (ALG) by TKO.

Lightweight

Abdulla Al Bousheiri (KUW) bt Leandro Martins (BRA) by TKO.

Welterweight

Ahmad Labban (LEB) bt Sofiane Benchohra (ALG) by TKO.

Bantamweight

Jaures Dea (CAM) v Nawras Abzakh (JOR) no contest.

Lightweight

Mohammed Yahya (UAE) bt Glen Ranillo (PHI) by TKO round 1.

Lightweight

Alan Omer (GER) bt Aidan Aguilera (AUS) by TKO round 1.

Welterweight

Mounir Lazzez (TUN) bt Sasha Palatkinov (HKG) by TKO round 1.

Featherweight title bout

Romando Dy (PHI) v Lee Do-gyeom (KOR) by KO round 1.

While you're here
MORE ON CORONAVIRUS & THE ECONOMY
While you're here
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Essentials

The flights
Etihad and Emirates fly direct from the UAE to Delhi from about Dh950 return including taxes.
The hotels
Double rooms at Tijara Fort-Palace cost from 6,670 rupees (Dh377), including breakfast.
Doubles at Fort Bishangarh cost from 29,030 rupees (Dh1,641), including breakfast. Doubles at Narendra Bhawan cost from 15,360 rupees (Dh869). Doubles at Chanoud Garh cost from 19,840 rupees (Dh1,122), full board. Doubles at Fort Begu cost from 10,000 rupees (Dh565), including breakfast.
The tours 
Amar Grover travelled with Wild Frontiers. A tailor-made, nine-day itinerary via New Delhi, with one night in Tijara and two nights in each of the remaining properties, including car/driver, costs from £1,445 (Dh6,968) per person.

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Updated: October 18, 2021, 5:03 AM`
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