Welcome to Mid-Century Legend, a home by celebrated builder and architectural designer Herbert W. Burns, the creator of many of Palm Springs most iconic houses and hotels. This house will be a featured Signature House in the Palm Springs Modernism Tour for February of 2026! Built in 1950, this house in Deepwell Estates is a distinctive example of the transition from Streamline Moderne to Mid-Century Modernism and it is uniquely beautiful, bright and playful.
The house was renovated from end-to-end in 2025 but preserves its original architectural details. The front yard has been landscaped with a desert Zen garden while the private backyard features a west facing view of the San Jacinto mountains. The original kidney shaped pool with a deep end has been completely renovated and a spa has been added. An outdoor kitchen features a gas barbecue grill as well as a fridge and counter area with bar stools. The outdoor dining table seats 8 and is under a new shade structure. On the patio is an outdoor conversation area that faces the mountains. The backyard includes a grass lawn as well as newly planted citrus trees that will bear tangelos, grapefruits, oranges and limes. A mature Meyer lemon tree is on the side of the house.
The colorful great room features a gas fireplace, bucket chairs, a gondola couch and a Noguchi coffee table as well as original art and a vintage toy truck collection. Ruggedly beautiful flagstone floors are original and intact. The formal dining area features a classic Danish Modern table and chairs to seat 6. The kitchen features original wooden shelving as well as Fifties aluminum cabinets and a vintage sink. Appliances are brand new including a fridge, dishwasher, electric stove/oven and a microwave but all are designed in a Retro style to complete a Mid-Century look. A separate laundry room features a new washer and dryer as well as a storage area.
South of the great room is a separate t.v. den with a Retro style couch, vintage swivel chairs and a Smart wall mounted television. Across from the den is the original wet bar with a working sink and a hallway with built-in linen cabinets and storage drawers.
The house has two master bedrooms, each connected to a bathroom. The first master has a king bed, a Smart TV and two designer closets. This bedroom’s walls are covered with the colorful work of Palm Springs artist Nat Reed. The bathroom has been completely refurbished in the Fifties style with a spacious shower stall and a vanity which were originally a part of band leader Laurence Welk’s Palm Springs home. The shower with vintage tiles has excellent water pressure.
Second master has a queen bed, side tables, headboard and drawers in the Brutalist style as well as a wall mounted Smart t.v. and a new, designer walk-in closet. Connected to this bedroom is a bath with its original shower/tub combo, a vintage sink and walls decorated with a collection of chalkware fish from the Fifties and Sixties.
The third bedroom has a full bed and a new built-in work space with an office chair. Vintage stack windows open to a view of the backyard and also have blackout curtains. A few steps away in the hallway is a new designer closet with drawers for the third bedroom. Guests of the third bedroom can access the bathroom with their own door. Also available is one roll away cot.
This house does not have a garage but maintains its original slatted carport to preserve the house’s architectural integrity. Charge your electric car with our EV charger.
This is a sunny, playful home with modern, built-in lighting on the inside and out. Owners are filing for recognition as an historic landmark but this is also a modernized green home that includes solar panels and electric appliances. An all electric HVAC system is great at cooling the house in the hot months and keeping it warm in the cool months.
Utilities are included except for gas which will allow guests to heat the pool and spa or use the gas fireplace and outdoor kitchen at their own expense. Guests who would like to heat the pool will need to make an energy deposit and sign an energy addendum. Please inquire for more details. The indoor fireplace cannot be used in warm and hot months while the air conditioner is on as it may result in shorting the electrical system.
We welcome 1 or 2 smaller dogs under forty pounds or one larger dog over 40 pounds. Dogs must be housebroken, flea free, non-chewing, quiet and well-behaved. Sorry to say cats are not allowed.
Please keep in mind that the City of Palm Springs does not allow guests to play music in the backyard and strictly prohibits parties, events, film or video shoots etc. All guests must read and comply with the Stated Rules and Regulations of the City of Palm Springs as described in the Good Neighbor Brochure.
We don't have any reviews from Vrbo yet, but here are two from another platform:
"Absolutely gorgeous mid century modern home, with amazing backyard, including pool, spa and eating area. Vibrant indoor spaces and every amenity needed to make us never want to go home! Even after a month. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a true Palm Springs experience!" - Christy C.
Rating: 5 stars
"Fans of Modernism will LOVE this home. It’s even more beautiful than the pictures with amazing backyard that opens up to mountain views. When you walk in the artwork really grabs you, way more interesting than the usual rental property. The Deepwell neighborhood is one of the nicest in Palm Springs and this is one is definitely a showpiece.
Not everyone will like the flagstone floors (described as rugged) but we loved them. The house does not have an enclosed garage but it does have a new Tesla EV charger with adapter!
The kitchen is well equipped but too narrow to hold an island counter but there is a roll away chopping board and we did a lot of barbeque-ing in the outdoor kitchen while enjoying the view.
Did I mention the artwork? LOL and the mood lighting in every room. Kids loved the kidney shaped pool which has a little deep end. Backyard is completely hedged and gated, made for good privacy.
Breathtaking sunrises! Awesome Palm Springs experience! We will return." - Mike W
Rating: 5 stars