When you think of Hollywood glamour and timeless elegance, Elizabeth Taylor immediately comes to mind. This legendary actress didn’t just captivate audiences on the silver screen—she also left her mark on the architectural landscape of Palm Springs, California. Her desert retreat stands as a testament to both her impeccable taste and the golden age of Hollywood.
Palm Springs has long been the ultimate celebrity playground, a sun-soaked oasis where stars could escape the pressures of Hollywood. Just a two-hour drive from Los Angeles, this desert city became the weekend haven for everyone from Frank Sinatra to Marilyn Monroe. The relaxed atmosphere and stunning mountain views made it the perfect place for celebrities to unwind and entertain.
Celebrity homes offer us a unique window into cultural history. They’re more than just buildings—they’re time capsules that preserve the lifestyle, values, and aesthetic preferences of their famous inhabitants. Taylor’s Palm Springs residence exemplifies this perfectly, blending architectural innovation with deeply personal elements that reflect her extraordinary life.
Architectural Style and Design Features
Embracing Mid-Century Modern Excellence
The architectural style of Taylor’s Palm Springs home is a stunning example of Desert Modernism, a movement that revolutionized American residential design. This style emerged in the 1940s and reached its peak during the 1950s and 60s, perfectly aligning with Taylor’s ownership period.
What makes this architectural approach so special? It’s all about harmony with the environment. The house doesn’t fight against the desert landscape—it embraces it. Large glass walls blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces, while the low-slung profile respects the horizontal nature of the desert terrain.
Distinctive Architectural Elements
Several features make the Elizabeth Taylor house in Palm Springs stand out from its neighbors:
The Dramatic Roofline: The house features a butterfly roof, a signature element of mid-century design. This inverted roof shape not only looks striking but also serves a practical purpose—it channels rare desert rainfall while creating soaring interior ceiling heights.
Floor-to-Ceiling Windows: These massive glass panels do more than provide views. They transform the living spaces throughout the day as natural light shifts and changes. In the morning, the house is bathed in warm desert sunlight. By evening, it becomes a glowing lantern against the darkening sky.
Post-and-Beam Construction: This building technique allowed for open floor plans without load-bearing walls. The result? Flowing spaces that feel both intimate and grand, perfect for both quiet evenings and lavish entertaining.
Interior Design Highlights
Step inside, and you’re immediately struck by the sophisticated color palette Taylor chose. Rich jewel tones—emerald greens, sapphire blues, and of course, violet (her favorite color)—create a sense of luxury without overwhelming the space.
The living room serves as the heart of the home. Here, Taylor combined contemporary furniture with classical elements and personal treasures. A stunning chandelier, reportedly from one of her film sets, dominates the space. Custom-built shelving displays her collection of awards and memorabilia.
The main suite deserves special mention. Taylor transformed this space into a personal retreat within a retreat. The bedroom features custom closets designed to house her legendary wardrobe and jewelry collection. The en-suite bathroom, with its sunken tub and gold fixtures, epitomizes Hollywood glamour.
Outdoor Living at Its Finest
The outdoor spaces of the Elizabeth Taylor house in Palm Springs are just as impressive as the interiors. The property features multiple areas designed for desert living and entertaining.
The swimming pool takes center stage in the backyard. This isn’t just any pool—it’s a work of art. The organic shape complements the natural landscape, while the surrounding patio provides ample space for sunbathing and socializing. Taylor often hosted poolside parties here, with guests lounging on custom-designed furniture.
The landscaping deserves recognition, too. Rather than fighting the desert environment, the garden design celebrates it. Native plants and succulents create a low-maintenance yet visually striking environment. Carefully placed boulders and rock formations add texture and interest without requiring excessive water.
Key Outdoor Features:
- Custom-designed pool with organic curves
- Multiple seating areas for different times of day
- Outdoor kitchen and bar area
- Fire pit for cool desert evenings
- Private spa area with mountain views
Elizabeth Taylor’s Personal Touches and Memorabilia
Making the House a Home
What truly sets the Elizabeth Taylor house in Palm Springs apart isn’t just its architecture—it’s how Taylor infused every corner with her personality. She didn’t just decorate; she curated spaces that told her life story.
Walking through the house was like touring a living autobiography. Every room contained elements that reflected different chapters of her remarkable life. From her early days as a child star to her later years as an AIDS activist, the house chronicled her journey.
The Art Collection
Taylor’s art collection transformed the luxury house into a private gallery. She displayed works by renowned artists alongside pieces by unknown talents she discovered during her travels. The collection wasn’t organized by value or fame—instead, she arranged pieces based on emotional connection and visual harmony.
One particularly striking piece was a portrait of Taylor herself, painted by Andy Warhol. She hung it in the dining room, where it served as a conversation starter during dinner parties. Guests often remarked on how the pop art style contrasted beautifully with the mid-century architecture.
Jewelry Display and Storage
Given Taylor’s legendary jewelry collection, it’s no surprise that she created special spaces to house these treasures. She installed custom-designed safes and display cases throughout the main suite. These weren’t hidden away—they were integrated into the room’s design, allowing her to enjoy her collection daily.
She even had a dedicated dressing room where she could try on different pieces. The room featured specialized lighting that mimicked different environments—daylight, candlelight, and stage lighting—so she could see how her jewelry would look in various settings.
Personal Memorabilia
Throughout the house, Taylor displayed memorabilia from her films and personal life. Original movie posters, signed photographs with co-stars, and even costume pieces from her most famous roles found homes in various rooms.
The study included her collection of scripts, many of which were annotated with her personal notes. Visitors could see her thought process, the lines she questioned, and the character insights she developed. These items offer an intimate glimpse into her creative process.
Notable Personal Items:
- Oscar statues displayed in custom-lit niches
- Photographs with multiple husbands, notably Richard Burton
- Gifts from famous friends and world leaders
- First edition books signed by author friends
- Personal letters framed as art pieces
The House’s Role in Pop Culture and Media
A Stage for Hollywood History
The Elizabeth Taylor house in Palm Springs wasn’t just a private residence—it became a character in the ongoing narrative of Hollywood glamour. The property appeared in countless magazine spreads, from Architectural Digest to Vanity Fair, each house feature adding to its mystique.
Life Magazine famously photographed Taylor lounging by the pool in 1963, creating one of the most iconic images of the 1960s celebrity lifestyle. That single photo shoot had a significant impact on how Americans perceived luxury living and solidified Palm Springs’ reputation as a glamorous destination.
Celebrity Gatherings and Legendary Parties
The guest list at Taylor’s Palm Springs parties read like a who’s who of entertainment royalty. Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Judy Garland were regular visitors. Rock Hudson often stayed in the guest house. These weren’t just social gatherings—they were cultural events where deals were made, romances bloomed, and Hollywood history was written.
One particularly memorable event was Taylor’s birthday party in 1965. Richard Burton surprised her with a private performance by a full mariachi band, flown in from Mexico City. The party lasted until dawn, with neighbors later recalling the sound of laughter and music drifting across the desert.
Media Fascination Continues
Even today, the Elizabeth Taylor house in Palm Springs remains a media fixture. Documentary filmmakers regularly request access to capture its essence. Architecture tours include it as a must-see destination, though viewing is typically limited to the exterior.
The house has been featured in several documentaries about Taylor’s life, including the recent HBO special, which utilized drone footage to showcase the property’s connection to the surrounding landscape. These modern perspectives help new generations understand why this house remains culturally significant.
Preservation, Renovations, and Current Status
Maintaining Historical Integrity
Preserving the Elizabeth Taylor house in Palm Springs has been a delicate balancing act. The goal has always been to maintain its historical significance while ensuring it remains livable for modern residents. This means updating systems and amenities without compromising the original design vision.
Recent preservation efforts have focused on restoring original materials wherever possible. The terrazzo floors, for example, underwent careful restoration to bring back their original luster. The original light fixtures were rewired rather than replaced, thereby maintaining the authentic mid-century aesthetic.
Thoughtful Updates and Renovations
While preservation is paramount, some updates were necessary. The kitchen received a sensitive renovation that maintained its mid-century character while incorporating modern appliances. The original layout remained unchanged, but new surfaces and fixtures improved functionality.
The climate control system presented a particular challenge. The original system was inefficient by modern standards, but visible ductwork would have compromised the clean lines of the interior. The solution? A state-of-the-art system hidden within existing architectural elements.
Renovation Area, Original Feature, Updated Element, Preservation Approach
Kitchen 1960s appliances, Modern energy-efficient models, Maintained original cabinetry and layout
Bathrooms: Original fixtures, updated plumbing, restored original tiles and surfaces
Electrical 60-amp service, 200-amp service. Concealed new wiring in original channels
Pool Original plaster New eco-friendly surface Preserved original shape and tile work
Landscaping, Water-intensive plants, Drought-tolerant varieties, Maintained original design concept
Current Ownership and Access
The Elizabeth Taylor house in Palm Springs has changed hands several times since Taylor’s ownership. Each new owner has been carefully selected based on their commitment to preserving the property’s legacy. The current owners understand they’re not just homeowners—they’re stewards of an essential piece of cultural history.
While the house remains private, there are occasional opportunities for public viewing. During Palm Springs Modernism Week, the property sometimes opens for special tours. These limited-access events sell out quickly, with proceeds often going to architectural preservation efforts.
Why This House Stands Out Among Palm Springs Celebrity Homes
Comparing Celebrity Residences
Palm Springs boasts numerous celebrity homes, each with its own story. Sinatra’s Twin Palms, Elvis’s Honeymoon Hideaway, and Liberace’s palatial estate all compete for attention. Yet the Elizabeth Taylor house in Palm Springs holds a unique position in this constellation of famous properties.
What sets it apart? While Sinatra’s home emphasized masculine modernism and Elvis’s reflected rock-and-roll excess, Taylor’s residence achieved a perfect balance of glamour and livability. It wasn’t just a showpiece—it was a genuine home where she lived, loved, and created lasting memories.
The Lasting Legacy
The house’s influence extends far beyond Palm Springs. Interior designers still reference Taylor’s bold use of color and pattern. Architecture students study how the property exemplifies the principles of Desert Modernism. Real estate agents use it as a benchmark for luxury desert properties.
More importantly, the Elizabeth Taylor house in Palm Springs represents a pivotal moment in American cultural history. It captures the optimism of the post-war era, the glamour of Hollywood’s golden age, and the personal story of one of cinema’s greatest stars.
An Enduring Icon
Today, when people search for the Elizabeth Taylor house in Palm Springs, they’re looking for more than just architectural information. They’re seeking a connection to a bygone era of elegance and star power. The house satisfies this desire while also offering lessons about design, preservation, and the importance of maintaining cultural landmarks.
Where Does Elizabeth Taylor Currently Live?
Elizabeth Taylor, the legendary actress, lived at 700 Nimes Road in the Bel Air district of Los Angeles from 1982 until her death in 2011. This California Ranch-style house was her residence for nearly three decades and was described as elegant but simple, reflecting her personality. After her death, the house was sold, so Elizabeth Taylor currently does not live anywhere as she passed away in 2011.
