When Bob Hope’s unusual Palm Springs residence appeared on the property market in 2013, its $50 million price tag immediately grabbed attention. The house was already famous for its futuristic appearance, unusual architecture and connection to one of Hollywood’s best-known entertainers. Yet, despite its history and distinctive design, the property did not find a buyer at the original asking price.After several years on the market and a major reduction in its price, the estate was eventually sold for $13 million in 2016.The story of the property, including details of its original listing and eventual sale, was documented by TopTenRealEstateDeals.com.
Bob Hope’s unusual Palm Springs retreat
The home was created for Bob Hope and his wife, Dolores, by celebrated architect John Lautner. Construction of the Palm Springs property was completed in the 1970s, with its dramatic design making it very different from the traditional homes associated with Hollywood celebrities.Lautner created a structure dominated by sweeping curves, concrete surfaces and large areas of glass. The home’s huge, curved roof is probably what catches the eye first, giving the house a look that feels completely different from the homes around it.Lautner had originally imagined the design to resemble a volcano. But because of its unusual shape, people eventually started comparing it to a flying saucer, which is how the house picked up its well-known nickname, the ‘UFO House.’The house also sits beautifully against the Palm Springs desert. Its large windows let in plenty of sunlight while giving the people inside wide views of the mountains and the surrounding landscape.There was also an unusual feature inside the house. Openings in parts of the roof allowed the residents to look directly toward the sky, adding another element to Lautner’s experimental approach to the design.
A celebrity estate unlike the usual mansion
The property was enormous, covering approximately 23,000 square feet. Its size, however, was only one part of what made the residence unusual.The home had several bedrooms and bathrooms, along with plenty of room for guests to relax and spend time together. There were swimming pools, a spa, a pond and a tennis court, giving the property many of the amenities expected from a luxury celebrity residence.But unlike many large Hollywood homes, the house was not designed simply to impress through size and decoration. Its architecture was the main attraction.Lautner combined concrete, glass and steel beneath the expansive roof to create a structure that blended into the desert while still appearing futuristic. The open spaces and curved forms also reflected the architect’s interest in creating homes that interacted with their surroundings.For Bob Hope, the residence became one of Palm Springs’ most recognisable private properties.
The $50 million listing that struggled to find a buyer
The estate went up for sale in 2013, around a decade after Bob Hope’s passing in 2003. At the time, the asking price was an eye-catching $50 million.However, the property did not attract a buyer willing to pay that amount. The price was eventually reduced to approximately $24.999 million, but the home continued to remain on the market.Its unusual architecture may have made it highly recognisable, but that same individuality also meant it was not an ordinary luxury property. A house of that size, design and history required a buyer who appreciated its architectural significance as well as its celebrity connection.After spending years looking for a new owner, the property finally found one.Ronald Burkle bought the home for $13 millionIn 2016, billionaire investor and philanthropist Ronald Burkle purchased Bob Hope’s Palm Springs estate for $13 million.The final price was considerably lower than the $50 million figure attached to the home when it first entered the market. The sale therefore became an interesting chapter in the property’s history, particularly because of the gap between its original asking price and eventual selling price.Burkle was known for his interest in important properties and architecture.
A home that still gets attention
Even today, Bob Hope’s Palm Springs house stands out. It carries the memory of the comedian who once lived there, but much of its appeal also comes from John Lautner’s unusual design. The house feels very different from a typical celebrity mansion, which is perhaps why people still talk about it.The property also went through quite a change before finding a new owner. It was put on the market for $50 million in 2013 and was eventually sold for $13 million in 2016. Despite the years that have passed, the home remains one of the more talked-about properties in Palm Springs.Years after Bob Hope lived there, the house continues to draw attention. Its unusual shape, desert setting and famous ‘UFO House’ nickname have helped make it one of Palm Springs’ most memorable celebrity homes.
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