An American film actress, Natalie Wood is best known for ingenue roles based on her youthful appeal. A dark-haired beauty teen eventually became one of the most likable and sought-after Hollywood stars. Natalie was nominated for an Oscar for her emotional roles in “Splendor in the Grass” (1961) and “Love with the Proper Stranger” (1963). Before the star tragically died from drowning in 1981, she lived in a lovely Palm Springs abode together with her husband Robert Wagner, an actor of stage, screen, and television. Her suspicious death circumstances still haven’t been clarified. Who knows, maybe you’ll have a clue after visiting her historic southern California estate?
The stunning 1.6-acre property cozily nestles within “a gently rolling knoll” in the historic Mesa neighborhood in southwest Palm Springs. The grounds have 66 stately palm trees, neatly manicured gardens, a tennis court, and a pool with a diving board. Pay attention to the trees: it’s important, and later, we will explain why. The property is completely private, secured with discrete entries and exits, and framed by perimeter walls and tall hedges. Behind the entry gates sits covered parking for four cars plus parking spaces for an extra 6.
The climate here is extremely favorable, with warm, dry air and many days of sunshine. Fragrant flowers bud in the backyard in spring. Spring was Natalie’s favorite season: she loved when everything was blooming in the garden. The Hollywood star often came outside, cut flowers, and arranged them in silver vases around the house. An odorous white gardenia was her favorite flower.
The main rock house stands out from an eclectic array of various architectural styles present in Palm Springs. There are over five thousand square feet of living space, with six bedrooms and 6.5 bathrooms. The main home boasts a rustic finish, with rough-hewn exposed beams, carved doors and shutters, paver floors, original mullion windows, numerous fireplaces, original tile work, and iron accents. It creates a charming, private abode stuck in time. The rock-covered house was built in 1934, and it looks like “something you might expect to see in Montana.”
The adorable estate features the character and noteworthy details indicative of that historical period. The exterior and interior are abundantly decorated with rock. The home features beamed ceilings, paver floors, walls of original mullion windows, French doors, and skylights. All the doors throughout the main house and guest house are made with intricately carved wood and perfectly match the well-preserved original tile and iron accents.
The interior looks highly original due to the massive fireplace walls, cedar-lined closets, block construction with lath and plaster, and entertainer’s wet bar. There are deep and covered loggias and a custom kitchen with two separate cooking zones. You’ll find lovely entertaining spaces at every turn.
For more details, please check our video about Natalie Wood