A long weekend jaunt to Palm Springs was in the works for several months. This birthday present included a private tour of Sunnylands Estate a year before it's anticipated opening date. I had no idea what Sunnylands estate was until I was given this gift, much to my chagrin. The gift giver knew I have an eye for mid century modern design, a love of architecture and this seemed to fit the bill. The Annenburg family owned this 240 acre estate and built a 25,000 square foot home that was designed by architect A.Quincy Jones and completed in 1966. The home was only lived in five months out of the year by the Annenburgs but during those 5 months they would wine and dine with the likes of Queen Elizabeth, the Bushes, the Clintons, the Reagans, Frank Sinatra (married here), Bob Hope, Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Bing Crosby and multiple foreign political officials. The property boasted an 18 hole golf course, 12 man made lakes, pools, guest houses and a world famous art collection.
Set to open in November 2011 Sunnylands Estate now has a 5 acre visitor center done in LEED sustainable methods that is the grand entrance to the estate. Inside the center will be the Annenburg book collection, classes will be held all with a focus on the arts, rotating art exhibits and focus on the mid century modern era of design. Because we were given the tour before the opening date, we were not allowed to take photographs.
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The grounds were perfectly manicured and although I don't have photographs to show, this place is going to be spectacular when it's done. It was certainly a nice introduction into the Annenburg family, their legacy and definitely their style. If you're in the Palm Springs area come next November certainly check it out. Thanks to Janis Lyle for the tour and the President Geoffrey Cowan for their gracious hosting of us
