Immerse yourself in the history and grandeur of Villa El Dorado, a 1926 Spanish Colonial Revival estate property in Old Las Palmas. This magnificent home features six fireplaces, a rooftop terrace, private meditation garden, outdoor fire pit and an enormous heated saltwater pool with hot tub/spa. You can enjoy covered dining for ten on the back terrace or seating for 8 in the central courtyard.
Reviews
1010 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire home
4 bedrooms5 bathrooms409 sq m
Popular amenities
Spa pool
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Add dates for prices
About this property
Old Las Palmas - 1926 Mary Pickford Estate, Pool & Spa, Firepit + Rooftop Deck
Welcome to Villa El Dorado in Old Las Palmas. The History: This splendid 1926 Spanish Colonial Revival estate property is located in the fabled Old Las Palmas neighborhood in Downtown Palm Springs. Over the years, El Dorado has been owned by many luminaries but was most notably owned by silent screen star, Mary Pickford. Pickford was the second recipient of an Academy Award for Best Actress in 1929. She and her then husband, actor Charles "Buddy" Rogers lived in the home. Charlie Chaplin was a frequent guest and it is noteworthy that Pickford and her first husband, Douglas Fairbanks, along with Chaplin and D. W. Griffith founded United Artists in 1919.
The Home's Features: Almost 100 years later, the home has been thoughtfully expanded and was recently painstakingly restored. Conceived as a grand Spanish colonial revival and built for Chicago's Charles Crane (Crane plumbing fixtures), El Dorado has 5 bedrooms and five full bathrooms and two half bathrooms. The 5th bedroom is furnished as an office. The home has 6 fireplaces, 3 outdoor fountains, a freestanding guesthouse (casita), a rooftop terrace, private meditation garden and an outdoor fire pit. It is sited on a half acre and the private compound is entirely walled and gated with separate pedestrian and automobile gatehouses. Designed around a central courtyard with fireplace, the kitchen and family spaces are on one side and the bedroom wing is on the opposite side - for maximum public/private space separation. Every bedroom has its own fireplace, private outdoor terrace and ensuite bathroom. Two of the three main house bathrooms have belfry tower showers with abundant natural light. There are several outdoor gathering areas including the central courtyard with seating for 8; the upstairs "tower" deck (covered and uncovered portions seat 16), the front lawn outdoor fire pit which can seats 7 (extra pull up chairs are nearby) plus there is covered dining for ten on the back terrace. Other private outdoor enclaves include poolside seating by the master bedroom, a covered inset terrace off the dining room, a private terrace off each guest room and a meditation garden by the guest house. Also, enjoy the enormous 10' deep heated salt water pool and hot tub / spa.
The Home's Location: Old Las Palmas | Walk To Everything The Old Las Palmas community is among the most sought after locations in the entire Coachella Valley. Home to many Hollywood stars over the years, it is tucked at the base of San Jacinto's 11,000 foot peak and the protected location is within a 3 block walk to everything downtown Palm Springs has to offer including celebrated restaurants, coffee shops and cafes, hotels and shopping. Our particular home is at the South end of the neighborhood - closest to shopping and dining. No bikes needed; no rental cars needed. Iconic destinations like Jake's restaurant, Copley's, 849, Trio, Tailor Shop, Cheeky's and PS Koffi are literally at the end of the street. Also, the neighborhood - an enclave to itself - is wonderfully walk-able and many of the nearby landmark homes are on the "tour of stars" tours. The home was featured in the 2014 (and now 2023) Modernism Week's "Spanish Revival" tour. Use our E-Z Go street legal golf cart to tour the neighborhood. To be sure, this one-of-a-kind property has few equals in all of Palm Springs. We invite you to experience it and to enjoy it as much as we do.
Please forgive the "tone" of the following important Palm Springs City Regulations ... *Outdoor Music* is strictly prohibited by the Palm Springs Vacation Rental Ordinance. This means no music or voice projection from AV speakers, Beats Pills, small or large portable speakers, etc. If a neighbor were to report unusually loud voices, music or event sound projection to the City; violation of this ordinance may result in guest eviction by City officials with no refund paid. The City of Palm Springs has a dedicated 24 hour compliance team for Vacation Rental monitoring. While we have never had an issue like this arise at our property, it's important for prospective guests to know this in advance.
Housekeeping Notes: - Trash removal is handled by a 3rd party service; no need to put trash or recycle out. Trash service handlers will admit themselves to the property at 7 AM on Wed or Thur to take bins to the street. They will return to restore the bins to the service after pick-up. - Pool cleaning takes place every Tuesday and Friday mid-day. Pool cleaners admit themselves to the property. - Landscapers arrive early on Friday mornings and will admit themselves. - We offer our guests our curated restaurant list, massage/masseuse options and catering and private chef options. Just let us know your needs. Also, please let us know in advance if you wish to use our street legal (state tagged) golf cart, as there are insurance and deposit requirements. - Smoking- Please plan to smoke only on the outdoor terraces and spaces. Thank you. PS TOT 4166
Property amenities
Pool/Spa
Heated pool
Hot tub
Massage
Outdoor pool
Sauna
Internet
Available in the house: WiFi
Kitchen
Blender
Coffee grinder
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Electric kettle
Hob
Ice maker
Microwave
Oven
Refrigerator
Toaster
Dining
Chef service
Bedrooms
4 bedrooms
Bathroom
5 bathrooms
Shower
Living spaces
Fireplace
Separate dining area
Entertainment
Smart TV
Outdoor areas
Barbecue grill
Firepit
Garden
Patio
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Work spaces
Desk
Desk chair
Comfort
Air conditioning
Pets
Pet friendly
Welcoming cats and dogs only
2 pets total
Suitability/Accessibility
Designated smoking areas
Note from host: Outdoors only.
Location highlights
In the city centre
Things to do
Heated pool
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)
An adult aged 18 or older must assume all liability for the booking
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Pets
Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs and cats only
2 total pets
Note from host: Please Contact Tom About Pets.
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Note from host: There is no fence around the pool.
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking allowed: in designated areas
Outdoors only.
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Property Registration Number 4166
About the area
Located in Palm Springs, this holiday home is in the city centre. Palm Springs Aerial Tramway and The Spa at Se-che are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Palm Springs Convention Center and Moorten Botanical Garden. Palm Springs Swim Center and Camelot Park Family Center are also worth visiting. Visit our Palm Springs travel guide
Does Old Las Palmas - 1926 Mary Pickford Estate, Pool & Spa, Firepit + Rooftop Deck have a pool?
Yes, this property has an outdoor pool. Pool types include heated pools.
Is Old Las Palmas - 1926 Mary Pickford Estate, Pool & Spa, Firepit + Rooftop Deck pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total).
What time is check-in at Old Las Palmas - 1926 Mary Pickford Estate, Pool & Spa, Firepit + Rooftop Deck?
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Old Las Palmas - 1926 Mary Pickford Estate, Pool & Spa, Firepit + Rooftop Deck?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Old Las Palmas - 1926 Mary Pickford Estate, Pool & Spa, Firepit + Rooftop Deck located?
Located in Uptown Design District, this holiday home is within 1 mile (2 km) of San Jacinto Mountains, Ruth Hardy Park and Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway. Desert Regional Medical Center and Forever Marilyn are also within 1 mile (2 km).
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Old Las Palmas - 1926 Mary Pickford Estate, Pool & Spa, Firepit + Rooftop Deck Reviews
Reviews
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
We spent three weeks at this Palm Springs property and it exceeded expectations. The home is impeccably maintained, comfortable for long stays, and beautifully designed — ideal for both relaxing mornings and hosting friends for dinner.The outdoor spaces truly set it apart. The front firepit area was perfect for evening cocktails as the desert cooled down, while the backyard offered additional private spaces to unwind throughout the day. And the crow’s nest was a dream for morning coffee — peaceful, elevated, and the perfect way to start each day.The hosts were exceptional. Communication was prompt and thoughtful, and they clearly care about the guest experience. We’ve rented many properties over the years, and this was one of the smoothest, most enjoyable stays we’ve had.Would absolutely return.
Everything about this home was perfect for us. Location, outdoor spaces (especially the roof/tower space), the pool, design, etc. Thanks to to Tom and Kevin for having us!
Everything about this trip was phenomenal! This is by far the most well cared for rental I have ever seen. The gardens are like being in a magical oasis and the inside of the home is classically decorated and immaculately maintained. The property manager Jeff is so kind and helpful and clearly takes pride in the home.
Photographs do not do justice to the beauty and spaciousness of this property. It is a large, beautiful, well appointed and immaculately maintained/restored property, and both the property manager and owners are extremely responsive. Nothing could have been better - we will return for sure. Five stars all around.
This is the first time we have used VRBO to reserve a family vacation getaway. We were grateful to find that this property was amazing. Beautiful architecture, stunning landscape & grounds, well-appointed home with privacy.......just for starters. There were so many unique areas to sit and relax we found ourselves wishing we had another week! Tom and Kevin were very available for any questions and key in suggesting great spots to shop, explore, and eat. (Even for a private chef to spoil us with an anniversary dinner prepared at the home!)
This property was a superb place for a get-together with our adult children and their spouses, especially those in the military, who live far away. Everyone had space!
The well-appointed and equipped indoor and outdoor kitchens made meal preparation for 8 a fun time for all! After a trip to Costco for groceries and beverages, we did not have to leave the property! The artwork, books, furnishings, and window treatments are exquisite and tasteful. We spent time just looking at the paintings in the house. This property is excellent for a special event such as our first, family get-together in 5 years. We ate breakfast on the rooftop terrace. We had lunch and dinners in the outdoor kitchen by the pool. We even had Thanksgiving dinner in the formal dining room! We had drinks and smoked cigars by the fire pit. We played the piano. And we loved the pool!
We appreciated the attentiveness of the property manager and the owners. This amazing property gave our family an opportunity to create lots of good memories!
Our family enjoyed every moment at the casa. It is steeped in history but beyond that the homeowners have imbued the house with such a warm and cozy atmosphere that we felt right at home and simultaneously in the lap of luxury! There were so many fabulous outdoor spaces that we could’ve just spent all of our time exploring the house and no time in Palm Springs itself. For instance, one night we had s’mores under the mesquite trees listening to the night sounds around us. The stars were so bright. That said, this property is the perfect location for exploring Palm Springs and its desert environs. It is an easy trip to Joshua tree and many other nature preserves. The Palm Springs art museum was very nearby and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Tom and Kevin provided lots of information about restaurants and we took them up on their suggestions as much as we could in a holiday week. They were courteous and responsive, but the house needed no introductions as its beauty spoke for itself. Everything is top-of-the-line and fresh and beautiful. Hopefully we did not per take of too much of the citrus on the property :-) I would hardly recommend this house to all sorts of travelers, but it was a perfect respite with a multi generational family. Bring your piano books as they have a wonderful Piano!