The Arthur Elrod “Escape House” Tour

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Join Modernism Week in this very exclusive tour of the former 1962 home of midcentury Modern interior designer, Arthur Elrod, ASID Last seen on tour in 2019, this home continues to be lovingly restored by new homeowners. With meticulously preserved interiors, it places you solidly in the midcentury period of Palm Springs. Every detail still reflects Arthur’s influence and design aesthetic with the home nearly just as Arthur left it in 1969. You’ll experience first-hand Arthur Elrod’s exquisite taste and style that is as relevant today as it was then.

The house was famously featured in Architectural Digest in 1963, highlighting its “contemporary design in its truest and most stylish form.” And a feature story on Arthur’s home, in Palm Springs Life, 1964, further established the home’s importance to design. It is preserved for us to enjoy today and to see it as Arthur saw it.

Palm Springs resident and local icon Nelda Linsk was an early client and lifelong friend of Arthur’s and will be present for this special tour. Nelda hired Arthur in 1962 to design the interiors of the famed Kaufmann House that Nelda and her husband owned at the time. The widely recognized Slim Aarons photograph “Poolside Gossip” features Nelda in yellow and friends enjoying the Elrod-designed poolscape with architect Richard Neutra’s masterpiece in the background. Nelda and other special guests will be on hand to share more stories about Arthur Elrod and the home.

Photo Credits: Natural Retreats

Location & Attendee Information

  • What are the appropriate ages for this activity?Person Ages 13 and older
  • Are pets, animals, or service animals permitted?Dog on a leash Pets and animals not permitted
  • Are food and drinks permitted?Food and drink No food or drinks permitted in homes
  • What are the mobility considerations for this activity?Person walking Walking & standing activity
  • What type of parking is available?Car Free neighborhood street parking
  • What is the policy for personal effects?Bag or purse Large purses, bags, backpacks not permitted
  • Is photography permitted?Camera Photography permitted
  • Are restrooms available?Restroom sign Restrooms not available
  • What is the policy regarding smoking?Cigarette with smoke No smoking or e-cigarettes
  • What type of tour is this?Group of people Interior/exterior tour
  • What type of ADA accessibility is available?Wheelchair Private homes are not wheelchair accessible

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