South Palm Canyond Drive in Palm Springs, CA with palm trees and Modernism Week banner

Experience a spectacular combination of Modernist architecture and interior design when you tour the William Holden Estate (also known as the Barrett Residence) in the historic Deepwell Estates neighborhood. Designed by master builder Joe Pawling (who constructed some of Wexler & Harrison’s most admired designs), the residence is notable for its one-acre "through-lot," its walls of glass, and, most importantly, its sublime Modernist post-and-beam construction. Built for the Barrett’s in 1955, the house was later purchased by actor William Holden who owned the property from 1966 until 1977. Holden is best remembered for his roles in Sunset Boulevard, Stalag 17 (for which he won an Oscar in 1954), The Bridge on the River Kwai, and Network. A favorite venue for fashion photo shoots, the 4,559-square-foot home was prominently featured in the Fall 2015 issue of California Home+Design magazine. Through the efforts of PSPF the residence was designated a Class 1 Historic Site by the city of Palm Springs in March of 2018. This is a self-guided tour but tourgoers will receive an eight-page color collectible handout.

The Palm Springs Preservation Foundation is a non-profit organization whose mission is “to educate and promote public awareness of the importance of preserving the historical resources and architecture of the city of Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley area.” PSPF offers free membership as a public benefit. To learn more about the work of the foundation see www.pspreservationfoundation.org.

Photo Credits: John Lewis Marshall

Location & Attendee Information

  • What are the appropriate ages for this activity?Person No children
  • 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 type of parking is available?Car Free neighborhood street parking
  • What is the policy for personal effects?Bag or purse Large purses, bags, backpacks discouraged
  • Is photography permitted?Camera Personal/non-commercial 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 ADA accessibility is available?Wheelchair Private homes are not wheelchair accessible

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