Established in 1959, Racquet Club Cottages West is one of Palm Springs' most celebrated expressions of Desert Modernism -- a 37-unit enclave conceived as a private counterpoint to the glittering social scene next door. The collaboration between architect William F. Cody, developer Paul Trousdale, and landscape architect Philip A. Shipley produced something singular: post-and-beam structures with rooflines so thin they seem to float, and walls of glass that don't so much frame the desert as invite you inside it. Shipley's lush, layered plantings wrap each cottage in verdant seclusion -- a quiet rebellion against the sparse clichés of the era. This cottage was featured on the Modernism Week 2024 tour, a distinction reserved for the most architecturally significant homes in the desert. Within this storied enclave, Unit 103 occupies a position unlike any other. It is the only villa with no through-traffic at its threshold -- affording a rare and exceptional level of privacy. Its southeast orientation rewards with brilliant sunrises and luminous evening skies over the Little San Bernardinos. In 2022, this cottage underwent a complete gut renovation and restoration, meticulously blending mid-century heritage with 21st-century luxury. Every decision was made to honor Cody's architecture while maximizing the sense of space -- and the result lives far larger than its footprint suggests, the indoor and outdoor spaces dissolving into one seamless, generous whole. Every system was replaced and upgraded for effortless, low-maintenance living: all-new utilities throughout, whole-cottage water filtration, electric water heater, and a ducted Mitsubishi mini-split with high-velocity ceiling vents -- concealed for a clean, architectural finish. Kitchen: Wolf induction cooktop, European-profile GE Monogram refrigerator and dishwasher, Fireclay Tile feature wall, and handmade white oak floating shelves -- a layout that bridges indoors to outdoors with rare fluidity at this scale. Miele laundry in utility room off patio. Bath: Wall-hung toilet and vanity, fully redesigned walk-in shower featuring Fireclay Tile, and large format floor tile that flows continuously from the living area -- visually expanding every square foot. A rare skylight bathes the space in natural light, grounding the room in the desert sky above. Design Details: Recessed baseboards, handcrafted Fireclay Tile, Tom Dixon and Schoolhouse lighting, Baldwin hardware throughout, Arcadia double-paned sliders, and the front door restored to its original location with the addition of an elegant louver panel. Outdoor: A privately executed landscape renovation features a sculptural cactus garden, a lush full lawn just beyond the desert garden, and a curated agave planting punctuated by a new fountain, full uplighting, leveled patio surrounds, and a retaining wall that frames the oleander hedge -- creating a layered private oasis that draws the living space effortlessly outward. The community pool is among those celebrated in Palm Springs Life's 2023 pool feature -- its original shape and submerged fountain intact, preserved by residents who understood exactly what was worth protecting. Designated as Palm Springs' third Historic District in 2013, the property offers significant tax advantages through the Mills Act. The complex comprises 37 units on fee simple land -- you own the land -- and the HOA typically maintains a flexible 14-day minimum stay for rentals. A rare opportunity to own a piece of Palm Springs history, perfectly restored for the modern enthusiast. Offered fully restored and move-in ready; furnishings available separately outside of escrow.
