Villa Cornelia: A Gem in Old Las Palmas

Treat yourself to one of the finest examples of Palm Springs’ early “romantic” architecture! The 1926 Alvah and Teresa Hicks Residence is one of the gems of the Old Las Palmas neighborhood. Constructed by Hicks, a master carpenter and early real estate developer, the house is an important example of a custom Spanish Colonial Revival structure. Aside from its impressive scale (4,510 sq ft), the home also boasts some of the loveliest gardens in the city. 

When originally designed and built almost a century ago, the Hicks Residence was a relatively modest three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom home. In 1936, the home was expanded and remodeled by internationally renowned diplomat, philanthropist, and Arabist Charles R. Crane and his wife Cornelia. Those changes were built by noted contractors and Palm Springs pioneers, William Marte and Hans Lauritz Hansen.

The Hicks Residence was designated a historic resource in May of 2024 by the Palm Springs City Council. This is a self-guided tour but tourgoers will receive a 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.  

$45

Things to Know
No children or pets and no smoking.
Large purses and backpacks are discouraged.
Interior photography is permitted for personal use.
Restrooms are not available for tour use.
This house has exterior steps and uneven surfaces.
To avoid confusion, and as a courtesy to other tourgoers, please arrive at your designated tour start time.
Please be respectful of the neighborhood and do not park in front of mailboxes or driveways.
The organizer of this event is Palm Springs Preservation Foundation.

Event Check-in Location
Alvah and Teresa Hicks Residence
701 N Patencio Rd
Palm Springs, CA 92262 
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Photo Credits:  Courtesy Tom Ellicott