Martinis on The Mountain

Enjoy Palm Springs’ signature cocktail, the martini, along with classic hors d’oeuvres and live music, at the hillside mansion of oil baron, Thomas O’Donnell (the J.D. Rockefeller of the West Coast).  The historic estate has unparalleled views of Palm Springs. This is the fun party you will remember!

Arriving at this party is memorable.  Guests will be whisked up the steep driveway to the grand estate via electric vehicles, passing trailing bougainvillea, picturesque rock walls and desert cacti, through intricate wrought-iron gates and onto an expansive cliffside terrace, which seems to float above the desert floor.  As darkness falls, the lights of Palm Springs illuminate the magical setting.

Until the 1960’s, this was the highest mountainside home constructed in Palm Springs.  The setting is extraordinary -- sited on the sheer mountainside with views as far as the eye can see.  The home is beautifully restored to its 1925 Casa Romantica glory and is a Palm Springs Class 1 historic structure and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.  No other Palm Springs home offers this vantage point.

The Thomas O’Donnell House, Ojo del Desierto (Eye of the Desert), is a stunning example of Spanish Colonial Revival style architecture. This 4,200 sq. ft. residence was the winter home of wealthy oilman Thomas O’Donnell and his wife, Dr. Winnifred Willis Jenney, and was designed by William Charles Tanner (1876-1960).

The entire estate will be open to explore, with the interior of the home featuring original and rare art tile from Batchelder, Malibu, and Gladding McBean artisans. The mansion boasts redwood ceilings, antique furnishings, and period appointments. The home’s second floor features a sweeping veranda, from which you can watch the party festivities on the terrace below.

Thank you to Soho House for their generous support to help underwrite this event. sohohouse.com 

$150

Things to Know
This event is for ages 21 and older.
Complimentary valet service provided; please follow signs. 
All guests must use the shuttles up to the house and for the return below.
It is not allowed to drive directly to the house or to walk to/from the house.
Shuttles will run regularly back and forth.
Shuttles depart from the NW corner of Palm Springs Art Museum's North parking lot, at the entrance to the O’Donnell Golf Club.
Share ride drop offs are allowed where the shuttles depart but are not allowed up to/at the house
Wheelchair access is limited.
The organizer of this event is Modernism Week.

Event Check-in Location 
Palm Springs Art Museum, North Parking Lot, 101 N. Museum Dr., Palm Springs, CA 92262
View Map
 

Photo Credits: Gary Johns, Mark Davis, O’Donnell House, Cole Saladino for Thrillist, Lin Jirsa