El Rancho Vista Estates Modernism Home Tour

The original sales brochure for El Rancho Vista Estates offered, "Fun in the Sun." This neighborhood of cul-de-sacs just east of Palm Springs International Airport retains that vibe. Bold color accents, modernist rooflines, clerestory windows, and decorative concrete block walls transport you to the California desert resort of yesteryear.

Built from 1959 to 1962 by developer Roy Fey, El Rancho Vista Estates featured midcentury/atomic ranch homes that were affordable to middle-class families looking for getaways. Architects Donald Wexler and Richard A. Harrison designed floorplans that the sales brochure referred to as The Bermuda, The Capri, and The Casa Blanca. Fey took no cookie-cutter approach, even placing some homes “sideways” to take advantage of irregularly shaped lots.

Today, this time-capsule neighborhood—the most condensed aggregate of Wexler/Harrison homes–remains remarkably in keeping with its origins. Tour the interiors of homes that respect the architectural integrity of Wexler/Harrison designs and honor the midcentury modern aesthetic, even as their owners have adapted their abodes with upgrades that epitomize the Palm Springs lifestyle. Enjoy secluded patio and pool landscapes that take advantage of large lot sizes and mountain views. Homeowners opening their doors to tourgoers will be on hand to answer questions.

Be sure to stroll the bocce ball park on the east end of the neighborhood, and have your camera ready for an Instagrammable photo op in front of the “Palm Springs” monument sign at the park’s northeast corner.

As a bonus, vintage cars will be on display at each of the 8 tour homes (weather permitting). 

$85

Things to Know
There are eight (8) homes on this tour.
This event is for ages 12 and older.
Please arrive 15 minutes before tour time to check-in.
There is ample street parking.
Photography is at the discretion of the homeowner.
Private homes are not wheelchair accessible.
Please no pets, food or smoking allowed in homes.
Bathrooms in homes are not available.
There are some exterior and/or interior steps.
This event is organized by El Rancho Estates Vista Neighborhood Organization.

Event Check-in Location 
El Rancho Vista Estates Neighborhood
1565 Via Roberto Miguel
Palm Springs, CA 92262
View Map 

Photo Credits: ERVE Neighborhood Org