William Holden Estate Tour

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 the Palm Springs Preservation Foundation 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.

$50

Things to Know
No children or pets and no smoking.
Large purses and/or backpacks are discouraged.
Interior photography is permitted for personal use only.
Restrooms are not available for tour use.
Shoe covers (booties) will be required.
To avoid confusion, and as a courtesy to other tour goers, 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
William Holden Estate
1323 South Driftwood Dr
Palm Springs, CA 92264
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Photo Credits: John Lewis Marshall, Public Domain, Bennion Deville Homes