We bought our new home, our #foreverhomefixer, in the summer of 2020 -- during the most uncertain times of the pandemic.
The home itself is 3160 square feet and built in 1978. It had 3 bedrooms and 3 baths when we purchased it. It is on the golf course in the historic Indian Canyons neighborhood of Palm Springs, which was first developed in the 1960s and boasts the first 18-hole golf course in Palm Springs.
The house was For Sale by Owner, with a faded hand-written sign and a phone with a San Diego area code. To say that it was a "fixer upper" would be a vast understatement! The owner, who was based in San Diego, had practically abandoned the property. I could tell, from photos he showed me, that he enjoyed good times in the house several years before, but he had not used the property in quite some time -- obviously!
Above: the entry colonnade as I saw it, when I first saw the property.
I walked in and said, "I'll take it!"
After: The Entry Colonnade
Upon entering our gates, you are greeted by a striking covered colonnade that leads to our front door. After removing years of overgrown plantings, we gave everything, including the stacked stone on the columns, a fresh coat of white paint. The doors are original. The beautiful terrazzo pavers are by Moda Concrete.
Before & After: The Pool Area
In order to make room for the chaise lounge sunning deck, we removed the ficus from the interior and we needed to bump the wall out just a bit. This meant that we needed to apply for a special exemption from the city, since the new wall location would encroach on the required setback by a few inches. It took time, permit fees, and a good bit of headache...but it was all worth it. I like to remind my clients (and my husband) that it gets worse before it gets better. But the pain eventually recedes, time flies by, and in the end it is worth it to get it right the first time.
When we first saw our Forever Home Fixer, the pool had been drained of its water and was in a sad state of disrepair. I jokingly called it a skate park. I am still surprised that David didn't divorce me on the spot when I told him I purchased the house. (Yeah, I kinda made the deal behind his back. I thought I was romantic…I knew the house checked all of his boxes, including a pool in the front!).
We affectionally referred to our pool as a "skate park" when we purchased it.
We removed all the pool decking and opted to surround the pool with artificial turf. We used the same pavers from Moda Concrete as our pool coping.
Above: The pool area when I first took David to the house! Wow, what was I thinking...?
Above: The pool area after.
Before & After: Wet Bar, Buffet & Casual Dining
In an unused space next to our front doors and adjacent to our pool, we carved out a buffet counter, wet bar, and informal dining spot. We use this space, which includes a full ice and liquor well, for events ranging from pool parties to fundraisers. During more formal events, we like to greet guests with champagne and sparkling water, served from the vintage Woodard table.
.
I believe in making the most of the space you have and making your home reflect how you actually live -- and how you desire to live.
We use this area frequently, for events as varied as casual parties to formal fundraisers.
The artwork is part of my collection for Wendover Art Group and available here.
Before & After: The Tanning Deck
The homeowner left a lot of trash that we needed to haul away! Once we cleared the clutter, we fell even more in love with the property and realized what a great palette we had to work with.
The umbrellas are through Christopher Kennedy Showroom and available here.
The tables are one of my favorite things in the house and are available here.
I hope you enjoyed this tour!
xo
CK
Sources:
Photography: Public 311 Design
Styling: Keith Fortner
Pool and Hardscape Construction: Desert Edge Construction