GRANADA RESIDENCE PALM SPRINGS, CA
RENOVATION AND INTERIOR DESIGN, 2023
4 bed · 5 bath · 2250 SF
A treat for midcentury modern architecture aficionados: this is one of the earliest residences (maybe the first) by Palm Springs architect Stan Sackley, whose career flourished in the late ‘60s and ‘70s. Fortunately, the 1965-66 architectural drawings for this home exist, showing that Sackley was still in partnership with his USC mentor and professor, Herman Charles Light, FAIA, also chairman of the AIA’s judiciary committee. In 1962, Light was the works architect for the Hall of Records in Los Angeles, designed by famed modernist architect Richard Neutra. Light’s AIA role gave Sackley the necessary step-up to launch his own career. By 1966, Sackley was advertising locally as a designer for custom homes.
The Simon Residence was an unusually spacious (3400 square feet) home for a young family. Simon was an attorney, Palm Springs High School Class of ’57, salutatorian. After only two years in their custom home, an unfortunate car accident in 1968 apparently forced the sale later that year. Described in ads then as a “custom built, Spanish-style home for luxurious fairway living” it borders the Indian Canyons Country Club 5th Fairway. “Spanish-style” barely describes the look. Its unusual design is more “Modernist Hacienda,” similar to Kaptur or Cody homes of the late 60s - early 70s. Canted walls front and back also form privacy walls between living and bedroom areas; along with the deep overhangs on the rear elevation these features hint at the evolution of Sackley’s late-Modern architecture. The front door opens into a long hallway that runs east to west for access to all rooms. At one end, the primary suite has an original mitered glass corner and window wall with views to the garden. Children’s bedrooms were tucked away at the other end of the house, beyond the living room and kitchen.
The house has had additions and remodels over the years. A room added on the front along with a covered walkway, replaced the original private courtyard; a maid’s quarters casita was also added. In the 1970s a local interior designer, Joyce Cain, covered surfaces with mirrors and installed an enormous light fitting above the dining table; the house was then featured on a fundraising home tour. These interior elements did not make the cut in the most recent design!
Updating the home required a lot of excavation and editing. Removing tired finishes and décor to create a contemporary environment was the remit. Room layouts and space are mostly original, including the atrium, respecting Sackley’s original design. The kitchen is slightly larger from a minor addition. Among the changes: new flooring, countertops, tiles, fireplace surround, glass, bathroom refreshes, and room repurposing. The later addition is now a media room. Spaces have been re-opened to create a better flow. A 5-foot wide pivot glass door leads to the outside pool and gardens. Full-height doors and glass throughout have been retained, along with original raked plaster finishes. The new owners’ art and furnishings collection complement the home’s considered and respectful modernization. - Melissa Riche
