A mountain retreat above Palm Desert has just been re-listed at $4.5 million, and it’s not just any mountain retreat. Villa Maggio, the mid-century modern vacation home, was formerly owned by one of the most beloved figures of the 20th Century, singer, actor and producer Frank Sinatra.
Named by Sinatra after his Oscar-winning performance in the 1953 drama From Here to Eternity, the mid-century modern cabin sits on about 7.5 acres of peaceful terrain, at an elevation of about 4,300 feet on the east side of the San Jacinto Mountains.
The gated entry was constructed with Sinatra’s privacy in mind, while the personal helipad was built in consideration of Old Blue Eyes’ jet-setting lifestyle. With input from the singer, architect Ross Patton set to work on the design, finishing construction in 1967.
Vaulted ceilings with exposed beams, local stone fireplaces, birds’ nest chandeliers and plank paneling have held up nicely through the current owners’ meticulous maintenance of the original Sinatra feel. Less timeless are the kitchen cabinets, which have a sort of ‘70s school house look to them—nothing a small renovation wouldn’t fix. They surround stainless appliances and a mirrored bar with under-counter wine storage in a large, center-islanded kitchen.
In addition to the main house, there’s also a pool house next to the blob-shaped book, a two-story guest house, two saunas and a tennis court.
