1970s International Style house - Palo Fierro Palm Springs
This was the worst house in the best street, the house flippers dream. The house had a make over in the 80s by a “Millionaire Playboy”, or so said the neighbours. I could believe that given the mirrored ceiling and walls and Studio 54 inspired living room with 26 lights on a grid like gantry, the red floor tiles and murals on the walls, the tiled garage floor made an excellent dance floor and the hall closet space was mirrored on every surface, light switches were either wall papered to match the walls or mirrored. Since then, the house had changed hands but had not been maintained. Over the years the steel bars reinforcing the pool walls had broken through and were protruding into the water. The pool equipment and water system for the garden were broken, the last coat of exterior paint had been back in the 80s, taps leaked and kitchen doors were missing or hanging by a single hinge. And someone was still living in it.
With the San Jacinto mountains as a back drop it was hard to ignore any house in this street. This house had been neglected for a 40+ years. Still just structurally sound, the finishes were all well past their prime. The garden and pool were not even structurally sound at this point. It was a case of rescue this house now, because in 10 years it would likely be past that option.
It’s hard to fathom that someone could let their pool get this bad. It could only be lack of funds - we are inthe desert after all where temps sit in the high 40s for weeks on end
After redoing all the concrete around the pool with an acid wash finish (creates a velvet like feel) and totally relining the pool interior it was safe to use once again.
1980s playboy glamour setting. Almost a time capsule but for furniture the new owner had added. The real shame was that lack of upkeep meant that only the fire place could be saved. But in the process of the renovations the real bones of the house were able to be showcased once more.
