In Palm Springs, where modernist gems are practically a local currency, finding an original Donald Wexler is a big deal. But finding his last home—the final design from the man who helped define desert modernism—is something else entirely.
This just-finished residence in the gated Desert Palisades community is the swan song of Wexler’s storied career. Nicknamed the “Man of Steel” for his pioneering use of metal and glass in mid-century homes, Wexler came out of retirement in 2010 for one more project, teaming up with architect Lance O’Donnell. He sketched it in 2011; now, more than a decade later, it’s finally built—and on the market for a cool $6.6 million.
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The backstory is as compelling as the house itself. Years ago, East Coast homeowner Marnie McBryde toured Dinah Shore’s Wexler-designed Palm Springs retreat and fell hard for his clean-lined, sun-soaked style, Sunset magazine reported. Wexler designed her a home in the Hamptons that never materialized. Years later, she brought the plans back to Palm Springs, found the perfect lot in Desert Palisades—high on a hillside, surrounded by boulders and mountain views—and revived the dream with O’Donnell’s help. Wexler passed away in 2015 at 89, before construction began, but the project stayed true to his original vision.
Floor-to-ceiling windows afford knockout vistas from nearly every spot in the house, including all four bedrooms and the media room. Pocket gardens and shaded terraces create effortless indoor-outdoor flow, while the pool and decks take full advantage of the sweeping desert panorama.
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Inside, the open-plan great room features a sleek fireplace, built-in seating, and a dining area that spills onto the terrace. The primary suite claims the best city views, but the guest rooms aren’t far behind. Smart-home tech, solar power with battery backup, and high-efficiency Lennox A/C, make the home as functional and comfortable as it is beautiful. Everything’s been dialed in: Duravit fixtures, a full suite of JennAir appliances, Emtek hardware, Visual Comfort lighting, California Closets storage, and Trex decking.
“This is a one-of-a-kind contemporary design by famed desert modernist architect Donald Wexler,” says listing agent Marc Sanders of Compass. “Floor-to-ceiling windows let in the epic desert views, decks allow for effortless outdoor entertaining, and every detail sets a new standard for living well in the desert.”
Click here to see more photos of Wexler’s final design.
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