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\u2014the final design from the man who helped define desert modernism\u2014is something else entirely.<\/p>\n
This just-finished residence in the gated Desert Palisades community is the swan song of Wexler\u2019s storied career. Nicknamed the \u201cMan of Steel\u201d 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\u2019Donnell. He sketched it in 2011; now, more than a decade later, it\u2019s finally built\u2014and on the market for a cool $6.6 million<\/a>.<\/p>\n More from Robb Report<\/p>\n RELATED: Landmark Homes by Frank Lloyd Wright and Other Famous Architects Are the Latest Status Symbol<\/a><\/p>\n The backstory is as compelling as the house itself. Years ago, East Coast homeowner Marnie McBryde toured Dinah Shore\u2019s Wexler-designed Palm Springs retreat and fell hard for his clean-lined, sun-soaked style, Sunset magazine reported<\/a>. 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\u2014high on a hillside, surrounded by boulders and mountain views\u2014and revived the dream with O\u2019Donnell\u2019s help. Wexler passed away in 2015 at 89, before construction began, but the project stayed true to his original vision.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n RELATED: Inside an Ultra-Modern Las Vegas Home\u00a0That Turns the Harsh\u00a0Desert\u00a0Into a True Oasis<\/a><\/p>\n 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\u2019t 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\u2019s been dialed in: Duravit fixtures, a full suite of JennAir appliances, Emtek hardware, Visual Comfort lighting, California Closets storage, and Trex decking.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is a one-of-a-kind contemporary design by famed desert modernist architect Donald Wexler,\u201d says listing agent Marc Sanders of Compass. \u201cFloor-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.\u201d<\/p>\n Click here<\/a> to see more photos of Wexler\u2019s final design.<\/p>\n Best of Robb Report<\/p>\n Sign up for RobbReports’s Newsletter<\/a>. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook<\/a>, Twitter<\/a>, and Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n