Description
Donald Wexler, FAIA, Architect | The Royal Singapore, 1966. This remarkable mid-century modern home in Palm Springs, designed by Donald Wexler, seamlessly blends Polynesian design influences with the open flow and climate-responsive elegance of Desert Modernism. A dramatic rubber tree frames the facade, leading to a serene courtyard centered by Wexler's signature custom water feature. The setting offers unobstructed views of the Tahquitz Creek golf course and San Jacinto Mountains, creating an ideal artist's retreat. Built in the mid-1960s by the Alexander Construction Company, the residence is located in the historic Green Fairway Estates (now part of the Tahquitz Creek Golf Neighborhood) in South Palm Springs. It represents one of the final and most ambitious phases of the Alexanders' residential developments. Wexler, renowned for his pioneering use of steel construction, open-plan layouts, and seamless indoor-outdoor integration tailored to the desert environment, designed this exclusive enclave around the golf course. The neighborhood is historically significant, frequently featured on Modernism Week tours, yet remains a little-known and rarely seen gem even among dedicated enthusiasts. The home exemplifies Wexler's signature style: light-filled interiors with clean lines, abundant natural light, and expansive views. A gated entry opens through double doors to a raised walnut-paneled hall that steps down to polished concrete floors throughout. The generous open floor plan features recessed lighting and custom fixtures that preserve the original spatial flow. At the heart of the living room stands a fully restored, rare Alexander Cone fireplace, a sculptural conical centerpiece iconic to Wexler's Alexander-era designs. The residence offers four spacious bedrooms (two with sitting areas), three bathrooms with beautiful period tile work, a new kitchen with a breakfast bar, a formal dining room, and a family room. The expansive backyard backs directly onto the 3rd fairway, offering scenic golf-course and mountain views. Outdoor living is enhanced by a refinished saltwater kidney-shaped Pebble Tec pool, a new BBQ area, refreshed landscaping with sprinklers, leased solar panels, and an evaporative cooler, all true to Desert Modernism's climate-responsive principles. With no HOA, fee-simple land ownership, and vacation rentals permitted, this meticulously preserved Wexler home stands as a rare architectural treasure in one of Palm Springs' most storied modernist enclaves. Artwork and furnishings are available for purchase separately, offering a turnkey opportunity. A great place to call home. Photography courtesy of Cameron Carothers.
