Located in the heart of Rancho Mirage, The Palazzo is one of the most desirable properties in the Palm Springs area. Situated on five incredibly landscaped acres, it seems a “Paradise Lost” unto itself – while still being located within several minutes of posh hotels, incredible shopping and a trove of upscale restaurants. Construction of this magnificent 18,000 square feet property was completed in early 2008. Mediterranean in exterior elevation and appearance, and crafted with old world adherence to detail, this architectural masterpiece harkens back to days of yesteryear, reminiscent of an understated elegance, very seldom found in this day and age.
THE GROUNDS
Access to the Estate is afforded through a set of double gates which stem off the white plastered privacy walls surrounding the property. A large meandering circular drive, with adjacent pond and water feature, directs visitors to the massive Main House entryway. A split access drive, with one drive leading under the grand porto cachere while the secondary drive allows for dual car off loading for The Pallazo Estate events. Lush foliage and trees are strategically planted along the property perimeter, thus assuring maximum privacy and beauty.
The rear grounds of the Estate are nothing short of spectacular. With panoramic views of the San Gregornio Mountains the visages are breathtaking and unique. Walking paths and gardens, landscaped and maintained to perfection, can be found throughout the grounds and love seats and benches have been strategically placed. The guest house, with over 1,200 square feet of living space, seems surrounded by landscape splendor. The step down tennis court, with covered seating area and mini bar, offers professional play, day or night, as well as half court basketball.
All downstairs rooms in the Main House, as well as each of the rooms in the Estate Guest House, have privacy terraces. Each terrace is furnished with privacy (adjustable) curtains as well as adjustable lighting features. The large swimming pool and lattice covered spa is traversed by a stone bridge which separates the pool itself into two distinct entities.
The large pool area allows for under sun water activity and exercise. The “smaller” (all things being relative) cove like area is defined by underwater bench seating and has an overhead trellis which gives the cove a “tropical” feel and which allows only filtered sunlight to penetrate. The cove area can comfortably accommodate upwards of 30 seated guests and above bench shelving allows for food and drink placement.
Located under a large patio cover and situated between the guest house, the swimming pool and the Rose Garden is the large OUTDOOR BARBECUE AND ENTERTAINMENT area. All types of outdoor activities may be held at this location and a large barbecue grille and outdoor kitchen make barbecues virtually self contained and away from the main house kitchen. An outdoor fireplace (for cooler days and evenings) and an impressive cooling “mist” system (for warmer days or evenings) are operational as requested or required.
THE MAIN HOUSE
The Great Room and Entry Hall
With incredible attention to detail and design, The Palazzo’s Main House is not only elegant, but is well thought out in both floor plan layout and design function. Upon entry to the Main House by way of a pair of imposing double glass and wrought iron doors, the massive and European themed GREAT ROOM immediately becomes the focus of attention. Three sets of French Doors allow for passage from the Great Room to the large outside Center Terrace. The Great Room detailed ceiling is 26 feet high. Looking north towards one of the two spiral staircases, sits a Grand Piano, which gets played quite often and is always in tune. For architectural balance (to the piano), looking south and located under the second spiral staircase, is a formal seating area allows for intimate conversation.
Downstairs North
Downstairs North, located just off the Great Room, hosts the FAMILY ROOM which includes an informal relaxation and entertainment area; a CIRCULAR BAR with built in refrigerators and wine service; the WINE GROTTO, an exact replica of an Old World French or Italian grotto, was crafted with painstaking attention to detail and contains refrigerated storage for over 300 bottles of wine. The Wine Grotto is meant to be enjoyed as an intimate setting while sharing your favorite bottle of wine.
A short corridor and hallway leads to the MAIN HOUSE STUDY which may be used as a reading area or fully functional office away from home. Wood paneled throughout, with hand tooled and custom bookshelves and cabinetry and a large custom executive desk with built in credenza, the Main House Study is a focal point unto itself, both in function and appearance. Adjacent to the Study in Downstairs North is GUEST SUITE NORTH, with its own self contained bathroom and sitting area as well as private terrace.
The KITCHEN, SERVICE AREA 1 AND SERVICE AREA 2, are each adjacent to one another and the service areas and large walk-in pantry are geared to support large events held at the Estate. The service areas are fully equipped with additional refrigerator ovens, utility sink, cabinets and storage areas, as well as washer and dryer. A service entrance for deliveries and Downstairs North access is also located between Service Areas 1 and 2.
The KITCHEN, a gourmet cook’s delight is fully equipped with a Wolf Professional Series Cook top and Oven and dual Sub-Zero refrigerators. Under counter warming drawers are located beneath the large, custom made butcher block cutting board which sits next to the built in steamer and cover. Two sinks and two dishwashers in the kitchen are strategically located for ease of access and counter space and custom cabinetry is more than adequate. Separating the kitchen from the hallway is a large custom salt water aquarium loaded with hungry (but harmless) colorful and unique species of fish.
At the end of Service Area 2 is an additional spacious, and self contained GUEST SUITE (or SERVICE BEDROOM, depending upon requirement), which is includes a private bath and walk-in closet. Access to this room may be obtained through the service entry or the main entry. The final Downstairs North room is the understated and incredibly elegant FORMAL DINING ROOM, replete with seating for twelve. As with all downstairs rooms, French doors lead outward to a terrace which, in this case, is small and private and appears to sit atop one of the front water features and fountains. Service to the dining room is direct from the kitchen via a swinging service door.
Downstairs South
Downstairs South is comprised of the Main House entertainment areas as well as the Master Bedroom.
The GAME ROOM, which shares the backside of the Great Room Open Fireplace, has three separate wall mounted large screen televisions as well as CD’s and videos. Center to the Game Room is an antique (1895), hand carved pool table which is available for play. Two “royal” oversized chairs sit in front of the large pre-cast fireplace and a Chessboard and game table rests between the chairs.
Located off the South west rotunda is the formal MOVIE THEATREWORK with stadium seating and an old world charm and elegance, has both individual reclining chairs as well as a sofa. An overhead projector as well as cable allows for viewing of both television shows and video’s. No theatre should be without popcorn and refrigerated drinks and this theatre has both, along with a wet bar.
The MASTER SUITE, also located off the Southwest rotunda, hosts a sitting area and large pre-cast fireplace; custom crafted bookcases and entertainment center; a large built in desk area and a 4 chair small conference table. Access to both the Main Terrace and the Master Suite terrace is gained through two separate sets of French doors.
Separating the bath and the closet areas from the bedroom in the master suite, is a hallway “galley” kitchen which includes sink, microwave, small reefer, counter space and a store of foodstuffs as well as Cuisinart coffee maker.
The Master Suite closet is large, well thought out and has ample storage for all needs. A small “special” room, within the master closet and dressing area, allows for safekeeping of personal items and contains a large vault type safe. This “special” room is also fitted with special dedicated electrical circuits.
Across from the closet and dressing area is the Master Suite bath. Contained within the bath area are two separate “his and her” vanities and sink along with a separate make up vanity for her. A large spa type tub and huge shower adorns the master bath. The shower is also used as a steam room and is air tight and sealed when used as a steam room. Also, this bath area has a dry sauna with two tiered redwood seating.
A truly unique feature of The Palazzo master bath is the in-ground spa with booster jets. Situated within a tall, fully tiled turret of it’s own within the master bath, the idea for this spa came to the builder while watching the 1982 movie “Scarface,” starring Al Pacino. The master bath area is truly magnificent in layout, design and utility.
Upstairs North
Located in the Upstairs North wing is one of two upstairs bedroom suites. UPSTAIRS NORTH SUITE has a large and airy bedroom with private bath and walk in closet. This suite also boasts an upstairs, east facing balcony accessed by double French doors. Panoramic views for miles, including the Chocolate Mountains, can be had from this vantage point. An in room wet bar and refrigerator allows for midnight snacking, as desired or coffee all day long. For colder and cozier evenings, a large pre-cast fireplace sits ready for use.
Prior to entry into Upstairs North Suite, and located at the top of the upstairs north staircase, sits a small ANTEROOM with writing or work desk which may be used for study, reading or whatever task may be at hand. East facing windows allow for breathtaking views and a sunny disposition!
Upstairs South
The UPSTAIRS SOUTH SUITE is similar in size and function to Upstairs North, but has an internal writing/study area with bookshelves. Upstairs South Suite sports a large open fireplace and full bath and walk in closet, along with in room refer and wet bar.
Directly at the south end of the upstairs hallway, and near the top of upstairs south staircase, is a rather large gathering room with wall mounted television, “poker table” and sitting area for informal gatherings, games and entertainment.
Access to the Second Story level (Upstairs) may be gained by either climbing either circular staircase or by use of the Main House ELEVATOR, located at ground level across from the Game Room (southeast).
ESTATE GUEST HOUSE
Located on the grounds behind the Main House with close proximity to both pool and tennis courts, the GUEST HOUSE has a large kitchen with all appliances, a living area and two bedrooms and two baths. Each bedroom may be locked for both privacy and security while the main living area and one bathroom may be used by guests during an event.
Each Guest house room, including the main living room has its own terrace and private access. The living room has a large wood and/or gas burning fireplace for anytime and any mood use.
GARAGES
The Palazzo Estate has a five car garage and work area on the south side of the Main House and a smaller, two car garage attached to the North side of the Main House. A number of maintenance and storage areas are located throughout the Estate.
