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The former Palm Springs estate of singing cowboy legend Gene Autry is on the market for $8,250,000, representing a unique opportunity to own a private, historically significant compound. Located in the prestigious Old Las Palmas neighborhood, the nearly 13,500-square-foot property has been meticulously updated by Autry’s widow, Jackie, with a focus on privacy, luxury, and environmentally conscious living. Unlike the midcentury modern homes synonymous with the area, this 1927 residence offers a distinctive Moroccan-inspired design centered around a central courtyard, making it an ideal retreat for a high-profile buyer seeking a family compound.
What is the history behind this unique Palm Springs property? Gene and Jackie Autry purchased the main residence in 1997 from television producer Glen A. Larson. The home's original architect was inspired by the experiences of its first owner, meteorologist Irving Krick, particularly his time in Normandy, France. This influence is evident in the property's unique layout and iconic tower, which originally featured a copper dome reminiscent of Moroccan architecture. The estate has been under the careful stewardship of the Autry family for decades, with Jackie Autry undertaking significant preservation and enhancement efforts following Gene’s passing, ensuring its legacy while modernizing its amenities.
What major renovations and upgrades have been made to the compound? Jackie Autry’s improvements are both expansive and thoughtful. Major additions include a new tennis court, a second swimming pool, an outdoor kitchen, and a three-car garage with an attached apartment for guests or staff. A key architectural feature is the porte-cochère, a covered entranceway that provides a grand arrival experience, paired with a fountain and circular driveway. Beyond aesthetics, substantial structural work has been completed, including a new roof installed last year and a state-of-the-art security system. The property also features sustainable upgrades like solar panels and drought-resistant landscaping, where lawns have been replaced with artificial turf.
What are the standout interior features of the main house? The nearly 13,500-square-foot layout is designed for both grand-scale entertaining and private living. The heart of the home is the spacious kitchen, which was renovated in the 1990s with high-end materials that remain impressive today. It features bird’s-eye maple cabinetry, four Viking ovens, and two Sub-Zero refrigerators. Built-in banquettes offer a casual dining area with views of the tennis court. The floor plan was reconfigured for modern living; the original living room is now a formal dining room, and the kitchen occupies the former dining space. The master suite is a private sanctuary, complete with kiva fireplaces and separate his-and-her offices. For entertainment, the home boasts a dedicated wine room and a professional home theater with a separate projection room.
How does the property cater to a private and luxurious lifestyle? Privacy is a paramount feature of this compound. Nearly every room opens onto and has access to the central courtyard, creating a secluded indoor-outdoor living environment. The guest suite near the pool functions as a private casita, with its own living room and a bathroom featuring a soaking tub. Its location in Old Las Palmas, one of Palm Springs' oldest and most regulated neighborhoods, ensures tranquility with maintained landscaping and lit palm trees along the shared center island. Based on our experience assessment, the property is ideally suited for a celebrity or a family seeking an exceptional level of seclusion, as the seller has expressed a strong preference that it not be used as a vacation rental to protect the neighborhood's character.
What is the surrounding neighborhood and lifestyle like? The estate is situated within the Old Las Palmas neighborhood, established in the mid-1920s. This area is known for its strict architectural and landscaping guidelines, which preserve its historic charm and ensure property values. Residents enjoy a quiet, park-like setting with downtown Palm Springs’ restaurants and shops just a short walk away. The combination of ultimate privacy and walkable convenience is a rare find.
For the discerning buyer, this is more than a home; it is a turnkey legacy property. The extensive renovations, unique architectural character, and prime location in a guard-gated community make it a compelling investment. A notable additional opportunity is that much of the original art and furnishings can be included in the sale; otherwise, they will be donated to the Autry Museum of the American West in Los Angeles.
