The Movie Colony
The Movie Colony is a residential neighborhood in Palm Springs with around 170 homes built mainly during the 1930s and 1940s. Most houses sit hidden behind walls and trees, featuring Spanish Colonial Revival or Modernist architectural styles designed by renowned architects like E. Stewart Williams and William Cody.
The neighborhood was established in the 1930s and 1940s as a retreat for Hollywood stars and was once called The Desert Royal Palace. It played a key role in establishing Palm Springs as a preferred winter destination for the film and entertainment industry.
The neighborhood is named after its famous Hollywood residents and still reflects the glamorous era of the film industry today. The homes hidden behind hedges and walls, lush gardens, and private pools show how residents enjoyed a secluded, luxurious lifestyle and escaped the pressures of studio work.
The neighborhood is within walking distance of downtown Palm Springs and suits exploration on foot, though many homes are hidden behind hedges and walls. Ruth Hardy Park and Wellness Park offer rest stops and outdoor activities, serving as useful landmarks while navigating the area.
Frank Sinatra's first home, Twin Palms, was designed in 1947 by architect E. Stewart Williams and became known in the 1950s for his legendary parties. The villa shows the abundance and entertainment culture that defined the neighborhood during Hollywood's golden age.
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