Thursday, February 12, 2009

Ah, Paradise

Nestled in the hills of the prestigious, Palm Springs, California lives a television icon. Most remembered for her days as the ditzy Chrissy Snow on Three's Company, Suzanne Somers has really made a home for herself here in the desert, with husband Alan Hamel, the popular Toronto native, who hosted many television shows on Canadian Television. Here, in the hills of Palm Springs, among 65-acres of the most lush and beautiful landscape, is Somers 80+ year old home, les baux de Palm Springs.

Look at the beautiful iron gates leading you into the trail of stone steps which take you to the gorgeous main house. No detail was left undone here. The original owner, and builder of this property wanted to emulate homes of the South of France, and spent more than 10 years making sure that every stone, every beam, every feature of this magnificent estate was perfectly placed. Somers and husband Hamel purchased the property and restored the original home, doubling its size while paying careful attention to detail, along with an amphitheatre and several guest cottages/suites.
Inside, Somers decor speaks in humble melodies of calm and sophisticated, while remaining true to her love for all things beautiful. The antique leather club chairs are a perfect match to the zebra rug, and antique cabinet, don't you think? Somers must love to be surrounded by her favorite things - and so artfully designed - who wouldn't?
The kitchen is obviously not 80+ years old, but I love how nicely it fits the bones of this majestic beauty. Somers has written 11 books, sharing more than 600 recipes , so it's obvious - this is a cooks kitchen!
The home is complete with 7 individual suites. This one, with it's kelly green velvet drapes and white bedding is one of my favorites.
Here again we see the use of the kelly green velvet and white linen. Zebra rugs cover the gorgeous sandstone floors, and the view of the mountains out of that window: priceless!
Now this, my friends, is a closet! Complete with antique armoires and chandeliers, tres chic!
And will you look at the gorgeous pickled ceiling in this suite? Stunning! I would certainly have no problem laying in this bed for hours upon hours. But why do that, when there are so many lovely outdoor living spaces for you to enjoy!
This patio off of the master bedroom is simply stunning. An elegant aroma of fragrant flowers, the sounds of grasses whipping in the desert wind, the shade of the mountains keeping you cool, while the serenity keeps you calm and collected. What a beautiful place to have your morning coffee?
And for those of us who prefer a more sunny spot, the spa and pool area are a stones throw from the patio. Rustic in their stone construction, the warm waters are a perfect way to welcome the morning, or rest away the day.

Entertaining is something Somers and Hamel love, and why not with a house like this? A great idea for your next table scape - a white table cloth with a mix of chairs - candles flickering down the expansive length of the table - simple, elegant - perfection. Too much? Need room for just 3 or 4?

Perhaps dinner under the iron pergola is more your style? Complete with views unsurpassed!
This home was listed at 35 million dollars, but in January of this year, the price was dropped to 14.9 million, a dramatic cut of more than 50%. With unprecedented views, so much space, and the ultimate location among 65 acres in the hills of Palm Springs, CA., I say it's worth the price - and as soon as I win the lottery, I'll have you all over for dinner!

36 comments:

  1. Win the lottery, soon, please! YUM.
    xo Isa

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  2. I love Suzanne. Was it her last house that she lost to the fires?
    Kathleen

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  3. Wow what a magnificent place she has there... I really enjoyed this post... Thanks

    (((HUGS & KISSES)))
    Donna

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  4. What a gorgeous home it is and if you shud win that lotto Artie, I am going to take you up on that Dinner Invitation.

    Thank you for the tour. Many hugs
    -Brenda-

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  5. Suzanne Somers comes across as very down-to-earth and approachable, and her home reflects that personality. Thanks for the tour.

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  6. I had put a link on my blog a couple weeks ago with this video tour , isn't it cool!
    So many elements I love in this home, just gorgeous!
    They were on their way to this home when their Malibu home burned.
    Linda

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  7. It is beautiful. I love the iron gate with all the flowers. It is a very romantic and elegant house.

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  8. Such a treat today from my dear friend artie. I loved the tour, it is just my style. thanks

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  9. My favorite is the bedroom with pickled ceiling AND should I win the lottery .... I might even invite you with partner to move in!Years ago a co-worker purchased a small hotel (19 units) right down the street from Liberace's home in Palm Springs. He named it Antares and put a lot of money into refurbishing it ... I was all set to move from MN to Palm Springs to market the property for him and literally at the last minute had to change plans (promotion where I was working way too good to pass on!) My friend did find someone to sell for him but only kept the hotel for a year or two...he has since moved back to Philadelphia to work in the family business ... BUT ~ I always wonder what twists and turns my life would have taken had I moved cross country then.... the hotel still exists but under a different name. I simply love Palm Springs ... even the extreme heat in the summer.

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  10. Wonderful!!! Love everything about it! Kathy

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  11. Holy Cow...I rarely covet someone else's house...but I am blown away by this one. The decorating is gorgeous...oh yeah I'm feeling a bit of covet coming on!

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  12. Artie, I loved this tour of this beautiful home. Thank you. OMG! That closet! laurie

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  13. What a wonderful tour guide you are! This house is amazing. I think the closet is almost as big as my entire house lol. But my favorite are the outdoor spaces, I'd be happy living in a pup tent if I could wake up to that! Thanks for a great post, Kathy

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  14. Oh wow, the structure of this house is amazingly beautiful. Took you long enough to mention the ceilings though! They were all gorgeous!

    Unlike you, I am not a fan of kelly green, and I hated the color of that tufted leather couch, but aside from that, hell, I'd live there! LOL! Oh, and I don't like the kitchen either. It doesn't have any personality.

    I love the fact that from the front of the house you can't tell how enormous it is.

    Justine :o )

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  15. Oh wow, the structure of this house is amazingly beautiful. Took you long enough to mention the ceilings though! They were all gorgeous!

    Unlike you, I am not a fan of kelly green, and I hated the color of that tufted leather couch, but aside from that, hell, I'd live there! LOL! Oh, and I don't like the kitchen either. It doesn't have any personality.

    I love the fact that from the front of the house you can't tell how enormous it is.

    Justine :o )

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  16. Shows how different we all are, I LOVE THE GREEN :) But that's what is so much fun about these blogs. This was beautiful. Thanks for showing this Artie.

    Hugs
    'D'

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  17. I'll be joining you in the line for a winning lottery ticket :)

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  18. Thank you for sharing this wonderful home! I'm wondering where I might see more photos or video of this home??? - great choice on this post, Artie. :-)
    - SherylCanadianGirl

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  19. I'm lovin' those outdoor spaces! Especially the spa! I too love the touches of green! Thanks for sharing, Artie! ! Saturday's my big day - 100th post! Don't forget to check in! ~ Robyn

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  20. Artie, guess you'll need to win about 15 lotteries(!), even at THIS puppy's "MARKDOWN/SALE/BARGAIN BASEMENT"
    price, huh? (Ah, but what a way to get alot of bang for yer buck! Think even WE may buy a ticket ~ or TEN! We were born n' raise not far from PS, & both spent many vacation times there~). I was pleasantly surprized, BTW, at the LACK of pretense here, the obvious COMFORT, understated elegance & the good sense of style shown~~~ it's a wonderful treat to see the stunning OUTDOORS, too! Ms. Sommers is obviously well-tuned to what makes her happy, comfy & TRULY "at peace" in her own surroundings... Very impressive, indeed! Thank you for the treat! Linda (P.S. Would LOVE to see even MORE of this "old-world-like" paradise if you can swing it!)

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  21. Just beautiful! A little bit of zebra overkill though!

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  22. What a beautiful home, love the rustic features...Christine

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  23. A fabulous home in a knock out location - great photos, xv.

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  24. Morning, Dear Artieness! What a beuatiful place! I want to wish you and Scott and very beautiful Valentine's Day.
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  25. some gals have all the luck
    ( or they make it ).

    geeeez,that place is beyond gorgeous.
    the colors are yummo !

    she has done so much,and has achieved so much.

    She is even married to someone that she loves & LIKES.

    happy V day XXXX

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  26. artie, please drop by my blog today and answer my question if you have time...

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  27. That dining room! Oh, my! Now, did you see a "thigh master" anywhere? I didn't either! Great post!

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  28. I'm back home and catching up with my blogging. How is life in Paradise? Such beautiful images you have posted here!
    Hugs, b.

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  29. This is definitely the warm climate and ambiance we're all craving at this time of year. I think the out door living areas resonate our desires.
    I'd like to invite you to see the Napoleon recipe I've posted. This recipe can be adapted to any occasion.

    Sweet wishes,
    Sara

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  30. I lived in Palm Springs for many years and know exactly where her beautiful home is...didn't know it was for sale. I guess even the famous have felt the economy crunch!

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  31. Hi,

    Having dinner outside in the company of family and friends is one of the best things that one could do in this wonderful property.

    Take care,

    José

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  32. wow! those are some fantastic pictures...I especially like the lime green velvet chairs - so bold yet so inviting!! I could never get away with that!
    thanks for those- great ideas....

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