Perched at the highest point of the Southridge neighborhood, on the edge of Palm Springs, California, stands the largest house by American architect John Lautner. The house provides breathtaking vistas of the Coachella Valley and its mountainous desert terrain. The residence blends well with the landscape and the natural surroundings. The house was the dream project of American comedian Bob Hope and his wife Dolores and remains controversial due to the series of events it has encountered over the years.
The Idea
Bob Hope is well known for his dancing, singing, and acting gigs, and was titled the “most honored entertainer in history” by the Guinness World Record. Along with his talents, he is also known for his magnificent Houses, which also includes the one that still bears his name—the Bob Hope House.
The idea of the House was conceived in 1969, when the Hopes visited Elrod House and were fascinated by its design and the central space under the concrete roof providing a huge gathering space. The Hopes first came to Palm Springs in 1930 and were immediately taken by the unique beauty and charm of the desert.
After visiting the Elrod House, they decided to have a similar, but larger house in the lap of Coachella Valley and the mountains. For the design of their second residence in Palm Springs, the Hopes commissioned John Lautner, the architect of the Elrod House, to design the Bob Hope House.
Commencement
During the design process, John Lautner initially proposed a concrete roof for the central gathering space, but Bob Hope found a concrete roof way too expensive and demanded a wooden roof instead. The construction of the house with a wooden roof commenced in 1973. Unfortunately, the partially constructed house caught fire in 1974, which caused damage to the property. The project was then delayed for years due to the legal insurance issues of the fire incident, causing significant damage at nearly $500,000. After the settlements were carried out, the construction process resumed in 1977 with a concrete roof.
The Hopes initially wanted to hire Arthur Elrod for the interior design, as they admired the ambiance of the Elrod House. But due to the delays in the process, Elrod tragically passed away in a car accident. So, they hired a befriended interior designer for the house. Due to disagreements and changes in the design, gradually Lautner withdrew from the project. The construction of the House was completed in 1979.
About the House
The Bob Hope House primarily served as an entertainment complex, hosting gatherings, fundraisers, and parties. Although it functioned as their secondary residence in Palm Springs, its expansive design made it ideal for large events. The residence featured a vast gathering space beneath a striking concrete domical roof and a balcony capable of accommodating nearly 400 people, providing ample room for significant events and dinners.
Bob Hope aimed to create a sophisticated and opulent atmosphere, as the events attracted many distinguished guests. He envisioned the house as a modernist marvel, furnished with contemporary, minimalist furniture and designed to exude luxury.
Differences
There were differences in the vision and style of Architect John Lautner and Bob Hope regarding the residence. Lautner envisioned the house as a continuation of his signature organic architecture, while Bob Hope preferred the classic Hollywood luxury that would impress visitors.
Lautner aimed to adorn the house with natural elements like rocks and mid-century modernist furniture, in contrast to the more traditional furniture and murals that Hope favored. Lautner’s preference for raw, unpolished concrete, as seen in his designs for the Elrod and Arango houses, was intended to enhance the house’s integration with the surrounding mountains. However, the Hopes opted for a copper-coated roof and white plaster walls, decisions that did not align with Lautner’s original vision.
Designing and Planning
The Bob Hope House spans 6.2 acres of land. The concrete dome features a 60-foot-wide opening at the top, allowing natural light in the central gathering space beneath the concrete roof. The skylight offers views of the sky and enhances the play of light and shadow within the interiors, bringing the space to life.
The house includes a large central terrace, six bedrooms, ten full bathrooms, and three half bathrooms. Additional features include a glass-walled dining room, service areas, and three separate entrances: the main entrance, a servant entrance, and a private entrance to the rooms. The property also boasts indoor and outdoor pools, an artificial waterfall cascading over natural rocks, a golf course, tennis courts, and lush green spaces, all of which integrate the house harmoniously with its natural context and surroundings.
Architecture Style and Key Features
The Bob Hope House showcases the remarkable influence of John Lautner’s style, reflecting his Modernist and organic architectural approach. Lautner’s initial work was shaped by his apprenticeship with Frank Lloyd Wright, but he eventually discovered his own architectural style. He is known for designing houses in Palm Springs for many well-known Hollywood figures.
The House was designed with the idea of a volcano, and is often said to resemble a mushroom or spaceship, it is marked by a sweeping, curved roofline that showcases the use of organic shapes by Lautner. The materials used are concrete, glass, steel, and natural stone reflecting the emphasis on minimalism and the connection to the natural environment. Large windows in the house offer breathtaking views of the dynamic landscape and nature.
Bob Hope House: New Owners
The house was listed for sale at $50 million in 2011, after the demise of Dolores Hope. In 2015, the building hosted the Louis Vuitton Cruise Collection 2016 fashion show, fusing classic architecture with high fashion for an audience of the fashion press, industry leaders, and celebrities from around the world. After several years on the market, the house was finally sold to American investor Ronald Burkle, in 2016 for $13 million, setting a record as the highest price ever paid for a residence in Palm Springs.
Remodel
After purchasing the property, Burkle decided to remodel the house to align it with the original vision of architect John Lautner. The renovation was guided by the original project architect and Lautner’s long-time chief architect, Helena Arahuete, in collaboration with scores of skilled artisans. The updates were made with materials, landscape, and features to restore Lautner’s vision of the House. While preserving the essence and integrity of the House, structural repairs and system upgrades like electrical, plumbing, and HVAC also underwent to keep it up to modern standards.
The Bob Hope House still belongs to John Lautner, years after he parted ways with it. The House is settled seamlessly in the lively landscape of Palm Springs, offering panoramic views of the Coachella Valley, mountains, and desert. Despite its controversial past, the house is now returning to the vision that John Lautner originally had. The remodel marks a crucial step in the journey of the House, as it restores it to its authentic self after facing numerous challenges and setbacks. This renovation will result in a revitalized Bob Hope House that stays true to Lautner’s iconic design while being updated for modern living. Ronald Burkle’s initiative in restoring this architectural marvel is commendable, as it honors the original vision and ensures the house continues to hold its significant place in the cityscape of Palm Springs, California.
Citation:
- Modern Tours Palm Springs. (n.d.). Bob Hope House. [online] Available at: https://moderntourspalmsprings.com/bob-hope-house/.
- Garner, R. (2019). History of famed Bob Hope House. [online] Visit Palm Springs. Available at: https://visitpalmsprings.com/history-of-famed-bob-hope-house/.
- Dezeen. (2018). John Lautner punctured Hope Residence’s giant roof with a crater-like hole. [online] Available at: https://www.dezeen.com/2018/02/17/hope-residence-john-lautner-bob-dolores-hope-concrete-volcano-palm-springs-modernism-week/.
- John Lautner Architecture Videos (2021). Bob Hope House by John Lautner, complete overview and walkthrough. [online] YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGU5kcBkD7Y [Accessed 25 Aug. 2024].
