The landscape of the Sonoran desert is high desert surrounded by mountains. Nestled in the valley of Rancho Mirage is one of the most iconic homes in America…Sunnylands.
This mid-century modern masterpiece is the former home of Walter and Lenora Annenberg. Different from many homes this 200-acre parcel is an oasis has a distinct feeling of the history of our times.
The building its self is relatively modest except in size. Big open floor plan with multiple sitting rooms all with stunning views to the mountains. The color was chosen to match the color of the adjacent mountains at sunset. No detail was left to chance in its design or building.
The first notable feature of the home is the art. Over their lifetime the Annebergs collected the most impressive collection of art ever assembled in one home. Full of impressionist artists from every country when we walked in the vision of all this art in one space letterly took my breath away. While today the art is actually digital reproductions, the original collection is in the Met, it is still awe-inspiring. When the Annenbergs were alive, every winter the Met would pack up the originals and send them to California so the Annenbergs and their guest could enjoy the art. The Rodin sculpture is permanent and original surrounded by 300 flowers that are always in bloom!
The furniture is a perfect mix of mid-century modern and neoclassical French. Pastel colored side tables sit next to mid center sofas and are adorned with ming vases and statues turned into lamps. There is even French Ormolu embellishment on the side tables in the Master Suite. But, none of this beauty and extraordinary decor is what makes this home so special.
It is the living history of our generation that makes Sunnylands extraordinary. The Queens, Kings, and Presidents have all spent time at Sunnylands. The Annenberg’s were both ambassador for the USA, he was at the Court of St. James during the Nixon years she was a Stanford graduate and the Chief of Protocol for the White House. Every US President from Eisenhower to Obama has been to Sunnylands.
Nixon went there to resign in disgrace, Regan watched the fall of Berlin Wall in the TV room, as well as a few super bowls, Obama met here with the President of China Ji Ping, including a full formal state dinner. The home is now a retreat for worldly matters and global healthcare initiative, Tthe most recent advances in AID’s came from a small conference held her in the fall of 2016.
My country has been good to me, I must me good to my country
Yesterday, today, and thanks to the Annenberg philanthropy tomorrow Sunnyland is truly and an oasis for creative governance. In today’s contentious world I came away, teary, sad and yet hopeful for the future. In the words of Walter Annenberg,
xoxo Lydia
– For the rest of our vacation to Palm Springs hop over to Maine Country Home.
