PS Gem

For solo and couple visitors to Palm Springs, this iconic garden level condo is located in the boutique ''Villa Hermosa'' complex in fabulous Old Las Palmas. Divinely located a block from the uptown design district, it's shops and restuarnts and just a few minutues on foot to the heart of downtown. Designed by architect Albert Frey in 1947 as an “ode to international style modernism” and substantially renovated into luxury condominiums in 2003, PS Gem has been tastefully restored to its original elegance and checks every design buff’s boxes for location, style, and history. The New York Times Magazine ranked the complex among the top five “most intact and notable” of the 200 projects Frey designed in Palm Springs.

This serene 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom garden unit has mountain views from the rear lanai, and each window features garden views filled with greenery. Frey’s architectural skill and love for the desert landscape ensured that while the outside can be seen from every room, a sense of privacy and calm is pervasive. Gem’s entrance lanai overlooks the complex’s well-manicured lawn and is just steps away from the quintessential pool and spa. Enjoy a morning beverage on the porch before taking in majestic mountain views with a refreshing swim. To best preserve this historic property, the residents and HOA have taken every opportunity to maintain the original look and feel of the grounds, common areas, and pool furnishings. It’s a true time capsule!

If Gem’s architectural history wasn’t enough, the Uptown Design District location just off of Palm Canyon Drive is astoundingly convenient. Not only does the unit have its own off-street covered parking, it is walking distance from some of the finest restaurants, galleries, and shopping in town. Take time to meander through the streets of Old Las Palmas, grab a coffee at one of the many nearby barista haunts, and browse Palm Springs’ favorite designer hot spots. Making plans for cocktails and dinner is a breeze, and getting there couldn’t be simpler!

Inside, PS-Gem features original photography and artwork by the owner, as well as a number of authentic MCM antiques. Special care has been taken to curate a tasteful blend of period furnishings, including a Noguchi coffee table, tambour-doored media console, Lucite tulip lamps, and teak and mahogany accessories. The bedroom features a super comfy king bed, built-in night-tables, plenty of closet space, and double French doors leading to the front lanai. A rare selection of Bert Stern’s Marilyn Monroe serigraphic prints originally published in the March 1968 edition of Ralph Ginzburg’s  Avant Garde Magazine make a bold statement. A vanity area with even more storage bridges the space between the sleeping area and the updated shower/bath.

The dining area (set for four) features a modern glass table and whimsical patchwork textile chairs beneath a large garden window and plenty of natural light. For eating in, the kitchen is well-outfitted with full-sized stainless appliances and plenty of utensils, supplies, and conveniences from a panini press to a French press! The kitchen opens out to the private rear lanai: more great views, a small gas barbeque, generous seating area, and a lockable second entrance gate.

A common laundry room near the pool is tidy, clean, and operates via smartphone app. Common garbage and recycling can be found adjacent to the parking lot.

Accented with modern touches and technology throughout, PS-Gem offers guests a treasured desert get-away for a month, a season, or more!