Highlighted in a 2015 article in Palm Springs Life magazine, this vibrant midcentury-modern villa in Palm Springs’ Old Las Palmas neighborhood has reemerged on the market for $5.2 million, showcasing the eclectic tastes of its entrepreneurial owners.
Oscar Flink; David Crotty/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images
The music room.
A guest bedroom.
The kitchen.
The foyer.
Originally designed and constructed in the early 1960s as the personal residence of real estate developer Robert Marx, son of “Gummo” Marx of the famous Marx Brothers vaudeville act, the house boasts an exuberant aesthetic featuring Corinthian and Ionic columns. Karen Haines, founder of Spa Girl Cocktails, and her husband Chris, owner of an off-road motorcycle tour company, acquired the property in spring 2012 for $895,000.
The front entrance.
After initially listing the home for sale at $4.8 million in summer 2022, the couple has relisted it with a revamped price and underwent a “wall-to-wall makeover,” infusing Hollywood Regency elegance into the space.
The fireside living room sits beyond a row of columns.
Nestled on nearly half an acre behind gates and tall hedges, the private “Villa del Leone” offers panoramic views of the San Jacinto Mountains. Spanning over 4,300 square feet, the U-shaped layout encompasses four bedrooms and three bathrooms, featuring floor-to-ceiling walls of glass, white epoxy tile floors, original molding, and custom lighting.
The British-themed den.
Upon entering through hand-carved front doors, guests are greeted by an open-concept great room with a fireside living area and a dining room adorned with bookshelves, mirrors, and a concave dome ceiling embellished with a gold and crystal chandelier. The den, complemented by a wet bar, and a gourmet kitchen with high-end stainless appliances add to the home’s charm.
A wet bar for entertaining.
The master retreat, secluded in a separate wing, boasts lavish wallpaper, two walk-in closets, and a marble-clad bath complete with dual vanities, a soaking tub, and a glass-encased shower. Outside, the palm tree-dotted backyard features a swimming pool, a grassy lawn, and a harlequin-patterned patio perfect for outdoor gatherings. An attached two-car garage completes the property.
The primary bathroom.
Listing agents Lloyd Ross and David Williams of Douglas Elliman note that the couple’s decision to sell stems from their desire to “continue to pursue new adventures and opportunities.”
