richard neutra's iconic kaufmann desert house in palm springs is for sale

kaufmann desert house, richard neutra’s 1946 modernist masterpiece in palm springs, california, is currently up for sale for $25m. the single-family residence has been immortalized in the black-and-white photographs of julius shulman, and then again in those of slim aarons, who chose it as the setting for his famous ‘poolside gossip’ shot. the property was commissioned by edgar j. kaufmann sr., a businessman who also commissioned ‘fallingwater’ by frank lloyd wright.all images courtesy of vista sotheby’s international realty

modernist architect richard neutra built the five-bedroom house in 1946 as a retreat for harsh winters, with an emphasis on the connection to the surrounding desert landscape. large sliding glass walls open rooms up to a series of terraces, the iconic pool and garden, paving the way for california’s concept of ‘indoor outdoor’ living. after kauffman, its original owner, died in 1955, the house stood vacant for several years, while it was restored in the 1990s by award-winning firm marmol radziner, who returned the residence to its initial form, size, and aesthetic integrity.

the house was originally captured in the black-and white images of american architectural photographer julius shulman. in 1970, slim aarons chose it as the setting for his iconic photograph ‘poolside gossip’, depicting california society women by the pool. regarded among the most important houses of the 20th century, the kaufmann house is currently up for sale via gerard bisignano of vista sotheby’s international realty for $25m.

project info:

name: kaufmann desert house

architect: richard neutra

year built: 1946

location: 470 west vista chino, palm springs, california, 92262 united states

real esteate agent: gerard bisignano of vista sotheby’s international realty

price: $25,000,000