A Spacious William Cody Property Lists for $1.8M
Architect William Cody is credited with designing much of midcentury Palm Springs and its surroundings, but pinning down a distinctive Cody style can prove to be difficult for even the most knowledgeable of desert modernism aficionados. Perhaps that is because the architect didn’t have a singular "look," opting instead to experiment with style and form over the course of his career.
The dramatic home features a striking black and white facade.
Cody's proclivity for experimentation is evident in 572 W Santa Elena Road, a dramatic midcentury home with a striking black and white facade set in the architectural enclave of Little Tuscany. "The home is at once brutalist and yet delicate," explains the listing agent, Chris Menrad (who is also the author of William Krisel’s Palm Springs: The Language of Modernism). "This is a unique home that pairs Cody’s early work at the office of Cliff May with his light-filled minimalist modernism that appears in his work in Palm Springs," says Menrad.
A post and beam entry plus a delicate brise soleil make up the entrance to 572 W Santa Elena Road.
Set behind a brise soleil, the 2,690-square-foot home still maintains "much of the exquisite detailing that Cody is known for." There are original leather-covered front doors at the entrance; poured terrazzo floors throughout; original, warm walnut-paneled walls and cabinets; as well as an original avocado green bar in the dining room that can be hidden behind a sliding door. The kitchen and bathrooms have been renovated, and these updates seamlessly integrate into the home's midcentury vibe.
572 W Santa Elena Road was also featured in the book Unseen Midcentury Desert Modern and has been included in several Palm Springs Modernism Week home tours. Scroll ahead for a look inside.
One of the highlights of the walnut-paneled dining room is the avocado green bar which is set behind a sliding door and is original to the home.
Oversized, full-height glass sliding doors provide easy access to the patio and a strong indoor-outdoor connection. The original terrazzo floors flow directly into the outdoors.
The kitchen has been updated with a vintage vibe and seamlessly integrates into the home's clean midcentury style.
Shop the Look
"I love the subtle design of the two fireplaces and I think my favorite part is the way light and shadow play off each other throughout the house," says listing agent Chris Menrad.
The sitting room features a central fireplace framed by marble and warm wood, a wall of glass, and the original terrazzo floors.
The master bedroom overlooks an outdoor patio and features expanses of glass and lots of natural light.
The updated master bath features a deep soaking tub and a serene view.
The second bedroom is also bright and breezy, with full-height glass sliding doors leading outside.
Surrounding by palm trees, the backyard features a pool and spa plus multiple spaces for outdoor entertaining. There are also spectacular mountain views.
572 West Santa Elena Road is on the market now for $1,795,000 listed by Chris Menrad of HK Lane Real Estate.
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