sunnylands - a mid-century modern for the rich and famous

As a side trip during the AYSO State Soccer Championship tournament in Palm Springs on Mar. 18, 2012, my mom and I got tickets to tour Sunnylands. Sunnylands is the Walter & Leonore Annenberg summer residence, designed by A. Quincy Jones in the traditional mid-century modern style with interiors by Billy Haines, in more of a Hollywood Regency style.

It is absolutely spectacular. The art collection was donated to the New York Metropolitan upon Walter's death, but reproductions were created and are hung in the right spots, with the right frames. Most of the statues and figurines inside the residence are authentic, and the residence is still set up to host visiting dignitaries.

I was able to get some outside pictures, and I have linked to some fantastic inside pictures as no indoor photography is allowed.

Property sits on a private golf course designed by DickWilson

Approaching main house from entrance

Sculptures are everywhere

Mexican column

View inside to the main house, as close as I could get to photographing the interior

Exiting main house, going to guest houses

Main Terrace

Looking back to main house from guest houses

All the Presidents' wives rose bushes

A great collection of interior pictures can be found at Curbed Los Angeles. And there is a nice slideshow at this New York Times article about the estate opening to the public. Assorted interior pictures are pulled from various sources. Right click to see link and the source.

Entry Way

Living room off entry way

Another sitting area off main room, I like these chairs very much.

Another view of main seating area

Game room in guest cottage

Another view of game room

The Sunnylands Center and Gardens is open Thursday through Sunday, free of charge. There is a $35 fee for a guided 90-minute tour of the residence and grounds, available by reservation.  Reservations can be made at www.sunnylands.org.