Famed Kaufmann Desert House Designed by Richard Neutra Lists for $25M
For the fifth time this year, a midcentury modern masterpiece by renowned architect Richard Neutra has hit the market. This time listed in Palm Springs, the Kaufmann Desert House stands as one of the finest works not only of Neutra’s career but also of the 20th century as a whole. Listing agent Gerard Bisignano describes the property as “one of the most recognized and admired examples of the modernism movement.” Constructed in 1946, the Kaufmann House went on to serve as the inspiration for the iconic images of Julius Shulman and Slim Aarons. To live here and lounge poolside like the subjects of their photographs, it will cost you $25 million.
Such a price tag is unprecedented in Palm Springs—according to Architectural Digest, the highest price previously reeled in by a property in the desert oasis was $13 million, for the home of Bob Hope. The famous Kaufmann House, however, seems worthy of such an ask. The five-bedroom, six-bathroom home spans 3,162 square feet and sits on 2.18 acres of serene green space. The subject of a five-year restoration process completed in 1998, the home has been studied in over 300 articles. “It has ignited the resurgence of modernism in Southern California,” says Bisignano.
This past July, three of Neutra’s masterpieces arrived on the market in rapid succession: Case Study House #20 in the Pacific Palisades, Case Study House #13 in South Pasadena, and Glen House in Stamford, Connecticut. The Stren-Frenke House in Santa Monica listed in March.
The Kaufmann Desert House is listed with Gerard Bisignano of Vista Sotheby’s International Realty.
