Perched high in the exclusive Southridge neighborhood of Palm Springs, the legendary Bob Hope House is one of Southern California's most recognized and architecturally significant homes. Located at 2466 Southridge Drive, this 24,000-square-foot residence is an architectural marvel and a lasting tribute to mid-century design, Hollywood history, and the golden age of Palm Springs.
The Architecture: A John Lautner Masterpiece
Designed by famed modernist architect John Lautner, a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright, the Bob Hope House features an awe-inspiring undulating triangular roof with a central circular skylight that creates a striking volcano-like effect. The home is constructed of concrete, steel, and glass, and appears to rise from the rocky hillside itself, blending harmoniously with the desert surroundings.
At its peak, the domed roof reaches 40 feet high and spans 180 feet in diameter, with a dramatic 60-foot-wide opening at the top to flood the interior with natural light. The outer shell alone covers approximately 25,000 square feet, while the main living space encompasses 14,000 square feet. With 10 bedrooms and 13 bathrooms, the house was built to host grand events while still offering the comforts of a luxury home.
A Turbulent Construction History
Originally planned in the early 1970s, the construction of the Bob Hope House was plagued with challenges. In 1973, the nearly completed home caught fire due to a mishap involving a wood-covered steel frame, causing almost $500,000 in damages—a substantial loss. The project was halted for four years due to legal battles and insurance claims. Tragedy struck again when the chief interior designer died shortly after the fire, further stalling progress.
Despite the setbacks, construction resumed in 1977, once Lautner re-filed the building plans. However, tensions grew between Lautner and the Hope family, particularly Dolores Hope, who became more involved in the redesign during the second phase. Her requested changes led Lautner to gradually distance himself from the project, although his signature design elements remained intact.
The home was finally completed in 1979. Its white metallic roof was later covered in brown rock to blend with the desert terrain better.
The unique shell structure wasn't just aesthetic—engineers reinforced it to resist seismic activity, a rare feature in residential homes at the time.
A Venue for Hollywood Glamour and Golf Legends
Rumors have long swirled that the home was used as a venue for lavish Chrysler-sponsored dinners during the Bob Hope Classic Golf Tournament (now The American Express). While unconfirmed, it's widely believed that the home played host to celebrities, politicians, and business moguls during tournament week.
Ownership Timeline and Modern Restoration
The Bob Hope House remained in the family until Dolores Hope’s passing in 2013. Shortly afterward, the home was listed for $50 million, but it was sold to investor Ron Burkle in 2016 for $13 million. Burkle, a billionaire and private equity mogul known for restoring historic homes, commissioned a respectful property renovation.
The Remodel: Honoring Lautner's Vision
Architect Helena Arghuete, a longtime collaborator of Lautner, led the renovation. Originally from Argentina, Helena met Lautner in the 1970s and worked with him on multiple projects, including the original Hope House. Her role was to preserve the integrity of Lautner’s vision while updating the structure for contemporary use.
Fortunately, the blueprints for the Bob Hope Residence exist. The original building plans were filed with the city council and were still valid when construction resumed in 1977. The Los Angeles Times reported that after Ron Burkle purchased the property in 2016, he used the original building plans and Lautner's archive at the Getty to guide the restoration efforts. This archive included Elrod's renderings for the home's entertainment areas.
Key roles are also played by Lorenzo Jauregui, the on-site house supervisor whose mother worked for the Hopes for over thirty years, and master woodworkers Brian Cooney Sr. and Brian Cooney Jr., who crafted new doors and wall treatments using African mahogany—a signature Lautner material.
Nearby Architectural Icon: The Elrod House
Just a stone’s throw away is another Lautner-designed marvel—the Elrod House, featured in the 1971 James Bond film Diamonds Are Forever. The Elrod House was purchased in 2016 by Jeremy Scott, Creative Director of Moschino, for $7.7 million. Interestingly, Ron Burkle also owned the Elrod House from 1995 to 2003.
Photo Credit: Brian Thomas Jones
While the Bob Hope House is not open to the public, it can be viewed from various vantage points throughout Palm Springs, especially from Palm Canyon Drive. It remains one of the most iconic and mysterious homes in the Coachella Valley. The home was opened briefly for charity events or exclusive architecture tours during Modernism Week, but those moments are rare. When available, tickets sell out almost instantly.