A Donald Wexler Masterpiece with Hollywood History and Midcentury Style
Some homes tell the story of Palm Springs better than any museum ever could. The Dinah Shore Estate is one of them.
Located in the prestigious Old Las Palmas neighborhood, the Dinah Shore Palm Springs Estate is a luxurious oasis that captures the essence of desert living. Located at 432 Hermosa, this stunning vacation rental property boasts an impressive legacy, having been owned and cherished by the iconic singer and television personality Dinah Shore.
The Dinah Shore Estate is a masterpiece of midcentury architecture, designed by the renowned architect Donald Wexler in 1964. It features clean lines, elegant curves, and a sleek glass façade that seamlessly blends into the surrounding landscape. The property is set on an expansive 1.3 acres of lush gardens, landscaped to provide guests with a sense of privacy and tranquility.
A Home Designed for a Star
By the early 1960s, Dinah Shore had become one of America's most recognizable entertainers. Her television variety shows attracted millions of viewers each week, while her recording career produced dozens of hit songs. Palm Springs quickly became her favorite escape from Hollywood.
After previously owning a home in the nearby Movie Colony neighborhood, Shore commissioned Donald Wexler to design a residence that embraced the desert landscape while providing privacy for friends, family, and fellow celebrities.
The result was an architectural masterpiece unlike anything else in the neighborhood.
Floor-to-ceiling glass dissolves the boundary between indoors and outdoors. Expansive overhangs provide shade from the desert sun, while broad terraces, tranquil courtyards, and mature landscaping create a private resort atmosphere.
Nearly every room enjoys views of the surrounding gardens, mountains, or sparkling swimming pool—an approach that became one of Wexler's signatures.
Who Was Dinah Shore?
Long before television talk shows and daytime personalities became household names, Dinah Shore was one of America's biggest stars. Born Frances Rose Shore in 1916, she rose to fame in the 1940s with chart-topping hits such as "Blues in the Night" and "Buttons and Bows," becoming one of the nation's most beloved singers.
Her career evolved seamlessly into television, where The Dinah Shore Chevy Show became one of the most popular variety programs of the 1950s and early 1960s. Known for her warmth, charm, and signature sign-off—a blown kiss to viewers—Shore won multiple Emmy Awards and became one of the most recognizable entertainers of her era.
Her connection to the desert extended beyond entertainment. Beginning in 1972, Shore served as the longtime hostess of the Colgate-Dinah Shore Winner's Circle, later known as the Kraft Nabisco Championship. The tournament became so closely associated with her that golf fans around the world simply called it "The Dinah." Today, the event continues as one of the LPGA Tour's major championships, now known as The Chevron Championship.
More than three decades after her passing, Dinah Shore remains one of Palm Springs' most enduring cultural icons. Her legacy lives on through her music, television career, contributions to women's golf, and one of the city's most celebrated midcentury modern homes.
Dinah Shore and George Montgomery at the Racquet Club. Credit: Palm Springs Historical Society.
Donald Wexler's Vision
Donald Wexler helped define the architectural identity of Palm Springs.
Known for his clean lines, innovative construction techniques, and deep understanding of desert living, Wexler designed many of the city's most recognizable landmarks, including the Palm Springs International Airport terminal, the Steel Development Houses, Royal Hawaiian Estates, and numerous custom residences that continue to attract architecture enthusiasts from around the world.
The Dinah Shore Estate showcases many of the principles that made Wexler famous:
- Dramatic walls of glass
- Strong horizontal rooflines
- Seamless indoor-outdoor living
- Natural materials that complement the desert
- Open entertaining spaces filled with natural light
More than sixty years later, the home feels remarkably contemporary.
A Home with a Hollywood Story
Like many iconic Palm Springs homes, the Dinah Shore Estate has welcomed an impressive list of owners.
Following Dinah Shore, the property was owned by legendary Broadway composer Jerry Herman, whose celebrated works include Hello, Dolly! and La Cage aux Folles.
Television writer and producer David Lee, co-creator of Frasier and Wings and a writer for Cheers and The Jeffersons, later owned the home before it changed hands again. In more recent years, ownership has been linked to entities associated with actor Leonardo DiCaprio, further adding to the property's Hollywood pedigree.
Each chapter has helped preserve one of Palm Springs' most recognizable celebrity residences.
Touring the Estate
Spanning nearly 7,000 square feet, the residence was designed with entertaining in mind while maintaining intimate spaces for quiet relaxation.
Highlights include:
- Six beautifully appointed bedrooms spread across the main residence, guest house, and private casita
- Expansive living areas anchored by a dramatic sunken conversation pit
- A classic cocktail bar ideal for entertaining
- Floor-to-ceiling glass framing mountain views
- Spa-inspired bathrooms
- Elegant dining spaces overlooking the gardens
Throughout the home, original midcentury character blends effortlessly with contemporary luxury.
The cocktail bar is off the sunken living room.
A view of the dining room, which looks out to the pool area.
The office, should you choose to do a little work.
Resort Living, Palm Springs Style
If the architecture draws visitors in, the outdoor spaces make them want to stay.
Situated on approximately 1.3 acres, the estate feels like a private boutique resort.
Guests enjoy:
- Resort-style swimming pool and spa
- Multiple outdoor lounges and entertaining terraces
- Mature desert landscaping
- Private tennis court
- Pool house and guest accommodations
- Mountain views in every direction
Whether enjoying morning coffee beside the pool or gathering friends for sunset cocktails, every outdoor space reflects the relaxed sophistication that defines Palm Springs.
The property features a pool house with a kitchenette, dining area, and bathroom.
Enjoy a game of tennis on the private court, complete with its own enclosed pavilion.
With its expansive grounds, the estate can accommodate large events and destination weddings.
Why Architecture Enthusiasts Love It
The Dinah Shore Estate isn't simply a celebrity home.
It's considered one of Donald Wexler's finest residential commissions and remains an important stop for architecture enthusiasts exploring Palm Springs.
During Modernism Week, homes like this help tell the story of why Palm Springs became one of the world's most celebrated destinations for Midcentury Modern architecture.
Even if you're not staying here, the home represents the creativity, innovation, and glamorous lifestyle that continues to define Palm Springs today.
Staying at the Dinah Shore Estate
Today, visitors have the rare opportunity to experience this architectural icon as a luxury vacation rental.
Whether planning a large gathering, milestone celebration, architectural getaway, or simply looking to immerse yourself in Palm Springs history, few accommodations offer the same combination of celebrity legacy, architectural significance, and resort-style luxury.
It's more than a place to stay—it's a chance to experience a living piece of Palm Springs history.
BOOK your stay at the Dinah Shore Estate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you stay at the Dinah Shore Estate?
Yes. The estate operates as a luxury vacation rental and can be reserved for private stays, subject to availability and local vacation rental regulations.
Who designed the Dinah Shore Estate?
The home was designed by renowned Palm Springs architect Donald Wexler in 1964 and is considered one of his most celebrated residential works.
Where is the Dinah Shore Estate?
The property is located in Palm Springs' prestigious Old Las Palmas neighborhood, one of the city's most historic and architecturally significant residential districts, just north of downtown and to the west of the Uptown Design District.
Who has owned the Dinah Shore Estate?
Notable owners have included entertainer Dinah Shore, Broadway composer Jerry Herman, television producer David Lee, and later ownership associated with entities connected to Leonardo DiCaprio.
Why is the Dinah Shore Estate famous?
The home is famous for its Donald Wexler architecture, its connection to entertainment icon Dinah Shore, its roster of celebrity owners, and its status as one of Palm Springs' most recognizable Midcentury Modern residences.
Photo Credit: Dinah Shore Palm Springs Estate.
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