The House of Tomorrow in Palm Springs, also known as the Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway, is a 1960s mid-century modern masterpiece. Designed by renowned architect William Krisel, this unique property blends space-age aesthetics with modern functionality. It has a distinctive circular layout and innovative features that were ahead of its time. With its sleek lines, floor-to-ceiling glass walls, and open-concept design, the House of Tomorrow offers panoramic views of the desert landscape. This legendary home also holds a special place in pop culture, as it was the honeymoon destination of Elvis and Priscilla Presley, adding an extra layer of intrigue to its fascinating history.
To Get There
- Address: 1350 Ladera Cir, Palm Springs, CA 92262
- Parking: free street parking
- This is a private residence, you can only visit and tour the inside during special event like Modernism Week
When To Go
The best visit Palm Springs is September – May (Summer is too hot!).
The History
The House of Tomorrow was originally built for Robert and Helene Alexander, a prominent couple in Palm Springs who were the founders of the Alexander Construction Company. The Alexanders were pivotal in shaping the mid-century modern architectural landscape of Palm Springs, developing over 2,200 homes in the area. William Krisel, the architect, designed the House of Tomorrow as a showpiece for the Alexanders to showcase their company’s innovative and forward-thinking designs. It was meant to exemplify the modernist ideals of the time, reflecting luxury, innovation, and the vision of a futuristic lifestyle.
Tragically, Robert and Helene Alexander were killed in a plane crash in 1965, and the house later became famous for being rented by Elvis Presley, further cementing its legacy as an architectural and cultural icon.
The Architecture
The architecture of the House of Tomorrow is an example of mid-century modern design, with its futuristic vision and innovative features. Designed by William Krisel in 1960, the house stands out for its circular layout, which was highly unconventional at the time. Instead of the traditional boxy structure of most homes, the House of Tomorrow is composed of four interconnected, circular pods. This layout was intended to break the mold of traditional architecture and represent the idea of a more fluid, space-age living environment.
One of the most distinctive aspects of the house is its extensive use of glass. Floor-to-ceiling windows wrap around much of the home, providing expansive views of the surrounding desert landscape and mountains. This integration of the indoor and outdoor spaces is a hallmark of mid-century modern design, allowing natural light to flood the interior and making the house feel more open and connected to its environment.
The interior also features many futuristic elements, such as a sunken living room and built-in furniture, which give the house a sleek, modern look. The kitchen, another standout feature, was designed with innovative built-in appliances and curved countertops that were ahead of their time.
Other design elements include exposed stone walls and a striking spiral staircase, adding textural variety and visual interest to the home. The house also includes a large outdoor pool area and multiple patios, blending luxury with Krisel’s modernist aesthetic. The overall design emphasizes clean lines, open spaces, and a seamless integration of form and function, which were key principles of mid-century modern architecture.
Over the decades, the House of Tomorrow has been preserved as a piece of Palm Springs’ architectural heritage, showcasing the futuristic vision of mid-century modern design. Today, it remains an important part of Palm Springs’ legacy, blending history, design, and celebrity lore into a singular architectural experience.
Resources
Check out events for Palm Springs Modernism Week to tour the House of Tomorrow. This celebration of mid-century modern architecture usually happens in February and again in October every year.
Find out more about Modernism Week: A Weeklong Celebration of Design, Architecture, and Innovation