Stunning Sonny and Cher Estate 'Villa Carmelita'
- Minimum stay:2 nights
- Internet:Yes
- Pets allowed:Yes
- Wheel chair accessible:Yes
Step back into an age of Hollywood glamour and into a world of indulgent luxury in this super private 5 bedroom, 4 1/2 bath Palm Springs villa. Villa Carmelita was originally owned by film star Joseph Cotton, and served as retreat and playground to countless Hollywood luminaries such as Natalie Wood, Lloyd Bridges, George Montgomery, Robert Taylor, Johnny Mercer, Tom Bosley, Van Clyburn, Kate Starr, Kirk Douglas, and Hermione Gingold. And, the love-nest for Sonny and Cher! You have to see the website! It's like staying at a Four Seasons!
Located in the historic and exclusive Mesa area of Palm Springs minutes from downtown and at the foot of the majestic Santa Rosa Mountains with fabulous views, this one-of-a-kind property has now been completely renovated and re-imagined by Los Angeles designer Rudi Polak to form the perfect union of timeless elegance and state-of-the-art style and luxury.
Villa Carmelita features tranquil fountains in the entry courtyard and the side yard, a grand staircase, handmade terra cotta floors, custom spa-like bathrooms, a gourmet kitchen, striking design elements and grandly scaled rooms. This dramatic showplace is a totally private compound featuring walls of glass that open to a spectacular pool courtyard with an outdoor living room and fireplace to create the ultimate entertainment setting.
Bathed in year-round sunshine, and demonstrating timeless comfort, scale and grace, Villa Carmelita offers a chic and sexy luxury hideaway that beckons the most exclusive and discerning Palm Springs vacationers.
Some of the sumptuous amenities include 4 separate private guest casitas (each with its own en suite bath and plasma television), an additional children's bedroom that sleeps 3 children OR adults comfortably, Wi-Fi throughout, a fully stocked kitchen, fine linens and towels, a deluxe BBQ, and outdoor Jacuzzi, and an outdoor shower area. The property surrounding Villa Carmelita is completely walled and gated and allows your pets to roam freely.
Villa Carmelita is perfect for an indulgent getaway, photo shoots, and families as it can easily entertain your guests in high style for a quiet, relaxing and rejuvenating experience.
Gourmet catering, maid service, private chef, car and driver, masseuse all available at your request.
Please see the website for a better look.
Keywords: House
Property Type
- 1 story
- Villa
- 3500 sq. ft.
Accommodation Type
- Vacation Rental
Meals
- Guests Provide Their Own Meals
Onsite Services
- Massage
- Private Chef
Suitability
- Clothing Optional/Nude Sunbathing Nearby
- Alternative Lifestyle
Bedrooms
- 5 Bedrooms, Sleeps 16, Beds for 11-16
- Other (See Description)
- Bedroom 1
- 1 queen
- Bedroom 2
- 1 queen
- Bedroom 3
- 1 queen
- Bedroom 4
- 1 queen
- Bedroom 5
- 1 double, 1 twin/ single
- Sleeps 3 in a bunkbed
Bathrooms
- 4.0 Bathrooms, 1 Half Bathrooms
- Bathroom 1
- Bathroom 2
- Bathroom 3
- Bathroom 4
Kitchen & Dining
- Toaster
- Ice Maker
- Microwave
- Catering Available
Amenities
- Hair Dryer
- Iron & Board
- Parking For RV/Boat/Trailer
Entertainment
- Television
- Video Library
- VCR
- DVD Player
- Music Library
- CD Player
Communications
- Internet
Pool & Spa
- Heated Pool
- Hot Tub
Outdoor Features
- Outdoor Grill
- Deck / Patio
- Lawn / Garden
- Bicycles
- Balcony
- Lanai / Gazebo
Theme
- Adventure
- Away From It All
- Family
- Historic
- Luxury
- Romantic
- Spa
- Sports & Activities
- Tourist Attractions
Location & View
Activities
- Botanical Garden
- Miniature Golf
- Fitness Center
- ATM/Bank
- Groceries
- Hospital
- Massage Therapist
- Medical Services
- Cycling
- Tennis
- Antiquing
- Basketball Court
- Hunting
- Racquetball
- Rock Climbing
- Golf
- Mountain Biking
- Swimming
- Equestrian Events
- Mountain Climbing
- Mountaineering
- Hiking
- Roller Blading
- Sight Seeing
- Horseback Riding
- Churches
- Library
- Playground
- Recreation Center
- Synagogues
- Water Parks
- Live Theater
- Theme Parks
- Restaurants
- Shopping
- Museums
- Cinemas
- Zoo
- Bird Watching
- Eco Tourism
- Gambling Casinos
- Outlet Shopping
- Scenic Drives
- Walking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Spelunking
Reviews
Write a review-
Awesome place, awesome time.
Awesome place, awesome time.
- Guest cculley2
- Date of stay 02/16/13
- Review Submitted 02/22/13
Stayed here last week with 2 other families and it is a great place to just relax -- especially if you have a bunch of kids. The pool kept them happy for hours - it's warm, lots of pool toys, great enclosed space. House and accommodations were great. The owner was super helpful. Definitely coming back.Recommended for: Families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
-
A Fantastic Weekend Trip!
A Fantastic Weekend Trip!
- Guest Aztec Trip 2012
- Date of stay 08/03/12
- Review Submitted 11/11/12
The house exceeded our expectations! The pictures of this property, fantastic though they are, don't show all the little details that made this house special AND so convenient: Extra towels poolside, the misters, magazines and books and interesting design details, lots of kitchen gadgets and tools, 2 sets of stackable laundry machines/dryers -- I could go on and on. Rudy is fantastic -- Helpful, trustworthy and just delightful! We would definitely rent from him again!Recommended for: Sightseeing, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, adventure seekers, girls getaway, pet owners, age 55+.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
-
Fabulous stay at villa carmelita
Fabulous stay at villa carmelita
- Guest Sophia Howell
- Date of stay 05/25/11
- Review Submitted 06/02/11
We are just about to walk out the door and we are already sad to be leaving. We spent a week here with family and children and the villa catered for us all. What a fabulous space and the pool is just amazing. Perfect for cooling off after a hard day shopping. The villa is very well equipped making catering easy. The AV equipment meant we could listen to music outside as well as in and made for a great party atmosphere. One thing to point out is that 3 bedrooms open directly onto the swimming pool which is something to bear In mind if you are bringing young children. We created a barricade using din loungers to make sure they didn't wander on the wrong direction at night. I can't recommend the owner Rudi highly enough. Such a kind and charming guy. Thank you Rudi for allowing us to use your beautiful home xRecommended for: Sightseeing, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, age 55+.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 5/5
-
Villa Carmelita...Wonderful Place To Stay
Villa Carmelita...Wonderful Place To Stay
- Guest Sandy
- Date of stay 12/27/10
- Review Submitted 05/05/11
We had the pleasure of renting Villa Carmelita between Christmas and New Years 2010. The home is just absolutely stunning and perfect for a group to enjoy together yet allowing everyone plenty of individual space. It has everything needed for a "retreat" or to use as a home base for enjoying the Palm Springs area. Rudy, the owner, could not have been a better host. He was friendly, helpful, accessible and willing to do anything to make our time there wonderful. The history of the home added to our memories! This was a great place to stay.Recommended for: Sightseeing, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1
-
Bachelorette Bliss
Bachelorette Bliss
- Guest Nelpy
- Date of stay 02/19/11
- Review Submitted 04/30/11
Villa Carmelita was an amazing place to stay for a bachelorette party. There was ample room for one and all, and the house itself was beautiful. We had such a great time hanging out by the pool, taking walks around the beautiful neighborhoot, and just having a very relaxing time. Would definitely go back!Recommended for: Sightseeing, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, adventure seekers, families with young children, girls getaway, age 55+.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/4
-
The Best Escape in Palm Springs
The Best Escape in Palm Springs
- Guest Raja
- Date of stay 04/14/11
- Review Submitted 04/19/11
I've stayed in many houses in Palm Springs over the past few years, and having discovered Villa Carmelita this year, I will not be looking for anywhere else to stay in the future. Rudi, the designer/owner, has turned this property into a design feat -- blending oriental touches and rich details with the clean Palm Springs lines and openness. It's a magical house (mirrors and orbs everywhere! yet never crosses the cheesy line -- very classy design balance), you can spend hours exploring the various corners of the space, indoors and outdoors; enjoy dreaming through the awesome design books by the pool, cooking a decadent dinner with your friends, or having a dance party pretty much anywhere you want thanks to the awesome sound system. With so many various areas to retreat to, you can pick your mood -- excellent if you're a big group. Finally, Rudi is wonderful to deal with! Thank you again for a wonderful stay.Recommended for: Families with teenagers, romantic getaway, adventure seekers, families with young children, girls getaway.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 4/4
-
BEST PLACE EVER
BEST PLACE EVER
- Guest YORAM
- Date of stay 02/04/11
- Review Submitted 02/11/11
Rudi made this stay incredibly comfortable. He was welcoming and flexible with our group. I couldn't recommend this place more highly. Fantastic place to get away with friends and enjoy a weekend away. Nice to relax, have a cocktail or cook a feast. It has it all!Recommended for: Sightseeing, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, adventure seekers, families with young children, girls getaway.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/4
-
Palm Springs splendor
Palm Springs splendor
- Guest TOF
- Date of stay 01/28/11
- Review Submitted 01/30/11
We are already counting the days until we meet Villa Carmelita again. Villa Carmelita is an ideal retreat for a group of gals who want to combine relaxing, sun, fun and cocktails. We spent the days enjoying our private 'VIP' pool, spa and outdoor entertaining area. The wireless sound system was a hit for our tunes day & night and the house was outfitted with all necessities. The decor, furnishings, and tile are phenomenal and the 3 fountains are such a wonderful & relaxing feature. All of the gals also raved about how comfy the beds were in each of the Casitas. To top it off, Villa Carmelita is also just a short taxi ride to local area nightlife like The Ace Hotel. Thanks again Rudi for everything.Recommended for: Sightseeing, romantic getaway, girls getaway.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
-
Nothing Short of Amazing!
Nothing Short of Amazing!
- Guest Julie
- Date of stay 11/23/09
- Review Submitted 01/27/11
When I say our family trip to Palm Springs was amazing, that is an absolute understatement. We stayed at Villa Carmelita over Thanksgiving and it was our first time using VRBO. Not only was the house incredible, but working with the owner, Rudi, was also incredible. He was always quick to respond to questions about the house as well as the area and made our inexperience with VRBO a non-issue. He walked us through the easy process and checking in and out of the house was easier than checking into a 5 star hotel. Staying over Thanksgiving and preparing Thanksgiving dinner in his kitchen was better (or close to as good) as using a restaurant kitchen. He had everything we needed to make a wonderful homecooked Thanksgiving dinner. The layout of the house was perfect for entertaining a large group and we were able to pull the table outside and eat right next to the pool. It was AMAZING!! When my large family usually takes a vacation together we have to draw straws for the best room or we end up in a big fight. We didn't fight once because each of the rooms were equally spectacular. This home is truly an oasis and I hope we will have the opportunity to come back again. Rudi, thank you for helping to make our vacation special and wonderful.Recommended for: Sightseeing, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, adventure seekers, girls getaway, pet owners, age 55+.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3
-
Gorgeous, Quintessential Palm Springs Property
Gorgeous, Quintessential Palm Springs Property
- Guest dannyf
- Date of stay 11/25/10
- Review Submitted 01/27/11
Spent Thanksgiving at the Villa with 8 of my closest friends. The house was stunning and impeccably clean. Though I never met Rudi, the owner, he was incredibly accommodating over email. Overall great experience and value.Recommended for: Romantic getaway, girls getaway.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/3
Rates
| Dates | Nightly | Wknd Night | Weekend | Weekly | Monthly * | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base Rate 2 night min stay |
$1199 | |||||
Additional information about rental rates
Additional Fees:
$250 cleaning
$50 per day pool heat or AC surcharge
11.5% tax
The Villa sleeps 11- I have 3 Aero beds to use at $100 each
This owner accepts HomeAway's most secure form of payment.
HomeAway PaymentsSM is the most secure way to pay and automatically protects your payment up to $10,000 (learn more). Call the owner directly to confirm payment details.
Location
Owner info
Year Purchased: 2009
About the owner: I am a Los Angeles based designer who specializes in the restoration of trophy properties. My passion is focused on bringing grand but dilapidated properties back to their original splendor including all of the modern conveniences we expect today. I have lovingly restored Villa Carmelita back to the prestigious estate she once was.
Why the Owner Chose Mesa:
The Mesa is famously known as one of the most exclusive locations in Palm Springs. Up against the mountains, it's also just minutes from downtown. I fell in love with Villa Carmelita the minute I stepped inside her grand foyer, and was smitten by the spectacular views. The property has a jaw dropping wow factor coupled with a rich Hollywood pedigree. Some of the neighbors include the Johnny Mercer Estate next door, Trina Turk in the famous 'Boathouse' up the street, Tori Spelling in the famous Max Factor Mansion 2 streets north, Barry Manilow 2 streets south, the Rudolph Valentino and Esther Williams house, Suzanne Sommers a few streets over, etc.
The Unique Benefits at this Villa:
There are four private casitas plus a children's room that are separate from the main house all situated around a pool in the middle of it all. The views are spectacular and the layout is fantastic. The grounds have been meticulously landscaped and manicured to perfection.
Contact us
- Primary: (323) 314-0177 (California, USA)
Links to more information:
Photos
-
Pool Courtyard, Loungers and Fountain
-
Front Courtyard, Ancient Olive tree and Fountain
-
Livingroom
-
Dining Room, Subzero and Bar
-
Master, Sitting Room, Wardrobe and Plasma
-
Casita 3 with Plasma and Spa Bath
-
BBQ and Pool Courtyard
-
Staircase to Ancient Olive Tree and Casita 4
-
Pool Courtyard, Outdoor Livingroom and Specatular View
-
Living Room Opens to Pool Courtyard
-
Livingroom, Fountain and Plasma- Leads to Front Terrrace
-
Fully Stocked Kitchen
-
Master Suite 2 Casita with Spa Bath and Plasma
-
Outdoor Spa Courtyard
-
Pool Courtyard, Fountain, Living Room and Stunning Mountain View
-
Front Courtyard, Ancient Olive Tree and Fountain at Sunset
There have been visitors to this page since
the counter was last reset in .
This listing was first published here in 2009.
Date last modified - Tuesday, March 19, 2013
(323) 314-0177 (California, USA)