The Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway Home: The House of Tomorrow as the King's Home

Long before the house at 1350 Ladera Circle became known as the honeymoon getaway for Elvis, this modern home was built not for the King of Rock and Roll, but for other kinds of royals: Construction kings George and Robert Alexander.

Mid-century Palm Springs was rapidly expanding, and new houses were needed to accommodate the increasing population. The Alexander Construction Company, run by George Alexander and his son Robert, stepped in to help with the problem. Their construction company began by building starter homes in South Palm Springs, an area that was not considered very trendy at the time. These homes introduced the shape and style of what is known as the mid-century modern style, which focused on clean lines, open floor plans, and bringing the outside indoors. These homes were often designed by architects Dan Palmer and William Krisel, pioneers in mid-century design.

Robert and George Alexander

As the father and son duo ambitiously built larger and more stylish homes, they began to attract a wealthier clientele. Their homes were bought and occupied by Hollywood stars such as Dean Martin, Dinah Shore, and Joan Collins. By 1960, the Alexander Construction Company was doing very well for itself, making George and Robert Alexander some of the most sought-after builders in the area.

But what kind of house was worthy for those who built the homes for the rich and famous? For Robert Alexander, he would have no less than the best, that is, something that he built himself.

Built in 1960 and designed by William Krisel, the house at 1350 Ladera Circle became the quintessential mid-century modern home. The house was built out of four circular capsules covered by a wide and angular roof, and contained a backyard with a pool, a large kitchen, and as many modern gadgets and gizmos as he could think of.

The house existed in relative obscurity before late 1962. One of the only references to 1350 Ladera Circle before 1962 is an article from The Desert Sun about the building of a high-rise hotel. In it, the house is mentioned as the meeting place for George Alexander and city council members to discuss plans for the hotel development.

The Desert Sun, April 3, 1962

In late 1962, the home was featured in Look Magazine's September edition titled "The Way-Out Way of Life," and marketed as "The House of Tomorrow." The magazine article showcased the home's many features, including electronic controls and gold-plated fixtures. The article that is shown on the home's timeline on our website (see link below) is not the original one, but it still provides some insight into what was written in Look Magazine.

We have some photos that were included in the original Look Magazine article; the first of them features Robert and Helene Alexander reclining on their circular sofa. The second is a more lively photo, depicting a party at the Alexander's home, where people are dancing out on the patio.

Robert and Helene Alexander, Look Magazine, Sept. 1962

A Party at the Alexander's, Look Magazine, Sept. 1962

Look Magazine had immortalized the Alexanders and their home as the family of the future, but the idyllic sanctuary that the article depicted was soon to be shattered.

In November 1965, George Alexander, his wife Jimmie, Robert Alexander, and his wife Helene boarded a jet bound for Burbank, California. Unfortunately, the jet would not arrive in Burbank, having crashed not long after it left Palm Springs. All four Alexanders perished in the crash. Robert and Helene left behind their daughter, Jill, who was only in eighth grade at the time. The community of Palm Springs mourned for the family, who were very popular and active in the community. The Alexander Construction Company was no more, and the house remained, bereft of any dinner parties or engagements that had brightened its walls beforehand.

The Alexanders, The Desert Sun, Nov. 15, 1965

It is here in our story where "The King" enters. In 1967, 32-year-old Elvis Presley married 22-year-old Priscilla Ann Beaulieu in Las Vegas. They then began a long honeymoon at 1350 Ladera Circle, attempting to keep away from prying eyes. This event would give the home its most recognizable name: The Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway Home.

Elvis and Priscilla Presley, The Desert Sun, May 2, 1967

After Elvis, the home would change from one owner to another until 1993, when it found its way into the hands of Sylvia-Marie Jennette of the Creations Unlimited company. She had refurbished the house to exactly the way it was when Elvis and Priscilla rented it in 1967, and visitors could even rent the space for only $3,500 a day.

Sylvia-Marie Jennette, The Desert Sun, Jan. 23, 1993

The parties continued long into 1997, when the 30th anniversary of Elvis and Priscilla's wedding arrived. The Elvis Friends-Hollywood Elvis Presley Fan Club sought to throw a party on the grounds of the Honeymoon Home. However, the city was not enthused about it, citing concerns about the commercialization of the area.

The Desert Sun, April 30, 1997

The question of commercialization was partially solved in 2007, when the owner, Reno Fontana, stated his intention to reopen the house as a tourist destination, much to the delight of Elvis Presley fans. At the time of the article, Fontana was giving free tours to whoever came by, but would start charging a fee once the house was fully renovated.

Reno Fontana, The Desert Sun, Aug. 17, 2007

No articles about the house dominate the newspapers until 2015, which is our next stop on the timeline (see link below). The house is once again for sale, and on the market for $9.5 million. The article in our timeline explains that it could be tough to find a buyer despite the lore surrounding the home. Nevertheless, according to the listing agent, Gregory Bega, he believed that the need for high-end homes was gaining momentum.

The house would stay on the market for quite a while, but during those years, a special article was written on William Krisel, the designer of the home. The article details his close relationship with the Alexander Construction Company and the wider impact that his designs have had on Modernism and architecture as a whole.

The Desert Sun, Feb. 12, 2016

Later, the house was finally bought in 2020, and soon, fans of Elvis and Modernist architecture alike could acquire the belongings inside the home. An auction took place in 2021 to sell some of the furniture and memorabilia that were in the house, including some clothing and photographs.

The new homeowners, architects and investors Paul Armitstead and Dan Bridge, sought to renovate the entire house back to its former glory. They took The Desert Sun on a tour through the renovated home, which included the revitalized backyard and pool. The investors put it back on the market for $5,650,000, and it was sold later that year.

The Desert Sun, Oct. 15, 2022

As of January 15, 2025, the home was put up for sale again by owner Nancy Cirillo, who required that anybody who wished to tour the property must provide proof of funds.

As of now, the house has been removed from the market. As we wait to learn more about the future of the Alexanders' home, check out its timeline at 1350 Ladera Circle and share anything more you know.