Lovingly restored and thoughtfully renovated as a “living piece of art,” Frank Sinatra’s secluded retreat high above Palm Desert has returned to the market for $4.25 million.

“The current owners have kept the property very pure to Frank’s vision,” said listing agent Markus Canter with our Beverly Hills office. “It still has the tiles and wallpaper he chose in many places. It has undergone a very thoughtful renovation and restoration with the intent of maintaining Frank’s house as close to the original as possible.” 

When Ol’ Blue Eyes wanted to get away from it all, he often took a helicopter to this private hideaway. The singer/actor personally helped design and build the estate, which encompasses 6,428 square feet of interior space in a style described as “almost like a Mid-century Modern ski lodge.” Panoramic views of the mountains and valleys are on full display throughout the hidden escape, which includes three buildings, a resort-style pool, a lighted tennis court and helipad, parking for a few dozen cars, and approximately 7.5 acres of land.

Affectionately named for the character that earned him an Oscar in “From Here to Eternity,” Villa Maggio was a personal residence for Sinatra for many years, a treasured getaway he built with the aim of providing friends and family with an otherworldly, private getaway pad for fun, relaxation and, of course, epic parties.

A blend of classic and modern

The property at the end of a gated drive features a five-bedroom main house with five and a half bathrooms; a guest home with three bedrooms and five and a half bathrooms; a one-bedroom pool house that was ahead of its time in its planning, design, and execution; and a separate generator, well, and water tower. Warmed by a massive stone fireplace, the pool house includes two saunas, a kitchenette, and a built-in fire pit with a large zone for entertaining. Commercial-grade appliances in the main home’s two full kitchens make it more than ready for guests and the demands of modern life.

Sinatra had a dual purpose in the design of the estate: a desire to escape the sometimes oppressive heat of the desert valley below, and a need to provide his friends–which included traveling dignitaries, sports stars, elite power players, and members of the “Rat Pack”–with the ultimate in luxury and comfort as well as the utmost in privacy and security. The 4,300-foot elevation provides a more comfortable and temperate climate than the Coachella Valley beyond, and the skies are cloudless most days. As a result, the surrounding mountainsides, national monuments, and cityscapes are unobstructed and totally surreal as a backdrop.

So nice to come home to

Villa Maggio is located within 20 minutes of the heart of Palm Desert, with its high-end boutique shopping and numerous fine-dining options on El Paseo. Palm Springs International Airport is just 26 miles away, a short jaunt by helicopter.

“Villa Maggio is an unprecedented opportunity to own an iconic piece of history, and remains a premier getaway for celebrities and high-net-worth individuals,” Markus said. “Offering seclusion and privacy, the property includes amenities of luxury lifestyle while still in close proximity to fine dining and other local activities. With a total of nine bedrooms, 12.5 bathrooms, and nine fireplaces, the estate offers something for everyone.

“As many of the details reflect Sinatra’s personal taste and preferences, the character and style of the home have been lovingly preserved and maintained for the next owner to enjoy. To paraphrase the title of Frank’s 1956 hit, it would be ‘so nice to come home to.’”

For more information about Frank Sinatra’s desert retreat, contact  Markus Canter and Cristie St. James of our Beverly Hills office.