71049 Early Times Road, Rancho Mirage, California 92270

The very best of desert living with an enviable architectural pedigree. Not only was this exquisite 1957 midcentury modern home designed by renowned Desert Modern architects Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison, it’s located in an intimate Rancho Mirage community master-planned by legendary architect William F. Cody. One of a cluster of ten homes in Thunderbird North, the sleek low-slung home sits on over half an acre of land and is wrapped in spectacular mountain views from sunrise to sunset. Simple board-and-batten siding wraps the exterior and extends indoors and two low parallel natural rock walls echo the linearity of the house. Wexler, known for his masterful use of light and shadow, always said his buildings were designed to live with the environment, balancing orientation and views. Here, he and Harrison used deep roof overhangs, expansive glass surfaces, and textural faade elements that play with the desert light from dawn to dusk. An understated street presence conceals the stunning beauty of the 3 bed/3 bath home, which is revealed only upon entry through the gated driveway. Sensitively remodeled in 2018 by architectural designer Brad Dunning, the interior is open, airy, and light-filled with a cozy fireplace in a natural stone surround and a new pecky Cypress partition separating entry from dining area. Indoor/outdoor living is a hallmark of the home. Step directly from living room or a bedroom to the beautiful, private pool on the home’s south side and shower in the main suite with a view of a gorgeous cactus garden. And, bonus! The home has Mills Act protection.