A distinctive 1950s residence in Palm Springs, California, is hitting the market ahead of the city’s Modernism Week festivities. Located on El Camino Way, this white stucco property, constructed in 1954, has undergone recent renovations and is listed for $2.295 million.
The front of the house features a staggered design with three playful, abstract murals flanking the sides of tall hot pink doors. These artistic elements were created by the late Shawn Savage, an artist renowned for his joyful abstract creations.
Los Angeles-based partners John Freeman and Mathieu Faure are the sellers. They identified the property as “the one” shortly after beginning their search in winter 2023. Freeman characterized the home as “a happy house”.
Freeman and Faure were drawn to the feel of the house: the uniqueness, the openness, the brightness—and the art. Situated in the Mesa district of Palm Springs, the 2,237-square-foot house includes three bedrooms, a slanted bonus room, and a yard with a pool, mountain vistas, and another vivid mural along the pool deck.
The floor plan ensures a seamless transition from the entryway through the open-concept living spaces, a foyer, bar, lounge, and dining area, into the kitchen, which wraps around a fireplace wall and leads out to the garden. A hallway connects to a private wing containing the primary suite, which boasts floor-to-ceiling windows, while the master bath is slightly smaller than the bedroom.
Faure has decorated the interiors with Jonathan Adler pieces, including furniture, rugs, and accents. To match the home’s energetic California spirit, he aimed for a style he calls “modern American glamour.” He found the process of mixing different furniture types to create a “happy chic” aesthetic enjoyable.
Freeman said, “It does kind of bring a smile to my face whenever I walk into the house.” Since the furniture and decor were chosen for the particularities of the space, the couple is open to selling them with the home.
Property records indicate the couple acquired the Palm Springs home for $1.925 million in 2024 and will list it on Monday. They are represented by Stewart Smith, Patrick Jordan and Kevin Stanley of Bennion Deville Homes/Luxury Portfolio International.
According to Realtor.com, the previous owners bought the house in 2021 for $975,000 and invested over two years and $700,000 into renovations. They hired Savage, a local Palm Springs painter, to handle the decor.
Savage, who passed away in 2024, resided in the Coachella Valley from 2003. His work appears in various local institutions and is currently on display at the Illumine Gallery in Palm Springs. The sellers noted that while the murals spark many friendly interactions and tours, they never disrupted the tranquility of the home or the neighborhood.
The neighborhood was a key factor in the purchase decision due to its proximity to San Jacinto Mountains hiking trails, the absence of through-traffic, and the community atmosphere. Faure referred to the area as “a very friendly place.”
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