For more than a year now, a huge restoration has been quietly taking place at the famous UFO-shaped, Palm Springs home that was once owned by Bob Hope and his wife Dolores. The project aims to bring the home more in line with architect John Lautner’s original plans and, well, I just can’t wait to be invited to the housewarming party.
The LA Times this week posted and incredible article about the restoration of the home, now owned by venture capitalist Ron Burkle after the price dropped on the property by half of its original asking price.
The Times story notes that Lautner had wanted the estate to blend with the scenery, but Bob and Dolores hired a Beverly Hills interior designer who did “an ugly, tough job” to the home.
Now, Lautner protégé Helena Arahuete is hard at work restoring the 10-bedroom estate to what Lautner had originally intended with the help of a crew of over 100 expert craftsmen.
You can read the entire Times story and see some before and after photos (and 360 degree images) here. It really is an interesting story, so take a few minutes and check it out.
