The Bob Hope House in Palm Springs: Inside the Iconic Desert Estate

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By Published On: March 15, 2019Last Updated: December 19, 2025

One of the most famous homes in Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley is the massive, spaceship-like estate that once belonged to legendary entertainer Bob Hope and his wife, Dolores Hope.

Perched high above the city in the Southridge neighborhood, the Bob Hope House is equal parts celebrity home, architectural landmark, and desert spectacle. Here’s everything you need to know about one of Palm Springs’ most iconic private residences.

Where Is the Bob Hope House in Palm Springs?

The Bob Hope House is located at 2466 Southridge Drive, in the gated Southridge Estates community within the Araby Cove area of Palm Springs.

Sitting high in the hills above the city, the home offers sweeping views across Palm Springs and the western Coachella Valley. Because it’s inside a gated neighborhood, access is restricted and the property is not open to the public.

When Was the Bob Hope House Built?

Construction of the Bob Hope House began in 1979 and was completed in 1980. The estate served as a second home for Bob and Dolores Hope, who spent decades enjoying Palm Springs as a retreat from Hollywood and the entertainment circuit.

The house was designed by renowned modernist architect John Lautner, a former apprentice of Frank Lloyd Wright. Lautner was known for bold, futuristic designs that emphasized organic forms, dramatic curves, and seamless indoor-outdoor living — all of which are on full display here.

The home was built after a previous Hope residence on the property was destroyed by a fire in 1973. That fire reportedly caused millions of dollars in damage and ultimately led to the creation of the striking structure that stands today.

What Makes the Bob Hope House Architecturally Unique?

The Bob Hope House is often described as looking like a spaceship, and it’s not hard to see why. The sweeping, curved roof appears to rise organically from the hillside, blending futuristic design with the surrounding desert landscape.

The home sits on approximately 6.2 acres and spans roughly 23,000 square feet. Inside, it features 10 bedrooms and 13 bathrooms, along with expansive entertaining spaces designed to host guests, events, and Hollywood gatherings.

Despite being located in the desert, the home includes fireplaces in both the master bedroom and the great room. Outside, the property features a swimming pool, tennis court, and a large pavilion with its own fireplace.

Adding to its artistic pedigree, the pool and interior spaces feature murals by Malibu-based muralist Garth Benton, giving the estate an added layer of custom design.

Can You See the Bob Hope House in Person?

Not up close. Because the house is located inside a gated community, there are no public tours and visitors are not permitted to approach the property directly.

However, you can get a surprisingly good view of the house by hiking the nearby Araby Trail, a moderate loop hike that runs along the hillside near the estate. From the trail, you can see portions of the house and appreciate its scale and setting.

If you’re primarily interested in seeing the property, it’s possible to hike just the lower portion of the trail, though continuing higher rewards you with expansive views over Palm Springs.

Was the Bob Hope House Ever for Sale?

Yes. After Bob Hope’s passing, the estate eventually hit the market with an initial asking price reported as high as $50 million.

Despite its fame and architectural pedigree, the home ultimately sold for a significantly lower price. While still an extraordinarily expensive property, the final sale reflected the niche appeal and maintenance demands of such a unique estate.

The sale attracted widespread attention and reignited public interest in the house, especially among architecture and Palm Springs history enthusiasts.

Why Is the Bob Hope House So Famous?

The home’s fame comes from a rare combination of factors: a legendary owner, a world-class architect, and a design that feels simultaneously futuristic and perfectly suited to the desert.

Bob Hope was deeply associated with Palm Springs for decades, and his estate became one of the most talked-about private homes in the region. Even today, it remains a point of fascination for visitors, hikers, and architecture fans.

Just Want to See the House?

If you’re more interested in visuals than history, there are several drone videos and photo collections online that offer glimpses of the property from angles you can’t see from the ground.

One popular drone video includes exterior flyovers and interior still images, offering a rare look at the estate’s scale and design:

Watch the Bob Hope House drone video on YouTube

Related: Here’s everything you need to know about the “Palm Springs Time Machine” house featured on Netflix’s Stay Here

Last updated: December 2025

Frequently Asked Questions About the Bob Hope House in Palm Springs

  • Who owned the Bob Hope House in Palm Springs?

    The home was owned by legendary entertainer Bob Hope and his wife, Dolores Hope. It served as their Palm Springs residence and was one of the most famous celebrity homes in the Coachella Valley.

  • Where is the Bob Hope House located?

    The house is located at 2466 Southridge Drive in the gated Southridge Estates community in the Araby Cove area of Palm Springs.

  • Can the public visit the Bob Hope House?

    No. The Bob Hope House is a private residence located inside a gated community. There are no public tours and visitors are not permitted to approach the property.

  • Is there any way to see the Bob Hope House in person?

    While you cannot visit the property directly, portions of the house can be seen from nearby hiking trails, most notably the Araby Trail, which runs along the hillside adjacent to the estate.

  • Who designed the Bob Hope House?

    The home was designed by modernist architect John Lautner, a former apprentice of Frank Lloyd Wright known for bold, futuristic residential designs.

  • When was the Bob Hope House built?

    Construction began in 1979 and was completed in 1980 after a previous home on the site was destroyed by fire in the early 1970s.

  • How large is the Bob Hope House?

    The estate spans approximately 23,000 square feet and sits on about 6.2 acres. It includes 10 bedrooms and 13 bathrooms.

     

  • Why does the Bob Hope House look like a spaceship?

    The sweeping curved roof and futuristic design reflect John Lautner’s architectural style, which emphasized organic forms and dramatic integration with the surrounding landscape.

     

  • Was the Bob Hope House ever for sale?

    Yes. After Bob Hope’s passing, the property was listed for sale with an initial asking price reportedly as high as $50 million. It ultimately sold for significantly less.

     

  • Who owns the Bob Hope House now?

    The identity of the current owner has not been publicly emphasized, and the property remains a private residence.

  • Is the Bob Hope House considered a historic landmark?

    While widely recognized as an architectural and cultural landmark, the house is primarily protected through its architectural significance rather than as a publicly accessible historic site.

     

  • Are there drone videos or photos of the Bob Hope House?

    Yes. Several drone videos and photo collections are available online, offering rare exterior views of the estate and limited interior glimpses.

     

  • Why is the Bob Hope House so famous?

    The home’s fame comes from its association with Bob Hope, its dramatic desert setting, and its bold modernist design by one of the most influential architects of the 20th century.

  • Is the Bob Hope House part of Modernism Week?

    The home is often discussed during Modernism Week due to its architectural significance, but it is not typically open for public tours as part of the event.

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Written by : Casey Dolan

Casey is the founder of Cactus Hugs and also works with local businesses on their websites and digital marketing. Learn more (and hire!) him here. Please, send him your news tips and your whiskey!