House of the Week | Rare A-Frame in the Desert

If the thought of sunny days and lounging poolside is more appealing than warming up fireside, you’ll love our house of the week. This Palm Springs “Swiss-Miss” home puts a whole new spin on A-Frame houses. Typically associated with snowy mountain lodging, this residence’s desert locale practically guarantees year round sunshine. Mid-century modern enthusiasts are in luck! This home is currently on the market.

Property Facts

Location | Vistas Las Palmas neighborhood, Palm Springs, California

Property Type | Single Family Home

Specifications | 4 bedroom 3 bathroom

Features | A-Frame designed by famed architect Charles Du Bois

Architect Charles Du Bois designed the Vista Las Palmas property with construction executed by Alexander Construction Company in 1958. The A-frame was on trend from the 1950s-1970s. Two steep sloping roofs created a visual “A” shape, hence the name.

Du Bois designed this residence with the exotic appeal of the A-Frame but spared it the inconveniences associated with the style. The roof design typically creates awkward angles inside the home and limits natural light.

By adding wings on either side of the A-Frame Du Bois resolved these limitations, added square footage, and maximized the use of the 0.31 acre lot.

White tongue and groove boards line the eaves extending to the ground. This ceiling paneling continues in the interior throughout parts of the house.

A soaring two-story entryway leads occupants directly to the living room.

Stunning views of the backyard oasis are seen as soon you enter. A view of the pool from the entryway is one of the most desired features in desert homes.

The open floorplan allows easy movement from the kitchen, dining room, and living room. Potential buyers who love to entertain will be thrilled by the sprawling layout of the 2,417sqft home.

Cream colored terrazzo tile, a popular flooring choice utilized in many mid-century homes in the area, is found in the dining room, adjacent kitchen, foyer, and hallways.

While the backside of the house does not replicate a parallel A-Frame roof design, the steep window-filled gable complements the front façade.

Identical tongue and groove paneling outside under the eaves continues into the adjoining bedroom. The continuity of materials creates a natural flow with the outdoors. Floor to ceiling windows further amplifies the effect.

Again in the master bedroom we see the unifying element of white ceiling panels. A large glass sliding door connects to the backyard.

Bathroom artwork depicts a clever nod to the traditionally referenced snow drenched chalet A-Frame.

Spectacular views of the San Jacinto Mountains from the palm tree dotted yard heighten the desert mirage vibe. There are plenty of areas to lounge and socialize, an entertainer’s dream come true.

What do you think about an A-Frame house in the desert?


For more information and photos on this home check out the listing. All photos are credited to CRMLS and can be found here.


If you love Palm Springs real estate be sure to check out Before + After photos of the nearby Schwartz Residence.