The market for high-profile celebrity real estate has heated up with the recent listing of Bing Crosby's stunning Palm Desert estate, now on the market for $13.5 million. Crosby, known as one of the most iconic voices of the holiday season, built this sprawling compound during the peak of his career as the ultimate getaway. Spanning 2.5 acres, the property features multiple casitas, large swimming pools, and whispers of historical encounters with notable figures.
Located within the upscale Ironwood Country Club, this ranch-style estate is perfectly positioned against the breathtaking backdrop of the San Jacinto Mountains National Monument, providing serene views dotted with palm trees and rocky peaks. The primary residence boasts over 6,000 square feet of livable space, with large windows allowing plenty of natural light and stunning vistas. The property's extensive outdoor amenities include elegantly manicured lawns, various pools, and even its own lit tennis court, making it ideal for those wanting to indulge in luxurious leisure activities.
According to reports from The Wall Street Journal, the current owners, Randall and Julia Burt, acquired the home for $3 million back in 2012. Since then, they have poured millions more to completely renovate and modernize the estate, transforming it from "a dire need for remodel and rehabilitation," as the Burts described it, to one of the premier homes on the market today.
The Burts have made several notable updates, including elegant finishes and contemporary designs, ensuring the home not only reflects Crosby's glamorous history but also meets the demands of modern luxury buyers. The estate features multiple fireplaces, extensive marble accents, and even includes a glass-enclosed wine room. Real estate agents Susan Caravan and Deirdre Coat of Caravan Coit & Associates are showcasing this standout property as listings go live.
Interestingly, this estate isn't the only property associated with Crosby making waves recently. Another Crosby home, located in Rancho Mirage, hit the market for $4.5 million back in 2021. Crosby’s ties to Palm Desert attract specific attention, as it intertwines the nostalgia of old Hollywood glamour with present-day luxury living.
Perhaps one of the most alluring aspects of this property is the rumored connection to former President John F. Kennedy and actress Marilyn Monroe. Historical accounts and Keith Badman's book, “Marilyn Monroe: The Final Years,” suggest the iconic couple may have had their own clandestine rendezvous at the estate back in March 1962. Such stories only add to the home's allure and could entice buyers drawn not only to luxurious living but also to the glitzy history tied to notable celebrities.
While the property currently listed for $13.5 million positions itself among Riverside County's highest-priced residential offerings, it sits amid other luxury listings like La Quinta’s Merv Griffin Estate, which boasts its own impressive price tag of $36 million. Expect the competition among high-end properties to be fierce, as wealthy buyers look to invest in pieces of history tied to Hollywood's biggest names.
Remarkably, this historical estate has made headlines for all the right reasons, stirring interest among affluent buyers who appreciate the connection to a golden era of celebrity culture. If this unique property sells at its asking price, it would mark one of the most significant home transactions in decades for Riverside County, reflecting the surge of interest and appeal of celebrity lineage.
With summer approaching, potential buyers may find themselves tempted to invest not just for the luxurious amenities, but also for the storybook past woven throughout the property. Hollywood history, expansive grounds, and modern improvements come together to create not just a home but also a legacy waiting for its next custodian.
