There was a time when Palm Springs was a popular destination for the Sport of Kings. No, not golf — that’s the sport of U.S. Presidents and actors. The sport that lured both the Hollywood crowd, fitness enthusiasts, and high society was tennis. While pools may be ubiquitous these days, back in the twenties, a well-appointed home in Palm Springs had a private court. The Miramonte Hotel (now Desert Regional Hospital) boasted great courts, but when actors Charlie Farrell and Ralph Bellamy monopolized their use, they were sent packing and created their own tennis club, the famed Palm Springs Racquet Club.

Now, whether there were social differences or the winds near Vista Chino interfered with the ball’s trajectory, legendary Palm Springs pioneer Pearl McManus decided to build a tennis club below her mansion south of Tahquitz. Now known as the Tennis Club neighborhood, this area is, in fact, the oldest neighborhood in Palm Springs. Uptown, Vista Las Palmas, Old Las Palmas, and Movie Colony may boast the most local dazzle, but old Palm Springs exists quietly exclusive and content in Tennis Club.

A fitting edition is this custom-built, 4,076-square-foot, single-family house perfectly situated and styled to enjoy the weather, the thriving culture, and the vibrant community life, according to listing agent Kenny Jervis of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. Set against the imposing face of the San Jacinto Mountains, the native plants and boulders of the front landscaping make the right angles of the home appear as if they are a feature of the mountainside.

This four-bedroom, five-bathroom contemporary house at 587 Camino Calidad offers spectacular mountain views but it is still a short walk to downtown and also to the famous neighborhood restaurants: Melvyns and Le Vallauris.

The home embraces the relaxed, comfortable Palm Springs lifestyle, with Fleetwood doors that vanish into walls, allowing the outdoors to intermingle with the interior, Jervis says. Double-pane windows keep the temperature steady whether it’s a chilly night in January or a blistering afternoon in mid-August.

The owners built the property on a 0.46 acre lot in 2016 and had it constructed to meet all their expectations. “It’s so highly upgraded,” Jervis says. “Every door-knob, every finish — their doors are all custom solid-core doors. Some of them have these relief features in them. The floor plan is so well-thought out for both freedom of movement and privacy.”

The main bedroom offers a secure but spectacular view of lush gardens as well as adjacent San Jacinto Mountains. The other three bedrooms are ensuite with highly upgraded fixtures and finishes and their own patios. All the rooms are equipped with Riverside beds.

The primary baths each contain an oversized shower and custom lighting leading out to a Zen garden with outdoor granite soaking tub and outdoor shower. The home comes with a bar, icemaker, gas range and oven, refrigerator, microwave, water purifier and full laundry. Jervis said the original homeowners, whom he worked with, wanted to build a house that would meet and exceed any and all expectations.

“This home boasts highly upgraded features throughout, including a chef’s kitchen with high-end stainless appliances, custom granite countertops, custom iron work throughout, Control 4 House Automation for lighting, HVAC controllable from your smartphone,” says Jervis.

The backyard features a stunning, natural landscape that includes a small waterfall that flows into the pool and spa, custom decking, elevated mediation viewing deck, and firepit with custom seating area. The seating area between the house and the pool offers unparalleled views of the San Jacinto Mountains. 

Special care has been taken inside and outside, with a water-filtration system, custom automatic shades throughout, salt water pool, fire sprinklers, Koolfog misting system, and solar panels, a 19.62 kilowatt system. It offers the privacy and safety of a security gate.

“It’s just so gorgeous inside and out that you’ll never want to leave,” Jervis says.