LOS ANGELES _ The Bob and Dolores Hope estate in Palm Springs, designed by renowned Modernist architect John Lautner, has sold to billionaire Ron Burkle for $13 million.
That's just more than half the most recent asking price of $24.999 million and considerably less than the original list price of $50 million, but still among the priciest home sales ever in the Coachella Valley community known for architecture, warm climate and Old Hollywood stars.
Sitting on 6.2 acres overlooking the valley floor, the dramatic residence was built for the Hopes in 1979. At 23,366 square feet, the concrete, steel and glass house is the largest private residence designed by Lautner.
Topped by a curving copper roof, the futuristic house includes 10 bedrooms and 13 full or partial bathrooms. There are fireplaces in the great room and master bedroom.
Murals on the main floor and the pool area were done by Malibu Getty muralist Garth Benton. Curving walls of windows allow for unobstructed city, mountain and valley views.
Outside, there's a swimming pool, as well as a tennis court and a large pavilion with an outdoor fireplace. A pond, a waterfall, lawns and desert landscaping complete the setting.
Bob Hope, who died in 2003 at 100, appeared in scores of films, including the famous "Road" series with Bing Crosby. His career spanned vaudeville, Broadway, radio, television and film. He is also remembered for his live shows for U.S. troops overseas. Dolores Hope died in 2011 at 102.
Burkle has familiarity with the area and the architect, having previously owned the Elrod House. The Lautner-designed home made famous in the James Bond film "Diamonds Are Forever" sold earlier this year to fashion designer Jeremy Scott for $7.7 million.
Other notable sales in Palm Springs this year include the Pond Estate, which changed hands for $7.5 million; designer Marc Ware's home, which fetched $5.75 million; and Cary Grant's onetime Movie Colony retreat, which changed hands in May for $3.4 million.
