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THE OWL HOUSE
The property located at 47869 Sun Corral Trail is directly related with the beginnings of
the Palm Desert development that came to be known as “Silver Spur Ranch”. It can be
comfortably argued that since it was the first occupied house on Sun Corral Trail it played
the largest cumulative visual role in impacting future owners of Silver Spur Properties.
This 1956 private residence exhibits many stylistic markers, which place it directly in the
Coachella Valley’s modern period. This residence is largely intact and is a superb
example of mid-century architecture, and historic trend, which has helped, define the
Coachella Valley’s architectural image.
At this point of research there is no definite proof that a master architect designed this
house. However, there are significant examples that it was designed with high artistic
values. The interior is highly sculptural with open beams. The residence is placed at an
angle on the property, is designed for privacy and environmental protection and has an
angled exterior alley storm water protection wall (all features that were used by Walter S.
White). The use of clerestory windows and full view windows and sliders (features that
were used by William Krisel).
Silver Spur as well as Palm Desert received substantial publicity as President Kennedy
enjoyed several visits to Bing Crosby’s Silver Spur estate.
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