Famed Kaufmann Desert House sells in off-market deal for $18 million

One of America’s most iconic and architecturally important properties, the Kaufmann Desert House, has sold in an off-the-market deal for USD $13.06 million ($18 million).

In the Southern Californian desert locale of Palm Springs, the 1946-built abode is widely regarded as the seminal piece of work by famed 20-century architect Richard Neutra.

The modernist mansion was originally commissioned by Edgar J. Kaufmann Snr, and created to be a warm-weather retreat for the Pittsburgh-based department store magnate.

And, 24 years after the completion of the fabled structure, Kaufmann Desert House was immortalised by famed 20-century American photographer Slim Aarons, who took the celebrated 1970 photo ‘Poolside Gossip’.

Aarons, a paparazzo who specialised in taking photos of celebrities and luminaries, famously once said he liked “photographing attractive people doing attractive things in attractive places.”

And, considering how prepossessing ‘Poolside Gossip’ is as a work of art, Aarons was very much true to his word.

According to the New York Post, the new owner of the celebrated property is a “European businessman” with – we can only assume – deep coffers and deeper levels of taste.

Considering the Palm Springs residence was initially listed for nearly double the sale price when it first hit the market back in the spring of 2020, the Euro millionaire also scored themselves somewhat of a bargain.

However, the sizeable sale price was still enough to topple all homes before it as the most expensive property ever sold in the exceedingly opulent locale.

The arresting residence was faithfully restored in the ’90s by lauded LA design firm Marmol Radziner, and aside from being a bona fide celebrity in its own right, the house benefits from a host of enviable features.

Benefits include a large outdoor swimming pool, sweeping, mountainous vistas, and an overarching aesthetic so chic that the new owner will swear they’re perpetually living amidst a Chanel fashion shoot.