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Mini Estate, the Life of Riley, Former Hollywood Star's Home

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Gather and relax in the oversized living room and adjacent sunroom
Relaxing pool side
pool built in fountain
Pool
Immaculate grounds surround you in your private courtyard with working fountain

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
5 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 10197.6 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace

Explore the area

Map
Palm Springs, CA
  • Palm Springs Convention Center
    ‪18 min walk‬
  • Palm Springs Art Museum
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Palm Springs Air Museum
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Palm Springs, CA (PSP-Palm Springs Intl.)
    ‪8 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

5 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 4

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 5

1 Queen Bed

Sunroom

1 Double Futon

3 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 3

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Mini Estate, the Life of Riley, Former Hollywood Star's Home

Let your world slip away as you live 'The Life Of Riley'


Once owned by Willliam Bendix, Movie and Television star, best known for his portrayal of Babe Ruth in the Babe Ruth Story and Chester A Riley in the Life of Riley

5 bedroom Mini Estate property (1/4 acre, lush and tropical and more intimate than a hotel. Enjoy total privacy and intimacy)

Old world charm and modern updated living meet at the Palm Springs Life of Riley vacation rental home!

Our California luxury vacation rental, located in the fashionable Movie Colony East area is available for your family. At our home you will find a 5 bedroom private home with pool, spa, and tropical gardens and fruit trees.

Pets deserve to live the Life of Riley, all well behaved humans are welcomed when accompanied by their pets -)

Our home is owner operated so you get the personal service you deserve, allowing you to fully enjoy local Palm Springs events and attractions.

Property Description:

Start Your Perfect Vacation With This Vintage Mini-Estate 1/4 acre Palm Springs Rental Home!

*Ideal for Family Reunions or Corporate Retreats

*Private Quiet Upscale Neighborhood

*Pool, Jacuzzi, Full Kitchen, Oversized Living Room

*Stay in Historic Movie Colony East section of Palm Springs

*Enjoy a private and comfortable alternative to any Hotel

Experience Unique Desert Homestead Life with Your Own Private Oasis

Description:

A fifteen minute walk from downtown this Ruth Hardy Park Mini Estate sleeps 8-12. There are two separate "wings" east and west of the over sized living room - 2 bedrooms and 2 baths on the west and 2 bedrooms 1 bath on the east, a sunroom opening onto the pool with a full size convertible leather futon/sofa There is also a roll away bed available upon request.
The lovely master suite and one addtional bedroom both open directly to the pool and spa.

Experience the ambiance of old Palm Springs from the days when Hollywood stars flocked to the village of Palm Springs to build homes for weekend retreats.

The house is situated in the historic Ruth Hardy park section adjacent to Movie Colony area, aptly named for it's famous neighbors; boasting the estates of Hollywood Royalty such as Al Jolson, Desi and Lucy Arnaz, Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Ronald Reagan, and Darryl F. Zanuck (and of course, William Bendix)

This property is graced with mountain views and a lush well-maintained garden will let you forget the world around you.

Although you probably won't want to venture out, this house is only ten blocks away from the SPA casino, a Las Vegas style casino in the heart of Palm Springs, and just a block away from the beautiful Ruth Hardy Park.

Accommodations:

The kitchen, living, dining areas (and two bedrooms) open onto the pool & spa area, allowing for gracious indoor-outdoor living - a coveted hallmark of Palm Springs living.

Come experience the unique charm and elegance of this historic newly remodeled vintage mini-estate. Enjoy 2 working fire places, a fully equipped kitchen with granite top counter, gas bbq and ample out door dining and relaxing furniture.

Amenities:

This spacious villa features magnificently landscaped and private grounds, a swimming pool with built in fountain that shoots water across the pool and attached in-ground spa, two fireplaces, and two separate sleeping quarters.

A well-appointed kitchen stocked well enough to prepare just about anything you desire provides an excellent alternative to the world class restaurants located so conveniently nearby. An oversized living room with books leather furniture, a fire place, 75 inch smart TV inside the house while the palm trees, front court yard garden, lighted swimming pool and gardens complete with wrought iron patio furniture will keep you busy outside.
4 of the bedrooms also feature smart tv’s.

The separation of east and west wing offers privacy and can give in laws or teenagers a feeling of independence

Bed Set-up
West:
1) Master Bedroom: 1 California King, pool view (door to pool area)
2) 2 Twin beds (door to pool area)
3) Queen bed, garden court view
East:
4) Queen bed, garden court view, opens to living room and to kitchen
5) Queen bed, garden court view

This home is owner operated so you get the personal service you deserve.


Keywords: Home, villa, sleep 10, spacious, family reunion, 8 beds, pool, spa, enclosed, pet friendly
Licensed by the Finance, Treasury Room Tax division, Palm Springs license number 48000000-20014534

Property manager

Daniel Lim

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Pool
Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit one pet total)
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Palm Springs

Located in Movie Colony East, a neighbourhood in Palm Springs, this holiday home is in the mountains. While the natural beauty of Indian Canyon and Palm Canyon can be enjoyed by anyone, those looking for an activity can explore Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Las Palmas and Boomers! Palm Springs are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Palm Springs, CA

What's nearby

  • Palm Springs Convention Center - 18 min walk - 1.6 km
  • Agua Caliente Casino - 3 min drive - 2.2 km
  • Agua Caliente Cultural Museum - 3 min drive - 3.1 km
  • Palm Springs Art Museum - 4 min drive - 3.3 km
  • Palm Springs Air Museum - 6 min drive - 4.9 km

Getting around

  • Palm Springs Station - 16 min drive
  • Palm Springs, CA (PSP-Palm Springs Intl.) - 8 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬19 min walk
  • ‪Cascade Lounge - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Billy Reed's Restaurant - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬19 min walk
  • ‪The Tropicale - ‬3 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Mini Estate, the Life of Riley, Former Hollywood Star's Home have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool. Pool types include heated pools.

Is Mini Estate, the Life of Riley, Former Hollywood Star's Home pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.

What time is check-in at Mini Estate, the Life of Riley, Former Hollywood Star's Home?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Mini Estate, the Life of Riley, Former Hollywood Star's Home?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Mini Estate, the Life of Riley, Former Hollywood Star's Home located?

Located in Movie Colony East, this holiday home is within 1 mi (2 km) of Ruth Hardy Park and Palm Springs Convention Center. El Paseo Collection and Desert Regional Medical Center are also within 1 mile (2 km).

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 25 out of 36 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 8 out of 36 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 36 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 36 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 36 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.4/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Vacationing at the Life of Riley

Great property. Road out front is a little noisy. Property was well appointed, clean with everything we needed to enjoy our stay. There was plenty of odd street parking. Would stay here again.
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Lesley R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lots of room, good location

Close to everything in Palm Springs, lots of space for a large group or family. Beds are comfortable. Several burnt out lightbulbs, and light above dining room table and fixtures above fireplace in dining room could not be turned on. Some bricks/stones in backyard retaining wall need to be replaced. Enjoyed our stay and the pool and hot tub were great.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Fiona C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect xmas present

We loved our stay! The kitchen was well-stocked, and the rest of the house offered plenty of space for our family of 6 adults and two toddlers to either be together or private - depending on who needed to nap or work. The best part was the lovely salt water pool and hot tub and generous play area. Close to Ruth Hardy park and downtown - we loved everything about this home and had a wonderful time! The host Daniel was also lovely to deal with and very helpful. We would stay here again in a heartbeat!
Stayed 13 nights in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

Barb H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A great amount of loving space.

Fun in the sun!
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sharon W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family Trip

Perfect house, everyone had their own bedroom, 3 bathrooms! The large pool is where we hung out (June, 108 degrees!)! But house was cool!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kevin R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great getaway - peacuful and private

As advertised. if the location is right for how you are travelling around, you can’t go wrong with this home.
Stayed 19 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Wendy D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Enjoyed our Palm Springs getaway!

The accommodations were clean and comfortable Kitchen has everything you would every need to prepare a meal Outdoor cushions need to be replaced but still useable The central air is noisy at night when it starts up Very pleasant stay all in all!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Janice B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect

The house was perfect for our family gathering! Plenty of space for all. The grounds are beautiful and the pool and hot tub were a real treat for us northerners. We especially liked the location, close to the airport and walking distance to the downtown area. The neighborhood was so nice to walk and admire all the beautiful homes! Thank you for sharing your home, we are already talking of our return!
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2024

4/10 Poor

Ellina L.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Pretty good until it wasn’t

Check in was very smooth. The house was mostly clean except for a set of dirty sheets (we found extras) and a bathroom with an empty soap dispenser (no extras). The pool was wonderful and the location was as well. The day after check in, due to previously existing plumbing issues, a bathroom flooded (triggered by flushing a toilet in another bathroom), sewage coming out from below the toilet. My in laws cleaned up with whatever extra towels they could find, but some of the flooding soaked carpet in a bedroom. They were advised by the host that there were 2 separate water systems so one bathroom was still functional and they could launder the towels. Unfortunately the laundry triggered more flooding before the plumbers arrived. Eventually they came, scoped, and cleaned. This held up until two days later when the toilet started flooding again. We were down to the towels we’d been using for the pool and showers because the host took the sewage ones, hopefully to be sanitized. The plumbers came and cleaned pipes again, saying a piece would have to be replaced. Our group was 9 family members, including 2 young kids, from 3 different states, so we were very lucky that the host had another large house with different owners that was being checked out of. The owners refunded for the remaining 4 nights we did not have the house, however they stood by the first 3 nights as being an acceptable full-price stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Dedria O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family Get Away

Our family lives on the central coast where it’s usually foggy and cold in the winter. We love coming to Palm Springs to get a break from the cold. We had a lovely time soaking in the sun. The house was a perfect place to do just that.
Stayed 13 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

jon S., madison

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Property is just as described. 20 minute walk to Palm Canyon coffee shops.

Easy VRBO experience. Concierge was rapidly responsive to minor pool problem. Highly recommend this rental.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Troy H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

GREAT PLACE

We had an absolutely GREAT time at this property. The owner and manager of the property were amazing and made everything so easy. We had one issue with the kitchen sink, and as soon as I called it was taken care of within a couple of hours. The only thing I wished they had was a covering for the table outside as when it got hot, it would have been nice to have a little shade. Other than that, this was LEGIT. Beautiful, spacious and relaxing. Everything you could ever want in a place to stay!
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Christine B., Portland

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy

Girls trip

We are 5 retired women who travel well together but like to have our own bedrooms. This property was perfect for us with comfortable furnishings and a wonderful pool area. Our check in 3 stars reflect a plumbing issue which delayed our arrival time and heating the pool. Miguel and owner Daniel were easy to communicate with and responsive. We really enjoyed our 4 night stay!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

8/10 Good

Stuart F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great home for a group of 6-8

We were very happy with our stay and would definitely return. The only complaint our group had was that the 7th bed (the futon) was unusable. We used the couch instead. That piece of furniture should be replaced.
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Shirley B., Washougal, WA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Life of Riley - Life of Palm Springs!

We had an excellent time! There were 6 ladies over 60 staying for a week. It was clean and had plenty of towels. Kitchen is well stocked with everything you can need! A couple hiccups at checking in but resolved very quickly! We will definitely be back!
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2023

6/10 Okay

Becky T.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Cleanliness

We still had good family time.

This property works well for a family gathering. Great location, pool/hot tub and a large outdoor table. Unfortunately, the property manager wasn't managing. This house was incredibly dirty/disrepair. The owner did replace the fridge, called the plumber and apologized, including a gift basket. We did a lot of cleaning!
Stayed 18 nights in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

Roberta G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great property

We were very happy with our stay. The place was big enough for seven adults. We cooked every day and the kitchen was very well stocked with everything we needed. The beds are comfortable. The location is great - just a couple blocks from Ruth Hardy park and close to stores and downtown. If you’re a donut fan, don’t miss Jelly Donut. The best part for us was the pool and hot tub. We paid for heat in the pool and swam every day. It was fantastic. Miguel, who welcomed us, was friendly and helpful. Communication with the owners was clear. This place is not luxury, and the street is a little busy, but it was absolutely lovely and perfect for us. A good value, great location, and super fun space inside and out. Would choose it again if I visit with a large group.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2023

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Liked: Check-in, location
Disliked: Cleanliness, communication, listing accuracy

Description Overrated - overall rating of 2 as luxury not met

The Good - Location, well equipped kitchen, grounds were immaculate, good electronics, booking and communication with Daniel the host was exceptional. The Bad - Pool area came with cigarette butts on the decking. Our first night we discovered we had 2 spare rolls of toilet paper for a 5 day stay. The linens were worn, the master flat sheet had holes as large as lemon, likewise many of the towels were tattered. We only had heat to the hot tub one night. Yes, the property manager was contacted. By day 4 we had warm water to the hot tub, but not hot water and the pool cleaning person got us to that point. Tiles were missing from the hot tub and cement chunks coming off the decking. I could go on... I was expecting luxury as the description stated.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2024

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location
Disliked: Communication

Great location, layout and price with some flaws

Seven women friends met for a week reunion."Life of Riiley" was perfect for its location (20 minute walk to downtown Palm Springs), its 5-bedroom layout and price. And property manager, Miguel, was very responsive when we needed him. We'd stay again--in spite of its flaws: 1. PLUMBING. The main drain stopped working third night. Showers didn't drain and toilets began leaking at their bases. It could have been a rare event, but older reviews suggest plumbing is a chronic problem.We spoke to the owner who volunteered that a plumber was coming after we left to fix the entire system. We hope so. 2. The sunroom futon is not adequate as a bed--or private bedroom (despite what owner told me in query prior to renting). The futon is in a very public space, just outside the pool and next to the dining table. As a result, two women had to share a bed which was not what we had planned. For one bed per person, there are only 6, not 7. 3. Communications with owner were challenging. We had to send emails twice (and sometimes follow up with a text) to get a reply. 4. We paid for a heated pool but heater was broken (also seems to be a complaint in older reviews). It was fixed midway through the visit and we were refunded the extra charge. Again, Miguel came to our rescue to get it repaired.
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Peggy N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Christmas Vacation

This property was absolutely perfect for our family. Everyone had their own rooms and privacy. Plenty of bathrooms. The pool and hot tub were perfect for the family. The younger kids lived in it! Plenty of space in the kitchen, dining room or outdoor patio for eating. I would recommend to all for a home away from home!
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Marguerite H., Manhattan Beach, CA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful House!

Our family of 7 had a fantastic time. The house was very comfortable and well stocked. The pool and hot tub were very popular. Charming, quiet neighborhood. Would definitely go back again.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Bridget H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place!

This was a great place in a quiet neighborhood. Pool and outside space were perfect.
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kylie G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

wonderful property!

daniel + bruce were great property managers! they were quick to respond and very helpful. extremely close to dt ps and only about 45 minutes to joshua tree!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2021

8/10 Good

John S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice place. Needed pool as it was hot outside

The place had nice accommodations & roomy. Pool was nice to have. Only issue was the grill
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021

About the host

Hosted by Daniel Lim

Host profile image
I came here from Thailand in the 1980's and grew up in Los Angeles. Although San Francisco is my home now, Southern CA occupies a special place in my heart. I've been privileged to travel the world, spending a lot of time in Europe, South America and other parts of Asia I find that the desert became the perfect place to relax. Palm Springs offers so much more than just sun, I enjoy the museums, theater, shopping, nightlife and occasionally even the casino.

The desert has a way of growing on you and while

Why they chose this property

An avid tennis player myself, being a block away from lighted tennis courts held a lot of appeal. Combined with jogging at Ruth Hardy Park the location was simply perfect.
We fell in love with the oversized living room and really enjoy hosting my family get togethers as much as I hope you'll enjoy spending time with yours.
We know that this is where we will retire when the time is right and until then couldn't think of a place we'd rather spend time with friends and family.

What makes this property unique

Great for family reunions, corporate retreats, golf outings, girls weekends, etc.
The oversized living room opens to the sunroom each with a working fireplace makes this a nice home for nesting with friends and family.