Da Vaal Estates Home Tour: Midcentury Modern Marvel

Join us for an exclusive tour of the iconic Da Vaal Estates, a midcentury Modern architectural gem located in the Tamarisk Country Club area. Designed in 1960 by renowned architect Val Powelson and built by contractor Robert Marx, this unique condo development is often referred to as the original Desert-X.

Da Vaal Estates consists of five one-story, four-unit condominium buildings, each ingeniously based on a four-pointed star. Remarkably, there are no common walls between the units; the only shared space is at the core of each "X," where a 150-square-foot private storage area can house a golf cart and recharging outlets. This innovative design provides homeowners with exceptional privacy and a spacious atmosphere.

Nestled on a two-and-a-half-acre site that was once a grapefruit orchard, Da Vaal Estates retains its original fruit trees, enhancing the community's unique charm. Powelson's aversion to right angles is evident in the design, with each unit featuring a distinctive layout. At one end, a triangle contains the master suite with a dressing room and a fashionable Roman tub. At the other end, another triangle houses the guest bedroom and bathroom suite. The open-plan living area spans a spacious 32 feet from point to point, featuring an open bar kitchen, a fireplace, and walls of glass offering stunning views of the private yard and community grounds. A steep, beamed tongue-and-groove ceiling rising to 14 feet adds dramatic flair to the interior.

Today, Da Vaal Estates remains true to its midcentury Modern roots, offering a rare glimpse into the innovative design and timeless elegance of the era. Don't miss this opportunity to explore one of the desert's most unique and historically significant communities during Modernism Week 2025.

Photo Credits: Courtesy of Da Vaal HOA

Location & Attendee Information

  • What are the appropriate ages for this activity?Person Ages 13 and older
  • Are pets, animals, or service animals permitted?Dog on a leash Pets and animals not permitted
  • Are food and drinks permitted?Food and drink No food or drinks permitted in homes
  • What are the mobility considerations for this activity?Person walking Walking activity with exterior and/or interior steps
  • What type of parking is available?Car Free neighborhood street parking
  • Is photography permitted?Camera
  • Are restrooms available?Restroom sign Restrooms not available
  • Is this an indoor or outdoor activity?Sun Indoor and outdoor activity
  • What is the policy regarding smoking?Cigarette with smoke No smoking or e-cigarettes
  • What type of tour is this?Group of people Interior/exterior tour
  • What type of ADA accessibility is available?Wheelchair Private homes are not wheelchair accessible

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    Activity Date(s)Calendar
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