Explore El Rancho Vista Estates, a walkable enclave of midcentury homes by​ architects Wexler & Harrison featuring​ colorful doors, breeze​ blocks, desert landscapes and vintage charm.

Take a trip back in time! El Rancho Vista Estates is your passport to 1960s Palm Springs, a beautifully preserved time capsule neighborhood east of the airport, where Modernist architecture, colorful doors, desert landscaping and decorative breeze blocks transport visitors to sunny California of yesteryear.

Built between 1960–1964, El Rancho Vista Estates was developed by Roy Fey, one of Palm Springs' most prolific developers who introduced its first climate-adaptive models: the Bermuda, the Capri and the Casa Blanca designed by celebrated Modernist architects, Donald Wexler and Richard Harrison as their first and only single-family home tract subdivision.

On this immersive, highly photogenic tour, guests step inside up to eight homes, several open for the first time, including stops at the Ratner Residence, a Class 1 Historic Resource, and former home of first residents, fitness icon Jack LaLanne and wife Elaine.

Info boards weave history into every stop, showcasing archival imagery, illustrations from the original sales brochure by Disney Imagineer Harper Goff, key moments and residents, and a forward-looking preservation narrative that highlights where the community is headed—most notably, its efforts toward historic district designation. This is one of only nine neighborhoods eligible for Historic District status, which it is actively pursuing.

Today, the neighborhood remains remarkably intact - a rare, preserved pocket of Midcentury Modern Palm Springs, with many homes showing original details like block fireplaces, original Shadowal decorative bricks and patios. Come see why it is still, in Roy Fey's own words, "The Good Palm Springs Life."

Photo Credits: Clinton Meyer

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
  • What is the policy for personal effects?Bag or purse Large purses, bags, backpacks not permitted
  • Is photography permitted?Camera Photography permitted at discretion of host
  • 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
The organizer of this event is: El Rancho Vista Estates Neighborhood Organization

View more Home Tours

Even More To Do At Modernism Week

Presentations, Live Talks and FilmsEvent Category Presentations, Live Talks and Films

Ray Eames and Lee Krasner: Dear Friends, Trailblazing Modernists, and Indispensable Wives

Preview a groundbreaking exhibition exploring the warm friendship and abstract art of midcentury pioneers Ray Eames and Lee Krasner and their intertwined relationships with their legendary husbands.

Browse Activities By Category