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In Palm Springs, neighborhoods matter. Many of these havens have become bona fide destinations to take in and appreciate during a visit. Like the boutique hotels travelers stay in, visiting a well-known Palm Springs neighborhood feels more intimate. Enter: Deepwell Estates.
This storied south Palm Springs enclave blends eye-catching mid-century architecture, Old Hollywood glamour, and a quieter desert vibe, making it a perfect destination during a stay in Coachella Valley. It offers an authentic neighborhood experience that is as enjoyably walkable as it is historic, and deeply connected to the city’s character.
Deepwell: right in the heart of Palm Springs
La Maison is a Deepwell Estates boutique hotel. Photo courtesy of La Maison
Tucked away just south of Downtown Palm Springs, Deepwell rests between South Palm Canyon Drive and Sunrise Way, stretching from Mesquite Avenue down toward Palm Canyon’s quieter residential areas near East Palm Canyon Drive. The collection of iconic mid-century homes (plus some desert ranch and Spanish-style houses), majestic palms, pristinely sculpted hedges, and stunning views of the San Jacinto Mountains stand out here. Those glowing pink and powder orange sunsets, in fact, can be remarkable photo-ops before heading to dinner and enjoying nightlife in nearby downtown Palm Springs.
The neighborhood derives its name from the historic “deep well” of water that once supplied the area. Through the decades, the area became a reliable retreat for celebrities like Jerry Lewis, Liberace, Tippi Hedren, and William Holden and such revered architects as William Krisel. All of these luminaries sought sunshine and privacy during Palm Springs’ golden era, from the 1940s through the ’60s.
In Deepwell, there’s a graceful balance between “residential” and “serene.” Overall, the vibe here pairs nicely with the city’s boutique hotel culture, which many travelers appreciate. The area is home to popular stays like La Maison, Dive Palm Springs, L’Horizon Resort & Spa, and Sparrows Lodge.
Many visitors visit Deepwell simply to experience the concentration of classic mid-century homes influenced by Krisel and the Alexander Construction Company era. While the Twin Palms neighborhood is immediately associated with those original Alexander tract homes, Deepwell is host to plenty of wonderfully preserved looks, from butterfly-roofs to post-and-beams that characterize classic Krisel.
Exploring Deepwell
Deepwell Estates is a great home base during Modernism Week. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs
From your hotel, consider a morning walk through Deepwell and allow it to unfold graciously. You’ll see dog walkers carrying iced coffees, and cyclists breezing by modern wonders. Later in the day, take an evening drive, when a mix of desert shadows and soft driveway lighting illuminate a home’s design and landscape.
Notice the clerestory windows — vertical, high-placed windows intentionally set above eye level and just below the roofline — on these mid-century modern gems. Geometric carports, iconic breeze block walls, and desert landscapes complete these external scenes. No doubt you’ll glimpse the inside of these homes, which capture spacious living rooms and seamless indoor/outdoor living.
Wander (or drive slowly through) and take in the area. One moment you may be appreciating a wonderfully preserved Alexander-style home, and the next, you’ve somehow found yourself wandering down a bougainvillea-lined street that truly does feel untouched by time.
This place often feels like an outside “art collection.” Celebrated actor and comedian Jerry Lewis once lived here. His Deepwell residence, reportedly located at 1349 S. Sagebrush Road, is part of Palm Springs celebrity lore. William Holden’s former home, at 1323 S. Driftwood Drive, captures significant attention and is one of the most architecturally famous in the ’hood. It’s often featured during Modernism Week tours in February.
Note: This neighborhood can be an ideal home base for travelers attending Modernism Week events in fall and winter, the Palm Springs International Film Festival in January, and other events during peak season (September through April.) One big plus is there’s easy access to Downtown Palm Springs with its many restaurants and entertainment venues like Lulu’s California Bistro or Palm Canyon Theatre.
Where to go (and eat) in Deepwell
If you can, try to score a seat at Bar Cecil. Photo courtesy of Visit Palm Springs
Some shops and restaurants I’ve come to love include: Koffi on South Camino Real at the corner of South Palm Canyon Drive, a locals’ favorite offering a bevy of trendy coffee drinks and surprisingly appetizing food options. You can find it across the street (on South Camino Real) from the famous Ace Hotel. Great patio here, with fabulous views of the mountains. This is also a wonderful place to people watch and/or pet dogs who visit, too, with their owners.
Meanwhile, Bar Cecil is a must. Think: supper club vibe. It has the classic Palm Springs feel and manages to impress with a great wine list, Valley cocktails and inventive food menu. Mr. Lyons is another consideration. The modern steakhouse is so very Old Hollywood, and be sure check out the speakeasy (Seymour’s) inside.
Shoppers looking for a great find will appreciate Market Market nearby on South Palm Canyon Drive. The massive space feels like wandering through a Palm Springs dream filled with colorful clothing, stellar vintage offerings, and even art. (They ship!)
To be sure, Deepwell itself reflects many of the qualities of its small hotels nearby, from individuality to design. The appreciation for a slower approach and calmer living is visceral. Between its understated glamour — less flashy, more sophisticated — Deepwell still feels connected to the city’s original spirit. You can imagine what the neighborhood must have been like decades ago when celebs escaped L.A. for discreet weekends here.
Ultimately, Deepwell Estates offers visitors something many destinations can’t often preserve: atmosphere. Forget manufactured luxury, there’s genuine sense of place here. And that’s something to savor.
Article by Greg Archer
