Rancho Mirage
Located in the sunny Coachella Valley area of California, Rancho Mirage offers the perfect place to enjoy nearby Palm Springs, Palm Desert and Cathedral City, but it’s also a fabulous destination in its own right. With four courses in Rancho Mirage, not counting the surrounding areas, we guarantee you’ll find something you like. Like the late Bob Hope in days gone by, you’ll love teeing up among the palms! Rancho Las Palmas Country Club and Spa features three nine-hole courses designed by Ted Robinson. The Rancho Mirage Country Club has a PGA clubhouse, views of the San Jacinto Mountains as well as first-class driving ranges and practice facilities. Or put your clubs at the condo for the day and attend one of the many pro-golf tournaments in the area, including the ANA Inspiration.
Native Americans came to the area 2,000 years ago. The local tribe in Rancho Mirage is the Agua Caliente Indian tribe of Cahuilla Indians. The tribe was almost annihilated by smallpox in 1862–63 but survived, establishing a resort and casino within the city limits. The natural environment in Rancho Mirage has supplied the Cahuilla people with various water sources. Although rare in such arid desert environments, the Cahuilla had access to Magnesia Spring in Magnesia Spring Canyon, which is 1.5 miles from Whitewater River. In addition, a variety of natural springs are situated along the San Andreas Fault line near Indio Hills.]Throughout the 1920s, the area was a desert area dotted with date and grape ranches.
The 1957 Kenaston House was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 2016 due to its local architectural significance. Architect E. Stewart Williams designed its distinctive mid-century modern (MCM) design and U-shaped formed. It has cantilevered rooflines, open floor plans, walnut walls, and an exterior of corrugated aluminum and natural rock. The house has been featured in magazines such as W and Elle, and photoshoots for celebrities such as Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Madonna, James Blunt, and Coldplay have taken place at the Kenaston House.
As of 2021, there are 72 structures listed on the Rancho Mirage Register of Historic Places, including celebrity homes previously owned by Kaye Ballard, Red Skelton, and Gummo Marx. The houses are designed by notable architects such as E. Stewart Williams, William Cody, Wallace Neff, Hugh M. Kaptur, and Archibald Quincy Jones. The city’s oldest house, the 1934 Casa Chiquita (Ranchito Chiquito) was the first structure added to the register when designated a historic site on June 1, 2003.[119] The 850 sq. ft. house, which was constructed by the Les and M.C. Clancy brothers, was located on the corner of Rancho Palmeras and Follansbee Rd. from 1934-2004. In 2004, it was relocated and reassembled at Rancho Mirage Community Park, one block west of the River at Rancho Mirage.
