In early 2000, when current owner J.R. Roberts and his partner went out searching for midcentury modern homes in Palm Springs, they didn’t exactly know what particular area or style of home they were interested in buying.
However, when they saw the Edris House perched up high on the Palm Springs hillside, their focus became crystal clear.
Roberts recounts telling his realtor at the time, “That’s the kind of house we like.”
VIDEO: Take a tour of the Edris House and hear from owner J.R. Roberts.
As luck would have it, the property became available. The designated Class One Historic Edris House, designed and built by legendary architect E. Stewart Williams, was now the “kind of house” they could call home.
Luckily, the home had not been altered from its original 1953 design. Everything is original but the carpeting and furniture.
The home maintains the designer’s original intentions: be a home first, and second incorporate organic materials, such as knotless Douglas fir, local stone, and indigenous landscape.
Staying true to Williams’ guiding principles — architecture should come from the earth rather than merely being placed upon it — Roberts shares what he loves most about the house: its embodiment of organic design and livability.
Happily restating the architect’s personal philosophy, that a home should look like it grew out of the ground, rather than falling out of the sky, Roberts adds, “I think the Edris house is a spectacular example of that.”
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The home’s pool area is incased by local boulders and amazing views of the Coachella Valley floor.
Edris House: Owner Stays True to E. Stewart Williams' Vision
Photo by Maria Zang
Seamless glass windows bring the outdoors, indoors.
Edris House: Owner Stays True to E. Stewart Williams' Vision
Photo by Maria Zang
A stone wall borders the guest bedroom at the Edris House.
Edris House: Owner Stays True to E. Stewart Williams' Vision
Photo by Maria Zang
The sitting room allows a view into the kitchen.
Edris House: Owner Stays True to E. Stewart Williams' Vision
Photo by Maria Zang
Majestic views from the Edris House in Palm Springs.
Edris House: Owner Stays True to E. Stewart Williams' Vision
Photo by Maria Zang
A look out the entryway of the Edris House in Palm Springs.
Edris House: Owner Stays True to E. Stewart Williams' Vision
Photo by Maria Zang
The living room at the Edris House in Palm Springs.
Edris House: Owner Stays True to E. Stewart Williams' Vision
Photo by Maria Zang
The back of the Edris House in Palm Springs.
Edris House: Owner Stays True to E. Stewart Williams' Vision
Photo by Maria Zang
The entryway into the Edris House in Palm Springs.
Edris House: Owner Stays True to E. Stewart Williams' Vision
Photo by Maria Zang
One of the original features of the house is its untouched kitchen with original maple cupboards.
Edris House: Owner Stays True to E. Stewart Williams' Vision
Photo by Maria Zang
Owner J.R. Roberts has his own library of architectural finds.
Edris House: Owner Stays True to E. Stewart Williams' Vision
Photo by Maria Zang
The stone fireplace at the Edris House in Palm Springs.
Edris House: Owner Stays True to E. Stewart Williams' Vision
Photo by Maria Zang
Front view of the Edris House in Palm Springs.
Edris House: Owner Stays True to E. Stewart Williams' Vision
Photo by Maria Zang
The Edris House, designed in 1953 by architect E. Stewart Williams for the Edris family, who resided in it for more than 20 years.
Edris House: Owner Stays True to E. Stewart Williams' Vision