The first time I stepped onto the impeccably manicured grounds of Porcupine Creek, the 249-acre estate situated inconspicuously off Highway 111, behind the Mirage Cove community, I recall thinking, “Someone lives here?” Then a welcome-to-Fantasy-Island-type character (white tux and silver hair included) ushered me to the expanse where Desert Spirit, the annual fundraising gala for the local chapter of the American Cancer Society, was unfolding in eye-popping fashion. I had been to several mansions and mega estates, but this place reminded me of my Palm Beach Illustrated days and visits to Donald Trump’s
historic Mar-a-Lago property.
Porcupine Creek, built on the edge of the Santa Rosa Mountains for Tim and Edra Blixseth, the power couple that was hardly too big to fail (their high-profile divorce made headlines from sea to shining sea), came to the market earlier this year for $75 million.
Palm Springs Life took the opportunity to visit the property and show you this idyllic desert retreat.
Designed by Rancho Mirage architect Narendra Patel, Porcupine Creek smacks of elegance, refined taste, and inspired travels. In “Grand Luxe” (page 18), our deputy editor, Janice Kleinschmidt, offers trenchant insight to the desert’s most expensive private residence (which, by the way, has its own 19-hole golf course and clubhouse).
If you like the country club lifestyle, but prefer not to play golf, check out “Into the Swing” (page 34) and visit one of the eight clubhouses that Barbara Beckley profiles. Each welcomes nonmembers to come enjoy their programs, world-class amenities, and community camaraderie.
And don’t miss Dick Van Patten (“A Man of Passion,” page 30) talking about his love of family, animals, and acting — and living next door to the Jackson family.
Your best bet: Take this issue with you to Idyllwild this month and read while enjoying Jazz in the Pines. For more information, see the Desert Guide (page 6DG).
Enjoy!