Walter annenberg rancho mirage estate
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Designed by the renowned architect A. Quincy Jones, the estate was a winter retreat for the couple where they could entertain the most influential figures of the time.
Sunnylands first opened to the public in March 2012. Annenberg sold much of Triangle to Rupert Murdoch in 1988 for a jaw-dropping $3 billion, then the most expensive deal in publishing history, with the plan to devote the rest of his life to education and philanthropy, according to The New York Times.
On his 90th birthday, with 80 guests present, Walter Annenberg raised his glass and made this toast to his wife, according to Comerford: “The best thing I have done in my life is to marry you, Lee.”
New Year’s Eve parties at Sunnylands were legend among the lucky invitees. Even Brooke Astor said, ‘To be invited to Sunnylands was the greatest invitation one could ever have.’”
“Lee was very precise,” Kabler says.
Admission and parking are free, and tickets/reservations are not required. “Walter was very understanding, appreciative, and proud of our devotion to our religion,” Barker says.
Barker met Leonore Annenberg in the early 1950s when the latter lived in Philadelphia and became friends with Barker’s mother.
If you plan to tour the historic home and grounds as well, plan on several hours for your visit.
Over more than four decades, the Annenbergs hosted many world leaders and international luminaries at their home, including many US presidents, Queen Elizabeth II, and former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
Art Collection at Sunnylands
The interior of the historic home is stunning.
You’ll find the greatest variety of tours for the historic house and grounds between November and April, although you can tour the main house for a longer period.
Or it could be a group of scientists who get together to address an end to world hunger or problems with energy and water. “Walter and Lee were truly a team.”
Deshong shares this about her mother and stepfather: “The marriage of Mom and Uncle Walter was a love match.”
MAKING A COMMITMENT
Drive along Bob Hope or Frank Sinatra Drives and the petal pink concrete block wall that marks two sides of Sunnylands’ perimeter lends an air of mystery to this grand estate, named after Moses Annenberg’s summer place in the Poconos, where, it is said, Walter liked to fish with his father.
It is offered November through April.
Check Out Special Events
Sunnylands Center sometimes offers special events, from yoga and tai chi in the gardens to family days and special exhibitions and movies on the lawns.
Rancho Mirage is one of the desert cities that make up the Greater Palm Springs area. Offered November - April.
Historic Walk
Guided 60-minute walking tour | $26 per person | 12 guests per tour
Meet a knowledgeable guide and take a leisurely walk on the estate.
Architect A. Quincy Jones designed the 25,000-square-foot home in the mid-century modern style, with a striking pink roof and tall pink boundary walls.
“If you were invited at 7 p.m. Sculptures by Auguste Rodin, Alberto Giacometti, and Jean (Hans) Arp, as well as silver gilt — all part of the Annenbergs’ personal collection — are just a sample of what will be on display at Sunnylands. “Walter had a twinkle in his eye when he looked at Lee.” Hall recalls when Walter was in a wheelchair at a party and Leonore took his hand and danced around his chair while the music played.
Walk through the spaces where history took place, including extravagant New Year’s Eve parties, nationally and globally important meetings, and intimate moments spent with the Annenbergs’ family and close friends.
Guests ride an electric shuttle to the house and walk and stand for a sustained period inside the home.
Advance ticket sales are online (no phone, email, or in-person purchases).
I don’t think he ever called me Betty!”
Many friends noticed the special bond between the Annenbergs. Learn about the Sunnylands landscape, outdoor sculpture, nine-hole golf course, and sustainability efforts.