A prime piece of Palm Desert real estate, with ties to famous crooner Bing Crosby and President John F. Kennedy, is for sale and if the desert could talk, what stories it could tell.
The connection to this storied parcel dates back to February 1957, when Crosby, seeking privacy and space, purchased 16 acres in the former Silver Spur Ranch of Palm Desert – now known as the Ironwood Country Club, an exclusive gated community in the Coachella Valley. Crosby, known for surrounding himself with close friends, sold three adjacent acres to his trusted companions. All four properties were developed simultaneously, creating a tight-knit enclave.
Today, one of the four properties originally owned by Bing Crosby, comprising 2+ acres, is on the market, and is divided into three separate parcels with a fourth lot approved with conditions. Ryan Gaertner, a broker with EQTY | Forbes Global Properties, a luxury international real estate company brokered by eXp Realty, is the listing agent.
These parcels are particularly coveted as they represent the last remaining original lots in the Ironwood community. Each parcel offers panoramic views of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains, and new builds on these sites have been meticulously designed by Laguna Beach-based architect Bob Tyler of RTF Design. Buyers have the option to work with two local builders, both of whom have stellar reputations and extensive experience in the high-end Palm Desert market.
Here are the four listings:
- $4.950M – 49281 JFK Trail, Palm Desert CA, 92260 (4 bed/5 bath, 4,723 sq ft on 1-acre lot)
- $4.450M – 49269 JFK Trail, Palm Desert CA, 92260 (4 bed/5 bath, 4,247 sq ft on 22,082 sq ft lot)
- $4.250M – 49257 JFK Trail, Palm Desert CA, 92260 (4 bed/5 bath, 3,983 sq ft on 20,787 sq ft lot)
- $4.200M – 49425 JFK Trail, Palm Desert CA, 92260 (2.2-acre lot currently sub-divided into three
lots with respective APNs and City approval pending conditions for a fourth lot)
“This property is more than just real estate; it’s a piece of Palm Desert’s rich history. With ties to Bing Crosby, President John F. Kennedy – and yes, Marilyn Monroe – it offers a unique opportunity to own a part of the legacy that shaped this exclusive enclave. The stories from these storied pasts are as captivating as the panoramic views this land provides,” said Ryan.
“When this incredible opportunity came up, Ryan was the first agent to come to mind as he has been working with developers in the Greater Palm Springs market for over 20 years,” said Karen Weinberg, co-founder and President of EQTY | Forbes Global Properties.
Parcel Sits Next to Crosby Home and Site of Alleged JFK-Marilyn Monroe Dalliance
The history of this land is rich, with the parcel for sale located right next to Crosby’s former house at 49400 Della Robbia Lane. Crosby’s residence has become infamous as the alleged site of a tryst between President John F. Kennedy and Marilyn Monroe.
The parcel for sale had a one-bedroom home that was sited at the far end of the property, leaving much of the land open for a stunning swimming pool that quickly became “the talk of the valley.” This pool, decorated with Italian statuary and large desert rocks, featured a massive boulder that served as a unique diving board — a feature that remains to this day.
The pool was not only a local sensation but also a backdrop for movies, swimsuit ads and was featured in an article by the late lifestyle journalist Gloria Greer in Desert Magazine.
Street Signs Tell the Story
Bing had a hand in naming the surrounding streets, including the “JFK Trail.”
According to historical records, Della Robbia Street – the road where the Crosby house is situated – was named after a famous sculpture called “Della Robbia,” which means “Blessed Mother.” When Bing Crosby built his house, he was gifted a copy of the sculpture, and Bing put it on full display. Appropriately, a nearby road is named “Crosby Lane” in honor of Bing Crosby and his sons.
For more on Bing Crosby’s adventures in Palm Desert and the stories of his inner circle, click here.
