Bob Hope's Homes
One of the best loved performers in American history, Bob hope
was also something of a real estate mogul. At one point, it was
believed that he was the largest private land owner in the state
of California.
Bob Hope's Toluca Lakes Home
That said, his real estate holdings largely consisted of tracts
of land. Bob and Dolores Hope had only ever owned 4 houses. None
of the Hope's homes were sold until after their respective deaths
in 2003 and 2011.
Buena Vista Drive Property,
Palm Springs, California
In 1941, Bob and Dolores purchased this quaint Spanish style
rancher to call home. The house has 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and
a spacious yard. In 2012, the Hope descendants listed the property
for $469,000.
Buena Vista Home
El Alameda Property, Palm Springs,
California
In 1946, the couple upgraded to another, larger Spanish style
ranch house that boasted 5 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms. The white
stucco house and contrasting red tile roof is surrounded by a
lush but relatively small garden and manicured lawn. The privacy
of the house and pool are protected by a large wall and wrought
iron gate. The family listed this property at the same time as
the Buena Vista Property for $659,000.
El Alameda House
Toluca Lake, Los Angeles, California
In 1950 the Hopes updated the sprawling estate that they called
"home" for the remainder of their long lives together.
The compound at Toluca Lake was originally built in 1939, however,
Dolores Hope was constantly adding to it. Every time Bob would
leave for one of his 57 USO tours, Dolores would "add a room
or two". He was quoted as saying that "every time I
come home, I need a road map to get around my house".
Toluca Lake Bedroom
The rooms in this house were worth finding your way around, though.
The main house consisted of nearly 15,000 square feet and includes
6 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, a personal library, art deco wet bar,
billiards room, chef's kitchen, indoor pool and a master wing
with his and hers bedrooms, bathrooms and closets. The 5 acre
property also hosts a 4,000 square foot office complex, a 2 bedroom
guest house, a one-hole golf course and breathtaking views of
San Fernando Valley. The property went on the market in 2013 for
$27.5 million.
Coachella Valley, Palm Springs,
California
While the Hopes spent most of their time at their Toluca Lake
property, the most iconic of their collection of homes has to
be the Volcano house that Bob commissioned in Coachella Valley.
Designed by renowned architect, John Lautner, the exterior of
this home is unlike any other. The living area consists of 23,366
square feet of modern designed interiors with 6 bedrooms and 7
bathrooms.
Coachella Valley Home Designed by John Lautner
The feel is kept natural by numerous floor-to-ceiling windows
and uniquely shaped balconies for taking in the sweeping desert
views of the surrounding valley. The aspect that makes this house
strikingly unique is the massive concrete and steel structure
that hovers over the house like an alien umbrella.
Inspired by a volcano, John Lautner designed the structures undulating
slopes, surrounding the open air sky light at the pinnacle, to
shade the outdoor living areas, thus expanding the usable space.
Stepping out from underneath the shade of the volcano structure,
the Hopes enjoyed the property's putting green, pool, pond and
tennis court, as well. In 2012, this iconic property was listed
for $50 million.
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