The iconic Morse Residence located in the highly sought after Vista Las Palmas neighborhood is one of the finest residences in Palm Springs offering a truly unique architectural statement. This one of a kind home exemplifies the glamour of entertaining in the midcentury. Built by The Alexander Co. in 1961 and originally designed by renowned architects Dan Palmer and Willliam Krisel, the original owners worked with the legendary Harold "Hal" Levitt to completely redesign the home during the framing stage. Levitt's incredible work including the homes of notable celebrities in the Trousdale Estates community of Beverly Hills. The sleek midcentury modern exterior w/ original terrazzo walkways just hints at the surprises inside-unlike any other in Palm Springs. Offering an unparalleled indoor/outdoor experience including a sunken living room that opens to a fully equipped swim-up bar w/ glass pocket doors the disappear into the home's stone walls. A stunning entry of poured terrazzo leads into an impressive gallery, past a leather tufted powder room. Vintage terrazzo continues throughout the entire home including floors, showers, bar, countertop and patios. The Malm fireplace in the oversized main bedroom is stunning. The Morse House was the 1st home in Vista Las Palmas to be designated as a Class 1 Historic Site & is eligible for "Mills Act" tax credits.
Single-familyProperty Type
1961Year Built
0.27 acresLot Size
$829Est. Price/Sq.Ft.
2 garage spacesParking
Listed by Scott Histed•DRE #01031722• Bennion Deville Homes
This architecturally significant stone and glass home expresses the glamour of the 1960's. For offer is one-of-the-few Hal Levitt desert homes that defines the indoor/outdoor relationship with Palm Springs modern living. This home argues for one of the largest and most beautiful statements in Vista Las Palmas. Poured terrazzo begins at the curb and previews the artistic perfection that follows into the home. Flowing from the impressive long gallery, one steps down to the sunken living room and completely equipped swim-up bar. Glass pocket walls disappear into the stone walls which create a glamorous atmosphere exemplifying the period. Spectacular mountain views surround the east/west living area while the ingenious architecture provides just the right balance between sun and calm. This spectacular and elevated home epitomizes the idyllic Palm Springs image. This polished residence is truly a unique architectural statement and one of the finest in all of Palm Springs.
Public Records
Mar 21, 2011
Sold
$1,345,500
$363/sq ft
GPSMLS #41410112
Mar 21, 2011
Sold
$1,495,000
$403/sq ft
Nov 11, 2010
Listed
$1,595,000
$430/sq ft
Impeccable, extensively restored and architecturally significant Harold Leavitt designed masterpiece. Built in 1960, this unique residence complete with spectacular San Jacinto mountain views is unlike any other. This often published jewel is most likely the finest home in all of Vista Las Palmas, certainly the most unusual. Retractable 10' tall pocket doors open entertaining areas directly to the pool with swim up bar. Terrazzo floors, showers, patios and even terrazzo pool coping, gorgeous tongue & groove ceilings, 30' long gallery walk foyer and dual master suites one of which is lavishly oversized with a fireplace. This 60's period retro showplace sits on a corner lot, is completely walled and gated, and enjoys a landscape that creates your own private oasis in the Desert.
Public Records
Jul 27, 2006
Sold
$1,900,000
$512/sq ft
Public Records
Sep 10, 2004
Sold
$1,495,000
$403/sq ft
GPSMLS #21119513
May 6, 2002
Listing Removed
—
Nov 2, 2001
Listed
$995,000
$268/sq ft
GPSMLS #2929195
Oct 31, 2001
Listing Removed
—
Feb 23, 2001
Listed
$1,095,000
$295/sq ft
GPSMLS #2911693
Nov 27, 1999
Listed
$995,000
$268/sq ft
Public Records
Nov 12, 1999
Sold
$850,000
$229/sq ft
Public Records
Jul 2, 1987
Sold
$440,000
$119/sq ft
Year
Property tax
Land + Additions
Assessment*
2025
$11,839 (−17.8%)
$250,000 + $747,391
$997,391
2024
$14,403 (+6.7%)
$250,000 + $747,391
$997,391
2023
$13,504 (−1.9%)
$200,000 + $962,492
$1,162,492
2022
$13,768 (+17.1%)
$200,000 + $846,832
$1,046,832
2021
$11,757 (+16.2%)
$200,000 + $845,418
$1,045,418
2020
$10,120 (+4.1%)
$200,000 + $690,830
$890,830
2019
$9,722 (+2.6%)
$200,000 + $592,747
$792,747
2018
$9,472 (−0.2%)
$200,000 + $559,333
$759,333
2017
$9,489 (−59.3%)
$200,000 + $537,000
$737,000
2016
$23,332 (+3.9%)
$200,000 + $537,000
$737,000
2015
$22,449 (+0.9%)
$558,152 + $1,304,772
$1,862,924
2014
$22,246 (+26.5%)
$539,000 + $1,260,000
$1,799,000
2013
$17,592 (+5.2%)
$539,000 + $1,260,000
$1,799,000
2012
$16,729 (+13.6%)
$468,180 + $931,678
$1,399,858
2011
$14,727 (−2.2%)
$459,000 + $913,410
$1,372,410
2010
$15,065 (−33.0%)
$360,000 + $851,000
$1,211,000
2009
$22,476 (+7.5%)
$363,000 + $848,000
$1,211,000
2008
$20,912
$546,000 + $1,275,000
$1,821,000
Tax history for 1197 Abrigo Rd
Year
Property tax
Land + Additions
Assessment*
2025
$11,839 (−17.8%)
$250,000 + $747,391
$997,391
2024
$14,403 (+6.7%)
$250,000 + $747,391
$997,391
2023
$13,504 (−1.9%)
$200,000 + $962,492
$1,162,492
2022
$13,768 (+17.1%)
$200,000 + $846,832
$1,046,832
2021
$11,757 (+16.2%)
$200,000 + $845,418
$1,045,418
2020
$10,120 (+4.1%)
$200,000 + $690,830
$890,830
2019
$9,722 (+2.6%)
$200,000 + $592,747
$792,747
2018
$9,472 (−0.2%)
$200,000 + $559,333
$759,333
2017
$9,489 (−59.3%)
$200,000 + $537,000
$737,000
2016
$23,332 (+3.9%)
$200,000 + $537,000
$737,000
2015
$22,449 (+0.9%)
$558,152 + $1,304,772
$1,862,924
2014
$22,246 (+26.5%)
$539,000 + $1,260,000
$1,799,000
2013
$17,592 (+5.2%)
$539,000 + $1,260,000
$1,799,000
2012
$16,729 (+13.6%)
$468,180 + $931,678
$1,399,858
2011
$14,727 (−2.2%)
$459,000 + $913,410
$1,372,410
2010
$15,065 (−33.0%)
$360,000 + $851,000
$1,211,000
2009
$22,476 (+7.5%)
$363,000 + $848,000
$1,211,000
2008
$20,912
$546,000 + $1,275,000
$1,821,000
*Taxable value of land and structures on it ("additions") is determined regularly by local assessors and does not affect market price.
Public record
Public record
Zoning
Permits
Beds
2
Baths
3
Stories
1
Lot width
—
Lot depth
—
Lot size
0.27 Acres
Year renovated
1985
Sq. Ft.
3,711
Year built
1960
Style
Single Family Residential
County
Riverside County
APN
505092007
Parking Spaces
—
Basement
—
Accessible
—
HOA Dues
—
Garage
—
Features
—
Last updated by owner on Aug 7, 2026.
R1C
Single-Family Residential Zone
Established to provide a variety of low-density housing types and neighborhoods. Development standards are designed to provide protection and enhancement of the natural and urban setting consistent with the goals of the general plan.
Permitted uses
Include but are not limited to:
Day care facility
Housing-Single unit
Housing-Other
Jul 19, 2023 • Final
Building (residential) - single family dwelling - additions/alterations
Perform interior remodeling in the master bedroom and guest bedroom. Remove a non-structural, non-load-bearing wall. No other work is included.
Remodel
Jul 19, 2023 • Final
Building (residential) - walls/fences
Construct a block wall using precision blocks according to city standards.
Grading
Permit history is from public records and may be incomplete or inaccurate. Redfin and its agents make no representations about the property condition or permit status. Buyers should independently verify all information.
Property details
Parking
Garage
Attached, Built-In Storage, Direct Entrance, Door Opener, Driveway, 2 Car Garage, Driveway - Pavers, Garage Is Attached, Side By Side, Private
Granite, Linen Closet, Powder Room, Remodeled, Shower and Tub
Kitchen Information
Built-In Gas, Double Oven, Cooktop - Gas, Range Hood
Galley Kitchen, Remodeled, Skylight(s)
Laundry Information
Laundry Area
Additional Rooms
Formal Dining Room
Dining Room
Den
Bar Room, Center Hall, Den, Dressing Area, Entry Room, Formal Entry Room, Living Room, Powder Room, Patio Open, Utility Room, Walk-In Closet, Walk-In Pantry, Master Bedroom, Office, Patio Covered, Dining Room, Den/Office
Interior Features
Bar, Beamed Ceiling(s), Cathedral-Vaulted Ceilings, Built-Ins, Detached/No Common Walls, Drywall Walls, Paneled Walls, Open Floor Plan, Laundry - Closet Stacked, High Ceilings (9 Feet+), Pre-wired for high speed Data
In Dining Area, In Living Room, In Master Bedroom, In Master Retreat, On Patio
# of Fireplaces: 3
Flooring Information
Terrazzo Floors, Carpeted Floors
Equipment
Alarm System, Cable, Built-Ins, Garbage Disposal, Dryer, Ceiling Fan, Refrigerator, Washer, Water Line to Refrigerator, Dishwasher
Cable TV
Heating & Cooling
Ceiling Fan, A/C, Dual Cooling, Central Cooling
Forced Air Heating, Natural Gas Heat
Water Heater Features: Gas
Exterior
Building Information
Total Floors: 1
Ground Level
Detached
Detached/No Common Walls
Faces West
Foundation - Concrete Slab
Exterior Construction: Detached/No Common Walls, Rock, Stucco
Builder's Tract Code: 5920
Builder's Tract Name: Vista Las Palmas
Exterior Features
Roof: Foam
Patio Features: Awning, Concrete Slab, Patio Open
Other Structural Features: Custom Built, High Ceilings (9 Feet+), Energy Efficient, Historical, Slab, Sliding Glass Doors, Sprinkler System
Pool Information
In Ground Pool, Heated And Filtered Pool, Gunite Pool, Pool Heated with Gas, Private Pool
In Ground Spa, Heated with Gas, Private Spa
Property Information
Land Lease Type: Fee
Property Type: Residential Single-Family
Property Condition: Updated/Remodeled
Land Information
Other Structures: None
Lot Information
Lot Size (Sq. Ft.): 11,761
Lot Size (Acres): 0.27
Zoning: R1C
Special Zoning: None
Lot Location: Flats, Corner Lot
Lot Description: Back Yard, Corners Established, Front Yard, Fenced Yard, Landscaped, Lawn, Single Lot, Storm Drains, Street Asphalt, Utilities Underground, Walk Street, Yard, Lot-Level/Flat
Property Features
Block Wall
Sprinkler Timer, Sprinkler System, Side Sprinklers, Rear Sprinklers, Front Sprinklers, Drip Irrigation System
Has View
View: Panoramic, Pool, Mountains
Financial
Assessment Information
Assessor Parcel Number: 505-092-007
Tax Information
No Mello-Roos Tax
Financial Information
Listing Terms: Cash, Cash To New Loan, Conventional
Utilities
Utility Information
Sewer: In Street Paid
Water: District/Public
Water District: Desert Water Agency
Location
Multi-Unit Information
# of Remote Controls: 2
School Information
School District: Palm Springs Unified
Location Information
Directions: From N. Via Monte Vista, head west on Camino del Sur and go to end. Stree veres the the right and becomes Abrigo. Home is on your left at corner of Via Vadera. From Palm Canyon Drive, head west on Via Las Palmas. Cross over N. Via Monte Vista and vere to your right. Follow N. Via Las Palmas to Via Vadera. Home is on corner.
Cross Streets: Via Vadera
Public facts
Beds: 2
Baths: 3.0
Sq. Ft.: 3,711
Stories: 1.0
Lot Size: 0.27 acres
Style: Single Family Residential
Year Built: 1960
Year Renovated: 1985
County: Riverside County
APN: 505092007
Home facts updated by county records on Aug 7, 2026