Marilyn Monroe’s Former Palm Springs Home For Sale
Yes, the iconic midcentury modern home in Palm Springs long marketed as Marilyn Monroe’s “Doll House” is currently for sale at $3.3 million.
The property at 1326 N. Rose Avenue sits in the highly sought-after Vista Las Palmas neighborhood on an elevated 13,939 sq ft lot with sweeping San Jacinto Mountain views. Designed in 1961 by prominent desert modernist architect Charles Du Bois and built by the Alexander Construction Company, this single-level residence measures 2,978 sq ft with 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms.
It’s celebrated for its clean lines, post-and-beam construction, vaulted ceilings, and walls of glass that create seamless indoor-outdoor living. Thoughtful updates preserve original details like colorful mosaic-tiled bathrooms, a sculptural fireplace, and a semi-circular bar in the dining area.
Signature touches include the playful pink mailbox beside staggered stone steps leading to ebony double doors and a skylit entry. Beyond wrought-iron gates lies a graveled courtyard. The open-concept living spaces flow to alfresco patios, while the hedged backyard features a private pool, spillover spa, sundeck, and fire-pit conversation area—all framed by palm trees and mountain backdrops.
The kitchen blends blue-and-white cabinetry with a high-end Wolf range, and the primary suite offers a blue-mosaic bath with dual vanities and a sunken tub/shower combo overlooking the garden. Multiple entertaining zones make it ideal for the classic Palm Springs lifestyle.
Marilyn Monroe connection — The home is heavily promoted as her former hideaway (she died in 1962, just a year after it was built), tying into Hollywood glamour and Palm Springs’ celebrity history. Listing materials and many outlets highlight it as a tangible link to her legacy. However, earlier reporting (including a 2016 Desert Sun investigation) notes that direct ownership or residency remains unconfirmed or largely mythical—propagated for tourism but lacking solid public records or eyewitness verification from the era. Regardless, the cultural provenance adds undeniable star power.
The home last sold around 2020 for about $1.6 million. It briefly listed in late 2025 for ~$2.8 million before being pulled and now relaunched at the current price. It’s listed by David Emerson of Coldwell Banker Realty (contact: (760) 220-8210 or david.emerson@cbrealty.com). Full details and dozens of photos are on the Coldwell Banker site.
This rare offering blends architecturally significant midcentury design, privacy, and proximity to downtown Palm Springs dining/shopping—perfect for fans of old Hollywood or desert modern living. If you’re in the market (or just curious), it’s a slice of Palm Springs lore you can actually own.
