Last summer, I wrote a blog post called “What’s in Your Backyard”. It was a story about how many places in Palm Springs I have not visited since moving here nearly 9 1/2 years ago. My goal for the upcoming year is to visit as many places in Palm Springs, and to write about my experiences.

I’ve been living in the Vista Las Palmas neighborhood of Palm Springs for nearly 2 years. Every day when I go to work, I drive by the Welwood Memorial Cemetery. The cemetery is named after Dr. Welwood Murray, the man who built the first hotel in Palm Springs, The Palm Springs Hotel, in 1886. The cemetery is about a 2 acre parcel of land, adjacent to the O’Donnell Golf Course, right below the Matzner hillside estate.

As the first cemetery for non-Indian settlers in Palm Springs, this is the final resting place for many Palm Springs pioneers and visionaries. Deeded to the Palm Springs cemetery district by Welwood Murray’s heirs, it is named in his honor. Erksine Murray, son of Elizabeth and George Murray, was the first buried here in 1894.

It was not until today that I decided to take a look who resides here. It’s not that I have a morbid fascination for cemeteries, it is just that I didn’t realize who was buried here and the stories these people could tell. I go down the walkways, looking at the plaques in the ground. It’s a beautiful afternoon, the sun glistens in the clear blue skies above and a slight breeze rustles the palm trees. I was having a peaceful moment of reflection, reminding myself to live each day to the fullest. Here are the plaques that caught my attention:

Welwood Erskine Murray, died in 1894. He was the first person buried in the Welwood Memorial Cemetery.

Albert Frey, one of the most prolific modernist architects of the 20th century, died in 1998. To learn more about his life, click here.

Charles Farrell, film actor of the ’20’s & ’30’s, died in 1990. Mr Farrell also built the Palm Springs Racquet Club, along with fellow actor, Ralph Bellamy. To learn more about his life, click here.

E. Stewart Williams, the architect who built the Frank Sinatra House in 1946, died in 2005. Mr. Williams designed many of the buildings that still stand today in Palm Springs. Click here for more info.

Nellie Coffman and her husband, Dr. Harry Coffman, opened the Desert Inn Sanitorium in 1909. In 1914, Nellie converted the sanitorium in a hotel, much to the dismay of her husband. They soon divorced after this. Nellie Coffman died in 1950. To learn more about Nellie’s life, click here.

Out of all the plaques and tombstones in the cemetery, these are the ones that touched me most. These two people were not famous people, but they were someone’s wife, daughter, sister. These women mattered to someone. I didn’t know who they were, but for that brief moment I was there, they spoke to me:

I was sad when I came across this plaque. It was a stone that said “Mexican Woman”. No name, no information. Who was this woman? When did she die? How old was she? Where did she come from? I hope she didn’t die alone. I cannot fathom that no one knew this woman. This cemetery was not a Potter’s Field. Everybody matters in this world, and people should not be forgotten.

Alvah Hicks died in 1944. She is buried next to her husband. What impressed me about this stone was the saying that was written on it:

“For the breath of life is in the sunlight, and the hand of life is in the wind”

How prophetic, way to go Alvah!!

The next time you are visiting Palm Springs, make a point to visit the Welwood Memorial Cemetery. This small piece of Palm Springs history is worth looking at. To get here, go west on Alejo Rd. from Downtown Palm Springs, head west towards the mountain. You can’t miss it.

Every city across America has a neighborhood that everyone says it is the most charming neighborhood they have ever seen. Palm Springs is no different in that respect.

One the most established and sought-after neighborhoods in the city of Palm Springs is Old Las Palmas.

The line from the TV show, “Beverly Hillbillies” comes to mind when I drive through this neighborhood everyday: “Swimming Pools, Movie Stars”

Movie directors and entertainers have been making Old Las Palmas their home since the 1940’s. It is an eclectic mix of the Old Hollywood Estates of yesteryear, to the more modern Mid-Century designs. This was and still is, the place to live.

The Old Las Palmas neighborhood is bordered by Alejo Rd to the north, Stevens Rd. to the south, east of Via Monte Vista, and west of N. Palm Canyon Dr. It is in close proximity to Uptown & Downtown Palm Springs.

The neighborhood was home to such celebrities as Liberace, George Hamilton, Donna Reed, Kirk Douglas, to name a few.

Recently, the office of Scott Lyle Realtors acquired the listing of one of the most beautiful homes I have ever seen:

The Elizabeth Taylor Estate- $7.8 Million

Originally built in the 1930’s and now completely renovated, this Spanish Estate features 7 bedrooms, nine and a half baths, impeccable finishes, and over 10,000 square feet of living space.

This magnificent home sits on over one and half acres of lushly landscaped grounds featuring mature palm trees, lavish fountains, a spectacular open-air entertainment pavillion, a breathtaking reflecting pool, and one the very finest pools in Southern California.

The Master Suite has approximately 2000 square feet of luxurious space, the 4 room suite features an original 2-sided fireplace with a Carrera marble hearth, and vaulted ceilings of up to 14′6″.

The Grand Master Bathroom is a sight to behold. A solid honed Carerra marble tub sits majestically under a multi-tiered candelabra chandelier with tear drop crystals.

Exquisite features include an oversized shower with body sprays, rain shower and steam. A crystalline framed fireplace sets the stage for complete and total opulence. The oversized French doors lead to a private patio with a beautiful 9′7″ x 5′ 7″ in-laid tiled spa.

So expansive, yet so private, you will find the property well-suited for grand parties or quiet weekends, formal or family retreats. Whatever you seek in a Palm Springs home, one look and you’ll agree: There is no other home like it.

For more information or to arrange a private showing, contact my broker, Scott Lyle at 760-327-4312. To view more pictures of this stunning home, go to 417WestHermosaPlace.com