Janet Butler
At the base of the San Jacinto Mountains, you’ll find El Portal, a rental villa of 3,000 square feet on a gated, private quarter-acre lot. Its style is modern, with funky details and quirky décor; expanses of glass pivot open to bring indoors and outdoors together with unfettered access to the back yard, saltwater pool, and deck. In the main living area is a great room two stories high, with clerestory windows that bathe the space in light — or can be shaded by remote control. Entertaining is a snap in this friendly space, with its gas fireplace and 70-inch television set; curl up in one of the red armchairs, stretch out on the sofa, or set up party snacks on the dining table in this open-plan layout, and you’ve got instant comfort.
Love to cook? You’ll love the updated kitchen and stainless steel appliances, including a six-burner stove and dual ovens — or, for cooking outside, a gas barbecue. Upstairs, you’ll find a loft-style master suite that overlooks the great room, along with three other “guest quarters” that feature queen-sized beds, ensuite bathrooms, and flat-screen TVs. Sliding doors beckon guests to upper-level balconies, where they can look out on mountains and green. The house is easy driving distance from downtown Palm Springs, for those nights on the town — but you might just choose to stay at home and enjoy the pool, spa, lounge chairs, bistro tables and umbrellas, and a striking gas fire pit instead. Either way, the house is a treat, in a great location, just waiting for a crowd to start the fun.
