Southridge Club Launches As Most Exclusive Destination Club In History

By: Destination Club News
Date: July 13, 2009

Officially launched today, the Palm Spring based Southridge Club has been introduced to the market, bringing a new structure to their destination club.

Rather than granting members access to a growing collection of vacation properties across the map, as is the standard for most traditional destination clubs, The Southridge Club will give members simultaneous access to a community of three residences in an upscale Palm Springs neighborhood. "We realize that this a niche, unique membership," says club representative Wolf Worster.

Members will pay $300,000 for a three year right to use membership, effectively creating a membership structure with no refundable membership deposit and dues of $100,000 per year. In return, members will receive 10 nights of annual access to all three of the iconic properties in the famed and gated Southridge Drive community in Palm Springs. Also unlike the majority of other destination clubs, who don't cap their membership, The Southridge Club will only accept 18 members into their elite club.

The Southridge Club property portfolio is anchored by The Elrod House, the residence that gained its acclaim when it was featured in the James Bond film Diamonds are Forever. Designed by John Lautner to serve as Arthur Elrod's "party house," the expansive property incorporates the natural terrain into the structure, with rock walls, staircases, and exteriors capturing the Palm Springs' landscape. Situated to provide panoramic views of Mt. San Gorgonio, Mt. San Jacinto, and the valley below, The Elrod Home spans nearly 9,000 square feet with five bedrooms and five and one half baths.

Next door, members will also be able to access the home previously owned by Hollywood elite Steve McQueen. Not surprisingly known as The Steve McQueen Home, the property still includes the original furniture enjoyed by the "King of Cool." Built in 1964 and designed by Hugh M. Kaptur, The McQueen House reaches almost 4,500 square feet, with four bedrooms and five baths. The two story residence features an in-ground, heated pool, fireplace, central air conditioning, wet bar, and private yard for members and guests to frequent.

Last but not least, The Boat House is named for its unique architectural design, using 24 foot ceilings and glass walls to provide guests spacial accommodations at the property across the street from the fellow Southridge Club properties. Designed for race car driver James Jeffords by Michael P. Johnson, the heated pool magnificently lights the home's exterior at night, inviting members for a late night dip. Like the McQueen House, the 4,400 square foot home also features four bedrooms and five baths.

This unique club design is created ideally for large families looking to travel together or businesses looking to host retreats. Or for celebrities like Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, who were guests at The Elrod House, use the primary property for yourself, and let the rest of the entourage use the other residences.

The Solstice Collection, the leader in the ultra-luxury segment of the destination club industry, filed for bankruptcy earlier in the year, leaving a potential void at the top of the sector, but The Southridge Club will have a tough road in front of them as clubs at all price levels have seen new sales slow during the current market climate. If successful, plans to launch other similar clubs are already in the works, with properties in Austria, France, Greece, Italy, Dubai, Aspen, and Australia already identified.

Joining a new destination club can often present travelers with numerous benefits, including priority access to peak travel dates and preferred pricing. While these can often be attractive promotions, new members must also consider the unproven stature of the club and the security of their contributions to the club. If you would like a list of suggested due diligence questions and more information about the benefits and risks of destination club membership, request a free copy of our Destination Club Guide.