Southridge Club

Quite possibly the most exclusive destination club in the history of the sector, Southridge Club limited their membership to an ultra-affluent 18 members. Focused in the Palm Springs area, Southridge Club members would have access to three storied residences for ten days annually.

Contrary to the classic destination club model where the club continually adds new residences to the club's collection of vacation properties, Southrige Club's property list was already finalized with three famed Californian mansions.

The three properties were all located in Palm Springs, California, all in the same neighborhood. The club's hallmark property is the Elrod House.

Designed by John Lautner, the five bedroom, five and one half bath estate was created to be Arthur Elrod's "party home." Incorporating the rugged natural terrain into it's design, the Elrod House became a cultural icon when it was featured in the 1971 James Bond film Diamonds are Forever. While the property doesn't feature Bambi and Thumper, two of the film's villians, it is set on over 20 acres with nearly 9,000 square feet of living space.

Next door is the Steve McQueen House. The 1968 home features four bedroom and five baths across its 4,300 square foot layout. While maintaining the ultra-modern design and appointments of the Elrod House, the Steve McQueen House still has McQueen's original furniture for members to enjoy.

Across the street is The Boat House, a 4,400 square foot home with five bedrooms and five and one half baths. The master bedroom even features a special skylight that opens for members who look to sleep beneath the stars after a day of swimming in the pool.

Southridge Club members would have access to all three properties concurrently, providing exemplary accommodations for large extended family get togethers and corporate retreats.

Taking the up front membership deposit out of the equation, Southridge Club members would pay $100,000 per year for three years of access to the club's properties.

Southridge Club planned to invite just 18 ultra high net worth individuals to join their club, and quickly acquired the club's first member, an unnamed US billionaire.

In November of 2009, the unnamed owner of the three properties elected to discontinue the club component and put all three properties up for sale. According to club representatives, the club's sole member was accommodated "more than fairly."

Despite the closure of The Southridge Club, the parties behind the club concept are planning similar ventures, particularly in Europe. Please check back soon to learn more about any of these new clubs.

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