Southridge Club
Holiday Access

Limited to just 18 total members, The Southridge Club was to be one of the most exclusive destination clubs in the history of the sector. Members would have 10 nights of annual access to a collection of three of the most famed properties in Palm Springs, California.

Members would have simultaneous use of all three properties when they traveled, totaling 13 bedrooms and 17,000 square feet of living space.

The flagship property of the young destination club was the Elrod House. Resting on over 20 acres, the 9,000 square foot Elrod House was valued at between $25 and $30 million. Designed by architect John Lautner, the mansion would be created to serve as Arthur Elrod's "party house." Utilizing the rugged landscape, the environment is built into the home's design. Due to its unique layout, the home was featured in the 1971 James Bond film Diamonds are Forever, securing its position as one of the most iconic homes in the nation.

Next door, members would have access to the Steve McQueen House. Designed for Hollywood's "King of Cool," Peter Shore served as the home's interior designer and was directed to furnish it as the ultimate bachelor pad. Members would be able to enjoy the original furniture that Shore selected for the residence.

The Boat House across the street is actually a bit of a misnomer. "There is actually nothing remotely nautical about architect Michael P. Johnson's architectural triumph. Well, nothing except the amazing feeling that you're standing on the edge of a huge ship's prow as you peer at the spectacular view offered from the great room, which is framed with massive glass walls and juts dramatically over the valley floor below. The edge-side pool also lends this airy feeling of presiding over an ocean - although in this case the ocean is comprised of twinkling lights from the city below."

The club had several "blackout periods" throughout the year for various reasons, some over holiday periods. These included:

  • August for home maintenance
  • Mid April for the Coachella Music Festival
  • Easter Weekend
  • Thanksgiving Weekend
  • June 13

The club would periodically change these dates but would not exceed 45 black out dates per year. All other dates were available to members, subject to the club's rules and regulations pertaining to reservations.

Before the club was able to see any of these policies put into action, the owner of the three residences elected instead to sell his properties, putting an end to The Southridge Club.

Clubs across the industry have different ways they handle peak period travel times like Christmas and Spring Break. If you travel with school age children or are looking to join a destination club to travel during these popular times, learning more about each club's holiday policies is important to get the most out of your membership. To receive a free list of suggested due diligence questions relating to holiday travel, request a copy of our Destination Club Guide.