Southridge Club
Notes From The Club

"The Southridge Club is a club unlike any other. Located in the beautiful cosmopolitan desert oasis of Palm Springs, California, Southridge is not a destination, residential or fractional club - it's been referred to as an Experience Club. Membership includes private use of three of America's most unique and distinguished estates."

Introduced initially in July of 2009, the invitation only Southridge Club would cater to only the most elite of members. Limited to just 18 members, the club would target "multiple homeowners who likely will be ultra-high net worth individuals or families with at least $30 million in assets."

The ultra-luxury club would be one of the most expensive destination clubs in the history of the industry. Memberships would consist of a three year right to use benefit to the club residences for $300,000.

The high price afforded members three of the most iconic properties in the Palm Springs gated community of Southridge.

From the club's introductory press release:

The club's anchor is the famous and radically designed Elrod house, a home which represents an important and stunning piece of architectural history. This extravagant estate was designed by architect John Lautner as the ultimate party home for the equally famous Arthur Elrod, then the top designer for Hollywood's brightest stars. Daringly designed and incorporated masterfully into the rugged natural surroundings, the Elrod house has received much international acclaim for its architectural significance. It also took its place as a celebrated cultural icon after "starring" in the 1971 James Bond film, Diamonds are Forever. The 9,000 square foot circular estate is set on 23.25 acres and boasts an enormous domed concrete roof that drapes over the spectacular indoor/outdoor pool framed by boulders, five bedrooms and five and a half baths. This airy open-plan residence is anchored around its massive circular living area, which features spectacular 220-degree desert and mountain views along with a signature motorized glass wall.

Next door, the Steve McQueen house is smoothly unassuming at first glance but on closer inspection lives up to its status as the legendary luxury pad for Hollywood's golden "King of Cool". Built in 1968, this unique post and beam four-bedroom, 4,300-square-foot house, was a perfect home base for McQueen, who was reported to have instructed the interior designer Peter Shore to: "Just think of it as my pad, baby, OK? Decorate it as if it belonged to a man, a bachelor". It comes with McQueen's original furniture.

Across the street is The Boat House. 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.

Members could use all three properties concurrently, a total of 13 bedrooms and over 17,000 square feet of living space. Designed for large families and businesses looking to travel in large groups, The Southridge Club quickly found their first member, a US based billionaire.

Soon after the acquisition of their inaugural member, the LA owner of the three residences wanted to move in a different direction. Rather than pursuing the club option, he would elect to sell the three residences.

Signalling the end of The Southridge Club, the club operators remain eager about their club concept and are currently considering the launch of a similar club structure in Europe.

Check back frequently to learn more about any club developments.

With the club's closure, no notes from the club are currently available, but please access the club's quick links found to the right to learn more about The Southridge Club.