Southridge Club
Resignation and Redemption

"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."

Steering away from the norms of the destination club model and other similar luxury vacation alternatives, The Southridge Club would bring their own structure to the shared ownership industry.

Rather than charging a refundable membership deposit to join the club, The Southridge Club would charge annual dues each year of membership with no refundable component to membership.

Further transitioning the model, The Southridge Club would offer just 18 ultra-high net worth members access to three stunning vacation properties in Palm Springs, California. Each of the three residences were in the same neighborhood and members would have concurrent access to all three during their stays.

The three properties were the Elrod House, the Steve McQueen House, and the Boat House, each with their own architectural flair.

The flagship property of the three was the Elrod House, a 9,000 square foot estate situated on over 20 acres. Designed by John Lautner to be Arthur Elrod's "party house," the property would reach cult status in 1971 when it made a memorable appearance in James Bond's Diamonds are Forever.

Next door, the Steve McQueen House offered members a step into the past while maintaining modern conveniences. Built in 1968, the 4,300 square foot mansion was created to serve as McQueen's bachelor pad. For members, the original furniture remained, allowing members to relax just like Hollywood's "King of Cool."

Lastly, the Boat House showcased large glass walls and views of the valley. The edge-side pool and bedrooms both perfect spots to relax.

Luxury comes at a price. Members would pay $100,000 per year for their three year membership in the club.

As the club would have no refundable aspect pertaining to membership, resignation from the club simply did not exist. After the member's three years with the club, they could elect to renew their membership for an additional three years or discontinue their club privileges.

The Southridge Club officially launched in July of 2009 and quickly thereafter acquired their first member, an unnamed US billionaire. Just as the club began to ramp up their marketing efforts, the owner of the three residences elected to move in another direction. Rather than continuing with the club concept, the owner would look to sell the properties.

The club's inaugural member was "more than fairly" compensated for the club's closure acquiring to a club representative.

The team behind The Southridge Club, while disappointed about the owner's change in direction, plan on utilizing a similar model in the future. Please check back frequently to learn more about the status of any of these clubs.

Understanding the resignation and redemption terms are of critical importance when conducting your due diligence regarding a destination club membership, particularly for new clubs just getting started. To receive a list of suggested questions to ask when speaking with a club pertaining to resignation, request a free copy of our Destination Club Guide.