When Palm Springs Life published a living history feature on Harold Matzner in 2017, the editor had to impose a strict deadline just to cap the overwhelming response from his friends and associates. The flood of tributes made sense. As the CEO of an East Coast shared-mail advertising giant, the New Jersey native had built a towering commercial legacy that overflowed into his adopted hometown of Palm Springs, eventually earning him the nickname “Mr. Palm Springs.”

Upon his death in September 2025 at age 88, the desert city lost a legendary businessman, humanitarian, and powerhouse philanthropist who forever altered the civic landscape. Matzner is famously credited with rescuing the Palm Springs International Film Festival from near collapse in 1999, investing over $12 million of his own money and transforming the event into a star-studded, must-attend stop on the Hollywood awards circuit.

Beyond the festival, he founded the iconic Spencer’s Restaurant in the historic Tennis Club neighborhood—named after his beloved 110-pound Siberian husky—which was a frequent hub for high-profile gatherings. He also donated over $85 million to local charities during his 40 years of residency. His massive imprint was solidified in 2006 when he was honored with a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars, placed right at the base of the statue of his close friend, Sonny Bono.

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In 1986, Matzner shelled out around $4 million for a stucco-clad house designed by architect Laszlo Sandor. Through the years, he tacked on a guesthouse that he used to entertain friends and business partners. He also acquired a neighboring five-bedroom home around 2000 for about $1.2 million, per The Wall Street Journal.

The 1.5-acre retreat has now hit the market at $19.5 million, a potential record for the city, with Eric Lavey of The Beverly Hills Estates handling the listing. True to his spirit, proceeds from the sale will benefit a local charity. The completed spread sits on a private promontory overlooking the Old Las Palmas neighborhood and offers a total of 11 bedrooms and 16 bathrooms across nearly 16,000 square feet, plus two swimming pools and four spas.

Within the 7,650-square-foot primary dwelling, Japanese-inspired interiors showcase flagstone floors, textured plaster walls, and soaring ceilings. A sunken conversation pit and wraparound wet bar anchor the living room, with retractable glass doors spilling out to a terrace ideal for alfresco lounging and entertaining. Elsewhere is a formal dining room and a kitchen sporting a breakfast bar and a walk-in pantry. Other highlights include a gym and a plush primary suite flaunting a stainless-steel fireplace.

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The fully walled, palm tree-laced grounds, set at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains, host the aforementioned pools and spas, along with several multilevel terraces, built-in barbecue stations, and open-air dining pavilions. Rounding it all off are the ancillary structures—a second 6,850-square-foot residence echoing the design aesthetic of the primary dwelling with five bedrooms, plus a separate 1,565-square-foot guesthouse where actress Cate Blanchett stayed in 2016 when she was honored by the film festival for her roles in Carol and Truth.

Born into a financially struggling family, Matzner helped support his parents by delivering newspapers and selling dog food door-to-door. He initially dreamed of becoming a sports writer, but after apprenticing as a copyboy at the New York World-Telegram, his dyslexia forced a career change. Turning to his strengths as a natural salesman, he entered advertising and pioneered the concept of free weekly advertising newspapers. That breakthrough evolved into CBA Industries.

Click here for more photos of the Palm Springs residence.