Jerome Factor’s Palm Springs House Lists for $6.8 Million


Almost six decades ago, Jerome Factor commissioned architects Hank Webber and Don Staska to create a home for him in the exclusive Indian Canyons neighborhood of South Palm Springs. The goal, driven by a family history of high-profile kidnappings and mob ties, was to create a fortress-like structure that would provide complete privacy from the outside while showcasing his impressive art collection on the inside, all secured by a closed-circuit camera surveillance system.

Completed in 1969 for the wealthy venture capitalist—son of Prohibition-era Chicago mob associate and Las Vegas casino owner John “Jake the Barber” Factor, who was a half-brother of cosmetic mogul Max Factor—the result is a true study in restraint. Think a windowless, white stucco facade shielded by a 14-foot wall, which gives way to glamorous interiors orchestrated by Chicago-based interior and furniture designer Richard Himmel.

1255 East Via Estrella Factor Residence Palm Springs

A glass-lined living room is anchored by a dramatic black granite fireplace.

Andrew Bramasco

RELATED: Inside Marilyn Monroe’s $3.3 Million Palm Springs Hideaway

After Factor died in the late 1990s at age 84, his family sold the colonnaded desert dwelling to Harold Kapelovitz—owner of the department store chain Desmond’s & Associates—and his wife, Lee. The estate traded hands again in 2017, going to Jamie McFate, a longtime senior executive at Limited Brands, parent of Victoria’s Secret and Bath & Body Works, for about $2.2 million.

After carrying out an extensive renovation of the pool and outdoor environment, McFate and his partner, Nick Bouchard, are now returning the midcentury abode to the market for $6.75 million. The listing is held by Eric Lavey, global director at The Beverly Hills Estates, with an option to purchase the art and furnishings separately.

1255 East Via Estrella Factor Residence Palm Springs

A guest suite is decorated with silver-screened walls.

Andrew Bramasco

Sited on half an acre overlooking the 13th fairway of the Indian Canyons Golf Resort and the San Jacinto Mountains beyond, the gated digs offer three bedrooms and five bathrooms in roughly 5,400 square feet adorned with poured white terrazzo floors and 12-foot ceilings throughout. Also incorporated within the low-slung structure are many of Himmel’s original elements, including snakeskin wallpaper in a closet, a diner-style bar, and reflective silver covering one of the rooms.

Towering aluminum-clad doors open to a lengthy entrance gallery featuring a dazzling display of pop and op art from the original Factor family collection. From there, a spacious living room features a massive black granite fireplace and matching wet bar, along with floor-to-ceiling, bronze-tinted glass walls spilling out to a walled courtyard. A dining area connects via a butler’s pantry to a sky-lit kitchen, which has two refrigerators, a double oven, and a breakfast banquette.

1255 East Via Estrella Factor Residence Palm Springs

Palm and olive trees frame the private pool area.

Andrew Bramasco

RELATED: Cary Grant’s Former Palm Springs Getaway Hits the Market for $12.7 Million

A primary suite secluded in its own wing has blackout privacy screens, a separate sitting room, and dual walk-in closets and bathrooms, plus a shared terrazzo marble steam shower. Two more bedrooms include a silver-screened guest suite in an opposite wing that could easily serve as a media room or an office, plus an en suite bedroom off the kitchen for staff.

Originally designed by landscape architect David Hamilton, the restored grounds are laced with palm trees and sculptures and host a sundeck-encased pool and spa. There’s also an attached garage for two cars and a golf cart off a gleaming black driveway.

Click here for more photos of the Palm Springs home.

Andrew Bramasco





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