For many people, their dream home is just that — a dream. But such homes are definitely in reach for celebrities, who have some serious cash at their disposal. They get to choose houses in the most picturesque locations and with all the amenities they could ever imagine. Take Suzanne Somers, the queen of sitcoms in the '70s and '80s, who made her dream home on a sprawling property perched high up on a mountainside in Palm Springs, California. But now that she's getting older (she's 74), she's looking to downsize, so she just sold the gorgeous desert sanctuary.
According to TopTenRealEstateDeals.com, Suzanne and her husband, Alan Hamel, owned and lived in the home for quite a long time. In fact, they spent nearly all of their 44 years of marriage there. But it seems the couple wanted a residence better tailored to the stage of life they're in now. This means that for the first time in decades, someone else now gets to call their incredible Palm Springs hideaway their home.
Suzanne's property had been on the market a few times before — the original asking price was $35 million back in 2008. When she relisted it in January 2021, she slashed the price to $8.5 million. The home boasts more than 7,200 square feet of living space, as well as five separate buildings on the grounds with 10,000 square feet of pavilions. Basically, it's more of a compound than a home — and it's something that needs to be seen to be believed.
So, it's a good thing we have the photos! Come along on a tour with us and check out the scenic oasis where the iconic Three's Company actress found peace and privacy away from the Hollywood spotlight.
The Approach
Suzanne and Alan's former home is situated right on a hill that overlooks Mesa Canyon. The property spans 28 acres, and given that it's perched on such a steep elevation, there are a lot of roadways to access the home, which is far enough away from the hustle and bustle of the city but still only a two-hour drive to the action of Hollywood if work commitments crop up. The hillside site not only delivers views straight from a landscape painting, but it also offers convenient access to the many trails nearby for hiking and keeping fit.
The Overhead View
In this aerial shot, we get a good look at just how big this property is – including the multiple separate buildings on the lot. There's not a neighbor in sight, meaning a good night's rest won't ever be ruined by someone else's dogs barking or parties that go on too late. This home is built into the mountain for total privacy and million-dollar views.
The Backyard Oasis
One of the many perks of the home is the outdoor spa, perfect for relaxing after a busy day of work or for easing sore muscles after a long hike on those trails. As you soak in the hot tub, you can take in scenery that can't be easy to find anywhere else, and that's another major selling point of this home.
A Private Funicular
Because this home is built on such a steep hill, it can be a challenge to get to on foot — not everyone wants to climb Rocky-style stairs to get to the front door. That's what makes this funicular not only practical — saving guests from making an exhausting trek — but a fun and quirky touch.
The Colorful Living Room
Now, we can be honest here — there is a whole lot of everything going on in this space. There are splashes of zebra print, '70s-style orange velvet furniture, and to top it off (because why not), armchairs in a pea green color we'd only see in our grandparents' home. But hey, at least the floor is functional. It's made from the kind of indoor/outdoor tiles that last a lifetime and go with any color (case in point).
A Private Pool
Million-dollar homes pretty much all come with a pool — especially when the hot climate calls for a place to cool off and exercise at the same time. This particular pool, which features a gorgeous tiled deck, offers a panoramic view of the gorgeous mountains surrounding it. We also can get a peek at the landscaping, which seems focused on serenity, just like inside the home.
Now That's a Dining Room
With its soaring ceiling, chandelier, and grand table, this room is the epitome of formal dining. There's enough space to entertain 32 people — yes 32! The texture all over the walls carries to the ceiling, helping the room feel cozy and intimate, yet spacious. Though the large muntin windows date the home a bit, they also let in a lot of light to brighten things up.
An Elegant Bathroom
If someone is spending millions of dollars on a home, there better be a good bathroom, right? Most of us have enough space to simply do our business — but some of us are lucky to have a lot more, including a second sink. And of course, no celebrity bathroom is complete without a massive soaker tub — and this one is flanked by a large picture window offering a bird's-eye view of the grounds.
The En Suite
Just off the master bedroom is the en suite, featuring a similar decor vibe. There are his-and-her sinks, one on each side of the door — though they have a much more old-fashioned look than some of the super modern and trendy celebrity bathrooms we've seen. But it's all part of the character and charm of this house.
Up on the Hilltop
For a celebrity who wants to have their home away from the spotlight, is there a better place than this? We're guessing no because not only was Suzanne able to keep fans and paparazzi away, thanks to her house's secluded mountain location, but she was able to wake up every day to views to die for, just like this one.
An Outdoor Dining Space
Something that we've all become more appreciative of after the past year is space. There's a certain freedom and luxury to having a private space in which to run, play, sit, or relax — without having to deal with other people. We love this outdoor dining terrace for an al fresco meal, for instance.
Bonus Room
It's hard to tell what room this is. But it's definitely got the same style as the rest of Suzanne's home. There's more focus on textures than color, and there are lots of drapey curtains, antique lighting fixtures, and a very eclectic mix of patterns. We're kind of getting a Queen Elizabeth/Buckingham Palace vibe from it all.
A Quaint Master Bedroom
For the people who like their bedrooms to have a little more personality and who prefer textures and patterns more than bold colors, this master is all of that and more. This one gives us super upscale Airbnb or bed-and-breakfast inn vibes. And when it comes to a sleeping space, you definitely want to feel like you're getting away from it all.
The Gate to the Home
One of the perks of living in this area — and likely why Suzanne and her husband were reluctant to leave — is that it's gated for security. So there's no need to worry about anyone creeping up on the property or disturbing your private oasis. It's the perfect place to spend your retirement years, if you ask us.
The Whole Home
It probably wasn't an easy decision for Suzanne to say goodbye to this desert gem. It's been her home for so long. Thankfully, it's been reported that the couple plan to stay in the area — they're building a smaller home within the same neighborhood, one that will be easier for them to manage (and not require them to contend with so many stairs!). We hope their new home will make them just as happy as their old one.
