The Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway

A Masterpiece of Mid-20th Century Modernism

Shortly after they married, rock 'n roll idol Elvis Presley and his wife Priscilla retreated to this semi-circular home on Ladera Circle in Palm Springs, California. But even before the Presleys arrived, the house had become famous for its architecture.

Designed by the architecture firm Palmer and Krisel, the house was built by the prominent Palm Springs builder Robert Alexander, who lived there with his wife Helen. In 1962, Look magazine featured the Alexanders and their House of Tomorrow.

The Alexanders were tragically killed in a plane crash and in 1966 Elvis Presley rented it to use as a an occasional retreat. Elvis gave the Look Magazine House of Tomorrow some of the same off-beat decor he used at Graceland Mansion, his home in Tennessee. However, Elvis's House of Tomorrow remained true to the modernist ideas of the architects and builder.

Natural Views at the Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway

The Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway - also known as the Look Magazine House of Tomorrow - represented the highest ideals of Desert Modernism. Like many Alexander houses of the mid-20th century, the home was designed for the natural landscape. Expansive windows blurred the boundaries between indoors and out.

Circular Stepping Stones at the Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway

Circular stepping stones lead through a natural landscape to the main entrance of the

where Elvis and Priscilla Presley stayed. This circular theme echos the curved shape of the house.

Massive Front Door at the Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway

The circular theme continues at the main entrance of the Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway in Palm Springs, California. Geometric patterns decorate the massive front door.

Living Area at the Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway

The

House of Tomorrow, or Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway, is composed of a series of round forms rising several levels. The living area is a circular room with curved stone walls and tall windows. Rough "peanut brittle" stone and terrazzo flooring echo the exterior landscape.

Circular Design at the Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway

A 64-foot long couch curves along the stone wall, circling the free-standing gas fireplace in the open living area of the Elvis Honeymoon House. Expansive windows overlook natural scenes and a swimming pool.

Floor-to-Ceiling Windows at the Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway

Floor-to-ceiling windows invite nature into the living room of the Elvis Honeymoon House in Palm Springs, California.

Circular Kitchen at the Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway

The circular themes continue in the kitchen of the Elvis Honeymoon House. Tile counters line the curved wall. A round stove is at the center.

Sunroom at the Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway

Animal print furnishings give an African theme to the sunroom in the Elvis Honeymoon House in Palm Springs, California.

Bedroom at the Elvis Honeymoon Hideaway

A plush pink bed is the focal point of the round bedroom at the Elvis Honeymoon House.

The Honeymoon House - or Look Magazine House of Tomorrow - has now been restored to its mid-1960s glamor. The shag carpeting has been removed, but various Elvis memorabilia is displayed on walls and shelves. Elvis fans and architecture buffs can sign up for guided tours throughout the year.

_{As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary transportation and accommodations for the purpose of researching this destination. While it has not influenced this article, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy.}