sparrows lodge palm springs – Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION.

Here’s another hidden gem I came across while out riding my bike. I’ve seen the sign many times and now I’ve gone beyond the simple hand painted sign into what is a completely restored 1950’s style modern rustic retreat. It’s warm, it’s simple and it’s very inviting.

History of the Lodge:

Originally built as Castle’s Red Barn in 1952 by MGM actor Don Castle and his wife Zetta, it was one of the original resort getaways for Hollywood elite. Legend has it that iconic actress Elizabeth Montgomery (Bewitched) had her first marriage at the Red Barn. The property has also had incarnations as Catalina Palms, El Rancho Lodge and now Sparrows Lodge. The Lodge was fully restored in 2013 and many of the original buildings are still in use with modern updates retaining the charm of the original Red Barn.

**The original Red Barn** with kitchen exposed. Photo: d. king

The lodge has a communal barn, outdoor fire pit and vegetable garden, accented by a collection of fine art including works by Ruscha, Kelly, Katz & Baldessari. The 20 rooms feature exposed beam ceilings, russet red walls, concrete floors with inlaid pebbles and butterfly chairs. Swiss army blankets top plush mattresses, and instead of closets you’ll find a metal footlocker along with hooks and hangers. Bathrooms feature rain showers, and many include horse troughs as bathtubs. Most rooms have private patios. All rooms have AC/Heat and ceiling fans. With no televisions or phones in the rooms, there is an environment of ease and simplicity.

The Barn Kitchen

The kitchen is open daily for lunch from 11am – 6pm, serving delicious sandwiches, salads and small bites.

On “Chicken” Wednesdays and “Steak” Saturdays, the kitchen serves a family style supper for a select number of guests. The menu changes for each dinner. No substitutions or alterations. Reservations are required.

Chef Gabriel Woo has received accolades from the Wall Street Journal to Conde Nast Traveller. He was recently invited to cook at the James Beard House in 2019.

The bar remains open until 11pm everyday, serving a selection of microbrews, wine, champagne, specialty drinks and sodas. In the evening, gather around the fire-pit and meet new friends.