When Philip and Geda Condit decided to design a property
at The Reserve — an exclusive residential golf community in Indian Wells , Calif .— they turned to Palm Desert-based architect Kristi Hanson to bring their unique vision to life . After buying the plans for a single-family home designed by Hanson , the couple worked with her to modify the blueprint to suit their needs . “ We collaborated with Kristi on the layout , but we actually did the interior design ourselves ,” says Geda . The project took just under three years to complete , and the finished result is a 14,000-square-foot Mediterranean masterpiece set against a picturesque backdrop of jagged mountains and a verdant golf course .
Outfitted with five bedrooms and nine baths , the property was designed to effortlessly accommodate the couple ’ s children , grandchildren , and extended family members . “ We wanted it to be both fun and functional ,” says Geda . “ The idea was that the kids could come in here and feel like they ’ re at home , not in a museum . We wanted people to feel like they could walk in and kick off their shoes ....”
To accomplish this , the couple turned the entire downstairs portion of the home into a family friendly hideaway . Envisioned as a town square , the downstairs digs include a barber pole , a stained-glass church front , and a lamppost from Ginger Roger ’ s home . One of the most original — and popular — features is the fully operational restored ice cream parlor and soda fountain .
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