El Rancho Vista Estates is filled with some amazing homes, particularly since we are the home to the largest collection of intact Wexler and Harrison mid century modern homes in the world.
However, we do have some special houses that deserve a little extra attention. Below you’ll find a spotlight on some of our more famous residences and their background, as well as some history on our first Class 1 Historic site designation - The Ratner Residence on Roberto Miguel.
We’re always looking for stories or history about ERVE, so we’d love to hear from former residents, owners or organizations that may have archival material, family memories or background on our beautiful homes. You can email our board via our contact form here.
Noteworthy Homes
The Ratner Residence - Class 1 Historic Site
The Ratner Residence
A Palm Springs
Class 1 Historic Site
The Ratner Residence, located at 1633 Via Roberto Miguel, was built in 1960. In 2024, much to our neighborhood’s delight, the property was officially designated as a Class 1 Historic Site by the City of Palm Springs after extensive research work completed by its owner, Larry Yarchever, with recognition from the Historic Preservation Society Board. The Ratner Residence will feature on the Feature Home Tours on the Modernism Week 2026 program.
The three bedroom, two bath “Bermuda” floor plan home reflects many key features of iconic mid century modern design, including a long gabled roofline with downturned flaps, decorative concrete Shadowal blocks, clerestory windows, and expansive floor to ceiling glass. Although the residence has passed hands over the years since built, it’s managed to retain a large majority of its original plan features, with only a small number of considered updates carried out over the years. As described by Palm Springs Preservation Foundation “the residence is a highly intact contributor and is a prime example of one of their elegant Midcentury Modern designs".
The Ratner Residence stands as a beautiful example of Wexler and Harrison’s refined and elegant approach to modern tract housing design, helping shape Palm Springs’ postwar architectural identity and bringing well deserved recognition to the unique history, design and dedication to preservation in our neighborhood.
Jack LaLanne, the fitness and nutrition pioneer, was one of the first residents to own a home in ERVE where, according to the Los Angeles Times, he occasionally filmed The Jack LaLanne Show. Mr and Mrs LaLanne and their Shepherd “Happy” purchased their home and were reported to have moved in shortly after their residence was completed (per the Desert Sun Archives)
After extensive, considered renovations, this home has been restored to its mid century modern glory thanks to its recent custodians, and is a great example of our “Capri” style floor plan.
This beautiful property located at 1565 Via Roberto Miguel is regularly part of our neighborhood Modernism Week tours.
Jack LaLanne’s Residence
this ERVE property at 1593 Via Roberto Miguel was a Palm Springs residence of one of our neighborhood architects, Richard Harrison. What a great example of our architectural team’s passion for their project, with one of the partnership retaining a property following completion.
While not a Class 1 designated home, this residence is a beautiful example of our neighborhood’s preserved architecture and craftsmanship with a unique historic background.
Richard Harrison’s Residence
The "Barbie House" is located at 3475 East Avenida Fey Norte. For many years, this home was thought to be built for the founder of Mattel, Ruth Mosko Handler. However, after neighborhood research, the house was confirmed to have been designed for Mattel executive, Louis Greenwald Sr., who was a relative of Mosko Handler.
The owners of this property have leaned in to the heritage of their home, with the “Barbie” pink color featuring throughout their interior design and decor.
You can read more about this property and its historic ties to the Mosko Handler family in the article Growing Up Mattel- A Palm Springs Toy Story care of Visit Palm Springs.