Wedding & Corporate Retreat Rental

HISTORIC CREE ESTATE

The property  who was purchased by a San Diego businessman who restored it's magical ambiance but adding a few "modern" touches for convenience.  The grounds can accommodate up to 200 guests but are also appropriate for smaller groups.  There are numerous "event areas" within this lovely property.  The "Wishing Well" lawn is popular for sunset ceremonies where a fabulous view of the San Jacinto Mountains is a highlight of any special moment.  The expansive West Lawn is dotted with fruit and palm trees and offers an intimate setting for receptions and dinner parties.  A permanent dance floor offers a unique setting adjacent to the pool.

One of the previous owners was a famous Palm Springs party giver by the name of "Wally".  It has since been known locally as "Wallyworld".

Raymond Cree managed two successful careers in a lifetime of 92 years:  He was a pioneer realtor in the Palm Springs area, and, for 19 years, an educator.  

Cree was born in Des Moines, IA and died in Riverside, California; the years in between covered a lot of "territory".  His father, John Martin Cree, had come to San Jacinto in 1885, seeking relief from asthma.  John Cree established a brick business and became a prominent citizen.

His son, Raymond, was to become even more prominent, and one of the first indications appeared when Cree attended Chaffey College (then affiliated with USC) where he twice broke the worlds record of 5 1/4 second for the fifty-yard dash in inter-scholastic competitions.

Cree taught in public schools and was Superintendent of Schools for Riverside County for 12 years.  His fourth term was interrupted by military service in France during WWI.  When Cree returned to civilian life, ill health forced his resignation as superintendent and he moved to the desert.

War brought to a close another interest of Cree's.  In 1916 he had begun a movement to create a national park which would include the whole of the upper rim of the Coachella Valley, including the palm canyons adjacent to Palm Springs, a part of Mount San Jacinto, the Salton Sea and what is now Joshua Tree National Monument.  He also hoped for a tramway that would link the valley floor with the top of Mount San Jacinto.

His career as a realtor began in 1915 when he bought 65 acres in Section Twenty Nine and began planting date palms and grapefruit.  Although he sold most of this acreage in small parcels, it is still know as the Old Cree Ranch.

Cree's real estate interest was extensive.  His earliest subdivision was the Vista Santa Rosa tract, a forerunner of many other Palm Springs area developments where he as developer, however, selling agent or all three.  He was proudest of Las Palmas and it was later to become a major settlement for celebrities and movie stars. 

• Welcome to your own private, desert paradise.

  • This beautiful estate sleeps up to 16 guests.

  • There are 6 bedrooms and each guest house also has a sleeper sofa in the living room, a kitchen and a full bath.

  • The formal dining room seats 10 and the step down living room has a cozy fireplace!

  • The interior has been done in authentic Mexican decor, it's as if you stepped into magnificent Hacienda in Mexico.

  • Two fantastic black bottom pools grace the estate, one being one of the largest in the desert, shaped like a lake, it's larger than most hotel pools and features its own swim-up bar!

  • Two Jacuzzis and night lighted tennis court add to the already incredible ambiance of this estate home.

  • Recent clients at the Historic Cree Estate include Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston.