Palm Springs has long been linked to the glamorous lifestyle of the “Rat Pack,” with Frank Sinatra’s Twin Palms estate acting as a centerpiece. Celebrities flocked to this mid-century playground, but when they wanted privacy, they veered off to the hidden gem of Yucca Valley, an hour away.
Justin Merino, president of the Morongo Basin Historical Museum, shared that Yucca Valley was quiet and less populated back then. This made it the ideal place for Sinatra and his friends to escape the Hollywood spotlight. “They would come out here for parties, away from the hustle and bustle,” Merino explained.
The retreat was often linked to Jimmy Van Heusen, a songwriter and Sinatra’s close friend. He embraced the desert’s charm after finding relief for his asthma there. “The dry breezes were a game-changer for him,” said Jim Burns, director of a documentary about Van Heusen.
Van Heusen acquired a mountaintop property, nicknamed Rattlesnake Ranch, which became a hotspot for secret gatherings. With a helipad for discreet arrivals and stunning views, it was the perfect getaway for Hollywood’s elite. According to historians, the ranch was known for indulgent parties and even hosted Sinatra’s honeymoon with Mia Farrow nearby.
In 1964, a newspaper featured a peek into Van Heusen’s lavish lifestyle at the ranch. Guests mingled around a circular tile bar, surrounded by sweeping views. But behind the glamour, there were stories of excess. George Jacobs, Sinatra’s former valet, described the ranch as “all sex, all the time.” He noted that Van Heusen aimed to keep Sinatra’s spirits high after his split from Ava Gardner, often hosting numerous female guests.
The high desert offered a quiet escape from Hollywood’s strict moral expectations. In 1966, Sinatra chose a private five-bedroom home, Artanis Villa, for his honeymoon. Local authorities were informed of his stay, ensuring that the couple could enjoy their time away from the public eye.
Even when they ventured out, they found refuge at the Copper Room, a nearby restaurant once the favorite hangout for celebrities. “Sinatra held events here,” co-owner Mike French recalled, adding that the spot has been revived to honor its mid-century legacy. Today, Sinatra’s granddaughter performs there, keeping the family connection alive.
Despite its importance, much of this rich history remains anecdotal. “There’s not a lot of documented evidence,” French pointed out. Yet, the allure of this secretive past persists. Van Heusen was so influential that in 1967, he was crowned the unofficial mayor of Yucca Valley, a testament to his feelings about the area.
Today, Rattlesnake Ranch is undergoing renovations, with plans to offer it as a vacation rental. Its mystique as a sanctuary for the Rat Pack is being reimagined for a new generation. Jimmy Van Heusen’s legacy continues to captivate, as noted in his obituary, with lyricist Sammy Cahn once saying, “When people ask me who’s the most fascinating character I ever met, I always say Jimmy Van Heusen.”
For more on the Rat Pack’s history and its impact, explore sources like SFGate or The Desert Sun. They delve into the stories that shaped this unique slice of American culture.
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