absolutus

Unconditionally finished. A masterpiece from a better time. It was rumored to be the home of an actor from the television show- Hogan’s Heroes. It spread out across the hot valley floor as you drove into Palm Springs. Red tile roof. Guest house. Black wrought iron fencing and huge green palms wrapped the property majestically.

The Palm Springs crew had drained it or maybe it was Salba and friends. I no longer recall the specifics and at this point, it is unimportant. The only thing that matters, is that it was found and drained and liberated from its neglected condition and quickly put to a more useful purpose. Homeless squatters and Meth heads slept around the property in the bushes. They collected bottles, cans, lice and filth. They grinned at us with vacant eyes. Toothless.

The house must have been from the 1940’s. It was a perfect example of early Palm Springs expansion, exclusivity and hubris. The pool was amazing. Pockets of perfection. Transitions unlike any other. A slate top lip designed to humble. We rode the pool into the springtime until the surface peeled off like skin on brown shoulders. Sunshine. Heat. Fun. It is buried and will only live if we recall it. Gone are the exclusive parties that once were the norm on such a property. Gone are the marble fountains that murmured to the homeowner every dawn. Gone are the scents of jasmine and the pride of assured destiny. Absolutus. Thank you to Deville and Samwise for the images. Skate- Ozzie