Sunnylands Rancho Mirage
Description
The estate is known for its mid-century modern architecture and is often referred to as the "Camp David of the West" due to its use as a venue for high-level government meetings and diplomatic summits.
The Sunnylands estate features a 9,200-square-foot residence designed by architects A. Quincy Jones and Frederick E. Emmons, as well as a number of outdoor amenities including a golf course, tennis courts, swimming pool, and gardens. The property is surrounded by extensive grounds, which include a lake, walking trails, and a cactus garden.
In addition to serving as a private residence, Sunnylands has played host to a number of notable events and visitors over the years. It has been used as a venue for meetings between U.S. presidents and foreign leaders, including President Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping, and has hosted a variety of cultural and educational events such as art exhibitions and conferences. The estate is now operated as a public foundation and is open to visitors for tours, events, and educational programs.
What Can You Do Here?
Visitors to Sunnylands can learn about the history of the estate and its role as a venue for high-level government meetings and diplomatic summits. The museum offers a variety of educational exhibits and programs that provide insights into the lives of Ambassador Walter Annenberg and his wife, Leonore, and the mid-century modern architecture of the property.
In addition to touring the main residence and grounds, visitors to Sunnylands can participate in a number of educational programs and events, including lectures, workshops, and guided tours. These programs offer the opportunity to learn more about a variety of subjects, such as the history of the Coachella Valley, the art and design of the mid-century modern movement, and the role of Sunnylands in international relations.
Overall, a visit to Sunnylands can provide a unique and informative learning experience for those interested in history, architecture, diplomacy, and the arts.
Who Is Walter Anneberg?
Walter Annenberg was a prominent American businessman, investor, and philanthropist. He was born in 1908 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Annenberg's father, Moses Annenberg, was a successful newspaper publisher, and Walter followed in his footsteps by becoming involved in the media industry at a young age. He worked for his father's company, the Philadelphia Inquirer, and later became the owner and publisher of several magazines, including TV Guide and the Daily Racing Form.
Annenberg was also a successful investor and made a fortune through his investments in real estate, stocks, and other businesses. In addition to his business pursuits, Annenberg was known for his philanthropy and his support for various educational and cultural institutions. He established the Annenberg Foundation, which provides funding for education, the arts, and other charitable causes, and he donated millions of dollars to a variety of institutions, including the University of Pennsylvania, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Aspen Institute.
Annenberg also served as the United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom from 1969 to 1974. During his time as ambassador, he worked to strengthen the relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom and played a role in the negotiations that led to the U.S.-British Trade Agreement.
Throughout his life, Annenberg was recognized for his philanthropic efforts and his contributions to education and the arts. In 1993, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President George H. W. Bush in recognition of his service to the country and his charitable work. Walter Annenberg passed away in 2002 at the age of 94.