The Annenberg Retreat at Sunnylands has hosted some of the biggest names in politics and entertainment—President Reagan, Queen Elizabeth II and Frank Sinatra, to name a few—and for the first time, the public is invited behind the property’s famous pink walls.

Completed in 1966, the estate was the winter home to ambassadors Walter and Leonore Annenberg. Passionate philanthropists, the Annenbergs who envisioned their estate as a place where world leaders could discuss pressing issues facing the nation and the world. Sunnylands continues to hosts high-level retreats for world leaders in politics, education and the arts. Because of the estate’s historical significance, tours will now be available to the public.

The estate consists of the Sunnylands Center & Gardens, where visitors can learn more about the center through films, exhibitions and interactive media stations, the historic Annenberg residence, guest cottages and 200 acres of lush turf.

This tour is a must-see for any architecture buff. You’ll depart from the Center and Garden and cross the greens by golf cart, where you’ll be stunned by the views, wildlife and landscape that surrounds the historic Annenberg residence. The stunning mid-century modern home was designed by A. Quincy Jones and has been perfectly restored to its mid-century roots. Touches of pink—Leonore Annenberg’s favorite color—can be found around every corner. The house tour includes viewing the historical photos of high-profile friends of the Annenbergs in the Memory Room, the original casting of "Eve" by Auguste Rodin in the foyer, and the Annenbergs’ canary yellow bedroom, now permanently reserved for the President should he decide to retreat to the desert’s Camp David.

Art lovers will also be delighted with the collection on display, such as Rodin’s "Eternal Spring". While the estate will offer its first public tours of the estate and house during Modernism Week, this highly-anticipated reveal has been sold out since December. You’ll get your chance in March, though, when the estate opens to the public for guided tours. The first tour tickets will go on sale on Feb. 15th, and visitors are welcome to enjoy the Center and Gardens free of charge.


If you go:
The Annenberg Retreat at Sunnylands
37977 Bob Hope Drive
Rancho Mirage, CA
www.sunnylands.org
Tour tickets - $35

Tickets are available on the 1st and 15th of each month for the following two-week period. While children under the age of 10 are not allowed on estate or house tours, they are welcome to enjoy the Center and Gardens.