Bing Crosby's Former Palm Desert California Home Relists After $3 Million Face-Lift — Asking $13.5 Million

One of Hollywood's most storied celebrity estates is back on the market. Bing Crosby's former Palm Desert retreat — a sprawling 2.53-acre Coachella Valley compound within the exclusive Ironwood Country Club community — has been listed for $13.5 million following a comprehensive, down-to-the-studs renovation that current owners Randall and Julia Burt have spent eight years and more than $3 million completing — a renovation sum that actually exceeded their original 2012 purchase price of approximately $3 million, according to The Wall Street Journal, which first reported the listing. The result is a meticulously restored hacienda-style compound that honours Crosby's Hollywood Golden Age legacy while delivering every modern luxury a discerning buyer could require.

The Property: A Compound Fit for a Legend

Located within the exclusive Ironwood Country Club, the property spans 2.53 acres. It now contains a main house that features five bedrooms and seven bathrooms, plus three casitas — for a total of 6,100 square feet of living space. Modern updates include solar panels. The interiors are described as exuding "timeless sophistication, with meticulous attention to detail evident throughout — a seamless blend of modern amenities and classic charm creating an inviting ambiance in every corner."

The main unit comprises over 6,000 square feet of living space with ample windows flooding the interior with golden California sunshine while providing inspiring views. Exotic earth-tone tile paves the floorplan, creating a parallel to the rustic exposed beams. Multiple fireplaces pepper the residence, offering invitations for comfort and recreation at every turn. A dedicated wine room separated by glass promises to fuel those moments of recreation.

For authoritative luxury real estate market analysis on Palm Desert and the broader Coachella Valley market, Robb Report's full Bing Crosby estate coverage — one of the most detailed published walk-throughs of the property — provides the complete interior and exterior photo tour alongside expert market commentary.

The Outdoor Amenities: Resort-Style Living in the Desert

One of the main highlights of the home is the beautifully landscaped backyard, which boasts palm trees in every direction, a large open grassy area, and a sizable swimming pool with a hot tub attached. The pool area is surrounded by lounge chairs. The grounds also house a lighted tennis court and bocce ball court — making it the perfect place to entertain guests.

The fireside living room has a wall of retractable glass doors spilling out to an entertaining terrace. The estate also features views of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto mountains. The mosaic-tiled pool and spa surrounded by a grassy lawn and sundecks complete a backyard that feels more like a private resort than a residential property — entirely consistent with Crosby's well-documented love of entertaining on a grand scale.

The Kennedy Suite: Hollywood History Built Into the Walls

What makes this estate genuinely exceptional — even by Palm Desert celebrity home standards — is its documented place in American cultural and political history. This particular residence was built in the mid-1950s and has been touted as the site of an alleged tryst between President John F. Kennedy and Marilyn Monroe in the 1960s.

Of particular interest is the 1,400-square-foot primary suite, which Crosby called "The Kennedy Suite" after JFK and Marilyn Monroe allegedly spent a weekend there together, according to TopTenRealEstateDeals.com. Whether the historical account is accepted as fact or appreciated as legend, the Kennedy Suite is indisputably the most talked-about room in the property — and a feature that no comparable Palm Desert listing can replicate at any price.

The $3 Million Renovation: Eight Years of Restoration Work

The Burts gave the place a significant rehabilitation and renovation — a job that took about eight years and cost more than the price of the property, according to the Journal. Last purchased in 2012 for around $3 million by retired healthcare executive Randall Burt and his attorney wife Julia, the place has since been fully renovated in keeping with its legacy and heritage per the listing, which is held by Susan Canavan and Deirdre Coit of Canavan Coit & Associates at Compass.

The couple said they want to sell the property as part of their personal downsizing programme. The renovation philosophy was clearly one of authentic restoration rather than modernisation — preserving the original Spanish-style architectural character, exposed beams, and desert aesthetic while upgrading every system, fixture, and finish to contemporary luxury standards.

About Bing Crosby: The Legend Behind the Legacy

Though Bing Crosby passed away in October 1977 at age 73, the legendary star's legacy lives on. Crosby recorded more than 300 million-plus records and starred in over 50 films throughout his lengthy career. Crosby, a popular singer and comedian from the 1920s to the 1970s, recorded more than 1,600 songs — including the hits "Swinging on a Star" and "White Christmas." His Academy Award for the 1944 film "Going My Way" remains one of the most celebrated in Hollywood history. The Palm Desert property was one of several California desert retreats that Crosby maintained during his lifetime — each reflecting his preference for relaxed, sun-drenched California living away from the Hollywood glare.

Market Context: One of the Priciest Coachella Valley Sales in Years

A sale at the asking price would be among the priciest in the Palm Springs market in recent years — slightly ahead of the $13.1 million fetched by a Palm Springs home designed by Richard Neutra. The house also has revenue potential — the Burts have occasionally rented it out for commercial shoots, which can command significant fees for short-term uses. The Palm Springs market has a history as a popular short-term vacation rental destination.

Key Facts at a Glance

  • Property: Bing Crosby's Former Palm Desert Estate
  • Location: Ironwood Country Club, Palm Desert, Coachella Valley, California (~15 miles from Palm Springs)
  • Asking Price: $13.5 million
  • Original Purchase Price (2012): ~$3 million
  • Renovation Cost: More than $3 million (exceeding original purchase price)
  • Renovation Duration: ~8 years
  • Built: Mid-1950s (originally)
  • Total Land: 2.53 acres (gated)
  • Total Living Space: 6,100 sq ft
  • Main House: 5 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms
  • Additional Structures: 3 guest casitas
  • Kennedy Suite: 1,400 sq ft primary suite (site of alleged JFK-Marilyn Monroe tryst, 1962)
  • Pool: Mosaic-tiled pool and spa
  • Sports Facilities: Lighted tennis court, bocce ball court
  • Modern Upgrades: Solar panels, retractable glass walls, glass wine cellar
  • Views: Santa Rosa and Santa Jacinto mountains
  • Listing Agents: Susan Canavan and Deirdre Coit, Canavan Coit & Associates at Compass
  • Current Owners: Randall Burt (retired healthcare exec) and Julia Burt (attorney)
  • Reason for Sale: Personal downsizing
  • Commercial Rental History: Film and photo shoots (significant short-term revenue)
  • First Reported By: The Wall Street Journal

Conclusion

Bing Crosby's former Palm Desert estate represents one of the most compelling convergences of Hollywood history, architectural heritage, and modern luxury renovation currently available in the California luxury real estate market. The Burts' decision to invest more than $3 million in an eight-year restoration — spending more on the renovation than the original purchase price — has produced a property that is simultaneously historically significant, architecturally immaculate, and resort-luxurious in its outdoor amenities.

At $13.5 million, the listing is positioned to set a new price record for the Palm Desert luxury market — and for a buyer who values both the bragging rights of the Kennedy Suite's storied history and the practical pleasure of a 2.53-acre gated compound within Ironwood Country Club, the pricing is arguably justified. Whether you are a Bing Crosby devotee, a Hollywood history enthusiast, or simply a discerning luxury buyer seeking a one-of-a-kind Coachella Valley compound, this property is unlikely to be matched by anything else currently available in the market. Follow the latest California celebrity real estate news from Robb Report Celebrity Homes, The Real Deal Los Angeles, and The Wall Street Journal Real Estate for the latest luxury market updates.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only. Property details, pricing, and availability are subject to change. Please contact the listing agent directly for the most current information.