When Chris and Jen Baldivid first laid eyes on the Desert White House in Indio, they knew they had stumbled upon something special. “I’ve always been fascinated by this place,” Chris recalls. “But it wasn’t until we bought it that we realized just how significant it was architecturally.”
Built in 1959, this striking home showcases Walter S. White’s innovative hyperbolic-paraboloid roof design. Its bold lines and gravity-defying appearance have made it a local landmark for decades.
The Baldivids approached the renovation with a mix of excitement and reverence. We wanted to honor the original vision while making it livable for today,” Jen explains. Working with designer Sean Gaston, they carefully updated the space, uncovering hidden treasures along the way.
“When we knocked down the wall between the kitchen and living room, it was like the whole house came alive,” Chris says. “The view is just crazy good now.”
One of the home’s most captivating features is its play with light. Jen describes it as “nothing you’ve ever experienced before. The way the light changes throughout the day, it’s like the house has a mood of its own.”
Outside, the couple worked with landscape designer Chris Hermann to create outdoor spaces that complement White’s architecture. “Every detail outside has Chris’s fingerprint on it,” Jen notes proudly.
For the Baldivids, preserving this piece of architectural history was about more than just renovation. “We hope it becomes a centerpiece for Indio,” Chris says. “The city has been incredibly supportive throughout this journey.”
Today, the Desert White House stands as a testament to midcentury innovation and modern luxury. Whether you’re here for a special event or a unique getaway, you’re not just visiting a house – you’re experiencing a piece of design history.
As Jen puts it, “It’s such a peaceful place to be. We’ve created spaces for enjoyment everywhere, inside and out.” We invite you to come and write your own chapter in the ongoing story of this remarkable home.
