By the middle of the 1980s, television host and media mogul Merv Griffin was making retirement plans from his hit talk show, The Merv Griffin Show, which had been on the air for more than 20 years. The success of his production companies, Merv Griffin Enterprise and Merv Griffin Entertainment—responsible for creating the game shows Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune—had made Griffin one of the wealthiest media moguls at that time with a net worth of $300 million.
About the same time, perhaps transitioning into a life of leisure, Griffin purchased a sprawling equestrian compound in La Quinta, California—just outside of Palm Springs. Before his death in 2007, the beloved talk show host selected a portion of his property to be turned into a master-planned equestrian community—aptly named Griffin Ranch.
Covering 242 acres, Griffin Ranch consists of an array of residential offerings as well as a grand, resident clubhouse.
Moving to today, the largest home model on the largest lot in Griffin Ranch is now on the market for $3.2 million.
The 5,667-square-foot home is mainly defined by Spanish-style architecture with a modern flair. The exterior showcases a barrel tile roof, shuttered windows and an arched, wrought-iron gate leading to a sizable courtyard, all with contemporary craftsmanship.
The motif of ornate archways continues into the home’s interior as well as other ornamental touches, including rustic wood built-ins, wall alcoves and vaulted, beamed ceilings. More modern elements can be found throughout like retractable walls of glass, corner windows and an open-concept kitchen.
Transom windows, both interior and exterior, contribute to the desert home’s bright and airy quality.
Highlights include a double-room primary suite with a two-sided fireplace, a grand room complete with a wet bar and formal dining room.
As the largest lot in Griffin Ranch, the property is capable of accommodating a number of desirable amenities. A private putting green and bocce ball court sits on either side of a blue-bottomed pool, spa and vase fountain.
The Griffin Ranch clubhouse offers residents access to a community pool, tennis courts and banquet facilities as well as a Pilates room, billiards room and fitness center.
The listing for 54120 Alysheba Drive is held by Ginny Peacock and Carol Traylor of Newport Beach-based luxury brokerage, EQTY.