Architectural Masterpiece in Thunderbird Heights. Set high above the desert floor, behind the gates of coveted Thunderbird Heights, this rare modern estate is a study in vision, privacy, and timeless design. Conceived by architects Ira Johnson, AIA, and George Ritter, AIA--proteges of modernist icon William Cody--the residence is a masterful 1970s reinterpretation of Cody's desert modernism, executed with precision and restraint. Spanning approximately 4,700 square feet, the home is defined by steel-beam trusses, expansive walls of glass, and luminous white mud brick--an architectural language that feels both grounded and ethereal. Thoughtfully composed sight lines frame sweeping 360-degree panoramas, from the Santa Rosa Mountains to the desert valley and city lights beyond. Each bedroom suite enjoys its own immersive view, creating a deeply private, resort-like experience. At the heart of the home, an expansive open living space unfolds beneath soaring ceilings, where floor-to-ceiling glass dissolves the boundary between indoors and out. Light, landscape, and architecture converge in a serene, almost meditative flow--equal parts gallery and sanctuary. Set on over half an acre, the grounds are lush, mature, and impeccably curated, offering a quiet counterpoint to the dramatic elevation and views. This is not simply a residence--it is a private compound, designed for those who understand architecture as art. A rare opportunity to acquire a singular work of desert modernism--elevated, authentic, and quietly iconic.
70149 Sonora is a Residential Single Family Residence property located in Rancho Mirage, California, featuring a 0.680 acre lot, 4,693 sqft, 4 bedrooms, 4.75 full baths, MLS #219140950DA.
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Data last modified: 2026-01-08 12:14:28