Sunnylands: When Money Was No Object to the Annenbergs
- Steve
- May 2, 2022
- 7 min read
The Remarkable Legacy of Walter and Leonore Annenberg
Nestled in the landscapes of Rancho Mirage, California, lies the magnificent Sunnylands estate, a place steeped in history, philanthropy, and cultural richness. At the heart of this oasis is the story of Walter and Leonore Annenberg, whose fame and fortune turned Sunnylands into a mecca for entertaining the movers and shakers of the world, and whose foundation championed the arts, education and global communication.
Building a Publishing Empire
Leonore Cohn, or Lee as her close friends called her, met Walter Annenberg at a party Florida in 1950 and they wed the following year. It was Lee's third marriage and Walter's second. Despite their previous track record, they were married for over 50 years until Walter passed away in 2002. She was not actively involved in the business but she led a life of philanthropy and was an ardent supporter of the arts.
Walter Annenberg achieved notable success in his business endeavors in the 1940s by inheriting and significantly expanding the family publishing business after his father's passing. One of his most famous ventures was the launch of TV Guide in 1953. This first of its kind national magazine provided local television program listings information as well as entertainment and television-related news. For most Americans, TV Guide was a template for planning your TV-watching for the entire week. It quickly became a household staple and by the 1960s became the most read and circulated magazine in the United States. During the 1970s, TV Guide was making profits in the range of $600,000 to $1,000,000 per week.
In 1988, Walter sold his publishing business to Australian publishing magnate Rupert Murdoch for $3 billion making it the biggest media deal of that period. Annenberg recognized that new technologies and changing consumer preferences posed serious challenges to traditional print media and the time was right to sell his media assets while they were still highly profitable and in demand. In addition, he and Lee wanted to focus on philanthropic endeavors and build their lasting legacy.
Sunnylands: Love at First Sight Even Though It's Pink
Despite owning several homes in Palm Beach, New York City and Philadelphia the Annenbergs fell in love with the privacy offered by the desert neighborhoods of the Coachella Valley in Southern California. Sensing the area’s enormous potential for development, Walter Annenberg began acquiring land in the area as an investment. Then in 1963, he bought a 197-acre parcel in an undeveloped section of the Coachella Valley known as Rancho Mirage for $899,500. Walter and Lee's vision was to transform the barren desert landscape into a luxurious winter retreat. He would call this home Sunnylands, naming it after his parents' 5,000-acre summer retreat in Pennsylvania's Pocono Mountains.
Construction on the Sunnylands estate began in 1963 under the direct of architect A. Quincy Jones and landscape architect James Rosen. Jones designed the centerpiece, a 25,000-square-foot midcentury modern house known for its pyramidal pink roof.
Why a pink roof and exterior? It was chosen by Lee to echo the color of the nearby mountains at sunrise and sunset. Originally, the roof tiles needed to be repainted every 5 years. However, during recent renovations, the Sunnylands trust chose to re-cover the roof in pigmented pink tiles similar in appearance to the original ones, eliminating the need to repaint the 8,000 roof tiles.
In 1964, the main residence was constructed for about $1.1 million, while the cost to develop the entire estate was around $6.4 million. When adjusted for inflation, this amount translates to $64.1 million in present-day US dollars. In contrast, Hollywood celebrities of that era were paying 'astronomical prices' exceeding $150,000 for their homes in Palm Springs. It is clear money was no object for the Annenbergs.
In addition to the main house, the estate also features multiple guest cottages, a private 9-hole golf course, expansive gardens, and 11 man-made lakes. We were lucky to secure tickets for a guided tour of the grounds since the entire property is hidden from public view by hundreds of trees that line the perimeter and a bright pink wall that was added in 1995 to replace dying pink oleanders that were initially planted for privacy.
Rosen's successfully executed the Annenberg's vision of creating a lush desert oasis with grassy hills, colorful gardens, and tree-lined paths stretching into the desert.
One of Lee's favorite spots was the Rose Garden which still grows varieties cultivated by the Annenbergs and named for their powerful female friends
To instill a feeling of peace and tranquility for the Annenbergs and their guests, Rosen incorporated water elements and the soothing sound of flowing water throughout the property. From the 20-foot fountain replica of an ancient Mexican column, to the man-made lakes including one with cascading waterfalls that encircles the rear of the house; water is everywhere.
Sunnylands: Taking Center Stage While Sunnylands served as their winter retreat, Walter and Lee always envisioned their home as a private retreat for presidents, heads of state, royals, dignitaries and thought leaders to gather for summit meetings and retreats in a relaxed setting. It didn't tale long for Sunnylands to emerge on the world stage. During the Annenbergs' lifetime, seven US Presidents - Eisenhower, Nixon, Ford, Reagan, Clinton, George HW Bush, and George W Bush spent time at Sunnylands.
But the estate was more than a gathering spot for world leaders, it was the ultimate social playground. The New Year’s Eve party, hosted by Walter and Lee, was among the most anticipated social events of the year and were known for their exclusivity and intimate atmosphere. Typically, around 100 to 150 guests consisting of influential personalities from politics, entertainment, business, and the arts, received invitations to attend.
Among the most memorable events that took place at the estate during their lifetime was the 1976 wedding of Frank Sinatra and Barbara Marx.
The 1980 New Year's Eve party in honor of President-elect Ronald Reagan.
The 1983 luncheon in honor of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.
The 1990 dinner hosted by President George Bush for Japanese Prime Minister Kaifu.
Unfortunately, neither of the Annenbergs was alive to witness President Obama's multiple visits to Sunnylands, but they would have relished at the notion that once again Sunnylands was considered 'Camp David of the West'. In 2013, President Obama hosted a state dinner for President Xi Jinping of China. Obama believed the estate provided a unique 'casual' environment where he could meet with world leaders to discuss global issues far from the media glare and diplomatic protocols that come with an official visit to the White House. He followed up the Xi meeting with a weekend retreat with Jordan’s King Abdullah II in 2014.
Sunnylands: Philanthropy and a Lasting Legacy
By the 1980s the Annenbergs turned almost full time to philanthropy. Their plans for this phase of their life were as meticulously detailed as their 1960s plans for Sunnylands.
Established in 1989, 'The Annenberg Foundation' was funded with $1.2 billion from the sale of their publishing empire. For more information about the Foundation and its projects, please visit the Annenberg Foundation Mission.
On March 12, 1991, The New York Times headline read, 'Annenberg Picks Met for $1 Billion Gift'. After an extensive and competitive vetting process, Walter pledged his personal collection of 53 Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces, including pieces by Manet, Monet, Renoir, Cézanne, Van Gogh, Gauguin, and Picasso, to the Metropolitan Museum of Art
In 2001, Walter and Leonore Annenberg aimed to secure their legacy by transforming their estate into a place where upcoming leaders could tackle significant global issues. They established 'The Annenberg Foundation Trust at Sunnylands'. Through a Declaration of Trust, Sunnylands was designated as a meeting ground for prominent figures in the U.S. government, including the President, Secretary of State, Supreme Court justices, and bipartisan Congressional leaders. Additionally, influential individuals from various fields like higher education, science, philanthropy, and the arts were encouraged to engage with their international peers at Sunnylands. For more information about the Trust and its projects, please visit Sunnylands.org
Sunnylands: What's Behind the Pink Walls
The Annenbergs directed the Trust to create a program enabling the public to discover the beauty and historical significance of Sunnylands. The Sunnylands Center and Gardens opened to the public in 2012, offering visitors a chance to explore the Annenberg family's world through the 15,000-square foot exhibition pavilion and 9-acres of gardens. Upon entering the Center, visitors are greeted with a stunning view of the San Jacinto Mountains. The landscape architects referred to this as 'the reveal,' where the mountains would emerge above the grand lawn, showcasing why the Annenbergs selected this area for their estate.
Various events, such as concerts and weekly yoga sessions, take place on the grand lawn that extends beyond the building.
Over one mile of tree-lined trails lead to sustainable and native desert gardens that surround the Center.
During one of our visits, the palo verde were in full bloom with bright yellow flowers covering the trees.
Over 53,000 desert plants were used to create the gardens.
Over 2000 desert agave
Mitre Aloe
Barrel Cactus
The Smooth Agave sends up a thick, branching stalk that blooms bright yellow and then forms bulbils (small, fully formed plants), which can be replanted. Smooth Agave does not exist in the wild
Medicinal aloe is particularly striking from January through spring when it blooms in mass. Tall bayonets of yellow flowers create a frenzy of pollinator competition as bees and hummingbirds dodge each other to visit each bloom.
The design of twin reflecting basins aims to maximize the production of sound, a concept that originates from Rosen's incorporation of moving water as a central theme at Sunnylands.
Even though Walter and Lee did not live long enough to witness the opening of Sunnylands Center & Garden, it is regarded as one of their final gifts to the public. Walter Annenberg passed away at the age of 94 in his Pennsylvania home on October 1, 2002. Lee survived for another 7 years, eventually passing away at Sunnylands on March 12, 2009. Throughout their lives, they are believed to have donated over $2 billion to various organizations.
However, the Annenberg legacy continues to live on thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Foundation and Sunnylands Trust. Since its establishment, the Annenberg Foundation has awarded almost 5,600 grants to nonprofit organizations, amounting to nearly $4.2 billion.
It's hard to think of another American private house where so many important people came together to socialize, exchange ideas, and influence one another in a totally secluded and relaxed atmosphere. Or, for that matter, of another American couple who possessed the wealth, connections, and will to make that happen. If you are traveling through the Coachella Valley, make sure not to overlook the exceptional place that is Sunnylands, the lasting legacy of Walter and Leonore Annenberg.
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