Architect Walter S White’s midcentury ‘wave house’ is heading for the auction block in California’s Palm Desert – and it has no reserve.
Playboy artist Miles C Bates enlisted his friend to design the one-bedroom property at 73697 Santa Rosa Way near Palm Springs for him in 1955. Its sweeping ‘rollercoaster’ roofline – which gives it its name – echoes the outline of the Santa Rosa Mountains in the distance.
Miles C Bates House has unfortunately suffered from years of neglect and is now looking for a new custodian to polish its weary bones. The City of Palm Desert will auction the midcentury property on 24 February at 2pm, during 2018 Modernism Week. There’ll be no minimum price or bid for the house, which is valued at around $340,000.
‘The city is interested in partnering with a buyer who values Walter White’s vision for the Miles Bates House and wants to return the structure to its former glory,’ says the city’s website.
To sweeten the deal, the City of Palm Desert is offering its new owner up to $50,000 to help cover costs of renovating the landmark home, which is currently being touted for local listed status. Lots of elbow grease will be needed to remove 1970s additions and give it a top-to-toe restoration.
The good news is the roof is said to be in salvageable shape, with only small areas of dry rot.
Interested buyers can obtain a bid package from the City of Palm Desert’s website, where there’s also more information on Miles C Bates House.
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