A 1930s Classic Ranch-Style Home in Palm Springs Goes Back to Its Roots

Nostalgia was part of the inspiration.

Sofa in Smoke Tree Ranch House by Rollins Andrew

Peter Christiansen Valli

Written by Sarah Yang May 27, 2026

You could tell this 1930s classic California ranch-style house in Palm Springs’s historic and exclusive Smoke Tree ranch community (where Walt Disney once owned a home) was well-loved by its owners for over 20 years, but it was in need of some TLC.

Exterior in Smoke Tree Ranch House by Rollins Andrew
“The house itself is a classic California ranch-style home, originally built in the 1930s with board and batten siding, which is characteristic of the Smoke Tree Ranch community,” explains Emily.

Peter Christiansen Valli

“When I first saw the house, it was quite dated and had been very well-loved, showing signs of age and wear,” says interior designer Emily Hancock of Rollins Andrew. “The interiors were a mix of mismatched styles, and the layout felt awkward. The home was originally a long, narrow structure, and previous owners had added Santa Fe ranch-style details that didn’t quite align with the original design.”

Sitting Area in Smoke Tree Ranch House by Rollins Andrew
“One of the clients, originally from St. Louis, also wanted the living room to reflect a sense of nostalgia, as if she had traveled across the country and brought along her cherished family antiques,” Emily says.

Peter Christiansen Valli

Additionally, Emily says the backyard was underutilized and split into two separate zones: one half was a pool and covered patio with a fireplace, and the other was used as a motor court. This layout disrupted the flow of the outdoor space and obstructed the views of the San Jacinto Mountains and the desert landscape.

Great Room in Smoke Tree Ranch House by Rollins Andrew
The kitchen, dining, and great room have an open floor plan.

Peter Christiansen Valli

The owners—a couple who reside in Pasadena, California, and use the space as their second home—were ready for a complete remodel. Reorienting the home to take advantage of the aforementioned stunning views was a priority. Architecturally, Emily says the goal was to restore the home to its classic California ranch roots. Interiors-wise, they wanted to blend California ranch elements with traditional antique furnishings, while also combining the Western desert aesthetic with vibrant colors.

Dining Area in Smoke Tree Ranch House by Rollins Andrew
The kitchen and dining room open up to the patio outside.

Peter Christiansen Valli

Kitchen in Smoke Tree Ranch House by Rollins Andrew
The kitchen design reflects the ranch aesthetic perfectly.

Peter Christiansen Valli

“For inspiration, I delved into historical photos and books on Smoke Tree Ranch, as well as the stunning desert landscape and its unique flora and fauna,” Emily explains. “I visited the property at different times of the year to capture the essence of the surroundings, which helped guide decisions on paint colors, fabrics, and other design elements.”

Primary Bedroom in Smoke Tree Ranch House by Rollins Andrew
The serene primary bedroom.

Peter Christiansen Valli

Yellow Bathroom in Smoke Tree Ranch House by Rollins Andrew
Bold yellow tile is the star of one of the bathrooms.

Peter Christiansen Valli

During the remodel, the whole house was taken down to the studs and the layout was reimagined. “We created a spacious new great room and kitchen, six ensuite bedrooms, a gym, a laundry room, a pool bath, and a garage,” Emily adds. “The transformation allowed us to modernize the home while staying true to its California ranch heritage and the clients’ vision.”

Bunk Room in Smoke Tree Ranch House by Rollins Andrew
A bunk room for the clients’ grandchildren.

Peter Christiansen Valli

The finished design is warm, layered space that properly pays homage to the history of the Smoke Tree Ranch community and its classic architecture, but also features many modern amenities that make it a peaceful and comfortable retreat for hosting family and friends.

Pool Bathroom in Smoke Tree Ranch House by Rollins Andrew
The pool bathroom features bold wallpaper.

Peter Christiansen Valli

Backyard in Smoke Tree Ranch House by Rollins Andrew
The backyard features different gathering areas.

Peter Christiansen Valli

“The clients are absolutely thrilled with the final result! One of them was so moved during the finishing stages of the project that she was brought to tears, saying, ‘It is everything we wanted!’ It was incredibly fulfilling to see their joy and satisfaction with their transformed home,” Emily says.

Keep Reading:

The Latest