Work doesn’t take a break when the cameras stop rolling.
Fresh off the heels of a hit new season of “Buying Beverly Hills“, the real estate power team at The Agency is bringing another showstopping property to the market, one with architectural pedigree, plenty of acreage, and a long history of celebrity owners — and guests.
Set in La Quinta, Calif., the estate once owned by game show legend Merv Griffin hit the market last week for a staggering $36 million, with The Agency’s Zac Goldsmith and Mauricio Umansky holding the listing.
This sprawling 39-acre property, nestled in the heart of California’s desert landscape, features a luxurious 5,409-square-foot main residence, a total of 13 bedrooms, 12 bathrooms, and several additional structures including guest pods (with vacation rental potential) and a gatehouse.
Renowned for its unique blend of Moroccan elegance and modern California style, the former Merv Griffin estate has been a sought-after party destination during the Coachella music festival, hosting celebrities like Post Malone, Katy Perry, and Jack Harlow.
And it boasts dazzling interiors inspired by Yves St. Laurent’s Marrakesh home. So let’s take a quick tour of this legendary celebrity home — before a buyer takes it off the market.
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Spread across an extra generous 39 acres in the heart of La Quinta — a desert resort city in Riverside County, Calif. rightfully dubbed “the Gem of the Desert” — the property consists of seven different structures including a majestic 5,409-square-foot main residence.
Beyond its 13 bedrooms and 12 bathrooms, the former Merv Griffin estate has everything from a private lake to an orchard, equestrian facilities, and even comes with its own water supply.
cThe main houseThe main house alone is a sight to behold, flanked by four cozy 500-square-foot pods, a West Building, and a gatehouse, all enveloped in lush landscapes against a mountainous backdrop.
The estate’s architecture is a love letter to Moroccan elegance, seamlessly fused with modern Californian flair. Its grandeur is matched by its design, which includes intricate chandeliers, hand-placed mosaic tiles, and circular guesthouses that add a unique touch to its layout.
The interiors, masterfully put together by renowned Los Angeles interior designer Waldo Fernandez, speak volumes of luxury and style. Taking inspiration from Yves St. Laurent’s iconic Marrakesh home, each room tells a story, blending Moroccan charm with a modern twist that’s as enchanting as it is welcoming.
While there’s plenty to love about this idyllic desert escape, it’s the four guest pods that won us over. The charming little guest houses — which have solid vacation rental potential and have been listed on popular rental platforms alongside other structures on the property — each contain one queen-sized bed, an ensuite bathrooms with shower/bathtub combos, a gas fireplace, TV, and private entrances.
Stepping outside, a whole series of outdoor amenities add to the appeal of the property. And they go beyond your regular pool and spa, found in most celebrity homes.
The 39-acre estate has a roughly 2.5-acre man-made lake, Lake Merveilleux, home to thriving populations of koi, bass, and turtles, an equestrian facility, and lush orchards of oranges, grapefruits, lemons, limes, pomegranates, and guavas — along with the iconic King Fig Tree, one of the largest in the Coachella Valley.
After Merv Griffin passed away in 2007, the estate found its new owner in real estate investor Mark Majerovic, who bought it for a cool $7 million in 2013. Majerovic turned the estate into a sought-after venue for high-end vacation rentals, events, and, of course, unforgettable parties.
Under Majerovic’s ownership, the estate embraced its new identity as party central, opening its doors to thousands of party-goers looking to experience the glitz and glamour of Hollywood in the heart of the desert.
A-listers like Post Malone, Katy Perry, and Jack Harlow, among others, have stayed here during the Coachella music festival, with the house playing host to a veritable who’s who of Hollywood and continuing its legacy as a landmark of high-profile entertainment.
Built by the late TV host in the 1980s, the property then became Merv Griffin’s longtime home. Griffin, most famous for hosting his talk show, The Merv Griffin Show, was a multifaceted American entertainment mogul best known for his work as a television host and the creator of two of the most famous game shows in American television history: Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune.
Beyond his on-screen presence, Griffin was also a successful businessman, with ventures extending into real estate and the hotel industry. And he made quite the profit from his La Quinta property, as the estate was far larger during his ownership.
Originally spanning over 240 acres, the estate was pared down when Griffin sold off 200 acres for the Griffin Ranch community. Yet, the essence of the estate’s grandeur remains, with its 39-acre heart still beating strong.
After over a decade of work on the property, real estate investor Mark Majerovic is bringing the former Merv Griffin estate to market. Enlisting the help of top industry pros Zac Goldsmith and Mauricio Umansky (The Agency), the iconic La Quinta property is now on the market for $36 million, offering a rare opportunity to own a piece of luxury and entertainment history in the heart of California’s desert landscape.
