Merv Griffin's La Quinta Equestrian Estate Sells to Private Investor for US$7 Million

LA QUINTA, CALIFORNIA - The 39-acre, exotic Moroccan-style estate of iconic television entertainer and entrepreneur Merv Griffin has sold to a private investment group for US$7 million. 

With its own race track, the home is believed to be the largest equestrian compound of its kind in the Coachella Valley. The 5,000-square-foot main estate—boasting a large retractable dome skylight—served as a desert entertainment and work retreat for the L.A.-based Griffin, the renowned band leader, talk show host and television producer who became ultra successful through the creation of hit game shows like Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune. He began developing the estate in 1986 and raised Arabian and thoroughbred horses on the property. Its extensive land can be used for a variety of equestrian uses, including a polo field or grand prix jumping arena.

The architectural and interior design—decidedly Moroccan with a modern California influence—was created by noted Los Angeles interior designer Waldo Fernandez, who reportedly used legendary fashion designer Yves St. Laurent's Marrakesh home as inspiration. Griffin's estate comes fully furnished with designer furniture that complements the unique interior design.

Complimented by picturesque white fences and other horse-country accents, the home also offers four separate, blue-roofed “casitas”, three one-bedroom staff quarters and bookend apartments at the 16-stall stables.  In total there are 14 bedrooms and 12 bathrooms. Additional amenities include an expansive patio overlooking an infinity pool, which gives way to a 2.5-acre lagoon accented by the majestic Santa Rosa Mountains in the distance.

"This is the largest sale of a property outside a country club in a very long time," said Keith Markovitz of HK Lane, an exclusive Affiliate of Christie's International Real Estate. Markovitz, along with his partners Tyler Morgan and Todd Monaghan, have represented the Merv Griffin Trust.

The HK Lane/Christie's International Real Estate team, according to Markovitz, has been involved in many high profile estate sales in the Coachella Valley, including the homes of Frank Sinatra, Dinah Shore, President Gerald Ford, Donna Reed, and composer Frederick Lowe.

Griffin, who died in 2007 at 82, reportedly fell in love with the Coachella Valley after visiting Johnny Carson there and watching Jimmy Connors play tennis.  He entertained numerous celebrities from around the world at this lavish property, and in keeping with its tradition of leisure, the new owner intends to continue to rent out the estate for events and vacations use, such as for the Coachella Music Festival. Griffin was also a huge supporter of the La Quinta Arts Festival and owned the former Givenchy Hotel and Spa, now named The Parker in Palm Springs.