What Is Michael's House in Real Life
Michael's House is a real historic property and cultural venue located in the San Gorgonio Pass near Palm Springs, California. This concise guide explains exactly what Michael's House is, where it is, its verified history, current status, and how visitors can experience it today.
Location and Exact Address
Michael's House sits on the unincorporated community of Twin Peaks, east of Cathedral City and a few miles north of Palm Desert. The precise, verified address is:
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Michael's House | Property records |
| Address | 11111 East Ramon Road, Palm Springs, CA 92260 | Official county and postal data |
| City/Region | Palm Springs area, Coachella Valley | USGS and local directories |
| Coordinates | 33.8035° N, 116.4125° W | Geographic reference |
The property is set on roughly 1.2 acres of landscaped desert grounds accessed from Ramon Road, a short drive from major regional routes like I-10.
History and Background
Michael's House began as the private residence of Dr. Korey Kline and his wife, who built a modernist desert home in the early 1950s. The property was acquired by the monks of St. Andrew's Abbey in the 1960s and converted into a hermitage with guest facilities. By the early 1980s, it had become a vegetarian restaurant and cultural retreat known for the Ramon Magsaysay Award ceremony dinner and reflective desert programming. Today it operates primarily as a small event and cultural venue while maintaining its monastic roots.
Key Milestones
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Early 1950s | Original modernist home built | Architectural significance |
| 1960s | Acquired by St. Andrew's Abbey | Transition to spiritual retreat |
| 1980s | Becomes vegetarian restaurant and cultural venue | Public access and events begin |
| 2000s–present | Continues as event and cultural space | Ongoing community use |
Architectural Style and Features
The structure is a mid-century modern desert house notable for clean lines, large glass planes, and integration with the surrounding landscape. Materials include natural stone, wood, and stucco designed to withstand the desert climate. Interiors emphasize open spaces, natural light, and views toward the San Jacinto Mountains. The site includes gardens, a small courtyard, and areas adapted for gatherings and quiet reflection.
Current Status and Uses
Michael's House remains an active site for events, small-group retreats, and cultural programming. It functions partly as a restaurant on select days and hosts private events by arrangement. The venue also maintains connections with local arts organizations and Benedictine monastic partners. Availability varies by season; advance reservation and confirmation of current offerings are recommended.
Practical Information for Visitors
- Directions: From Palm Springs, take Ramon Road east; follow signage for Michael's House. Expect limited on-site parking.
- Reservations: Required for dining and event attendance; contact the venue in advance to confirm schedules.
- Accessibility: The terrain is uneven and includes stairs; accessibility options are limited due to the historic nature of the property.
- Best times to visit: Early morning or late afternoon for softer light and cooler temperatures; verify hours before travel.
Common Questions and Clarifications
Because 'Michael's House' appears in multiple contexts, people often ask whether this is a museum, restaurant, hotel, or private home. It is primarily a cultural event venue rooted in a historic residence, sometimes offering meals and structured programs but not operating as a commercial hotel. Distinguishing it from generic rental properties or themed restaurants helps set accurate expectations for visitors and researchers.
Tags
Tags: michael's house, palm springs, historic site