Architectural Masterpiece in Thunderbird Heights. Set high above the desert floor, behind the gates of coveted Thunderbird Heights, this rare modern estate is a study in vision, privacy, and timeless design. Conceived by architects Ira Johnson, AIA, and George Ritter, AIA--proteges of modernist icon William Cody--the residence is a masterful 1970s reinterpretation of Cody's desert modernism, executed with precision and restraint. Spanning approximately 4,700 square feet, the home is defined by steel-beam trusses, expansive walls of glass, and luminous white mud brick--an architectural language that feels both grounded and ethereal. Thoughtfully composed sight lines frame sweeping 360-degree panoramas, from the Santa Rosa Mountains to the desert valley and city lights beyond. Each bedroom suite enjoys its own immersive view, creating a deeply private, resort-like experience. At the heart of the home, an expansive open living space unfolds beneath soaring ceilings, where floor-to-ceiling glass dissolves the boundary between indoors and out. Light, landscape, and architecture converge in a serene, almost meditative flow--equal parts gallery and sanctuary. Set on over half an acre, the grounds are lush, mature, and impeccably curated, offering a quiet counterpoint to the dramatic elevation and views. This is not simply a residence--it is a private compound, designed for those who understand architecture as art. A rare opportunity to acquire a singular work of desert modernism--elevated, authentic, and quietly iconic.
For sale
Listing Provided by:
Matthew Stauber DRE #02165628 760-217-1589,
Compass
$5,950,000
70149 Sonora Rd, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
4beds
4,693sqft
Est.:
Single Family Residence
Built in 1973
0.68 Acres Lot
$5,554,600 Zestimate®
$1,268/sqft
$672/mo HOA
What's special
Deeply private resort-like experienceExpansive walls of glassExpansive open living spaceSoaring ceilingsSteel-beam trussesLuminous white mud brick
- 48 days |
- 1,732 |
- 51 |
Zillow last checked: 8 hours ago
Listing updated: January 08, 2026 at 04:14am
Listing Provided by:
Matthew Stauber DRE #02165628 760-217-1589,
Compass
Source: CRMLS,MLS#: 219140950DA
Originating MLS: California Desert AOR & Palm Springs AOR
Originating MLS: California Desert AOR & Palm Springs AORTour with a local agent
Facts & features
Interior
Bedrooms & bathrooms
- Bedrooms: 4
- Bathrooms: 5
- Full bathrooms: 4
- 1/2 bathrooms: 1
Rooms
- Room types: Entry/Foyer, Family Room, Guest Quarters, Living Room, Primary Bedroom, Pantry, Dining Room
Primary bedroom
- Features: Primary Suite
Kitchen
- Features: Remodeled, Updated Kitchen
Pantry
- Features: Walk-In Pantry
Heating
- Central, Fireplace(s), Natural Gas
Cooling
- Central Air
Appliances
- Included: Dishwasher, Freezer, Gas Cooktop, Gas Oven, Range Hood, Water Purifier
Features
- Breakfast Bar, Built-in Features, Brick Walls, Breakfast Area, Block Walls, Dry Bar, Separate/Formal Dining Room, Bar, Primary Suite, Walk-In Pantry
- Flooring: Tile
- Has fireplace: Yes
- Fireplace features: Decorative, Living Room, Masonry
Interior area
- Total interior livable area: 4,693 sqft
Property
Parking
- Total spaces: 10
- Parking features: Covered, Driveway, Garage, Garage Door Opener
- Attached garage spaces: 3
- Uncovered spaces: 4
Features
- Levels: One
- Stories: 1
- Patio & porch: Brick, Concrete, Covered
- Exterior features: Fire Pit
- Has private pool: Yes
- Pool features: In Ground, Private, Salt Water
- Spa features: In Ground, Private
- Fencing: Block,Stucco Wall
- Has view: Yes
- View description: City Lights, Mountain(s), Panoramic, Pool
Lot
- Size: 0.68 Acres
- Features: Cul-De-Sac, Planned Unit Development, Sprinkler System
Details
- Additional structures: Guest House, Guest HouseAttached
- Parcel number: 690091009
- Special conditions: Standard
Construction
Type & style
- Home type: SingleFamily
- Architectural style: Modern
- Property subtype: Single Family Residence
- Attached to another structure: Yes
Materials
- Block
Condition
- Updated/Remodeled
- New construction: No
- Year built: 1973
Utilities & green energy
- Utilities for property: Cable Available
Community & HOA
Community
- Features: Gated
- Security: Fire Detection System, Fire Sprinkler System, Gated Community, 24 Hour Security, Smoke Detector(s)
- Subdivision: Thunderbird Heights
HOA
- Has HOA: Yes
- Amenities included: Golf Course, Other, Tennis Court(s)
- HOA fee: $672 monthly
Location
- Region: Rancho Mirage
Financial & listing details
- Price per square foot: $1,268/sqft
- Tax assessed value: $4,113,241
- Annual tax amount: $49,863
- Date on market: 1/7/2026
- Listing terms: Cash,Conventional,Contract,1031 Exchange,Lease Option
- Exclusions: Art work
Estimated market value
$5,554,600
$5.28M - $5.83M
$8,232/mo
Price history
Price history
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1/8/2026 | Listed for sale | $5,950,000-2.4%$1,268/sqft |
Source:  Greater Palm Springs Realtors #219140950 Report a problem | ||
| 6/5/2025 | Listing removed | $6,095,000$1,299/sqft |
Source: Greater Palm Springs Realtors #219128609 Report a problem | ||
| 4/17/2025 | Listed for sale | $6,095,000+60.4%$1,299/sqft |
Source: Greater Palm Springs Realtors #219128609 Report a problem | ||
| 5/28/2021 | Sold | $3,800,000-8.4%$810/sqft |
Source:  CDAR/ Desert Area MLS #219060205 Report a problem | ||
| 4/13/2021 | Pending sale | $4,150,000$884/sqft |
Source: CDAR/ Desert Area MLS #219060205 Report a problem | ||
| 4/9/2021 | Listed for sale | $4,150,000+56.6%$884/sqft |
Source: CDAR/ Desert Area MLS #219060205 Report a problem | ||
| 5/8/2018 | Sold | $2,650,000-5.2%$565/sqft |
Source: CDAR/ Desert Area MLS #17285848 Report a problem | ||
| 3/23/2018 | Pending sale | $2,795,000$596/sqft |
Source: HK Lane Real Estate #17285848PS Report a problem | ||
| 3/2/2018 | Price change | $2,795,000-6.7%$596/sqft |
Source: HK Lane Real Estate #17285848PS Report a problem | ||
| 11/3/2017 | Listed for sale | $2,995,000+103.1%$638/sqft |
Source: HK Lane/Christie's Int'l #17285848PS Report a problem | ||
| 3/10/2016 | Sold | $1,475,000-17.8%$314/sqft |
Source: CDAR/ Desert Area MLS #15950647 Report a problem | ||
| 1/21/2016 | Pending sale | $1,795,000$382/sqft |
Source: Thunderbird Only #15950647PS Report a problem | ||
| 10/16/2015 | Listed for sale | $1,795,000+13%$382/sqft |
Source: Thunderbird Only #15950647PS Report a problem | ||
| 11/29/2014 | Listing removed | $1,588,000$338/sqft |
Source: Thunderbird Only LLC. #214028325 Report a problem | ||
| 7/28/2014 | Listed for sale | $1,588,000$338/sqft |
Source: Thunderbird Only LLC. #214028325 Report a problem | ||
| 6/17/2014 | Listing removed | $1,588,000$338/sqft |
Source: Thunderbird Only LLC. #214013465 Report a problem | ||
| 4/11/2014 | Price change | $1,588,000+6.8%$338/sqft |
Source: Thunderbird Only LLC. #214013465 Report a problem | ||
| 10/24/2013 | Price change | $1,487,000-12.4%$317/sqft |
Source: Thunderbird Only LLC. #21480998 Report a problem | ||
| 4/2/2013 | Listed for sale | $1,697,000+81.5%$362/sqft |
Source: Thunderbird Only LLC. #21473175 Report a problem | ||
| 3/11/2003 | Sold | $935,000$199/sqft |
Source: Public Record Report a problem | ||
Public tax history
Public tax history
| Year | Property taxes | Tax assessment |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $49,863 -1.7% | $4,113,241 +2% |
| 2024 | $50,729 -1% | $4,032,590 +2% |
| 2023 | $51,252 +1.5% | $3,953,520 +2% |
| 2022 | $50,514 +38.9% | $3,876,000 +39.1% |
| 2021 | $36,369 +5.6% | $2,785,622 +1% |
| 2020 | $34,426 | $2,757,060 +2% |
| 2019 | -- | $2,703,000 +76.1% |
| 2018 | $19,271 +1.5% | $1,534,589 +2% |
| 2017 | $18,987 | $1,504,500 +31.5% |
| 2016 | $18,987 +37.7% | $1,143,928 +1.5% |
| 2015 | $13,791 +0.8% | $1,126,747 +2% |
| 2014 | $13,680 | $1,104,678 +0.5% |
| 2013 | -- | $1,099,688 +4.6% |
| 2012 | -- | $1,051,000 -0.6% |
| 2011 | -- | $1,056,987 +0.8% |
| 2010 | -- | $1,049,089 -0.2% |
| 2009 | -- | $1,051,583 +2% |
| 2008 | -- | $1,030,964 +2% |
| 2007 | -- | $1,010,750 +2% |
| 2006 | -- | $990,933 +2% |
| 2005 | -- | $971,503 +167.2% |
| 2003 | -- | $363,590 +2% |
| 2002 | -- | $356,462 +2% |
| 2001 | $3,917 +2.5% | $349,473 +2% |
| 2000 | $3,823 | $342,622 |
Find assessor info on the county website
BuyAbility℠ payment
Est. payment
$35,568/mo
Principal & interest
$29095
Property taxes
$5801
HOA Fees
$672
Climate risks
Neighborhood: 92270
Nearby schools
GreatSchools rating
- 3/10Rancho Mirage Elementary SchoolGrades: K-5Distance: 1.4 mi
- 4/10Nellie N. Coffman Middle SchoolGrades: 6-8Distance: 3 mi
- 6/10Rancho Mirage HighGrades: 9-12Distance: 4.8 mi
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