Merv Griffin’s Palm Springs Estate Hits the Market for $36 Million
The late host of The Merv Griffin Show owned this equestrian property in Southern California from the 1980s up until his death in 2007
The late Merv Griffin had an illustrious TV career as host of The Merv Griffin Show and founder of popular game shows Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune. In addition to his decades-spanning TV career, he also amassed an impressive real estate portfolio. Now, his former 40-acre estate in Palm Springs, California, can be yours for $36 million.
Griffin owned this property in La Quinta (part of Palm Springs)—called the Merv Griffin Estate—from the mid-1980s until his death in 2007. In 2013, it was purchased by real estate investor Mark Majerovic, who then turned it into a $15,000-per-night vacation rental. A popular booking during Coachella weekends, the estate has also hosted 8,000-person brand events such as Revolve Festival and Coachella afterparties attended by major celebrities, including Post Malone, Katy Perry, and the Kardashians, among others. Majerovic also used it as a venue for weddings and events.
When Griffin owned the property, it spanned more than 240 acres, until he sectioned off nearly 200 acres for the master-planned community Griffin Ranch. Still, the current 40-acre property benefits from plenty of space and privacy—and is even surrounded by 12-foot-high walls. In total, there are 13 bedrooms and 12 bathrooms split between multiple homes. The 5,400-square-foot main residence boasts a design inspired by Yves Saint Laurent’s Marrakech home, layered with Moroccan-style chandeliers, sconces, mosaic tiles, and window treatments. Majerovic has spent several million dollars restoring the estate, according to WSJ, though he has maintained Griffin’s original design inspiration.
In addition to the main property, there are four intimate, 500-square-foot pods as well as a pair of guest homes. (The two guest dwellings are the West Building, which spans 1,600 square feet, while the Gate House measures 1,700 square feet.) The grounds of the main residence include a large infinity-edge pool that overlooks the tranquil man made 2.5-acre lake. There’s also a gazebo, outdoor dining, a hot tub, and a detached six-bay garage. It’s ideal for multi-generational families, those seeking a trophy compound, or for someone who wants to continue using it as a vacation rental. No matter what, this majestic property offers incredible history.
Elsewhere on the estate there are stables that once held Griffin’s 50 horses, as well as an orchard with orange, grapefruit, lemon, lime, pomegranate, guava, and fig trees. In fact, the property is home to the King Fig Tree, one of the largest in the Coachella Valley. It’s brimming with lush landscaping and towering palms that make it feel like a veritable oasis. Those with a keen eye for real estate development will also note that the parcel includes 33 developable acres.
The property is listed by Mauricio Umansky and Zach Goldsmith of The Agency. See more photos below.