Completed in 1966, the historic Sunnylands estate was the winter home of the late Ambassadors Walter and Leonore Annenberg. Designed by midcentury architect A. Quincy Jones, the 25,000-square-foot house displays original furniture and décor by interior designer William Haines and partner Ted Graber. With a collection of Tang, Ming, and Ching dynasty artifacts, silver-gilt, Meissen porcelain, Stueben glass, Flora Danica, and sculpture by 19th and 20th century artists, Sunnylands has played a role in 20th and 21st century American history. As directed by the Annenbergs, the estate, often referred to as “Camp David of the West,” now serves as a retreat center for high-level national and world leaders seeking the privacy, the peace, and “the pause” needed for solving the most pressing national and international issues. A variety of public tours are offered when retreats are not in session.
Adjoining the historic estate is the contemporary Sunnylands Center & Gardens, which opened to the public in 2012 and includes nine acres of desert gardens, art and educational exhibits, a theater, a café, and a gift shop. Admission to the Center & Gardens is free and tickets/reservations are not required.