Bar-b-q at the Ocotillo Lodge….very cool!

"The Famous Ocotillo Lodge was designed by Palm Springs Architect William Krisel and was built in 1957. The resort was the premier destination and “hot spot” to many celebrities from Presidents to Hollywood Actors to musicians to sports legends."

We've always been very curious about the Ocotillo Lodge and you can't really visit it unless you know someone so it was great that Linda and Brian,  who live in the same apartment building as us in Vancouver,  invited us for a Bar-b-Q.  It has a very cool mid-century modern feel and lots of stories.

The villa that they rent was apparently the one Marilyn Monro used to frequent and there is a remains of a door frame in the closet (apparently no other unit has this) where there was a secret door that Jack Kennedy used to use to visit her.  Well,  a good story even if it isn't true!

Brian bar-b-wed beef, chicken, potatoes and Linda served her secret old family recipe for fudge.  Wow…fantastic fudge and we even got some to take home.  We are very spoiled these days.  A great view of the mountains from their patio where we dined.

 Thea famous doorframe in the closet.

 Marilyn photos and paintings everywhere.

 View from the living room…love these upper windows.

 Marilyn clock.

Ma

 Linda, Brian, and me.

 Living room art…a little bit of the south of France!

 This was a well known restaurant and bar overlooking the pool.  The piano played by the likes of Frank Sinatra,  Sammy Davies Jr.  Now a common room for the guests.

 The swimming pool is in the shape of a champagne cork.

 Gene Autry owned the place at one time and loved Dalmations so this was his.

 Lots of great cacti.

Pool looks great at night.