A fireplace and sunken conversation pit anchor the living room. (Photo by Mark Karlstrom)
The living room features an enclosed wet bar with counter. (Photo by Mark Karlstrom)
The sunken conversation pit. (Photo by Mark Karlstrom)
The kitchen. (Photo by Mark Karlstrom)
The atrium. (Photo by Mark Karlstrom)
The primary bedroom. (Photo by Mark Karlstrom)
The primary bathroom. (Photo by Mark Karlstrom)
A bird’s-eye view of the property. (Photo by Mark Karlstrom)
The former Rancho Mirage home of late hitmaker Michael Masser is on the market for $4.495 million. (Photo by Mark Karlstrom)
A Rancho Mirage estate previously owned by Michael Masser, the late hitmaker behind Whitney Houston classics like “Greatest Love of All” and “Saving All My Love for You,” is on the market for $4.495 million.
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Surrounded by towering palms on a 1.29-acre cul-de-sac lot, the 7,312-square-foot residence sits at the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains in Thunderbird Heights. Built in 1983 and newly reimagined, it features six bedrooms, five bathrooms and a spacious living area anchored by a fireplace and sunken conversation pit.
Public records show the home last sold in February 2019 for $1.755 million.
The current owner’s extensive renovation draws design inspiration from the glamour and artistic spirit of Masser. While tailor-made for grand-scale entertaining inside and out, the property incorporates corners for small gatherings.
Inside, the foyer opens to the grand proportions of the main living spaces.
Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the grounds from the main living area. An enclosed wet bar with counter seating serves functions as a passthrough between the living room and the dining area.
The kitchen is a contemporary, minimalist space with dark custom cabinetry, an island, terrazzo flooring, stainless-steel Wolf appliances and a pass-through, counter-to-ceiling slider opening to the outside deck. An adjoining breakfast area opens to the atrium, where a glass skylight, tropical-print Versace wall coverings and floor-to-ceiling windows create a bright, solarium-like setting.
A fireplace warms the primary suite, which includes a walk-in closet, soaking tub, sauna and gym.
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Off the foyer, a staircase leads to a game room, kitchenette and additional bedrooms for multi-generational living or extended guest stays.
Outside, the resort-inspired grounds feature a pool and spa framed by terraces and lounge areas. A sunken tennis court with lights completes the desert retreat.
Shannon Weed of Nicolai Glazer Real Estate Group at Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty holds the listing.
Masser, who died in July 2015 at 74, left a career as a New York stockbroker to become one of pop music’s most successful balladeers. Known for lush string arrangements and soaring climaxes, his breakthrough came in 1973 with Diana Ross’ chart-topping single, “Touch Me in the Morning.” He later co-wrote “Theme From Mahogany (Do You Know Where You’re Going To),” which earned an Academy Award nomination and became another signature song for Ross.
Beyond his iconic collaborations with Houston, which yielded several of her earliest hits like “Didn’t We Almost Have It All,” Masser wrote for a wide array of music royalty. George Benson, Dionne Warwick and Barbra Streisand also recorded his songs.
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In 2007, he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.