March 1, 2012 will see the opening to the public of the Annenberg Retreat at Sunnylands, a modernised historic retreat and meeting venue rolled into one, set in the Californian desert near Palm Springs.
The entire building complex and the estate, too, have been fitted out with state-of-the-art technology satisfying stringent standards of sustainability and provide facilities for both meetings and relaxing withdrawals in a private atmosphere.
Originally designed by A. Quincy Jones, the building on the estate not far from Palm Springs epitomises the Mid-Century Modernism style emblematic of Palm Springs. Walter Annenberg, a former American ambassador and media mogul, and his wife Leonore had the Retreat at Sunnylands created to host US presidents and world leaders in a casual atmosphere, bringing them together to advance international peace and increase global understanding.
It also served as a place of reflection and a haven of tranquillity for business people, media bosses, scholars and artists. The couple spent the winter months on the estate themselves.
Architect Frederick Fisher, who in 2011 designed the new Sunnylands using the very latest, environmentally friendly technologies, demonstrably retained the original blueprint, which he nevertheless modernised. An adjacent dedicated solar field provides the power for the estate. Interior decoration of the revamped Sunnylands was placed in the hands of Michael Smith, who also fitted out the White House for President Barack Obama. Precious sculptures and artworks belonging to the Annenbergs decorate the rooms.
The gardens are crafted with more than 50,000 desert plants, which provide magnificent, colourful vistas throughout the year and maintain the restful garden atmosphere despite scant watering demands. Small walking paths, a labyrinth, lawns and wild plants create a perfect natural feel.
From March, meetings and seminars of national and international relevance will once again take place in the same rooms where the then US President Ronald Reagan met with Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev.
For more information on the Annenberg Retreat at Sunnylands visit: www.sunnylands.org
