555 S Canon Dr., Palm Springs, CA

Property Description

This three-bedroom, two-bath residence at 555 South Canon Drive was built in 1958 as part of the Little Beverly Hills neighborhood. At 1,170 square feet across a generous 9,583-square-foot lot, the home exemplifies the early Meiselman residential typology: a compact floor plan with strong indoor-outdoor connection, designed to maximize livability on the desert’s generous parcels.

The home’s primary living spaces—a combined living and dining room—are oriented to the south and open completely to the rear garden via floor-to-ceiling glass doors. Beamed ceilings, characteristic of early 1950s desert construction, run through the main living area and carry the eye outward. Large windows admit daylight while the siting of the structure protects the interiors from midday heat gain. The plan is straightforward and efficient: bedrooms and bathrooms cluster toward the front; the living-dining axis runs the depth of the home, culminating in the yard. This is the Meiselman approach to compact residential design—not cramped, but economical and purposeful.

The property’s most significant feature is its relationship to landscape. The lot slopes gently toward the west, where the mountain views dominate the yard. The original pool, recently rebuilt with Pebble Tech finishing, sits at the focal point of the garden composition. Mature palms, western mountain exposure, and ample concrete and hardscape make this a rare early-1950s example with its original garden framework largely intact.

Subsequent renovations have included an updated kitchen with European cabinetry and quartz countertops, new bathrooms with modern fixtures (one with period-appropriate yellow ceramic tiling), a detached two-car garage with temperature-controlled bonus room, installation of solar panels and a Tesla Powerwall, roof replacement, HVAC updates, and electrical panel upgrades. These improvements preserve the original floor plan and spatial experience while bringing systems and finishes to current standards.

Neighborhood

Built between 1957 and 1958, the Little Beverly Hills neighborhood has serious pedigree. It includes developers like the Alexander Construction Company and Jack Meiselman, plus architects William Krisel, Richard Leitch, and Hugh Kaptur Little Beverly Hills—basically a who’s-who of Desert Modernism royalty all collaborating on one block. The fact that it’s one of the smallest complete modernism neighborhoods in Southern California actually makes it feel more special. It’s like a perfectly curated museum where you can walk right through the front doors of history.

Own a Meiselman Home in Little Beverly Hills?

If your address falls in this iconic neighborhood, there’s a good chance you’re living in a piece of Palm Springs history — and we’d love to help you prove it. The Meiselman Registry is building the definitive record of Jack Meiselman’s homes across the desert, and yours might be on the list.

Claiming your home is free, takes just a few minutes, and connects you with a community of owners, enthusiasts, and preservationists who love these houses as much as you do. Don’t let your home’s story go undocumented — claim your home today and help us keep the legacy alive. 🏡✨