Elrod House, Palm Springs

Once a filming location for the James Bond film "Diamonds Are Forever" (as Willard Whyte's mansion) and for Playboy photoshoots, the Elrod House – built in 1968 for interior designer Arthur Elrod – is one of John Lautner's many houses in Palm Springs and an example of his so-called "free architecture", where nature and architecture are fused into one. Considered to be one of the architect's most important works, the 8,900-square-foot structure is now praised for its relationship with its mountain landscape and its sense of drama.

When construction started, Lautner instructed the excavators to extract the soil and leave the rocks in place, thus making them part of the interior as they run straight through walls and surroundings. From the outside, the house may not seem too attractive but once inside, one is mesmerized by the elegant, timeless beauty.

A copper gate-door separates the courtyard from the street level while also providing a first glimpse of the enormous domed concrete roof, with wedge-like sections cut out to accommodate skylights and provide indirect light. The front door is just short of spectacular with frameless glazing, creating an illusion of entering a luxurious cave.

Address: 2175 Southridge Drive, Palm Springs