Thanks, everyone, for all the wonderful advice. I have crossed the border from Nevada to California and was never stopped and asked questions about what I had in my truck. I had no idea they were that strict about bringing in plants. I also did read that during the summer months geraniums in PS need to be placed in an eastern exposure with only morning sun. But during winters in the desert they can be moved to areas with more sun during the day. I just wondered if other people had personal experience with them. I've been in Palm Springs in August when it was 120 degrees. I know what it's like personally. But at the time I wasn't paying attention to the plants. I was in Palm Springs this past March and saw properties with flowers like snapdragons and alyssum in the landscape. I asked about that and was told they are their "winter" flowers that don't survive the summers in that area. I thought that was kinda funny since I'me from the Midwest and have been used to the opposite my whole life. :-)

I was thinking the provenance has got to be a big factor. And the Monroe property looks like it was remodeled, while Martin's looks untouched. And of course asking price is almost meaningless, isn't it? Perhaps the difference is due more to greed, or whether the seller really needs money..? Coincidentally, I just watched an old episode of Extreme Homes the other night and they profiled Sinatra's sprawling home. It was very eclectic, and the guy leading the tour said his favorite color was orange, so there was a lot of that. Wondering if the original decor is still there in other parts of the home not shown @ that AirBNB page?

Here are some more photos: More velvet furniture! I liked the record rack, but it was a signed piece and they were asking over $300 for it. I liked these small nesting tables, but again we have nowhere to put them. Kevin liked these lions and thought they could go next to the spa/waterfall in our pool, but I did not love them. I liked this blonde furniture, but I did not even check the prices, as again, we have nowhere to put these. I expect that they were expensive as well Some of the booths were for furniture shops, and I did collect a couple of cards.

Once you've decided how you want to use the space, I suggest you get a design from a landscape designer and then build it out as time and budget allows.