Halloween movie special: Prepare to stay in the real Poltergeist house
Art imitates life, and life imitates art—but when the art in question is a classic horror like Poltergeist, life might just get a whole lot more perilous! The infamous Poltergeist house has recently been sold for a spine-tingling $1.28 million, and the new owner? An ambitious investor with plans to turn it into a rental on Airbnb. Yes, that’s right—soon, you’ll be able to book a stay at one of cinema’s most haunted homes. Fancy spending a night there?
Located in Simi Valley, California, the new owner is planning to refurbish the house to match its spooky on-screen appearance from the 1982 horror hit. So, if your idea of a relaxing getaway involves hanging out with “the TV people” or waking up next to a creepy clown, your dream holiday may soon be a reality!
Written and produced by Steven Spielberg and directed by Tobe Hooper (of Texas Chainsaw Massacre fame), Poltergeist quickly earned a cult following. The house at 4267 Roxbury Street was brand new when it was selected for filming, and this is the first time it’s changed hands since 1979. With such a haunted cinematic past, it’s no surprise the property sold for $100K over the asking price!
So, what’s in store for the brave souls who choose to stay? The Poltergeist house is no small haunt—it features a large living room, dining room, four bedrooms, and two-and-a-half bathrooms. And let’s not forget the swimming pool. In the film, the Freelings were digging this very pool when they unearthed their… problem. (Spoiler: the house is built on a burial ground, and the ghosts were not amused.)
Outside, there’s a three-car garage, a charming brick walkway, and that iconic wooden front door. And for fans of the film, the kitchen is practically a time capsule—it remains largely the same as it was on screen, apart from a few modern appliance updates. You could even spend your stay stacking Thonet bentwood bistro chairs on the kitchen table, waiting to see if they rearrange themselves mysteriously! Incidentally, if you’re looking to recreate this scene in your own kitchen we can source these exact Thonet Heart chairs for you.
Despite its haunted reputation, the house is reportedly “well taken care of” and has “good energy” according to those who’ve visited.
So, are you ready to pack your bags? Once it hits Airbnb, this could be your chance to spend the night in one of Hollywood’s most infamous haunted houses. It might just be the scariest—and most exciting—stay of your life!
This feature is FREE to Classic members.
Join our newsletter community to receive Film and Furniture inspiration direct to your inbox and we’ll UPGRADE you to Classic Membership (which includes access to our exciting giveaway draws) for FREE.
To access in-depth features, video interviews, invitations to pre-release film screenings, major exhibitions and more, become a Front Row or Backstage member today!