Why stay in a regular rental on your next vacation when you can stay in a Celebrity Home? Or, at least famous by association. Several former homes of celebrities are available to rent by the night or week, and some won’t even break the bank.
Harry Houdini’s hideaway in the Hollywood Hills
Houdini was more than a celebrity magician — his name has become part of the cultural lexicon.
He made a name for himself escaping impossible situations, but his former Hollywood Hills home is itself a perfect escape.
The three bedroom has room to sleep 10, with rates starting at $1,000 per night.
Frank Sinatra’s mid-century abode
Sinatra and the Rat Pack made the desert a glamorous destination. Take a look at this house he commissioned and owned — a beautiful mid-century work of art — and you could overlook Palm Springs high temperatures and lack of water.
The four-bedroom home sleeps eight.
Starts at $2,600 a night.
Dick Clark’s lakefront home
Dick Clark, who was a New York City New Year’s Eve presence until his death in 2012, wasn’t all about the glitz and glamor when he went out to the lake.
He built and furnished this lakefront home in Lake Arrowhead, California, which has five bedrooms.
Starting at $599 a night.
John Steinbeck’s cottage
American author John Steinbeck once owned this cottage in Pacific Grove, California.
The one-bedroom cottage has room to sleep five, but wannabe Steinbeck’s should probably go alone, and use the solitude to work on the next great American novel.
Starting at $180 a night.
Merv Griffin’s equestrian compound
Musician, singer, actor, television star and media mogul Merv Griffin knew how to live it up.
Apparently this place also has horses. But the photos focus on the luxurious oasis aspect of this 39-acre property in La Quinta, California.
There are 10 bedrooms, and plenty of room for a whole group to have a relaxing getaway.
Starting at $5,000 a night.
Mickey Rooney’s Topanga bungalow
Actor and performer Mickey Rooney had one of the longest careers of any American film actor (as well as the scandals, escapades and romances that go along with a life in Hollywood).
This quaint home in Topanga, California — nearby but just north and west enough from Hollywood to provide some respite — has a feel of the old Hollywood, back when it was just a small city of dreamers trying to make a name for themselves out west.
The two-bedroom house has room for four guests.
Starts at $210 a night.
Orson Welles’ former Hollywood estate
Orson Welles, acclaimed yet controversial filmmaker,
Welles was the original owner of this four-bedroom Hollywood estate, available starting at $960 a night.