The iconic Poltergeist house in Simi Valley, California was recently sold for $1.28 million and will be transformed into an Airbnb rental that will replicate the sets used in the classic horror film. The property was listed for the first time since 1979 and was initially priced at $1.175 million, but sold for $1.28 million to an investor from Los Gatos, California. The goal is to renovate the house to resemble the Poltergeist movie set, including furniture and decorations. However, a specific date for when the house will be available for Airbnb guests has not been announced.
The 16,000 square-foot Simi Valley home features four bedrooms and two-and-a-half bathrooms, as well as a spacious backyard with a swimming pool and circular jacuzzi. The house has a three-car garage and is surrounded by green grass and shady trees, leading up to a wooden front door. The interior layout is designed for entertainment and relaxation, with a large living room filled with natural light, a dining room connected to a kitchen with updated appliances, and a family room that can be converted into an additional bedroom or office. The upstairs area includes four bedrooms, including a master bedroom with vaulted ceilings, a bathroom with a bathtub and walk-in closet.
The Poltergeist film, released in 1982 and produced by Steven Spielberg and directed by Tobe Hooper, tells the story of a suburban home haunted by demonic ghosts. The movie starred JoBeth Williams, Craig T. Nelson, Oliver Robins, Heather O’Rourke, and Dominique Dunne. Unfortunately, the film has been associated with a curse as several actors from the franchise died prematurely, including O’Rourke at age 12 and Dunne at age 22. In a recent interview, Williams revealed that real human remains were used as props in the production, which shocked and disturbed her. Despite the eerie connections, Poltergeist was a commercial success and received Oscar nominations for its original score, sound effects editing, and visual effects.
The house’s new owner plans to revive the property to align with the classic film’s aesthetic, creating a unique and immersive experience for guests staying at the Airbnb rental. The success of Poltergeist led to two sequels and a 2015 remake, solidifying its status as a cult classic in the horror genre. The folklore surrounding the movie, including the alleged curse and the use of real skeletons on set, adds an extra layer of intrigue to the house’s history and its connection to the film. With careful restoration and attention to detail, the Poltergeist house in California is set to become a sought-after destination for fans of the iconic horror movie.
