Have you ever wanted to spend the night in the house where the original Poltergeist (1982) movie was filmed? There are now a couple of ways to book your stay, including through Airbnb. We’ll detail the other way below, but first, let’s explore what led to this moment.
The Poltergeist House’s Sales History
As Realtor.com put it, the house “creeped onto the market” for the first time in 45 years in August 2024. It sold shortly after, in October 2024.
The new owners’ vision for it instantly spooked neighbors, according to the Simi Valley Acorn, because no one planned to move in. Instead, the property was acquired by a Los Gatos investor who intended to turn it into a movie-set-inspired Airbnb. That’s exactly what they’ve done.
Neighbors were used to the occasional lookie-loo. Now they worried this development would turn their otherwise peaceful neighborhood into an amusement park-like atmosphere.
But if it wasn’t this investor, it likely would’ve been another. Horror has never been hotter. Other iconic houses with equally iconic horror movie connections have also opened for business, like the Conjuring House, or soon will, like Ed and Lorraine Warren’s house and Occult Museum.
Book Via Airbnb or Directly to Spend the Night in the Poltergeist House
As mentioned above, you can rent the entire Poltergeist Movie House through Airbnb—with a caveat. It’s not open to everyone. Only “experienced guests” with three or more trips on Airbnb can rent it. For now. There’s a note that it’ll eventually be open to everyone.
If you’re not an avid Airbnb user, does that mean you can’t spend the night in the Poltergeist House? Nope. You can also book directly through the Poltergeist House site.
Cost to Rent the Poltergeist House
Its per-night cost may be the scariest part of renting the house. It starts at $600 a night.
I had to remind myself that it’s maybe not so bad, considering it is for a full house. The almost 2,400 square foot property can accommodate up to eight guests between its four bedrooms. It also includes amenities like a pool, spa, and fire pit.
Speaking of the pool, let’s talk about what you’ll find inside the house.
The Poltergeist House’s Interior
According to its site, “the home is styled with a balance of vintage nostalgia and suburban coziness, echoing its 1980s roots while offering all the conveniences of today.”
A TV reminiscent of the one in the movie stands in the living room. Or as they put it, “Yes, the static-filled TV setup is here for all your selfie needs.”
The kitchen looks just like it did in the movie, too. Kitchen table and all!
No Seances or Ghost Hunting Allowed
Even though the owners tout how the house was featured in the Poltergeist movie and was on an episode of Ghost Adventures, they specifically forbid certain paranormal activities of the human variety:
No ghost hunting, séances, or Ouija boards. This house is meant for cinematic nostalgia, not spiritual disturbance. If any summoning occurs, a cleansing fee will be applied, seriously. Positive, family-friendly vibes only. Let’s keep the energy fun, not funky.
They also emphasize respect for the neighbors and neighborhood, making it clear that this is a suburban area where real people live. They will be vigilant about enforcing a no-noise policy as well as a no-party policy.
Beyond the Poltergeist House: Things to Do Nearby
Something that I really liked was that they included popular nearby Simi Valley activities. I appreciate insider details like that, ones I might not think to look up otherwise.
For instance, it’s only 10 minutes to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. That’s just a hop, skip, and a jump! There are also hiking trails about 10 minutes away for the outdoors-minded.
But what caught my eye were these three tips:
- 15–20 minutes to spooky landmarks and filming sites
- 30 minutes to the ghost town Mentryville
- 30 minutes to the Manson Family Caves
In other words, the Poltergeist House would make a great home base for other haunt jaunting daytrips!
Check-In
Would you take a dip in the Poltergeist House’s pool?
Courtney Mroch is a globe-trotting restless spirit who’s both possessed by wanderlust and the spirit of adventure, and obsessed with true crime, horror, the paranormal, and weird days. Perhaps it has something to do with her genes? She is related to occult royalty, after all. Marie Laveau, the famous Voodoo practitioner of New Orleans, is one of her ancestors. (Yes, really! As explained here.) That could also explain her infatuation with skeletons.
Speaking of mystical, to learn how Courtney channeled her battle with cancer to conjure up this site, check out HJ’s Origin Story.
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I would totally take a dip in a cinematic poltergeist pool, but not for 600 dollars, LOL!
YES! Same, Priscilla! Except I would’ve never said it so succinctly. I just admire your straightforward conveyance SO MUCH! It’s what makes you a great writer!