
Now you can stay in the Poltergeist house from the 1982 horror classic
The 16,000-square foot property is located in Simi Valley, north of Thousand Oaks and Malibu, and was purchased by Rachel Powers in October 2024 for $1.28 million.
Rachel invested approximately $165,000 to recreate the set of the movie, and is now offering stays via AirBnB, VRBO and Futurestay.
The house boasts four bedrooms, two-and-a-half bathrooms, a large swimming pool in the spacious backyard, as well as a circular jacuzzi, whilst the front of the property has a three-car garage, a luscious lawn and several trees.
It also has a dining room that connects to a kitchen and fans of the movie will notice it's still in its original form but with updated appliances.
Shortly after Powers took ownership, the property was featured on the two-hour season 29 premiere of Ghost Adventures in April 2025 and during filming investigators discovered paranormal activity, including a Cabbage Patch Doll that belonged to Poltergeist actress Heather O'Rourke who portrayed Carol Anne Freeling who is targeted by the spirits in the film.
Powers said: "They used a combination of devices, including an ITC, spirit box, digital voice recorders, Polaroid cameras, Ovilus, cameras, night vision, thermal imaging, motion sensors, EMF meters, and trigger objects like Heather O'Rourke's Cabbage Patch doll.
"They caught some electronic communication, an object moving unexpectedly, cold spots, flickering lights, troublesome locks, energy drains and activity around the old TV.
"The episode tied the history of the filming of the movie, the actors, the history of the land, and the house, focusing on the investigation of the rumoured 'Poltergeist Curse'."
'The Poltergeist Curse' relates to the real-life tragic events that have affected multiple people involved with the films.
Mere months after the movie was released, Dominique Dunne - who played Carol Ann's sister Dana, was strangled by her deranged ex-boyfriend in October 1982.
In February 1988, Heather - who reprised her role as Carol Anne Freeling in the two sequels to Poltergeist - died from septic shock caused by congenital stenosis of the intestine at the age of just 12. She passed away four months before the release of Poltergeist III.
Julian Beck played the evil Reverend Henry Kane in Poltergeist II: The Other Side and he died aged 60 just a few months after shooting wrapped on the follow-up in 1985.
Poltergeist was written and produced by Steven Spielberg and directed by The Texas Chain Saw Massacre creator Tobe Hooper and follows the Freeling family as their idyllic suburban life is turned upside down as they are targeted by spirits including an evil entity known as The Beast.
It was the the eighth highest-grossing film of 1982 and is considered to be a classic of the supernatural horror genre.
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Perth Now
5 days ago
- Perth Now
Now you can stay in the Poltergeist house from the 1982 horror classic
The Poltergeist house from the 1982 horror movie is now being rented out to the public - and supernatural activity has been recorded inside. The 16,000-square foot property is located in Simi Valley, north of Thousand Oaks and Malibu, and was purchased by Rachel Powers in October 2024 for $1.28 million. Rachel invested approximately $165,000 to recreate the set of the movie, and is now offering stays via AirBnB, VRBO and Futurestay. The house boasts four bedrooms, two-and-a-half bathrooms, a large swimming pool in the spacious backyard, as well as a circular jacuzzi, whilst the front of the property has a three-car garage, a luscious lawn and several trees. It also has a dining room that connects to a kitchen and fans of the movie will notice it's still in its original form but with updated appliances. Shortly after Powers took ownership, the property was featured on the two-hour season 29 premiere of Ghost Adventures in April 2025 and during filming investigators discovered paranormal activity, including a Cabbage Patch Doll that belonged to Poltergeist actress Heather O'Rourke who portrayed Carol Anne Freeling who is targeted by the spirits in the film. Powers said: "They used a combination of devices, including an ITC, spirit box, digital voice recorders, Polaroid cameras, Ovilus, cameras, night vision, thermal imaging, motion sensors, EMF meters, and trigger objects like Heather O'Rourke's Cabbage Patch doll. "They caught some electronic communication, an object moving unexpectedly, cold spots, flickering lights, troublesome locks, energy drains and activity around the old TV. "The episode tied the history of the filming of the movie, the actors, the history of the land, and the house, focusing on the investigation of the rumoured 'Poltergeist Curse'." 'The Poltergeist Curse' relates to the real-life tragic events that have affected multiple people involved with the films. Mere months after the movie was released, Dominique Dunne - who played Carol Ann's sister Dana, was strangled by her deranged ex-boyfriend in October 1982. In February 1988, Heather - who reprised her role as Carol Anne Freeling in the two sequels to Poltergeist - died from septic shock caused by congenital stenosis of the intestine at the age of just 12. She passed away four months before the release of Poltergeist III. Julian Beck played the evil Reverend Henry Kane in Poltergeist II: The Other Side and he died aged 60 just a few months after shooting wrapped on the follow-up in 1985. Poltergeist was written and produced by Steven Spielberg and directed by The Texas Chain Saw Massacre creator Tobe Hooper and follows the Freeling family as their idyllic suburban life is turned upside down as they are targeted by spirits including an evil entity known as The Beast. It was the the eighth highest-grossing film of 1982 and is considered to be a classic of the supernatural horror genre.


7NEWS
05-08-2025
- 7NEWS
Want to live like a rock star? Daniel Johns lists retro beachside shack on Airbnb
Loading content... It's one of Newcastle's most recognisable homes. And now, the 1960s beach shack ex-Silverchair frontman Daniel Johns, 46, has owned since the mid-1990s, is available to rent on Airbnb. A stay at the two-bedroom, two-bathroom house, which overlooks Merewether Beach, is priced at $450 a night, according to the website. Johns bought the modest property in 1996, shortly after his 17th birthday. For decades, the property remained untouched until a recent makeover of the exterior suggested Johns had big plans for the mid-century gem. Behind the pink and blue colour explosion on the home's facade, the Airbnb listing reveals a striking renovation inside with bold interiors and artistic flair. The listing reads: "Welcome to the Merewether Beach Shack! Built in the 60s, this love shack has been transformed into a rustic, colourful beachside haven. "With all of its old character from the past, it has been styled with unique art and lush velvet couches you can sink into and watch the sunset. "The outside balcony is perfect for sunbaking and having a BBQ grill, bring man's best friend and the fam and watch the world go by. "After the sun has gone down, cosy up by the fireplace and share a meal with friends." Johns' dog, Gia, has also been put to work, appearing in multiple photos to showcase home. The single-level house has arguably the best outlook in Merewether, with floor-to-ceiling windows extending the length of the home to soak up the beach and ocean views. Inside, the living room retains the original stone mantlepiece, a fireplace, a sound system and plush deep blue velvet couches. Upon check-in, the hosts also provide a curated playlist "to get you instantly in holiday mode". A cosy sitting room with a velvet couch positioned in the corner takes in the uninterrupated views via wraparound windows. The new kitchen has peacock blue cabinetry, timber benchtops, a breakfast bar and a large window at the sink that offers more ocean views. The dining space features a designer table, with a trio of arched mirrors and original artworks on the walls. There are two bedrooms, including one with balcony access, expansive ocean views via floow-to-ceiling windows and pop art-inspired wallpaper with images of the likes of music legends including Mick Jagger, Debbie Harry, John Lennon and Bob Marley. The retro sage green bathroom combines original details with modern updates. Unique art pieces are placed throughout the home, including a handpainted guitar on the wall in the hallway. This week, the home's official Instagram page posted before and after shots of the renovation which took place over the past seven months. "The last 7 months of decisions, pivots, challenges and excitement has seen the shack get some TLC and bring her back to her original beauty," reads the caption. "A massive shout out to all of the incredible tradies who went above and beyond to figure out the quirks of her wiring and good bones. Loading Instagram Post "If she could talk she would have some incredible stories to tell ... From the secret safe discovered (with nothing in it lol) to the 60s newspaper found under the shag pile carpet and magically uncovering the stunning local to the area tallow wood floorboards brought back to life after a sand and polish - she's an old beauty that will hopefully bring so much enjoyment to today's holiday makers." According the Cotality records, John boguht the house in 1996 for $645,000. At the time, Silverchair was riding high on the back of the success of their debut single, Tomorrow, from the album, Frogstomp, after signing a worldwide three-album recording contract. The trio's estimated gross earnings in 1995 were $6.4 million, according to an article published in the Australian Financial Review in April 1996. The band's legacy continues to shine after three Silverchair songs recently ranked in Triple J's Hottest 100 of Australian Music. Freak charted in 72nd position, Straight Lines came in at number 28 and their breakthrough hit, Tomorrow, placed 17th in the countdown. Listing his home on Airbnb is the latest property move for Johns, who recently demolished his long-time home in Merewether to sub-divide the block and sell off one of the lots. The vacant block on Charlotte Street is listed for sale by expressions of interest with Amanda and Kirk Langlands from Robinson Property.

Sky News AU
04-08-2025
- Sky News AU
'Others will catch on': The Block foreman Dan Reilly says 2025 season the most competitive yet with one couple's innovative approach set be copied
The Block 2025 is set to be the most competitive season yet, as one couple's innovative approach could be copied, according to the show's foreman Dan Reilly. Nine's hit renovation series kicked off in the Victorian town of Daylesford last week, with five homes built from scratch set to go under the hammer. Unlike previous seasons, each property has the exact same floor plan, putting the Blockheads under pressure to deliver rooms with a difference. And best mates Robby and Mat haven't wasted any time, getting plans approved to install an underground wine cellar at the back of house 5. The South Australian barbers have already emerged as this season's front-runners after winning week one's bathroom reveal on Sunday. The boys claimed the victory over the other four couples with a tidy score of 26.5/30 from judges Shaynna Blaze, Darren Palmer, and Marty Fox. However, speaking to Dan suggested Robby and Mat's fall from grace is fast approaching with other couples set to match their point of difference and install other bespoke features in their homes. 'Maybe others will catch on and start come up with some good ideas,' the foreman said with a cheeky grin at the TV WEEK Logie Awards in Sydney on Sunday evening. 'Every house is the exact same footprint, so it's really up to the contestants to try and come up with ideas of how they're going to differentiate from everyone else. 'How's their design going to be? Is it going to resonate with the buyers? 'And you've got to have big weapons, like we've seen the boys do, put a wine cellar.' Dan warned the couples who don't have 'weapons' up their sleeves will get 'done' at the auctions, which will cap off the season in November. The auctions will notably not feature star bidder Adrian Portelli, also known as 'Lambo guy' for his flashy designer yellow car on set. Portelli retired his bidding paddle after purchasing all five Phillip Island homes in 2024 for $15.3 million. He had dropped a total of $31.68 million on The Block houses since his first appearance on the hit renovation series in 2022. Asked whether the Blockheads are nervous about their auctions this year without Portelli's domination, Dan said other 'big players' are out to bid. 'What's exciting about Daylesford is that it is such a place that everyone wants to get into, because the Airbnb business up there is huge,' he said. 'Plus, there are a lot of big players in town with a lot of money, and we're already hearing they're looking and very interested in buying one or two. 'So I don't think they'll get passed in, and I think we'll still see some good prices at auction.' The 2025 Block homes are expansive, with an estimated $3 million-plus price, which is costly for the Daylesford market. According to PropTrack data, the median house price in the town is $819,000, an eight per cent decrease in the year to July. Buyers advocate and The Block regular Frank Valentic cast doubt over the success of the auctions without Portelli and major bidder Danny Wallace. 'I don't think there'll be many owner/occupiers buying this series, because it is well above Daylesford's median house price,' Mr Valentic told 'If these are going to be at circa $2 million or even $3 million-plus, I don't know if they'll get that far without the Danny Wallace and Adrian Portelli factor.'