Take a celebrity vacation by renting these legends' homes
Have some vacation days left this year? Why not go stay in Elizabeth Taylor's former home?
Legendary stars like Taylor, Orson Welles and John Steinbeck left some appealing real estate in their wake, and many smart new buyers have seen the investment opportunity in leaving them relatively untouched. After all, staying in Frank Sinatra's old place may be much more interesting for short-term renters if they can use the original sound system. And who wouldn't want to sleep in Dick Clark's master suite, a replica of the Lincoln Room at the White House?
Some current owners are actively targeting vacationers through home rental websites like HomeAway.com, but others are open to longer-term arrangements. Lessees hoping to stay for more than a few days could talk to Harry Houdini estate property manager Lori Seyer, for example, and take their time discovering all of the outlandish home's mysterious nooks and crannies.
Check out these 10 houses where legendary celebrities once hung their hats.
Frank Sinatra
Starting at $2,600 per night, up to eight travelers can rent this modern home where Ol' Blue Eyes once slept. The luxurious four-bedroom, 6.5-bathroom villa in Palm Springs, called the "Twin Palms Estate," was commissioned by Sinatra in 1947.
Frank Sinatra
It features a piano-shaped swimming pool, patio, cabanas, a barbeque grill, wet bar, floor-to-ceiling windows, several fireplaces, stone flooring, a piano, mid-century décor and the home's original audio system, according to property management company Luxury Retreats International.
The Band/Bob Dylan
The musicians who had frequently performed with Bob Dylan were known collectively as The Band, and they once lived in this three-bedroom, two-bathroom home in the Catskill mountains of New York. In fact, the pink house is the namesake of the group's debut album, "Music from Big Pink," and it's where Dylan recorded his legendary "Basement Tapes." Now, it's available for up to nine people to rent starting at $650 per night, according to HomeAway.com.
The Band/Bob Dylan
The property has a sunroom, wood stove, parking garage and hardwood flooring. Regrettably, the basement is not included in the rental.
Elizabeth Taylor
"Casa Elizabeth," the aptly named former home of Hollywood bombshell Elizabeth Taylor, can now be used by up to eight vacationers at a time for a Palm Springs getaway. Fees start at $630 per night with the promise of access to some of Taylor's former possessions, including her collection of photography and oil paintings.
Elizabeth Taylor
The four-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom property features a pool with waterfalls, patio, spa, fireplace, floor-to-ceiling windows, a piano, breakfast bar, jetted bathtub and detached mother-in-law suite.
Merv Griffin
This sprawling 10-bedroom, 11-bathroom estate sitting on 39 acres of land in La Quinta, California, was once the home of late TV star Merv Griffin. The palatial abode can sleep up to 20 renters, with a per-night price starting at a whopping $5,000.
Merv Griffin
Apparently, creating popular game shows like "Jeopardy" and "Wheel of Fortune" earned Griffin pretty big bucks: His former equestrian property features an infinity pool, a 20-stable barn, patio, two guest houses, a spa-like master bath, wet bar, skylight and outdoor decorative fountain.
John Steinbeck
Famed author John Steinbeck, who wrote books like "The Grapes of Wrath" and "Of Mice and Men," lived in this modest one-bedroom, one-bathroom cottage in Pacific Grove, California, during the early 1940s.
John Steinbeck
The approximately 900-square-foot house can sleep up to five visitors, and rental prices start at $195 per night. It features a central fireplace, cathedral ceilings, hardwood flooring, decorative wooden carvings and a cozy garden and patio area.
Jimmy Page
Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page used to live in this three-bedroom, two-bathroom Malibu home -- but he isn't the only celebrity in its history. The property was also previously owned by actor Denzel Washington, according to current owner Jean Marie. It's now available for up to eight people to rent starting at $300 per night.
Jimmy Page
The gated house features a fitness area, 10 parking spaces, a patio, fireplace, garden, hot tub and tiled flooring.
Bob Hope
Legendary entertainer Bob Hope owned this gated Palm Springs property for 70 years, according to current owner Brad Hubbs. The five-bedroom, six-bathroom, approximately 3,200-square-foot estate is now for rent to vacationers and can sleep up to 10 people. Rates start at $525 per night.
Bob Hope
The property has tiled flooring, a swimming pool, wet bar, hot tub, patio, two-car garage, breakfast bar and barbeque grill.
Harry Houdini
The extravagant five-acre Houdini estate is notorious in the Hollywood Hills for its secrets. Hidden tunnels lie throughout the property, and it still has a deep-water tank where the famed illusionist may have practiced his underwater escape act. Now, the home is available for up to 10 magic enthusiasts starting at $1,000 per night -- and long-term renters are welcome.
Harry Houdini
The property has three bedrooms and four bathrooms, hiking trails, a three-story waterfall, pool, spa, barbeque grill, fireplace, breakfast bar, koi pond, seven gazebos and parking for more than 80 cars.
Orson Welles/Dolores del Rio
This seven-bedroom, six-bathroom villa on a peninsula in Acapulco, Mexico, was once owned by Mexican-born actress Dolores del Rio and shared with her partner, actor/director Orson Welles, according to HomeAway.com. Known as "La Cañeda," or "The Ravine," the property sits on four acres and can be rented by up to 14 people starting at $600 per night.
Orson Welles/Dolores del Rio
It has a swimming pool, patio, several terraces and a small service staff, including a butler and maid.
Dick Clark
TV icon Dick Clark once lived in this five-bedroom,three-bathroom property in the Inland Empire of California on Lake Arrowhead. The lake house was built especially for Clark, and it's now available for up to 10 vacationers to rent starting at $495 per night.
Dick Clark
The getaway features a master bedroom that's a reproduction of the Lincoln Room in the White House, terraces, several fireplaces, a pool table, breakfast bar and dock access.