The legendary house from the 1982 horror film Poltergeist is now available for public rental. Located in Simi Valley, California, north of Thousand Oaks and Malibu, the 16,000-square-foot property was purchased by Rachel Powers in October 2024 for $1.28 million. Following a significant renovation, Powers has opened the home for bookings through platforms such as AirBnB, VRBO, and Futurestay.
The property features four bedrooms, two-and-a-half bathrooms, and a spacious backyard complete with a large swimming pool and a circular jacuzzi. The front yard includes a three-car garage, lush landscaping, and numerous trees. Fans of the film will appreciate that while the dining room and kitchen retain their original layout, modern appliances have been added.
Paranormal activity has reportedly been documented at the house, increasing its allure. Shortly after acquiring the property, Powers welcomed the Ghost Adventures team, who featured the home in the two-hour season 29 premiere in April 2025. During their investigation, the team recorded various supernatural phenomena, which they attributed to the rumored Poltergeist Curse. This curse relates to tragic events affecting several cast members associated with the film.
The investigation included the use of numerous devices, such as an ITC spirit box, digital voice recorders, and thermal imaging cameras. Powers noted that the team captured electronic communications and observed objects moving unexpectedly, cold spots, and flickering lights. Remarkably, they also discovered a Cabbage Patch Doll that belonged to Heather O’Rourke, who portrayed Carol Anne Freeling in the film.
The Poltergeist Curse has cast a long shadow over the film’s legacy. Just months after the movie’s release, actress Dominique Dunne, who played Carol Anne’s sister Dana, was tragically murdered by her ex-boyfriend in October 1982. In February 1988, O’Rourke died from septic shock at the tender age of 12, shortly before the release of Poltergeist III. Additionally, Julian Beck, who portrayed the sinister Reverend Henry Kane in Poltergeist II: The Other Side, passed away shortly after filming wrapped in 1985.
The original Poltergeist film, produced by Steven Spielberg and directed by Tobe Hooper, revolves around the Freeling family, whose seemingly idyllic suburban life is disrupted by malevolent spirits, including a powerful entity known as The Beast. The film attained remarkable success, ranking as the eighth highest-grossing film of 1982 and earning its place as a classic within the supernatural horror genre.
As the property opens its doors to the public, it invites guests to experience a piece of cinematic history—albeit with a hint of the supernatural. Whether seeking a unique overnight stay or hoping to encounter something otherworldly, visitors now have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the eerie atmosphere of the Poltergeist house.
