After recent travels experiencing some of the best of luxury for not the most exorbitant prices, it got me thinking. Surely there are other beautiful places to stay where you can holiday like a star… without spending extreme amounts?!
Schofield’s recently published a list of celebrity homes that you can hire and the prices are much less than you’d expect… I am definitely adding a fair few to my bucket list! Here are my top picks in California.
1. Casa Elizabeth Luxury Estate
My personal favourite is one of my idol’s former homes in Palm Springs, a luxury estate owned by none other than Elizabeth Taylor. Paintings, treasures and priceless belongings are around every glamorous corner whilst a waterfall edged pool and spa provide an outside oasis. Sleeping 8 people, Ms Taylor’s house works out at an average of £424 per night, only £53 each! I will definitely be adding this property to my ‘must go to’ list.
Need to know
Location: Palm Springs, California
Owned by: Elizabeth Taylor
Bedrooms: 4 – 3 king size, 1 twin/single
Bathrooms: 5
Max. capacity: 8
Minimum stay: 3 nights
Average price per week: £2474
Average price per person (at capacity) per night: £51.50
2. A Palm Springs Retreat
A close neighbour is a private retreat owned and lived in by legendary Bing Crosby. Located in the Old Movie Colony, Mr Crosby’s unique villa offers incredible mountain views, outdoor pools, fresh fruit trees and a screening room. The interiors feature a mix of wooden furnishings, open beams and travel souvenirs, complete with a mini bar and jukebox. I can just imagine Bing having a spot of karaoke with his celebrity pals. I’m saving this gem to my wishlist!
Need to know
Location: Palm Springs, California
Owned by: Bing Crosby
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 4
Max. capacity: 8
Minimum stay: 3 nights
Average price per week: £3222
Average price per person (at capacity) per night: £67.13
3. Hollywood Celebrity Estate
Also in California is a legendary location where many A listers roamed the hallways. Sitting atop Sunset Boulevard is the Orson Welles Estate, not only owned by this classic Hollywood actor but also a previous home to stars including Frank Sinatra, David Bowie, Barbara Streisand and Rita Hayworth… I’d love to know what drama and parties happened in that house! Featuring a lagoon pool, outdoor decking overlooking Hollywood’s panoramic views and a bubbling hot tub, the estate sleeps 8 people in four spacious bedrooms. You can secure this house of the rich and famous for just £612 a night, working out at £76.50 per person, an extremely reasonable price for a centrally located LA getaway.
Need to know
Location: Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood
Owned by: Orson Welles, Frank Sinatra, David Bowie, Barbara Streisand, Rita Hayworth
Bedrooms: 4 – 2 king size, 2 double
Bathrooms: 4
Max. capacity: 8
Minimum stay: 3 nights
Average price per week: £4513
Average price per person (at capacity) per night: £75Book here
4. The Merv Griffin Estate
Also located in the land of the stars is the home of the legendary entertainer Merv Griffin (for those of you who know nothing of the 80’s, he was best known for hosting Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy). Surrounded by palm trees, green grass and views of the Santa Rosa Mountains, the equestrian compound is a luxurious getaway for a group of up to 26. An infinity pool looks out over the scenery whilst a 2.5 acre private pond is a perfect spot for a paddle boat ride.
Need to know
Location: Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood
Owned by: Merv Griffin
Bedrooms: 13 – 4 king size, 9 queen size
Bathrooms: 11
Max. capacity: 26
Minimum stay: 3 nights
Average price per week: £4692
Average price per person (at capacity) per night: £30Book here
5. A Luxury Yacht
For those who fancy a stay on the water, you can head over to San Diego, waking up to the views of Harbour Island from a 46 foot yacht, once enjoyed by the UK’s top boy band One Direction. Up to 4 people (or 6 for an additional cost) can enjoy sunset ocean views and the luxury amenities of the Sheraton Hotel next door.
Need to know
Location: San Diego
Used by: One Direction
Bedrooms: 2 queen size
Bathrooms: 1.5
Max. capacity: 4
Minimum stay: 2 nights
Average price per week: £930.54
Average price per person (at capacity) per night: £38.77Book here
6. Ocean View Guesthouse
Set on a high cliff in California is a one-of-a-kind house offering some of the best views in Malibu. You can see 4 miles of sandy beach and ocean waves from the hilltop home, and mountain landscapes to the other side. Spot dolphins and whales from the dining room whilst the sun rises and sets over the horizon. The sound of the waves will send you and your guests to sleep, or perhaps one of the many books contained in one of the library-style bedroom. An outdoor spa and patio enjoys a sea backdrop and if you’re feeling slightly active (stop it, just get in the hot tub) then a detached gym makes up one of the buildings on the private estate. Oh yeah, and Denzel Washington used to live here.
Need to know
Location: Malibu, California
Owned by: Denzel Washington, Jimmy Page, Jan Michael Vincent, Captain and Tenille
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2
Max. capacity: 8
Minimum stay: 7 nights (but you then get a 15% discount on the nightly price)
Average price per week: £2470 (plus AirBnb fees)
Average price per person (at capacity) per night: £44.10Book here
With thanks to http://eppie.me.uk
Any Questions or Tips to add?