Frank Sinatra's Twin Palms Estate
Have you dreamed of lounging in the living room of Elizabeth Taylor's house, or maybe rocking through hallways once haunted by Bob Dylan? Stop dreaming! Dozens of properties once owned or inhabited by celebrities are available for rent on either a monthly or nightly basis.
Of course, there's a catch: The keys to these luxe digs require deep pockets. But if you can get past the price tag, why not roam the same halls that legendary Oscar winners, music icons, and mysterious magicians once walked? Here are 10 noteworthy options where you can stay a night or two.
1. Frank Sinatra
Rate: $2,600/night in Palm Springs, CA
You and the other members of your own Rat Pack can rent the home of Frank Sinatra. Built in 1947, the four-bedroom, 6.5-bathroom villa called "Twin Palms Estate" pays homage to Ol' Blue Eyes with a piano-shaped swimming pool and an indoor piano in case you're inspired to belt out a few tunes. Outdoors there's also a patio, grill, and cabanas. Inside the Mid-Century Modern dcor and view from the floor-to-ceiling windows are sure to inspire relaxation. Just don't forget your 1950s vinyl collection.
2. Bob Dylan
Rate: $406/night in Saugerties, NY
"The Band" -- the hallowed group of musicians who often performed with Bob Dylan -- once took up residence in the legendary " Big Pink," a pink three-bedroom, two-bathroom home in the Catskills.
A night here gives you bragging rights to sleeping in the namesake of the group's debut album, "Music from Big Pink," and where Dylan recorded his lauded "Basement Tapes."
You and a band of up to eight others can rent Big Pink for a relative song. But don't set your hopes on tapping into any leftover Dylan mojo in the basement. Although you can lounge in the sunroom and bask in the warmth of the wood stove, the famous basement is off-limits.
3. Elizabeth Taylor
Rate: $630/night in Palm Springs, CA
" Casa Elizabeth" can house up to eight vacationers -- coincidentally, the same number of times the Hollywood icon strolled down the aisle. The home provides access to some of her former possessions, including photographic portraits and oil paintings. It has four-bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, a pool with waterfalls, and a detached in-law suite, in case you want to bring Mom along. All in all, you're getting a bargain rate for a house that also has a spa, floor-to-ceiling windows, a piano, a breakfast bar, a jetted bathtub, and fireplace.
4. Jim Morrison
Rate: $3,180/month in West Hollywood, CA
The Doors frontman, Jim Morrison, lit his fire in a modest home in West Hollywood, CA, where he penned many of the group's biggest hits. He also is said to have written a significant chunk of his poetry while residing at this house, which is walking distance from the Sunset Strip. The two-bedroom rental is a throwback to Morrison's hippie days, with colorfully painted walls, flower murals, and band memorabilia that help keep Morrison's legacy alive more than four decades after his death.
5. John Steinbeck
Rate: $195/night in Pacific Grove, CA
Writing the Great American Novel didn't spoil author John Steinbeck. During the early 1940s, the author of "The Grapes of Wrath" and "Of Mice and Men" lived in the Monterey area in a one-bedroom, one-bathroom cottage that's approximately 900 square feet. Though modest, the house accommodates up to five and has plenty of spots to curl up with a good book, including the garden and patio.
6. Jimmy Page
Rate: $490/night in Malibu, CA
Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page used to strum his stuff in this beach home that sits on 8 acres overlooking the water. Page wasn't the home's only famous guest. Former tenants also include actor Denzel Washington and 1970s pop duo Captain & Tennille, who lived there with their pet chimpanzee.
7. Merv Griffin
Rate: $5,500/night in La Quinta, CA
If you're a game show junkie, it doesn't get any better than staying at the former home of Merv Griffin, creator of "Jeopardy!" and "Wheel of Fortune," as well as host of his own talk show. Best of all, you're definitely not in jeopardy of running into nosy neighbors, since the former equestrian property just outside Palm Springs sits on 39 acres. The home has 10 bedrooms and 11 bathrooms and can accommodate up to 20 guests. They are sure to feel like they bought the prize-winning vowel when they take a dip in the infinity pool, lounge in one of the two guesthouses, stroll the 20-stable barn, or primp in the master bathroom.
8. Paula Deen
Rate: $295/night in Tybee Island, GA
If you're a foodie, you can cook up a fabulous vacation in Paula Deen's beach house. The chef's kitchen is fully stocked with all of Deen's cookbooks, including one personally signed for guests. The three-bedroom, 2,000-square-foot house is a mere four blocks from the beach. And be prepared to stargaze: The neighborhood is home to musician John Mellencamp and actress Sandra Bullock.
9. Dick Clark
Rate: $495/night in Lake Arrowhead, CA
You can have a rocking New Year's Eve -- or any other night of the year -- in the five-bedroom, three-bathroom home built for Dick Clark. The house can accommodate up to 10 renters. In addition to multiple terraces and fireplaces, the former home of the beloved "American Bandstand" boss features a master bedroom that's a reproduction of the Lincoln Room in the White House.
10. Harry Houdini
Rate: $1,019/night in Hollywood Hills, CA
Looking for a magical getaway? Spend a day or two in the former home of Harry Houdini. Sitting on 5 acres and featuring hidden tunnels and the deep-water tank believed to be where the illusionist practiced his underwater escapes, the home is full of spooky surprises. There's also three bedrooms, four bathrooms, parking for more than 80 cars, and seven gazebos.