Is it just us or is it getting increasingly difficult to choose a vacation away from the crowd these days? Sure, we all love Ibiza and Mykonos, AlUla and Petra, but what if we want something else, something extra, something, say, from an alternate universe?
Thankfully, if you look hard enough on Airbnb, you can find some rather special rentals. Apartments, condos, mansions and more that have featured in some of the most iconic movies and TV shows of all-time. It’s time to live out that fantasy, people. Just remember the mantra: Your next holiday WILL involve a hostile takeover of a media empire.
Here are five of our favourites…
Enjoy the Upside Down in New Mexico
While Stranger Things season five has been hit by the Screen Actors Guild strike in the US, that doesn’t mean you can’t still live out your best Upside Down lives for AED 1,000 per night. At least not on our watch. We give you the home of the Byers family from season 4, safe from any cross-realm interference. Best thing about it is you can actually get 12 guests into this three-floor home in Albuquerque, New Mexico, which makes for a very reasonable price. Mind Flayer not included.
Check it out here
Experience life in the Kendom at Malibu
Although this is billed as Barbie’s Malibu Dreamhouse, it looks way more like Ken’s Mojo Dojo Casa House to us. Situated on the gorgeous Malibu coast, expect a pink paradise decorated liberally with horse paraphernalia, featuring sundeck areas to work on that perfect Ken tan. Unfortunately this one isn’t available right now, but, well, we felt you should mark it down as one to watch. In the meantime, keep rollerblading, yeah?
Check it out here
Live like a tycoon at the Succession villa in Italy
While the wedding scenes in season three of the HBO juggernaut Succession were tense as all hell, your holiday in Siena, Italy, at the villa where it all took place doesn’t need to be (unless that’s your thing, of course). With 13 bedrooms and 13 baths, if you fill the place you’ll hardly notice that AED 14,400 per night fee, at least if you have Roy family money. If not, it’s booked solid until December, so you’ve got plenty of time to save up.
Check it out here
Join the family at The Godfather mansion on Staten Island
You might remember this from the opening scene of Connie Corleone’s wedding in the first Godfather movie? Or maybe from Vito’s heart attack in the second one? Other than that this 1930’s built Tudor-style mansion was a backdrop across Francis Ford Coppola’s iconic trilogy, and last year was listed on Airbnb to celebrate 50 years of the original movie. Originally available for a 30-night stay, it’s not available right now, but another to keep your eye on.
Check it out here
Try Harry Potter’s family home in the UK
Presuming you’re not funny about staying somewhere that has seen wizards up to no good, this Grade I listed building in the idyllic Cotswolds featured as part of the Godric’s Hollow set in Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 1. Originally owned by the wealthy De Vere family, it has been remodelled over the years, but still retains some of its original 15th century features. The full Muggle experience will set you back around AED 700 per night, which is reasonable, although its best to probably sleep with one eye open.
Check it out here