The legendary producer, animator, and cartoonist Walt Disney once resided in a magnificent house located in the Los Feliz neighborhood of California, just outside Los Angeles. Now, this historic property, known among the locals as La Mansión de Cuentos, is up for rent, offering the opportunity to live in the very place where Disney found inspiration to create his entertainment empire.

Recently listed on the real estate agency Compass website, the rental price for this enchanting house is set at $40,000 per month. The property boasts four bedrooms, five bathrooms, and spans across nearly 600 square meters.

“The stately home sits atop a private driveway and a parking lot for ten cars at the entrance of the roundabout, which welcomes you to this magical place and immediately leads you to the spectacular two-story living room with vaulted ceilings and wood beams, stave-paneled walls, brick fireplace, and original leaded windows overlooking the backyard,” details the enticing advertisement.

Designed by architect Frank Crowhurst, the residence showcases a fusion of French, Tudor, and Neo-Gothic styles. The house features spacious common areas and has undergone extensive remodeling to preserve its original elements while incorporating modern technology for enhanced comfort.

Particularly elegant spaces within the house include the dining room with its hand-painted ceiling and the kitchen, which seamlessly blends high-end stainless steel appliances with custom cabinetry, offering a mix of modern convenience and vintage charm.

The most captivating area of the residence is undoubtedly the home theater, where Walt Disney used to review trailers for his films, propelling him towards unparalleled success. While some original construction elements are preserved, state-of-the-art screens and projectors now accompany classic leather sofas for an immersive cinematic experience.

“It is an unprecedented opportunity to delve into history with all the modern comforts you would want,” adds Chase Campen, a real estate agent from Compass, describing the allure of the house that once served as the cherished family home for Walt Disney and his wife, Lillian, where they raised their daughters Diane and Sharon.

Outside, the two-story property is embraced by breathtaking gardens offering magnificent panoramic views of downtown Los Angeles. The premises also include a swimming pool and outdoor dining area. Notably, there is a playhouse inspired by the film “Snow White,” a charming Christmas present built for Walt Disney’s daughters, as reported by the local newspaper, The Sun.

Official records reveal that the current owner of this remarkable estate is Russian filmmaker Timur Bekmambetov, who acquired it in 2011 for approximately $3.7 million. Since then, Bekmambetov has made various improvements to the property and occasionally rented it out for film and television productions. However, it is now available to the general public.

The Los Feliz community in California has long been associated with the golden age of Hollywood. Even today, it remains a haven for prominent personalities in the entertainment industry, including actor Leonardo DiCaprio and pop singer Gwen Stefani.

Published by The Nation