Step into Disney's Magical Legacy: Rent Walt Disney's Former L.A. Home for $40,000/Month
Presenting an enchanting opportunity for Disney enthusiasts and history buffs alike, the former Los Angeles residence of Walt Disney is now available for rent at the monthly price of $40,000. With an appearance straight out of one of his beloved films, this Storybook-style home, adorned with lush vines, showcases a charming turret, leaded-glass windows, and a cobblestone motor court.
Back in 1932, Disney himself constructed this four-bedroom abode in Los Feliz, where he resided with his wife and family for approximately two decades before relocating to Holmby Hills. Currently, the property is under the ownership of Kazakhstan-born film director Timur Bekmambetov, who acquired it in 2011 for a sum of $3.7 million, according to public records.
Though Bekmambetov primarily resides in Israel and only visits the Los Feliz residence a few times each year, he has collaborated with Disney historian and blogger Todd Regan to arrange tours of the premises. Expressing his desire for others to experience the magic of staying there, Bekmambetov has made the decision to rent out the property.
Disney's acquisition of this remarkable site overlooking downtown L.A. came on the heels of the triumph of his Mickey Mouse and Silly Symphony short films, as detailed by Regan, who also played a role in the restoration of Disney's childhood home in Chicago. Constructing the approximately 6,400-square-foot residence within a mere three months was an astounding feat, considering the prevailing conditions of the Great Depression. Regan mused, "It's incredible to think that it was even possible to do that. But it was the height of the Great Depression, so nobody had anything, and if you had a little bit of something, like Walt had with his Mickey Mouse money, you could build a castle on top of the Hollywood Hills." It was within the walls of this very home that Disney brought to life some of his most iconic works, including "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," "Cinderella," and "Pinocchio," as revealed by Regan.
Nestled upon approximately an acre of land, the residence boasts its original features, including lead-lined stained-glass windows, a captivating spiral staircase, and intricately painted ceilings in the foyer and dining room, according to Regan. Furthermore, there is a screening room within the house where Disney himself enjoyed watching his cinematic creations. Adding to the allure of the property, a delightful cottage-style playhouse, gifted to Disney's daughters on Christmas Day in 1937 following the release of "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," graces the yard.
Upon acquiring the residence, Bekmambetov diligently utilized old photographs to restore it to its original splendor, furnishing it with antique pieces akin to those once owned by the Disneys. Additionally, he modernized the kitchen and its appliances, while meticulously preserving the home's unique character.
Listing agent Chase Campen, affiliated with Compass, aptly describes the house as a "living museum," emphasizing its significance and historical value. Bekmambetov, renowned for directing films such as 2004's "Night Watch" and 2008's "Wanted," professed his longstanding admiration for Disney's creations. When he stumbled upon the opportunity to purchase the home bearing the Walt Disney name back in 2011, he initially believed it to be an error. Recounting the experience, he stated, "I got a notification that there was a house for sale and it had the Walt Disney name. I called my assistant and said to her, 'Please call. I think it's a mistake.'" To his astonishment, it was no mistake, and Bekmambetov made the bold decision to purchase the home without even setting eyes on it.
Considering himself the "keeper" of this iconic residence, Bekmambetov draws inspiration from it for a graphic novel and movie script, both of which revolve around fictional Disney characters that never graced the silver screen. He aspires to rent the house to an individual with a creative spirit, someone who will be inspired by the home's ambiance, much like he has been.
Los Feliz, an upscale neighborhood nestled in the hills, approximately 5 miles away from downtown L.A., serves as the idyllic location for this exceptional property. Notably, Bekmambetov's residence stands out among its counterparts in the neighborhood due to its generous outdoor space, a rarity in the area, as noted by Campen. Impressing further, the grounds offer ample parking, adding to the allure of the property. According to Redfin, the median sale price in Los Feliz in April was $1.9 million, marking a 12.7% increase from the previous year.