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Sleeping in the same quarters as someone famous is a total fantasy (unless, of course, you’re a particularly successful groupie). But taking a vacation in a luminary’s or celebrity’s former digs is a dream that can actually come true thanks to companies like Airbnb and HomeAway. Ever wonder what it was like to have a drink—or 10—with Frank Sinatra by the pool in Palm Springs? Or sit on the couch watching Yves Klein swish his blue across a canvas? This category of rental properties offers something much more valuable than room service and turndowns: It offers a chance to reside, for a moment, in the spaces once occupied by iconic artists, musicians, and novelists. Intrigued? Here are the five most amazing famous rental homes that will make you want to cancel that hotel reservation.
Frank Sinatra’s Home in Palm Springs
Not only did this desert home once belong to Sinatra, but it’s also a stunning example of mid-century modern architecture. The four-bedroom, six-bath house was built by E. Stewart Williams in 1947, and is equipped with a piano-shaped pool and large outdoor terrace. Inside, there’s a lot of old-school, cheeky ’50s decor (palm wallpaper, shag carpets, sculptural lighting) and a vintage audio system.
Yves Klein’s Studio in Paris
Located in Paris’s Montparnasse neighborhood, this three-bedroom apartment is in the same building that once housed the studio of the artist Yves Klein. The loft-like space is clean and minimal throughout, updated and renovated since the time when Klein was there. Though it’s gone through modern changes, the space looks and still feels like a creative space.
Sting’s Villa in Figline Valdarno, Italy
This gorgeous 16th-century villa is located about 45 minutes from Florence. It’s owned by Sting and Trudie Styler, who spent summers there for more than 15 years and now rent it out to the public. The estate is comprised of the main home and three smaller houses, as well as a vineyard and olive grove.
John Steinbeck’s Studio Near Monterey, California
The Grapes of Wrath author used to spend time writing in this quaint one-bedroom, one-bathroom Pacific Grove cottage. While it’s tiny (only about 350 square feet), it’s probably one of the more intimate settings that once provided solace to one of the literary world’s most famous and prolific writers.
Mick Jagger’s Villa in Mustique
If you’re really willing to shell out for a celebrity vacation rental, Mick Jagger’s amazing beachfront island home, called “Stargroves,” is just the ticket. Situated on the private island of Mustique, the house can hold 10 guests and comes with a staff of four. Next door, the rock star also owns and rents out a smaller, three-bedroom estate called “Pelican Beach.”