The ‘Poltergeist’ home is back—with a few new shockers

From its flickering TV to the skeleton pool party, the 1982 movie Poltergeist—set in a suburban home built over a graveyard—still haunts America’s nightmares. So when the real-life Simi Valley, CA, house hit the market last year, superfan Rachel Powers jumped at the chance. She paid $1.28 million—$100,000 over asking—then meticulously remodeled the four-bedroom, three-bath home to mirror the movie’s eerie charm. Today, she rents it out for short-term stays, where guests swear that strange things still happen.

When did you purchase this property—and why? “I’ve always loved Poltergeist and saw it as a unique opportunity to preserve a piece of cinematic and cultural history. I live there, but also share it with fans as a short-term rental and filming location.”

What changes did you make to the house? “It still maintains the iconic suburban look seen in the film, but I made careful updates to modernize it and improve comfort. Balancing preservation with practical updates was a challenge.”

Do you see this property as a good investment? “Yes! It’s a niche property, but when positioned correctly, it offers strong value and long-term cultural interest beyond just real estate metrics.”

What’s the response been from visitors? “The film’s legacy draws fans from all over the world, but it also brings a fair amount of rumors and expectations. Many tell me visiting the house was on their bucket list. Many, including the reality show Ghost Adventures, have documented spooky things that have happened [here], such as flickering lights, noises, and shadows.”

What have you learned owning this property? “Make sure that the story behind the house aligns with your vision and values. Also, treat it like a business, including insurance and legal protections.”

What might surprise people about this house? “People are surprised it’s in such a quiet neighborhood! It’s a real, lived-in place.”

Below are more photos of the home and what it looked like pre-reno.