Cover Storybook Mansion is the estate where Walt Disney’s family lived for 18 years
Storybook Mansion is the estate where Walt Disney’s family lived for 18 years
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For devoted Disneyland fans, Storybook Mansion, the home where Walt Disney once lived, is now available to rent for US$40,000 per month (nearly VND1 billion).
Built in 1932, the estate was where Walt Disney resided with his family for 18 years and where he created his beloved princesses, including Cinderella and Snow White. Located at 4053 Woking Way in Los Angeles, beneath the towering cedar trees of Griffith Park, Storybook Mansion can now be rented for US$40,000 per month.
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Before being listed publicly, the property was purchased in 2011 by Kazakhstani director Timur Bekmambetov for US$3.7 million. A passionate Disney admirer, he decided to acquire the house immediately upon hearing it was on the market, though not without a moment of hesitation.
After purchasing it, the director used archival photos of Walt Disney to restore and redecorate the mansion to its original charm, while discreetly updating the kitchen with modern appliances.
The birthplace of Disney’s legendary fairy tales
Bekmambetov revealed that the house inspired a graphic novel and a screenplay featuring fictional Disney characters that never made it to the screen. He hopes that other creatives will rent the estate to find inspiration, just as he did.
Above Walt Disney and his daughter on the grounds of Storybook Mansion (photo: Ronald Grant Archive / Mary Evans / Everett Collection)
Walt Disney and his daughter on the grounds of Storybook Mansion (photo: Ronald Grant Archive / Mary Evans / Everett Collection)
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This estate was not only the Disney family home but also marked a pivotal moment for Disney Studio, as it evolved from a modest animation company into a global entertainment empire. During his 18 years here, Walt Disney personally voiced Mickey Mouse and produced Flowers and Trees, the world’s first full-colour animated short.
Above The living room, both charming and romantic, with wooden beams and a brick fireplace (photo: Joel Danto / TheLuxLevel)
The living room, both charming and romantic, with wooden beams and a brick fireplace (photo: Joel Danto / TheLuxLevel)
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By 1937, despite doubts that feature-length animation could succeed, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs became a phenomenal hit and earned eight prestigious Oscars, including one full-sized statuette and seven miniature ones, an iconic symbol of the film’s legendary status.
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This estate is therefore closely associated with Walt Disney’s golden era. It continues to attract not only fans of the iconic studio but also artists and creatives seeking the same inspiration that once filled these rooms.
Above Walt Disney’s home theatre (photo: Joel Danto / TheLuxLevel)
Walt Disney’s home theatre (photo: Joel Danto / TheLuxLevel)
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Architecturally, Storybook Mansion reflects the fantastical charm of Disney’s tales. Collaborating with architect Frank Crowhurst, Disney designed an estate blending French country charm, Tudor English architecture and Gothic Revival elements.
This harmony appears in the white plaster walls accented by deep red brick, and in the wooden-tiled roof complementing stained-glass windows. The central entrance tower, topped with a weathervane, leads to a walkway lined with two-toned roses, yellow for Walt and pink for his wife Lillian, an avid gardener.
Above The estate’s picturesque outdoor dining area (photo: Joel Danto / TheLuxLevel)
The estate’s picturesque outdoor dining area (photo: Joel Danto / TheLuxLevel)
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Spanning around 6,000 square feet, the mansion features four bedrooms, five bathrooms, a swimming pool and an outdoor dining terrace. Its architecture and much of the interior remain faithful to the original 1932 design, complete with high ceilings, exposed beams, a brick fireplace, hand-painted dining room ceilings and chandeliers. The private cinema is said to retain the same screen used by the Disney family.
When nostalgia meets modern luxury
Nestled in the hills of Los Feliz, the estate offers an idyllic setting for those wishing to step into a fairy tale while staying close to Los Angeles’ vibrant entertainment scene.
Above The entrance to the estate (photo: Julie Tremaine)
The entrance to the estate (photo: Julie Tremaine)
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Beyond its nostalgic allure, Storybook Mansion provides both privacy and luxury, creating a sanctuary where guests can reconnect with nature and escape the city’s bustle.
While much of the architecture and interior décor have been faithfully restored, the estate also features contemporary amenities to suit modern living. Guests can therefore immerse themselves in the estate’s romantic past, draw inspiration from its magical history and still enjoy every modern comfort.
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