Famous houses we would all love to get the keys to
With the news that the iconic townhouse from The Devil Wears Prada is for sale, Watermans Estate Agency team take a closer look at the famous homes they would love to get the keys to.
Miranda Priestly’s Townhouse
Obviously, Meryl Streep’s character (who was not-so-loosely based on Vogue’s Anna Wintour) lives in New York’s Upper East Side. 129 East 73rd Street, between Park and Lex to be exact. And if you’ve got a cool $27.5 million (£21.8 million) the 7-bed, 5-story property could be all yours. There are also 10 bathrooms and a grand total of 20 rooms spread over 12,000 square feet. Mini caged-in basketball court on your wish list? Well, you’re in luck because there’s one on the roof.
Monica’s Apartment
Okay, so it was technically a set, but Monica’s purple-walled Greenwich Village home was the stuff of dreams! A massive open-planned living space, kitchen, dining area and two double bedrooms, no wonder the friends always gathered there. In April 2023 the average rent for a two-bed in Greenwich Village was a whopping $5,600 (£4,439) a month, though. So, if it hasn’t been your day, your week, your month or even your year… your chances of living like the gang are slim.
Downton Abbey
AKA Highclere Castle, had fallen into a state of disrepair with only the ground and first floors remaining usable. Water damage had caused stonework to crumble and ceilings to collapse meaning at least 50 rooms were uninhabitable. Owners, Lord and Lady Carnarvon, were forced to move into a “modest cottage” on the grounds as the repairs were estimated to cost around £12 million. But then the castle was used as a main filming location for the ITV drama series Downton Abbey, catapulting it to international fame. Thanks to the increased number of visitors the funds were raised and the castle underwent the essential repairs. The family now live in Highclere Castle, but return to their cottage when the castle is open to the public.
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Mansion
Everyone knows that Will got in one little fight and his Mom got scared, she said, “You’re movin’ to your auntie and uncle in Bel-Air”. In the opening credits, Will Smith is seen admiring the mansion before heading to start his new life as the Prince of Bel-Air, but did you know the house isn’t actually in Bel-Air? And, more sad news, the scenes shot inside the Banks’ family home were sets. The exterior is a very real house though, it’s in the Los Angeles neighbourhood of Brentwood, a 15-minute drive from Bel-Air, and equally posh. Your neighbours would include Gwyneth Paltrow, Harrison Ford, and Travis Scott if you had the estimated $9 million (£7 million) handy. In 2020, to honour the 30th anniversary of the popular sitcom, AirBnB launched a competition to win an overnight stay in the iconic house. Just think how cool the Instagram post in front of those big white pillars would be!
The Love Island Villa
Pulling someone for a chat just wouldn’t feel the same in a two-bed semi in Leith as we imagine it would in the ultra-modern villa of love. The day beds, outside kitchen and bright-coloured bean bags scattered around make the space the epitome of outside/inside living. Plus there’s the infinity pool, roof terrace and a panoramic view. And if you ever did need to go inside, there are 6 bedrooms and absolutely no cameras monitoring your every move! You can rent the villa out for a reported £5,000 a week – if you can gather 11 friends that’s only £417 each!
Ferry Road
Okay, this one hasn’t been on screen… YET! But if you’re a main character then it could be soon. We’ve just listed a cinema screen-worthy property, right here in Edinburgh. 7 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 2 modern kitchens and here’s the best bit…there’s a bar in the garden! Goodbye beer garden bookings and queuing, and Hello reality tv style garden parties. Take a look, we’ll be happy to show you around in real life too – Selling Sunset style of course.