The house famously known as Sharon Tate’s residence at 10050 Cielo Drive in Benedict Canyon, Los Angeles, was the site of the tragic and infamous Manson Family murders in August 1969. Originally built in 1941 in a French Country style, the property included a main house, guest house, pool, and garage. After the murders, the original house remained standing for several decades but was eventually demolished in 1994 to erase the dark legacy associated with the site. A new, much larger luxury mansion was built on the property, and the address was changed to 10066 Cielo Drive. Today, this modern estate, boasting 21,000 square feet with nine bedrooms, 18 bathrooms, and numerous high-end amenities, is owned by Jeff Franklin, the creator of the television show Full House. The current home bears no physical connection to the original Sharon Tate house, reflecting a deliberate effort to move beyond the property’s grim past.
Who is Sharon Tate?
Sharon Tate was an American actress and model born on January 24, 1943, in Dallas, Texas. She gained prominence in the 1960s for her roles in films and her work as a model, becoming a rising Hollywood star and sex symbol. Tate made her film debut in 1961 and had notable roles in movies such as Valley of the Dolls (1967), which earned her a Golden Globe nomination, and The Fearless Vampire Killers (1967), directed by her future husband Roman Polanski.
She was married to film director Roman Polanski in 1968, and they were expecting their first child when she was tragically murdered. On August 9, 1969, Tate, who was eight-and-a-half months pregnant, was brutally killed along with four others by members of the Manson Family cult in the home she shared with Polanski while he was away. Her death is one of the most infamous murders in Hollywood history and had a profound impact on the entertainment industry and popular culture.
Where Does She Live?
Sharon Tate lived at 10050 Cielo Drive in the Benedict Canyon neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. She and her husband, Roman Polanski, began renting this luxury home in February 1969. The house was a French Country-style residence with a main house, guest house, pool, and garage. It was previously occupied by their friends Terry Melcher and Candice Bergen. Tate referred to it as her “love house” and was thrilled to live there. Tragically, on August 9, 1969, Sharon Tate, who was eight-and-a-half months pregnant, was murdered along with four others in this home by members of the Manson Family cult while Polanski was away.
Sharon Tate’s House : Specifications, History, Worth and address
Specifications
- Architectural Style: French Country (also described as country cottage-inspired farmhouse with rustic elements)
- Original Lot Size: Approximately 3.3 acres.
- Features: Private gated driveway, swimming pool, stone fireplaces, wood paneling, beamed ceilings, large paned windows, exposed rafters.
History
Sharon Tate’s house, famously known as 10050 Cielo Drive, was a luxury home located in the Benedict Canyon area of Los Angeles. The house was originally designed by architect Robert Byrd and completed in 1942, featuring a 3,200 square foot main residence, a guest house, and a two-story garage. The house had a notable history of celebrity residents before Sharon Tate and her husband, director Roman Polanski, moved in February 1969. Previous tenants included music producer Terry Melcher and actress Candice Bergen, as well as other Hollywood figures like Cary Grant and Henry Fonda.
Worth
It was listed at $97 million in 2019, dropped to $85 million in 2022, and has since been reduced to around $65-70 million as of mid-2023.
address
10050 Cielo Drive, Benedict Canyon, Los Angeles.
The current owners of the house
The house on Cielo Drive has witnessed a fascinating transformation in recent years. After changing hands numerous times, it is currently owned by an affluent couple who have made significant renovations while respecting the property’s history.
They purchased the home with plans to modernize its interior and enhance its outdoor space. The couple aims to create a welcoming environment while retaining elements that echo its storied past.
Many locals remain curious about their intentions, especially given the home’s infamous legacy. The new owners are aware of this intrigue but prefer to keep their lives private.
Occasionally spotted engaging with neighbors or attending community events, they seem committed to integrating into the neighborhood without overshadowing its complex history. Their approach reflects a blend of respect and ambition—a delicate balance for such a notable address.
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Controversy surrounding the sale and renovation of the house
There was controversy surrounding Sharon Tate’s sale and renovation of her house on Cielo Drive.Many felt that turning the site into a modern home disrespected its tragic past.
When it hit the market, potential buyers faced scrutiny. Some were eager to embrace the iconic status, while others questioned their intentions. The infamous history loomed large in public perception, casting shadows over any plans for renovation.
The subsequent renovations sparked further debates. Critics argued that altering the structure was akin to burying its dark legacy under fresh paint and new designs. Supporters believed it could be transformed into something beautiful, detached from its sorrowful past.
Local residents voiced mixed feelings about having such a notorious property in their neighborhood again. Each decision surrounding this historical site became emblematic of how we grapple with memory and tragedy amidst progress.
The impact of the Manson murders on the neighborhood and Hollywood culture
Los Angeles and the world were shocked by the Manson murders. The brutal killings at Sharon Tate’s home marked a turning point in Hollywood’s golden era, shattering the illusion of peace and glamour.
Fear permeated the neighborhood as residents grappled with their safety. Cielo Drive became synonymous with tragedy, forever altering its identity.
Hollywood culture transformed too. The once idyllic town was now haunted by headlines of violence and chaos. Filmmakers began to explore darker themes, creating narratives that reflected society’s unease.
Celebrities felt vulnerable amid the uproar, leading to increased security measures around homes and events. Trust eroded within an industry built on charisma and allure.
The legacy of this tragedy is still palpable today—an indelible mark on both local history and popular culture that continues to resonate decades later.
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Other notable residents of Cielo Drive and their stories
Cielo Drive has long been a street rich with stories and history. Beyond the tragic events that occurred at Sharon Tate’s house, this location has hosted several notable residents over the years.
One of the most famous was Frank Sinatra. The legendary crooner made waves in Hollywood not only for his music but also for his high-profile connections with some of the biggest names in entertainment. Sinatra’s presence on Cielo Drive added an air of glamour to this already iconic location.
His family-friendly image stood in stark contrast to the shadows cast by Tate’s murder but contributed to a tapestry of diverse personalities living side by side on Cielo Drive.
The neighborhood continued to attract various celebrities throughout its history, including rock stars, actors, and directors drawn by its allure and mystique. Each resident brought their own unique story, contributing to a narrative woven into both Hollywood lore and local culture.
As Cielo Drive evolves with new inhabitants while still holding onto its storied past, it remains a fascinating chapter in Los Angeles’ cultural history—one that reflects both light and darkness within its walls.
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