The Sharon Tate house, a property steeped in both Hollywood glamour and tragedy, has remained a topic of cultural fascination for decades. From its architectural beauty to its infamous history, this house holds a unique place in the annals of Los Angeles real estate and actual crime lore. While many recognize it as the site of the tragic 1969 Manson family murders, its story extends far beyond that devastating event. Today, the modern house has undergone significant transformations, but it continues to captivate the world.
History of the Sharon Tate House
Architectural Design and Original Vision
The Sharon Tate house, originally located at 10050 Cielo Drive, was built in 1941. Designed by either Robert Byrd or Arthur W. Hawes, the home embodied the classic charm of mid-century Los Angeles architecture. Its design featured rustic elegance, with exposed wooden beams, stucco walls, and large windows framing stunning views of the city below. Nestled in the secluded Benedict Canyon neighborhood, this property offered both privacy and proximity to Hollywood’s bustling world.
The house was often described as quaint yet luxurious, with a swimming pool, lush gardens, and a picturesque setting on a hillside. Its peaceful location and enchanting ambiance made it a sought-after retreat for celebrities and high-profile individuals.
Notable Past Owners
Before Sharon Tate and her husband, Roman Polanski, moved in, the house was owned by high-profile figures, including Terry Melcher, a music producer and the son of Doris Day. Melcher’s connection to the music industry brought an air of glamour to the property, while its secluded nature added to its allure as a private escape for the rich and famous.
By the late 1960s, Sharon Tate, an actress and rising star, and Roman Polanski, a renowned film director, rented the house. The couple’s residency marked the property’s most infamous chapter, as their lives—and the home’s legacy—would be forever altered by the events of 1969.
The 1969 Murders and Immediate Aftermath
The Manson Family Murders
On the night of 8 August 1969, the Sharon Tate house became the site of one of the most notorious crimes in American history. Members of the Manson Family, a cult led by Charles Manson, broke into the property and brutally murdered five individuals, including the pregnant Sharon Tate. The crime shocked the nation, not only because of its violence but also because of the victims’ prominence in Hollywood.
This tragic event ended Sharon Tate’s life at just 26 years old, leaving behind a promising career and an unborn child. The murders also claimed the lives of Jay Sebring, Abigail Folger, Wojciech Frykowski, and Steven Parent. The brutality and randomness of the crime struck fear into the hearts of Hollywood elites, many of whom heightened their security or fled the area altogether.
Impact on Sharon Tate’s Family and Hollywood
The murders devastated Sharon Tate’s family, with her mother, Doris Tate, later becoming a prominent advocate for crime victims’ rights. The tragedy also cast a lasting shadow over Hollywood. Many celebrities felt a profound sense of vulnerability, and the once-glamorous Benedict Canyon neighborhood became synonymous with darkness and fear.
Public Perception of the House
After the murders, the Sharon Tate luxury house became a macabre symbol of violence and loss. Its grim history attracted curiosity seekers, true crime enthusiasts, and even tourists. For many, the house embodied the horrors of the Manson Family’s actions, leading to its infamy as a haunted and cursed location.
The Demolition and Reconstruction
Why the Original House Was Demolished
By the early 1990s, the Sharon Tate house had become an overwhelming reminder of the tragedy. In 1994, the property was purchased by real estate investor Alvin Weintraub, who decided to demolish the original house. The decision was driven by the property’s infamous reputation, which deterred potential buyers and residents. The demolition symbolized an attempt to erase the site’s dark history.
The New Mansion at 10066 Cielo Drive
In place of the original house, Weintraub constructed a new, larger mansion on the site. The new property, renamed 10066 Cielo Drive, was designed to distance itself from the tragic events of 1969. The modern mansion featured state-of-the-art amenities, expansive living spaces, and a completely different architectural style. While efforts were made to rebrand the property, its past still lingered.
Address Change
The address change from 10050 Cielo Drive to 10066 Cielo Drive was another deliberate attempt to disassociate the property from its infamous history. Despite these changes, however, the house’s connection to the Sharon Tate murders remains widely known and continues to intrigue people worldwide.
Sharon Tate House Now: What Visitors Should Know
Current Status of the Property
Today, the property at 10066 Cielo Drive is a private residence. Its current owners have maintained the mansion’s modern aesthetic while preserving the location’s privacy and exclusivity. The house is not open to the public, and visitors are discouraged from trespassing or attempting to access the property.
Perception of the Property Today
The Sharon Tate house, now reconstructed and renamed, continues to evoke mixed emotions. Some view it as a tragic reminder of Hollywood’s darker side, while others see it as just another luxurious home in Los Angeles. The property’s notoriety ensures its place in popular culture, but its current owners have worked hard to maintain a sense of normalcy.
Appearance in Media and Popular Culture
The Sharon Tate house and the events of 1969 have been referenced in numerous films, documentaries, and books. Most notably, Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” reimagined the story of the Manson Family murders, offering a fictionalized take on the events. Documentaries and true crime series have also explored the house’s history, keeping its legacy alive in the public consciousness.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
A Symbol of Hollywood Tragedy
The Sharon Tate house has become a symbol of an era marked by both glamour and darkness. It represents the fragility of fame and the unpredictable nature of life in the spotlight. For many, it serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of obsession, violence, and unchecked ambition.
Portrayal in Media
Over the years, the Sharon Tate house has been featured in countless media productions. Documentaries like “Helter Skelter” and books about the Manson Family have delved into the events of 1969, while films like “The Haunting of Sharon Tate” have dramatized the tragedy. These portrayals have perpetuated the property’s legacy as a site of both horror and fascination.
Balancing History and Moving Forward
While the original house no longer stands, the site remains a part of Hollywood history. Balancing the preservation of this history with a desire to move beyond the tragedy is crucial. The Sharon Tate house reminds us of the importance of remembering the past while striving for healing and progress.
Sharon Tate House FAQ
Where was the Sharon Tate house located?
The Sharon Tate house was located at 10050 Cielo Drive in the Benedict Canyon area of Los Angeles, California. This secluded hillside neighborhood was known for its privacy and stunning views, making it a popular spot for Hollywood celebrities.
After the original house was demolished in 1994, the address was changed to 10066 Cielo Drive to help dissociate the property from its tragic history .
Who designed the original Sharon Tate house?
The original house was built in 1941 and is often attributed to architect Robert Byrd or Arthur W. Hawes. It featured a rustic, mid-century design with exposed wooden beams, stucco walls, and large windows that showcased the surrounding natural beauty. The house was described as both charming and luxurious, with a swimming pool and lush gardens .
What happened at the Sharon Tate house in 1969?
On the night of August 8, 1969, members of the Manson Family—a cult led by Charles Manson—broke into the house and brutally murdered five people. The victims included Sharon Tate, a rising Hollywood actress who was eight months pregnant, as well as Jay Sebring, Abigail Folger, Wojciech Frykowski, and Steven Parent. The murders were carried out with shocking violence, leaving the nation horrified and forever associating the house with this tragic event .
Why was the original Sharon Tate house demolished?
The original house was demolished in 1994 by real estate investor Alvin Weintraub, who purchased the property. Weintraub wanted to erase the dark history associated with the site, stating that he went to great lengths to ensure that “there’s no house, no dirt, no blade of grass remotely connected to Sharon Tate” .
The new mansion built on the site was significantly larger and designed to distance itself from the infamous events of 1969.
What does the property look like now?
The property now features a 21,000-square-foot luxury mansion built in the mid-1990s. The new house, often referred to as Villa Bella, is a modern, opulent estate with state-of-the-art amenities. It bears no resemblance to the original house and was designed to attract high-profile buyers seeking privacy and luxury .
Who owns the Sharon Tate house now?
The current owner of the property is Jeff Franklin, the creator of the popular TV show Full House. Franklin purchased the mansion in 2007 and has maintained it as a private residence. The house is not open to the public, and visitors are discouraged from attempting to access the property .
Why was the address changed from 10050 to 10066 Cielo Drive?
The address was changed as part of an effort to dissociate the property from its tragic past. By renaming the address to 10066 Cielo Drive, the new owners hoped to deter tourists and true crime enthusiasts from visiting the site .
Did Sharon Tate and Roman Polanski own the house?
No, Sharon Tate and Roman Polanski did not own the house. They were renting it from Rudolph Altobelli, a Hollywood business manager. Altobelli continued to own the property after the murders but eventually sold it in the 1980s .
Where Does Sharon Tate Currently Live?
Sharon Tate does not currently live anywhere as she tragically died in 1969. Sharon Tate was an American actress who was murdered at her home on 10050 Cielo Drive in Los Angeles during the Manson Family murders. She and her husband Roman Polanski lived in that house until her death. The original house where she lived was demolished in 1994 and a new mansion now stands on the site with an updated address of 10066 Cielo Drive. Thus, there is no current residence for Sharon Tate. Her home is now known historically and the address is associated with a luxury mansion owned by others long after her death.
Sharon Tate House Photos
