Inside Charles Manson’s House

3 years ago

Main dining room

Image Source: The Sun

The downstairs dining room features a large table in the centre with a lavish chandelier hanging above. This is where Sharon Tate would have been hosting her guests on the night of the murder, before the Manson Family broke in and committed the gruesome crime.

The front door

Image Source: history.com

This image features Sharon Tate’s husband Roman Polanski sitting outside the front door of the home they shared together. On the door is the faint marking of the word ‘pig’ which was written in Tate’s blood. Polanski was criticised for this explicit photoshoot, but he defended his reasoning to raise awareness into catching the killers.

The driveway

Image Source: The Guardian

This image was taken on the morning after the bodies were discovered, with police guarding the front of the house while the investigation into the murder scene was carried out. It took several months before members of the Manson family were finally caught.

Bathroom

Image Source: The Washington Post

This is the original bathroom of the house where the murders took place. It has a 1920s design with pastel pink tiling and graphic print shower curtains. Despite the old fashioned design, the bathroom is still modern and clean cut for the time period.

Back view of the house

Image Source: The New York Times

This image was captured soon after the murders happened, leaving an empty feeling in the pit of the stomach. We can only image the horror that went on inside those walls on the night the Manson Family members broke in and committed the unforgivable crimes.

Bedroom

Image Source: House Beautiful

This glamorous bedroom space is not how it once looked back in the 1960s when the murders took place. The property has since been knocked down and rebuilt, boasting a brand new look. These are the images on the online market in an attempt to finally sell it on.

Upstairs dining room

Image Source: House Beautiful

The house is so lavish there is even an upstairs dining room with scenic views over Downtown Los Angeles from the back window. Shimmering chandeliers hang from the ceilings, marking a sign of the glamorous individuals who used to live in the property.

Games room

Image Source: The Mirror

On the right hand side to the entrance of the property you will find an antique games room with a snooker table in the centre. This was a common feature in the elite homes of Hollywood celebrities in the 1960s, including the actress Sharon Tate and her director husband Roman Polanski.

Terrace area

Image Source: House Beautiful

The house now features an oak wooden door at the entrance. This is very different to the original front door of the house back in the 60’s when the murders took place. The designer has now surrounded the entrance with green shrubbery and tropical plants, creating an idyllic space.

Front view of the house

Image Source: USA Today

Now the house has been rebuilt, the front entrance is now a glamorous yet peaceful space to enjoy the outdoors. It features a patio with tables and chairs, a mini hut with seating and even a hot tub. Green trees and plant pots surround the enclosed area.

Outdoor seating area

Image Source: The Sun

The front lawn

Image Source: The Mirror

The garden

Image Source: CNN

The back garden of the house features acres of green land filled with trees and shrubs with a stunning view of Downtown Los Angeles behind. There is a grand water feature, which is supposedly an original feature of the property owned by Sharon Tate and Roman Polanski.

Side entrance

Image Source: TODAY

Since the horrific incident that took place at this property, it was knocked down and rebuilt to create a modern mediterranean style home. As you can see from the side entrance, the tiling is similar to many homes across Spain and Italy with a terrace for the evening.

Aerial view of the house

Image Source: The Washington Post

This aerial view shows the magnificent grounds of the house situated in Downtown Los Angeles where the gruesome murders took place. It was later revealed that Manson did not target the occupants of the house, but instead the house itself. The previous Tennant was music producer Terry Melcher who offered Manson a recording contract but later retracted the deal.

Pool

Image Source: House Beautiful

This image captures the beauty and peace which once made this property such a desirable place to call home. It is easy to picture Sharon Tate and her group of friends sitting outside and enjoying the view on the terrace that night before horror struck.

Balcony seating area

Image Source: The Guardian

This beautiful terrace at the back of the house is a place to enjoy the views overlooking the San Gabriel mountains and Downtown Los Angeles. This is where Sharon Tate and Roman Polanski would have sat for many evenings, enjoying the warmer evenings.

The empty bedroom

Image Source: The Sun

Although it may be a beautiful renovated property today, it still holds a dark and chilling history. This has continued to put many buyers off purchasing the house and it remains on the market as of June 2022 despite the market price being lower than ever.

View overlooking the mountains

Image Source: Daily Mail

This scenic view from the property overlooks the San Gabriel Mountains. We can see why this was such a desirable place to live back in the 1960s, and people still love it even now. It is unfortunate that such an amazing house has been tainted by the Manson murders.

The study

Image Source: Daily Mail

This beautiful study area is situated on the top floor of the house, featuring a cosy couch and a bookcase full of old works the couple would have enjoyed together. It is a top selling point of the property, with stunning views and extra space to work.

View of Downtown Los Angeles

This image captures the stunning view of Downtown Los Angeles from the property. It shows all the other lavish houses in the area, where the rich and famous reside. Back in the 1960s, many of Sharon Tate and Roman Polanski’s friends would have been neighbours.

Let's take a look into the Manson Family...they committed many other crimes

Image Source: Smithsonian Magazine

In the late 1960s, the Manson cult moved to California. During their active years, the Manson Family committed many crimes including torture, abduction and murder. One of their most infamous crimes was the attempted assignation of President Gerald Ford.

They weren't a real 'family'

Image Source: BBC

Manson recruited his followers after establishing himself a religious figure when he moved to San Francisco in 1967. All the members were all completely unrelated to him, but they took on the name ‘the family’ once the cult built up a reputation for themselves.

There were 60 members of the Manson Family

Image Source: history.com

Once the cult had increased in numbers, Manson moved them to the Spahn Ranch in San Fernando Valley which was an old film set for Western productions. In August of 1961, the Spahn Ranch was raided and all 60 members of the Manson family were arrested.

Charles Manson made people believe he was the son of God

Image Source: Biography.com

Many people wondered why anyone would join such a sadistic cult, but the Manson Family members truly believed their leader was the second coming of Jesus Christ. He was able to manipulate his followers and convince them they were being good Christians and doing the acts of God.

Charles Manson didn't actually commit any of the murder

Image Source: Encyclopedia Britannica

Despite being infamously known as 'the Manson murders', Charles Manson himself didn't physically take part in any of the crimes…instead, he ordered members of his cult to commit these terrible acts and he simply sat by and took pleasure in watching them do it.

Not all of the Manson Family members were jailed

Image Source: The Famous People

One of the members present at the murder scene, Linda Kasabian, managed to get away without serving time in prison or facing the death penalty. Despite playing her part in the horrific crimes, she took a deal as a lead witness and in return she received immunity.

Charles Manson thought he was immortal

Image Source: Celebrity Net Worth

Despite claiming to be a Christian himself during his time as leader of the Manson Family, during his time in prison Charles Manson claimed that his religion was Scientology which has also been defined as a cult. One of the main beliefs of the movement is human immortality which was claimed by Manson.

Sharon Tate pleaded to save her baby's life

Image Source: ABC News

Sharon Tate was nearly 9 months pregnant at the time of the tragic murder. She allegedly begged her killers to keep her hostage until she could give birth before then murdering her. Disregarding her plea, the Manson Family stabbed her 16 times killing both her and the baby.

Some of the Manson Family have turned to Christianity

Image Source: SFGATE

After being arrested and put in prison for their terrible crimes, many members of the Manson Family became real Christians. Awareness has been raised about the danger of cults and how they can manipulate vulnerable people into committing terrible acts.

The Stunning House Looks Like Any Other LA Mansion

Image Source / MirrorFor most of us, it would be a dream come true to get to stay in a house like this - but now knowing what happened inside, it's made us look at everything a little bit differently. Now you might look at it questioning how secure or secluded it is - how easy it was for Manson's family to get inside.

The Kitchen Is Surprisingly Simple

Image Source / MirrorThe kitchen is usually the first place updated in huge houses and mansions, and you'd usually expect a vast eating area, huge dining table, maybe a chandelier or two... but this kitchen (by mansion standards) is actually pretty simple - especially that old-fashioned cooker.

Every Room Has Views Of The Surrounding LA Hills

Image Source / MirrorWhen you want an inviting home with incredible views, this is a plus - but when you think about the ease with which people can see into your home through the windows, it gives you chills to think about the Manson family being able to see inside.

How The Living Room Looked At The Time Of The Murders

Image Source / Reel ReviewsThis was the living room where the bodies of Sharon Tate and Jay Sebring were found. Their bodies are on the floor at the other side of the sofa, and you can see the rope raising up to the ceiling beam, which was tied around their bodies.

Members Of The Manson Family Claimed They'd Wanted To Commit A Crime To "Shake The World"

Image Source / CBS NewsIn December, 1969, Charles Manson and members of his family - Charles 'Tex' Watson, Susan Atkins, Patricia Krenwinkel and Leslie Van Houten - were formally charged with the murders that happened at the Hollywood mansion. The trial began six month's later.

Manson And His Followers Lived At A 500-Acre Ranch

Image Source / CBS NewsAfter having his music rejected by LA music producers, Manson became a 'self-styled guru' who would spend the majority of his time at this 500-acre ranch - named Spahn Ranch - which was also sometimes a movie set location to the north of L.A. County.

Gary Hinman Was The First Manson Family Murder

Image Source / All That's InterestingUnable to move on from being slighted by the music industry, Manson turned his focus to LA musician Gary Hinman. Manson ordered his followers to kill Hinman, who was murdered at his home. The words "political piggy" were written on the wall in his blood.

Family Member Robert Beausoleil Was Responsible For The Murder

Image Source / CBS NewsHinman was murdered by Manson family member Robert Beausoleil, pictured here at 21 years old, as well as Bruce Davis and Susan Atkins. They tortured Hinman before killing him. Beausoleil was found by police because he was asleep in Hinman's stolen car.

The Victims' Last Meal

Image Source / CBS NewsVictims of the Manson family, Sharon Tate, Jay Sebring, Abigail Folger and Voytek Frykowski would go out for a meal together at the El Coyote, not realising it would be their last. They left the restaurant around 10pm to go back to the Cielo Drive mansion.

Housekeeper Winifred Chapman Would Be The First To Discover The Horrific Scene

Image Source / CBS NewsThe day after the murder, housekeeper Winifred Chapman would arrive at the mansion on August 9th, 1969, to start her shift. But instead she walked into the gruesome murder scene that had been left behind by the Manson family.

Victim Stephen Parent Was Found In His Car

Image Source / CBS NewsStephen Parent was a tragic case of 'at the wrong place at the wrong time'. He wasn't supposed to be at the mansion - he had driven there to see if the caretaker would be interested in a clock radio from his stereo shop - but he was shot four times by the Manson family as they arrived just as Parent was living.

Two Bodies Were Found Outside The House

Image Source / CBS NewsThe crime scene inside the mansion was horrific, but there were also further horrors to be found outside. The bodies of victims Abigail Folger and Voytek Frykowski were found outside, with Abigail being beaten and stabbed 28 times, and Voytek beaten, shot twice and stabbed 51 times.

The Caretaker Was First Believed To Be Responsible For The Murders

Image Source / CBS NewsThe police at first didn't know that the Manson family was responsible. The mansion's caretaker, William Garretson, would be arrested as the only survivor from the Cielo house massacre. He was taken into custody as the prime suspect, but he passed a lie detector test and was released (rightfully so).

Charles 'Tex' Watson Was One Of The Family Members Sent To The House

Image Source / CBS NewsThe 21-year-old Watson was one of Manson's cult members sent to commit the murders at Cielo Drive. He was responsible for cutting telephone wires, shooting Steven Parent who was just leaving the house, and then going on to stab (and shoot) Jay Sebring, Abigail Folger and Voytek Frykowski. He then tied up Sebring and Sharon Tate, claiming he was 'the devil'.

Family Member Susan Atkins Bragged About Tate's Death

Image Source / CBS NewsHere seen being led to jail in 1969, Susan Atkins was the one responsible for sinking the knife into Sharon Tate. She also wrote the word 'pig' on the door in Tate's blood - seen in the photo earlier in this article. Once in prison, she would brag to cellmates that Tate begged for the life of her unborn child before being killed.

Family Member Patricia Krenwinkel Seen Being Escorted Away

Image Source / CBS NewsSeen on the left, 21-year-old Krenwinkel was responsible for helping Tex Watson in gathering up the victims inside the house, as well as chasing after Abigail Folger as she tried to escape and then stabbing her outside the house.

Another Day, Another Murder

Image Source / CBS NewsTate and her friends weren't the only victims of this horrific spree by the family in August. On a different day, the Manson family would murder couple Rosemary LaBianca and Leno LaBianca. Their bodies were found by the 14-year-old Frank Sruthers Jr, Rosemary's son and Leno's stepson, seen here being led away by his father.

The Grave Marker For Two Victims

Image Source / CBS NewsHere you can see Sharon Tate's grave marker, which she shares with the baby she never got to meet, and for whose life she begged for. At the Holy Cross Cemetery in California, you can see the memorial for the actress and her unborn son, Paul Richard Polanski.

Spahn Ranch Is Raided Following The Murders

Image Source / CBS NewsThe ranch where Manson and his followers were staying was raided following both the Tate and the LaBianca murders - but the tragic fact was that it wasn't on suspicion of the family being responsible for the murders. It was raided for a completely different reason - stolen dune buggies.

An Aerial View Of Manson's Ranch Home

Image Source / InsiderManson and his followers would be arrested at this ranch in 1969 on suspicion of vehicle theft, the truth not yet known about the horrific murders the people dwelling in this ranch had committed. The ranch was based in Death Valley National Park - an apt name.

Inside Charles Manson’s House

Main dining room

The front door

The driveway

Bathroom

Back view of the house

Bedroom

Upstairs dining room

Games room

Terrace area

Front view of the house

Outdoor seating area

The front lawn

The garden

Side entrance

Aerial view of the house

Pool

Balcony seating area

The empty bedroom

View overlooking the mountains

The study

View of Downtown Los Angeles

Let's take a look into the Manson Family...they committed many other crimes

They weren't a real 'family'

There were 60 members of the Manson Family

Charles Manson made people believe he was the son of God

Charles Manson didn't actually commit any of the murder

Not all of the Manson Family members were jailed

Charles Manson thought he was immortal

Sharon Tate pleaded to save her baby's life

Some of the Manson Family have turned to Christianity

The Stunning House Looks Like Any Other LA Mansion

The Kitchen Is Surprisingly Simple

Every Room Has Views Of The Surrounding LA Hills

How The Living Room Looked At The Time Of The Murders

Members Of The Manson Family Claimed They'd Wanted To Commit A Crime To "Shake The World"

Manson And His Followers Lived At A 500-Acre Ranch

Gary Hinman Was The First Manson Family Murder

Family Member Robert Beausoleil Was Responsible For The Murder

The Victims' Last Meal

Housekeeper Winifred Chapman Would Be The First To Discover The Horrific Scene

Victim Stephen Parent Was Found In His Car

Two Bodies Were Found Outside The House

The Caretaker Was First Believed To Be Responsible For The Murders

Charles 'Tex' Watson Was One Of The Family Members Sent To The House

Family Member Susan Atkins Bragged About Tate's Death

Family Member Patricia Krenwinkel Seen Being Escorted Away

Another Day, Another Murder

The Grave Marker For Two Victims

Spahn Ranch Is Raided Following The Murders

An Aerial View Of Manson's Ranch Home

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