Built in the Gothic tradition in the early 1900s, Houdini's sweeping estate was the perfect home for the world's most celebrated magician. This castle-like property once included meandering tunnels, hidden passages, secret chambers and reportedly, a deep-water pool where Houdini practiced his underwater escapes.
Houdini only lived at the mansion for only a short time before his death in 1926, but used his home to conduct séances and practice his amazing feats of escape and illusion. Even after his death, the magic and mystery of "The Handcuff King" remained with the estate, where Houdini's wife, Bess, lived for the rest of her life. Bess continued to communicate with her husband after his death with routine séances - as she believed his spirit never left the house.
The Houdini mansion and an adjacent Laurel Canyon lot burned down in 1959 and for years only stone staircases and cement walls remained. The property was carefully restored and today, it enjoys modern amenities and features while maintaining the grand mystique and marvel of Harry Houdini. The estate itself and the grounds surrounding the estate continue to delight Houdini's fans with many secret walkways, hidden statues, and surprises around every corner.
Houdini only lived at the mansion for only a short time before his death in 1926, but used his home to conduct séances and practice his amazing feats of escape and illusion. Even after his death, the magic and mystery of "The Handcuff King" remained with the estate, where Houdini's wife, Bess, lived for the rest of her life. Bess continued to communicate with her husband after his death with routine séances - as she believed his spirit never left the house.
The Houdini mansion and an adjacent Laurel Canyon lot burned down in 1959 and for years only stone staircases and cement walls remained. The property was carefully restored and today, it enjoys modern amenities and features while maintaining the grand mystique and marvel of Harry Houdini. The estate itself and the grounds surrounding the estate continue to delight Houdini's fans with many secret walkways, hidden statues, and surprises around every corner.
