Inside Yves Saint Laurent’s Marrakech Villa, And 7 Other Celebrity Homes Open To Visitors

Yves Saint Laurent’s love affair with Morocco was no secret, but now the world can step inside the couturier’s legendary private villa in Marrakech. Tucked behind the iconic cobalt-blue walls of the Majorelle Garden, Villa Oasis—Saint Laurent’s personal retreat with Pierre Bergé—is an oasis of colour, art, and tranquillity. Once reserved for friends, artists, and insiders, the villa showcases hand-painted doors, lush gardens, intricate tile work, and rooms where Saint Laurent sketched his collections, designed fashion shows, and entertained luminaries in sumptuous Moroccan style. After decades of exclusivity, the Fondation Pierre Bergé–Yves Saint Laurent has opened parts of the villa and gardens to the public, letting visitors wander the serene paths that inspired one of the most influential designers of the 20th century. Walking through the villa is a rare glimpse into Saint Laurent’s world—where creativity, comfort, and colour coexisted effortlessly, and where the gardens themselves were as much a canvas as any haute couture piece.

And for travellers craving more insider experiences, there’s a world of celebrity homes you can visit, each offering its own slice of history, glamour, and personality. Here are seven to add to your travel bucket list.

Elvis Presley’s Graceland, Memphis

Only a few places capture the spirit of a legend quite like Graceland. Walking past the stately white columns, it’s easy to see why this Memphis estate has become sacred ground for fans. Inside, Elvis’s personality is everywhere, from the famously wild Jungle Room to the racquetball court, recording studio, and rooms filled with gold records and personal mementos. The house tells the story of a man who lived fast, loved deeply, and reshaped music forever. A guided visit offers access to the grounds, the meditation garden where Elvis is laid to rest, and spaces that feel frozen in the height of his fame. It’s not just a tour—it’s an emotional connection to the King of Rock ’n’ Roll.

Dolly Parton’s Tour Bus, Smoky Mountains

For something far more playful, Dolly Parton’s retired tour bus is a joyful slice of Americana on wheels. Known as the Coach of Many Colours, the 45-foot bus now rests at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort, and staying inside feels like stepping into Dolly’s imagination. Folk-art murals, tiny pink sleeping quarters, sequined outfits, and a well-loved vanity bring her larger-than-life personality into sharp focus. Every scratch, cabinet, and costume tells a story from decades on the road. It’s not just a novelty stay—it’s an affectionate, up-close encounter with one of music’s most beloved figures.

Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul, Mexico City

Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul is unforgettable from the moment you see it. The bold blue exterior gives way to rooms bursting with colour, symbolism, and emotion. Now a museum, the house preserves Kahlo’s studio, clothing, artwork, and personal objects, alongside the lush courtyard garden she adored. Every space feels charged with her presence—her pain, resilience, humour, and fierce individuality. Visiting Casa Azul isn’t just about seeing where Frida lived; it’s about feeling her spirit in every corner.

F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald’s Montgomery Home

In Montgomery, Alabama, the Fitzgeralds’ former home offers a quieter kind of celebrity encounter. This modest house is where Scott Fitzgerald worked on Tender Is the Night and Zelda wrote Save the Waltz. The upstairs apartment still features original Art Deco details, while the lower level serves as a small museum dedicated to their lives. Standing in these rooms, it’s easy to imagine the creative intensity, ambition, and strain that defined their relationship. For literary lovers, the home feels less like an attraction and more like a portal into the Jazz Age itself.

Christian Dior’s Childhood Home, Granville, Normandy

Perched above the sea on the Normandy coast, Christian Dior’s childhood home feels poetic and serene. The elegant villa and its gardens reveal the early influences behind Dior’s refined aesthetic—soft light, flowers, symmetry, and calm. Today, visitors can explore exhibitions dedicated to his work and stroll through carefully restored gardens that once inspired his earliest sketches. Rather than celebrity spectacle, the house offers something gentler; a sense of beginnings, and the quiet shaping of a creative mind.

Coco Chanel’s Villa, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin

High above the Mediterranean, Coco Chanel’s villa reflects the woman herself—confident, restrained, and effortlessly chic. White interiors, open terraces, and sweeping sea views define the space where Chanel escaped Paris and reimagined her designs. The house blends luxury with simplicity, revealing how deeply her surroundings influenced her philosophy. Walking through the villa feels like stepping into Chanel’s inner world, that is calm, commanding, and of course, timeless.

Marilyn Monroe’s Brentwood Home, Los Angeles

Marilyn Monroe’s Brentwood home offers a softer, more private glimpse into Hollywood’s most enduring icon. Tucked away from the chaos of fame, the house retains its mid-century warmth—sunlit rooms, open spaces, and quiet corners where Monroe could just be herself. While much of the neighbourhood has changed, the home remains a powerful symbol of her humanity beyond the glamour. Nearby exhibitions and memorabilia help complete the picture, making the visit feel reflective rather than voyeuristic.

These homes remind us that behind every legend was a real person with routines, retreats, and spaces that shaped who they became. Visiting them isn’t about celebrity worship—it’s about connection. And sometimes, stepping into someone else’s world helps us see our own a little differently.

FAQs

1. Is Yves Saint Laurent’s Villa Oasis in Marrakech open to the public?
Yes. Parts of the villa and gardens are now open via Fondation Pierre Bergé–Yves Saint Laurent, offering guided access on select dates.

2. Do you need to book tickets in advance for celebrity home tours?
In most cases, yes—especially for Graceland, Casa Azul, and Dior’s childhood home. Popular dates often sell out weeks ahead.

3. Which celebrity homes can you stay overnight in?
Dolly Parton’s tour bus at Dollywood allows overnight stays; others like Marilyn Monroe’s and Chanel’s villas are visit-only.

4. Are photography and filming allowed inside these homes?
Rules vary. Casa Azul and the Anne Frank House have restrictions, while Graceland and Dior may allow photos without flash.

5. What makes visiting celebrity homes worthwhile?
These spaces offer rare insight into the private lives, creative processes, and environments that shaped cultural icons.