Americans’ Obsession With Murder Spurs Intriguing New Design Show

Written by Jaymi Naciri Posted On Monday, 16 September 2019 05:00

Americans are obsessed with murder. Whether it’s fictionalized accounts in books or on the movie screen, or true life tales, which are, as Forbes says, “having a moment right now,” we just can’t get enough of the grizzly stuff. 

But is there a cap? Do we just want to see and watch and read about murder, or does it go further? How do you feel about buying a house where a murder was committed?

That’s the question new mobile streaming platform Quibi is posing. When the platform launches in April 2020, it will offer a new show featuring renovations of some of the country’s most “infamous” homes. The show will partner builders and decorators with forensic specialists and spiritual healers, with the goal of transforming both the “home’s physical appearance but also its spiritual energy,” said Inman. “Are you a fan of fixer-upper showshaunted or otherwise creepy houses and true crime TV? Then you will love the latest home renovation show: Murder House Flip. “Think Flip or Flop, with a sordid, and in some cases, paranormal, twist.

Over the years, there have been many stories of people buying “murder houses,” perhaps out of morbid curiosity, but also because, well, you might just be able to find a bargain. 

“Homes where a high-profile crime or murder occurred can sell for as much as 10-25% under market rate—an enticing invitation for intrepid bargain hunters,” said The Hustle. “The mere presence of serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer’s Milwaukee apartment building depressed the value of surrounding homes for years, until a community development group bought it at a premium just to demolish it.”

In 2016, tech entrepreneur Braden Pollock purchased the “Los Feliz Murder Mansion,” where Dr. Harold Perelson killed his wife, Lilian, and then himself, in 1959. “Following the sale, Pollock made big plans to renovate the house and move into the master bedroom—the very same room where Lilian was brutally murdered 60 years earlier,” they said. “He had no qualms about the house’s checkered past; he just wanted a screamin’ deal on a fixer-upper. Pollock was able to nab the Los Feliz Murder Mansion—a 5-bedroom, Spanish-revival style estate with unobstructed hilltop views of downtown LA—for $2.3m, one-third of the cost of nearby properties.”

Most recently, Zac Bagans, actor, author, and host of the Travel Channel’s Ghost Adventures, purchased the Charles Manson murder house—the luxury L.A. residence where Leno and Rosemary LaBianca were slaughtered by Manson’s followers in 1969.

“It's unclear if the house is haunted, or filled with energy from the brutal murders, but Bagans is ready to find out,” said Newsweek. “He shared a story of dogs disappearing from the property, and said that past tenants have been spooked silly by seeming paranormal encounters. This isn't Bagans' first interaction with objects or places related to Manson. He has a hefty collection of Manson artifacts, including a painting made with his ashes, Manson's prison crafts, and even the hospital gown Manson died in. He acquired all for display at the museum.”

Bagans may take his interest to a more detailed level than the average American, but we predict he’ll be in good company watching Murder House Flip when it premieres next year.

 

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