TV Show Homes Everyone Wishes They Could Live In
From classic '90s sitcoms to shows that rule today's streaming services, there is a treasure trove of iconic TV sets that seem to remain unforgettable. Of course, within this collection of sets are several TV show homes we can't help but love, and it's likely that many of us wished (or still wish) we could actually live in a few of them. Whether these homes were luxurious beyond compare or merely housed some of television's best, most memorable characters, there are just some TV homes that stand the test of time.
Our favorite '90s sitcoms like "Friends" and "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" feature apartments and houses that are forever etched in our minds. And who wouldn't want to live in the penthouses on "Gossip Girl" or "The Beverly Hillbillies" mansion? There seems to be an endless number of TV sets we would love to move into — so follow along as we narrow down the list of TV's most memorable homes.
Everyone's there for you in the Friends apartment
From the purple door to the exposed brick, everything about the "Friends" apartment is iconic. And anyone who's a fan of the 1990s sitcom has likely dreamt about living in this New York City home. Of course, part of the appeal of this apartment is the fact that nearly all of the main characters from "Friends" — including Monica, Rachel, Phoebe, Chandler, and Joey, per Scene Therapy — lived there at one time or another. Not to mention (as any avid watcher of the show will likely remember), the apartment across the hall was occupied by members of the cast, too. Anyone who lived in the "Friends" apartment had access to these characters 24/7 — which is definitely a selling point.
It's not the only selling point, though. In addition to the people who live there, Monica's apartment is full of other envy-inducing details. Take, for instance, the fact that there's plenty of space. According to The New York Times, the average NYC apartment offers only 393 square feet per person. To that end, the fact that the "Friends" apartment has ample room to hang out, cook, and have private conversations about who's secretly dating who makes it a rare find. Plus, it's difficult to deny that the quirky and colorful decorations in the apartment make it feel especially welcoming. With a gorgeous writing desk by the giant window and luxurious curtains — as pointed out by PopSugar — there's so much to love.
Live like the super-rich in this Gossip Girl penthouse
The original "Gossip Girl" was full of luxury, from the clothes to the events. Perhaps most notable when we look back on the show, though, is the stunning New York City penthouse where Blair Waldorf and her mom lived. With details like a winding staircase — which, as noted by a behind-the-scenes tour, actually leads to nothing — uniquely tiled floors, plus ridiculously spacious bedrooms it's no wonder that the Waldorf home was the envy of anyone who's ever watched a "Gossip Girl" episode.
One of our first real glimpses into this penthouse is in the second episode of Season 1. Serena van der Woodsen is hoping to get back in Blair's good graces, and shows up for their (former) Sunday breakfast tradition. It's hard to focus on the plot, however, when we can feast our eyes on the luxurious entryway and living room — complete with a daybed, piano, and marble detailing.
Of course, this exact apartment doesn't actually exist in New York City, but the building featured in exterior shots does. According to Curbed, the building shown on "Gossip Girl" (from the outside, at least) is a real apartment complex in NYC. In fact, the penthouse was once listed for $30 million. So ... when can we move in?
Feel like royalty in the Downton Abbey castle
The glitz and glamour of the royals in "Downton Abbey" is nothing compared to the grandeur of Highclere Castle — the filming location used for the show that actually exists in real life. Unlike many TV homes, this is one set that doesn't disappear after filming has wrapped. In fact, if you visit Highclere Castle in Hampshire, it's a bit like going behind the scenes of "Downton Abbey." Per the Highclere Castle website, you'll enter between the Park Gates and drive up to the front of the castle. After you go in, you'll find tidbits about the show and photos that show you where certain scenes were filmed around the castle.
After seeing all the stunning bedrooms, library, and other areas of the castle shown on "Downton Abbey," it feels like a dream come true to get to experience the magic in real life. And although we can't move into the castle, visiting and taking a tour of the grounds is the next best thing.
Sit on your throne like the Fresh Prince of Bel Air
There's no doubt about it: The Banks family on "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air" had it made. Their stunning mansion was the envy of every viewer, with classic '90s flair and all the amenities. Perhaps the most memorable part of this Bel Air home (other than the immaculate exterior to which Will Smith pulls up during the theme song) is the living room, where so many pivotal scenes took place on "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air." Like many luxurious TV homes, the room featured a spiral staircase, gorgeous furniture, and unique artwork placed strategically on the walls. Add in the pool and Carlton Banks doing his infamous dance to a Tom Jones song, and it's the ideal place to relax after a hard day's work.
In 2020, Will Smith decided to list the actual mansion on Airbnb. Even if you're not able to visit, though, the actor filmed a video tour to take us all along for the ride. It's almost exactly like being back on "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air" set, only a bit more updated — and with a lot of fun memorabilia to admire.
Enjoy the views from Frasier Crane's condo
With its modern, eclectic furniture and collection of African art, Frasier Crane's condo in "Frasier" is one of the most enviable TV homes of the '90s. After all, as Frasier himself would likely point out (and did several times throughout the series), his living room was equipped with an exact replica of the couch Coco Chanel had in her Paris Atelier. Plus, the psychiatrist outfitted his home with both Wassily and Eames chairs — as noted by Scene Therapy — along with a piano, an always-stocked bar, and a luxurious kitchen.
Of course, we can't forget Frasier's incredible view of the Space Needle. According to Thrillist, though, you won't find any condominium (or building) in Seattle that features the same view. It simply doesn't exist, making this fictional home in the Elliot Bay Towers all the more enviable. And, per GQ, it seems the radio shrink would have had to shell out around $1 million for this condo in 1993. Add in all the designer furniture, and this home is one expensive bachelor pad.
Fill your closet like Carrie in Sex and the City
For anyone who lives in New York City, Carrie Bradshaw's "Sex and the City" apartment is the ultimate dream come true — because not only is her home gorgeous, but her huge closet full of designer clothes is legendary. If you've watched a few episodes of the show, Carrie's closet is definitely the most stand-out factor of this NYC apartment. With a walkthrough layout, multiple drawers, and plenty of room to hang clothes on both sides of the room, it's hard to miss. Plus, the apartment also included a (rarely-used) kitchen with plenty of counter space and both a living room and bathroom that don't leave you feeling claustrophobic. Though not a luxury apartment, this home definitely had plenty of amenities.
Per the New York Post, though, the rent for this fictional home was only $700 per month. For an apartment in the same location as Carrie's today, you'd be paying around $3,000 per month (minimum). And while this home may only live on our TV screens and our hearts, the exterior of Carrie's apartment actually exists — located in the West Village.
Spend your days hanging out at the Gilmore Girls house
The home of Rori and Lorelai Gilmore wasn't necessarily the most glamorous TV house — but what it lacked in luxury, it made up for in hominess and an eclectic aesthetic. The two-story home featured two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room, kitchen, and a gorgeous porch. Both Rori and Lorelai are often seen cozied up on the couch watching old movies or eating takeout at the kitchen table. Just like the two main characters, this house is laid back, and you won't find any frills. But that's part of what makes it so special. The home in "Gilmore Girls" reflects the personalities of the show's stars, and that's enough to make any fan want to spend a few days in Stars Hollow.
As Scene Therapy points out, too, the home got a partial remodel in both Seasons 5 and 6. The updates only seemed to make this TV house cozier, as audiences were able to see the decor change as the characters evolved. Maybe it's simply the fact that Rori and Lorelai were the dream mother-daughter duo on TV, or perhaps it's all the little eclectic details in the home, but the "Gilmore Girls" house remains one of the most memorable TV homes to this day.
The door is always open on Full House
One of the most iconic sitcom houses is undoubtedly the "Full House" home. Set in San Francisco, the Tanner house was warm and inviting — much like the show itself. And even though the abode was typically packed to the brim with family members and neighbors (we're talking about you, Kimmy Gibler!), there's no doubt it was a house in which we all wanted to live. Even the fact that three girls — Michelle, Stephanie, and D.J. — had to share two bedrooms and one bathroom on the upper level of the house couldn't deter from its inherent charm. Not to mention, the basement converted into Joey's bachelor pad was every kid's dream, full of quirky decor and toys galore.
Even when the house gets even fuller on "Full House" — as Uncle Jesse's wife Becky moves in and they have a set of twins — and the attic is turned into a separate space, it's difficult not to want to jump through the screen and make yourself at home. Of course, as Screen Rant points out, there are some theories that the house shown in the TV show wouldn't actually have room for that large of an attic, it's still an enviable home full of problems that are magically solved in 30 minutes.
Hang out with the Golden Girls at home
It's hard not to want to live in the home of the "Golden Girls." After all, where else would you get to hear all the drama and hang out with some of the world's funniest ladies? The main characters of the show — four roommates who live together in Miami Beach — have their home decked out with some seriously '80s-inspired furniture. Take the rattan chairs in the living room, for instance, or the frilly curtains on the kitchen window. The home feels on-trend for the time, but homey enough to make every audience member want to live with Blanche, Rose, Dorothy, and Sophia.
Per Apartment Therapy, this TV home is filled with little details that make it truly unique. The kitchen features Chippendale chairs, while the patio is decorated to look like you're on a tropical vacation. Not to mention, each of the four bedrooms is perfectly suited to the characters' personalities — including the iconic pink carpet in Blanche's room. If you didn't already want to stay with these four vivacious characters, the quirkiness of the Miami Beach home should definitely draw you in.
Live your fanciest life in the Beverly Hillbillies mansion
When the Clampett family struck oil on "The Beverly Hillbillies" and decided to buy a huge mansion in Beverly Hills, they created one of the most envy-inducing TV homes. After all, who could see two marble winding staircases and a huge crystal chandelier in the entryway and not immediately want to move in with the quirky Clampetts? Even if their decor style wasn't quite up to the luxury of the mansion itself, it would be difficult to pass up an invitation to live in such a gorgeous home.
But that's not all, folks. The mansion shown in the credits of "The Beverly Hillbillies" is actually a real home in Bel-Air, California — that sold for $150 million in 2019, according to the Los Angeles Times. Featuring 10 acres of land and 25,000 square feet, this property is even grander than it seemed on the show. And even though the series wasn't actually filmed on this enormous estate, we certainly still have it ranked high on the list of TV homes we'd like to live in.
Opt for an ocean view at the Grace and Frankie beach house
Starring Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin, Netflix's "Grace and Frankie" is iconic based on the cast alone — but the addition of a gorgeous beach house set in Southern California only makes things better. With an immaculate view of the ocean, a porch that opens right onto the beach, and decor that feels like something out of Architectural Digest, it's no wonder Grace and Frankie decide to live in this beach house together on the show.
Neutral furniture accented with beach-inspired accessories and pops of color make this entire home come alive — not to mention, the natural light that comes through the windows is enough to make any viewer envious. And, as noted by Bustle, the second floor is equipped with its own balcony overlooking the ocean. If the dynamic duo of "Grace and Frankie" ever let us visit, we'd probably never leave.
Of course, this kind of property doesn't come cheap: The actual house used for filming the show was bought for $15 million in 2006. With a view (and luxury kitchen) like this, though, we can't blame anyone for spending millions.
Have some laughs in Jerry Seinfeld's apartment
Sitcoms of the '90s had some of the most recognizable sets — including the apartment of Jerry Seinfeld on "Seinfeld." Though the actual filming took place in Los Angeles (per Esquire), this New York City apartment owned by Jerry Seinfeld (the character, not the actor) is still remarkably iconic. The kitchen was always filled to the brim with cereal, Elaine and George sat on the couches complaining about their lives, and both the bike and the kitchen stools never moved. Like several other '90s sitcoms — "Friends" and "Frasier," to name a couple — "Seinfeld" lasted for many seasons. This gave audiences time to really fall in love with the set, and Jerry's apartment specifically.
According to the same Esquire article, though, there is one huge flaw in the design: If you look at exterior shots of the building — which were not where this apartment was actually located, considering it filmed across the country from NYC — they indicate that the layout of Jerry's apartment couldn't actually exist. We'll just chalk it up to Hollywood magic and move on.
Do a science experience in the Big Bang Theory apartment
Though "The Big Bang Theory" is off the air, the apartment of Sheldon and Leonard is solidified in our hearts forever. From the always-populated living room to the elevator that never worked, this sitcom home is a classic. And what the actual apartment lacks in decor trends and luxury amenities, it makes up for in charm — including the abundance of sci-fi memorabilia on the shelves. This apartment is perfectly suited for Sheldon and Leonard, as it offers coziness and enough space to house all of their scientific hobbies. And, as Screen Rant points out, we can't forget the apartment flag that meant so much to the characters.
Overall, the "Big Bang Theory" apartment is a bit messy and features an eclectic style, but it has become one of the most memorable TV homes. The three-seat leather couch, kitchen that included an island, bookshelves full of (likely) scientific books, and the characters who inhabited the apartment make this television set what it is.