OK, this is a story all about how our life got flipped, turned upside down … and we had to cancel all of our vacation plans, and fun group activities, and all our favorite places suddenly closed down. Then basically all of life went on to Zoom, the kids were home 24/7, sanity was harder to harder to find and, OMG, we need a break!
Fear not! The Fresh Prince and Airbnb are here to give a fortunate group of people in desperate need of a one-of-a-kind, unforgettable night away from life's madness in Will Smith's swank Bel-Air (actually Brentwood) home. Starting September 29, a wing of the show's iconic mansion will be available to book — but only for five individual nights. The $30 price tag isn't just a fresh bargain, it's a celebration of the 30th anniversary of the show's launch.
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air gave us six years of family-friendly comedy, the Carlton dance, and launched the career of one of Hollywood's most bankable stars. It also made a generation of average kids fantasize about what life would be like with our very own pool house and sassy butler.
The property on Airbnb is obviously not the set that we're familiar with from watching the show, but the decor is inspired by all of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air hallmarks: lots of graffiti, cool street fashion, hip-hop culture, and all the necessary perks to make a kid from West Philly feel like a prince. Let's take a look and reminisce about a generation-defining show.
Welcome Home
This instantly recognizable facade — recognizable to any child of the '80s or '90s, at least — is actually located in Brentwood, California, another ritzy Los Angeles neighborhood about a 15-minute drive from Bel Air. For those of us who grew up watching Fresh Prince, it brings back instant memories of Will Smith bringing his West Philly street smarts to the stuffy Banks household. We all fell in love with adorable Ashley, preppy Carlton, and posh Hillary — and cracked up whenever Uncle Phil tossed Jazz out the front entrance.
Kicking Back
Will's class clown ways got him into a lot of trouble and hilarious situations. It's hard to imagine any space inspired by his character, and the show being anything other than a place to party. We hope whoever ends up staying here snaps some cool shots with that portrait in the background. Maybe it will be someone with the talent to tap out a piano rendition of the show's theme song.
Fly Bedroom
In the intro, Will gets caught spray-painting graffiti by a cop back in Philly, so it's fitting to bring a piece of Will's past into this Fresh Prince-inspired space. The colorful wall and splashes of street fashion and culture contrast playfully with the more traditional furnishings. Some of us can't have too many pillows. This bed will be just perfect.
Playing Pool
Hillary was the first Banks child to take up residence in the pool house. Later, Will and Carlton became roommates — so there are lots of hilarious episodes centered around the pool house. Ironically, there weren't many pool scenes in the show, so the lucky occupants can create their own Fresh Prince-style pool party, maybe getting Jazz to come DJ.
'Fresh Prince' Fact: Will & Jada Met on Set
There were some great scenes in the pool house between Will and his on-screen girlfriend, Nia Long. But a lot of people may not know that Will and Jada Pinkett actually met on the set of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Jada tried out for the role of Will's girlfriend, but the part went to Nia. Clearly, the casting crew missed out on the spark between these two!
The Kingdom
Who can look at this picture and not immediately sing "I. PULLED."? The Brentwood address for the home is on North Bristol Avenue, but no worries, we're not divulging any great secrets. The address is labeled on Google Maps as "Fresh Prince of Bel Air."
Party Like It's 1990
We love how spacious and flowing this guest space is. It's fun and exciting, but relaxing and tranquil at the same time. Even though the guest stay is only for one night, we bet it will be a terrific night's sleep. (Can we get a delayed check-out in case the party goes super late?)
Sneaks on Display
So ya probably won't be able to keep the cool kicks throughout the pad, but any sneaker lover is going to get some serious decor inspo for displaying their footwear collections. Having a whole wall dedicated just to fancy footwear is an awesome idea for showing off old classics and new custom designs.
Don't forget the hat to match!
Boomin' System
"I can't live without my radio." That's the refrain from a classic 1985 LL Cool J song. And 1985 just happens to be when DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince first met. Back then, bigger was better when it came to blasting rap faves from a boombox. The rental also includes a turntable and sweet record collection, surely made up of golden-age hip-hop classics.
Meal for a Prince
Breakfast is included with this Airbnb rental. We bet that would be some brunch with all the most luxurious fixings and (hopefully) bottomless mimosas. Be prepared to fight for the dining table throne. Ya know what would make meal time in this casa totally fresh? Some of Geoffrey's legendary sass!
'Fresh Prince of Bel-Air' Fact: Will Struggled to Pay the Bills
As a rapper, Will Smith already had hit singles and made a ton of money. But his working class upbringing and sudden fame meant that he wasn't the best financial manager. Will owed a massive amount of money in unpaid taxes. Quincy Jones offered Will the opportunity to do the show as a way to gain back some financial solvency. The IRS took a majority of Will's paychecks from the show for three years.
Epic Pool Party
The rental can accommodate two guests, but obviously, this pool setup is begging for more. Just make sure when the party's over to tell people they don't have to go home, but they can't stay here! All meals are served to guests while they enjoy the property. We wonder if that also includes poolside snacks and drinks?
Surround Sound
Who needs a fancy outdoor audio system when there's this baby? Pop in an old cassette (rewind first) and enjoy some old-school tunes. Lay back in a pool chair, and relax until it's time to flip to the B side.
Smell Ya Later!
Whoever gets to stay in this fresh and funky residence can feel good knowing that Airbnb is giving back to others. The company will make a one-time donation to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Philadelphia, which offers development and skill-building programs, recreational activities, and empowerment tools to kids with the greatest need. Guests can do their part by making sure everything is in great shape for the next renters so there's no need to say, "yo homes, smell ya later!"
'Fresh Prince of Bel-Air' Fact: Bad Blood No More?
Clearly, and much like this unhumble abode, Will Smith can loom larger than life. While he seems to be about the most likeable guy on Earth to us, we can see how everyone may not feel that way. Janet Hubert, the original Aunt Viv, has had some choice words for Will over the years, calling him an egomaniac, among other names. So it was absolutely awesome to see the two of them get together and make up in time for the 30th anniversary celebration. (Look for an HBO special reunion show sometime around Thanksgiving.) Cheers to Aunt Viv, elegant mom, brilliant professor, and dancer extraordinaire.
