Imagine booking a stay at one of the most Instagrammable homes in California, expecting breathtaking photos and luxury vibes—but ending up with a $10,000 bill instead.
That’s exactly what happened to TikToker Sean Davis at the so-called ‘Invisible House’ in Joshua Tree.
What started as a picture-perfect getaway quickly became a cautionary tale for the social media era.
The Allure of the Invisible House
Nestled in the Mojave Desert, the $18 million ‘Invisible House’ isn’t just any Airbnb.
Spanning 5,500 square feet, this mirror-clad mansion blends so seamlessly with its surroundings that it practically disappears into the desert.
Designed by Hollywood producers Chris and Roberta Hanley—known for cult hits like American Psycho and Spring Breakers—the home features four bedrooms, a 100-foot indoor solar-heated pool, and even its own private mountain peak.
With celebrities like Lizzo, Diplo, Demi Lovato, and The Weeknd having stayed there, and appearances on Netflix’s World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals, it’s safe to say this property has serious star power.
Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky has called it “a piece of modern art,” and for influencers, it’s nothing short of a playground.
The Selfie That Sparked a Controversy
Davis’s nightmare began innocently enough. During his stay, a friend’s girlfriend snapped a bathroom selfie and tagged a brand on Instagram.
What seemed harmless soon caught the attention of the hosts.
According to Davis, this triggered a commercial photography clause in the rental agreement, leading to a $10,000 demand for “unauthorized use.”
In a viral video with over 1.3 million views, Davis explained: “We didn’t actually shoot any brand content in the house.
We shot outside, but they had an issue with a selfie.” The TikToker warns future guests: “Looks cool, but is a complete nightmare.”
Rules for Photography at Luxury Rentals
The Invisible House does allow photography, filming, and production—but only under certain conditions.
The Airbnb listing explicitly notes that approval and production fees are required for such activities.
While casual photos are typically fine, tagging a brand—even casually—can blur the line into commercial use, which is strictly regulated at high-profile properties like this one.
Comments on Davis’s video reflect a divided audience.
Some sympathized with his experience, while others noted that charging for brand-related content is standard practice in the luxury rental industry.
One viewer wrote: “My uncle has an Airbnb, and the daily rate is $1,000, but brand shoots are $10k. Seems pretty standard.”
Another added, “Welcome to the industry! No one makes this same mistake twice.”
Living in a Glass House Isn’t Always Glamorous
Adding insult to injury, Davis wasn’t impressed with the home itself.
He noted that at night, it’s impossible to see outside, yet anyone can see in—and the house makes cracking noises that echo like a skyscraper.
While the property has raked in over $1.4 million in revenue since becoming a rental in 2022, with 15% from production bookings, Davis’s experience shows that not all that glitters is Instagram gold.
The Hanleys, who built the home in 2019 and lived there during the pandemic, clearly put immense effort into creating a modern architectural marvel.
But for everyday guests and content creators, the rules around photography and brand tagging can make a stay unexpectedly expensive—and stressful.