History and Location of the Iconic House
Situated in Winnetka, a picturesque Chicago suburb, the Home Alone house is a 1920s Georgian-style brick mansion that served as the film's exterior set. Its grand staircase and festive interiors became synonymous with holiday chaos in 1990, directed by Chris Columbus. Former owner John Abendshien shared stories of location scouts approaching him for both Home Alone and National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, highlighting its early appeal to filmmakers.
Today, the 9,126 sq ft home boasts 5 bedrooms, 6 full bathrooms, 4 fireplaces, and modern features like zoned central air and a home gym. Zillow details its fee-simple ownership and lake Michigan water supply, underscoring its premium neighborhood status. Fans note it's smaller in person but perfectly captures the film's charm during winter visits.
2025 Restoration to '90s Christmas Glory
New owners are restoring the house to its Home Alone movie design, complete with '90s Christmas decorations, as reported just days ago. This follows a major renovation that addressed past wear, including a 2018 overhaul expanding livable space and adding high-end finishes. The project revives the facade fans remember, amid listings pricing it at $5.25 million.
Realtor.com photos showcase 58 images of the updated interior, from the primary suite with double sinks to a vast basement rec room. Security systems and closed-circuit cameras ensure privacy, vital given annual fan crowds. This blend of nostalgia and luxury positions it as a 'holiday dream home' for buyers.
Fan Pilgrimages and Visiting Tips
The house attracts global visitors, especially at Christmas, with Tripadvisor rating it highly for quick stops via train from Chicago. Reviews from 2025 note ongoing repairs but praise the pretty neighborhood walks to nearby spots like Lloyd Beach. Movie tours include it alongside The Breakfast Club sites.
Social media buzz mixes excitement with criticism over 'then and now' images showing modern changes. Visitors advise respecting the private property—no lingering or trespassing—while snapping exterior photos. As restorations progress, expect heightened holiday draw in 2025.