The iconic Winnetka, Illinois home that served as the backdrop for the 1990 Christmas classic, Home Alone, has found new owners after being listed for $5.25 million. The property, featuring five bedrooms and six bathrooms, garnered widespread attention and swiftly secured a pending offer within just a week of hitting the market.
Dawn McKenna and Katie Moor of Coldwell Banker Realty, the listing agents for the legendary home, expressed their delight at how the property resonated with people due to its significant role in cinematic history and the enduring holiday memories it invokes. The residence was the focal point of the timeless film, where 8-year-old Kevin McCallister, portrayed by Macaulay Culkin, found himself inadvertently left behind while his family embarked on a Christmas vacation.
Originally built in 1921, the 9,126 square-foot property boasts modern amenities, including a fully equipped gym, state-of-the-art movie theater, an indoor sports court complete with a 3-point line, and a heated three-car attached garage. McKenna praised the dwelling as an iconic gem that lives up to its legendary status in every aspect, nestled in one of the finest neighborhoods in the nation.
Prior to changing hands, the house was owned by Tim and Trisha Johnson, who purchased it in 2012 for $1.585 million. Trisha fondly recalled the amusing moments when passersby would reenact scenes from Home Alone by screaming Kevin's name outside the property. Another former resident, Laura Abendshien, who resided in the house during the filming of the movie, reminisced about the unique experience of living in the midst of a Hollywood production.
The interiors of the Home Alone house have been transformed over the years. While the rooms may not be instantly recognizable to fans of the film, the residence now features a spacious family room with high ceilings and French doors opening to the backyard. Additionally, there is a chef's kitchen, a second family room, a screened-in porch with a wood-burning fireplace, two upstairs and downstairs laundry rooms, and a mudroom to accommodate a large family.
The second floor of the property encompasses a primary suite with a gas fireplace, walk-in closet, and marble-clad bath, while the third floor has been revamped from the old attic into a junior primary suite. The listing describes the house as an ideal setting for intimate family gatherings, celebratory movie nights, and joyous holiday festivities, offering buyers an opportunity to own a piece of cinematic history and forge enduring memories within its historic walls.
Home Alone's enduring popularity has solidified it as a timeless classic, earning accolades and an esteemed place in the National Film Registry. As audiences continue to revisit the film during the holiday season, the locations in and around Chicagoland where filming took place serve as revered landmarks for fans. Iconic scenes from the movie resonate, including locations like Lincoln Avenue in Winnetka, Trinity United Methodist Church in Wilmette, and the Grand Food Center in Winnetka, among others.
In a heartwarming conclusion to the tale of the Home Alone house, the property's sale marks a fitting Christmas gift for its new owners, ensuring that its legacy continues to enchant generations with its cinematic charm and rich history.
