If you’re a dedicated Matthew Gray Gubler fan, you probably know one of his favorite films is Home Alone. Imagine him buying this iconic house and turning it into his own spooky spectacle — he could easily outdo Kevin’s traps and would likely decorate it memorably for Halloween, based on his past ghoulish designs.
The house featured throughout the classic Christmas film is now for sale, listed at $2.4 million. This is the first time the property has come to market since the movie debuted in 1990, giving buyers a rare chance to own a tangible piece of cinematic and holiday history.
Located in Winnetka, Illinois, the home has been owned by Cynthia and John Abendshien since 1988. Neither had ties to the film industry before their house was chosen as a setting in the blockbuster. “We’re both empty nesters, and it’s really more house than we need or utilize,” Mr. Abendshien says; he runs a consulting firm that serves the healthcare sector.
Marissa Hopkins, the Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage agent handling the listing, says it’s unclear whether the house’s fame will push the price higher. Unlike many movie locations that appear briefly on screen, this house functions almost like a character in the film, she notes.
In Home Alone, eight-year-old Kevin McCallister, portrayed by Macaulay Culkin, is accidentally left behind when his large family flies to France for Christmas. Kevin defends the house from two burglars, played by Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern, in a sequence of inventive and memorable traps.
Despite the film’s enduring popularity, the Abendshiens report their home hasn’t become a major tourist magnet; occasional visitors do stop to snap photos. A notable moment was when Conan O’Brien filmed a segment at the property, re-creating the movie’s window break-in scene.
The Georgian brick residence offers 4,250 square feet of living space, with four bedrooms and five bathrooms on roughly a half-acre lot. Built in the 1920s and updated over the years, the house’s master suite comprises four rooms, including a sitting room, sunroom and a fireplace. Renovations have modernized the home while preserving its classic character since Macaulay Culkin sled down its staircase in the film.
The Abendshiens first encountered location scouts connected to filmmaker John Hughes before moving into this house. They were initially approached about using a previous property for Uncle Buck, but declined because they were trying to sell and did not want to take the house off the market. Later, after relocating and while renovating, they turned down an offer to host filming for Christmas Vacation. When approached about Home Alone, they accepted.
“We liked the script,” Mr. Abendshien recalls, adding that his wife Cynthia appreciated the story’s family-oriented message and had a feeling it would be a hit. The movie went on to earn more than $500 million worldwide.
The production occupied the house for nearly five and a half months, filming both interior and exterior scenes. “They were very present at all times,” Mr. Abendshien says of the cast and crew. “During that time, we had virtually no privacy. But having said that, they became like family.” Their daughter Lauren, about eight then, often played in the backyard with Macaulay Culkin during breaks in shooting.
To preserve continuity and protect the family’s furnishings, the film crew built replicas of many pieces and altered décor in several rooms — for example, plaid wallpaper was added in the living room and a hand-painted dining room mural was temporarily covered with paneling. Some scenes were filmed off-site on a soundstage where a mock-up of the home was recreated.
Mr. Abendshien downplays the payment they received for use of their home, saying it “wasn’t a large enough amount to stick in my head.” Despite enjoying the experience of living through a major film production, the couple says they’re unlikely to host another movie shoot, although they recommend the experience to others considering it: it can be educational, enlightening and a lot of fun.
This Winnetka property blends architectural charm, spacious living areas and Hollywood history, offering a unique opportunity for buyers who appreciate both classic design and a connection to a beloved holiday film.