7 Shocking New Secrets About The 'Home Alone' House: The $5.5 Million Sale, New Owners, And 90s Restoration
The iconic house from the Christmas classic *Home Alone* remains one of the most recognizable homes in cinematic history, yet its real-life story is constantly evolving. As of late 2024 and early 2025, the sprawling Georgian Colonial in Winnetka, Illinois, has undergone its most significant change in over a decade: a high-profile sale to new owners who have promised to bring back the beloved 1990s aesthetic. This is not just a piece of real estate; it is a monument to childhood nostalgia, and its recent transactions and renovation plans have captured global attention.
The latest updates on the *Home Alone* house are a whirlwind of surprising facts, dramatic price hikes, and a fan-favorite interior design reversal. From its soaring sale price to the new owners' mission to banish the controversial minimalist renovations, the story of the McCallister residence is far from over. Here are the most shocking and current details about the house at 671 Lincoln Ave, Winnetka, IL.
The McCallister House: Biography and Key Facts
- Official Address: 671 Lincoln Ave, Winnetka, Illinois, 60093
- Architectural Style: Georgian Colonial
- Original Build Date: 1920 or 1921
- Size: Approximately 9,126 square feet
- Bedrooms/Bathrooms: 5 Bedrooms, 6 Bathrooms
- Movie Filmed: *Home Alone* (1990)
- Director: Chris Columbus
- Screenwriter: John Hughes
- Previous Owners (2012-2024): Tim and Trisha Johnson
- New Owners (2025): Cynthia C. and John M. Abendshein
- Asking Price (2024): $5.25 million
- Final Sale Price (2025): $5.5 million
1. The Jaw-Dropping $5.5 Million Sale in Early 2025
The biggest news surrounding the property is its recent, highly-publicized sale. The iconic Winnetka mansion was officially listed for sale in May 2024 with an asking price of $5.25 million. Given the home's unparalleled global recognition and the current state of the luxury real estate market, it was quickly snapped up.
The final sale was officially recorded in January 2025 for a staggering $5.5 million. This price represents a massive leap in value from its last sale in 2012, when the previous owners, Tim and Trisha Johnson, purchased it for $1.585 million. The nearly four-million-dollar increase highlights the enduring, and escalating, value of cinematic history in the real estate world.
2. The Identity of the New Owners: Cynthia and John Abendshein
The new custodians of the famous house are Cynthia C. and John M. Abendshein. Following the sale, the attention immediately shifted to what the new owners would do with the property, which is a constant magnet for tourists and movie fans.
The Abendsheins have taken on the responsibility of owning a cultural landmark, a house that has seen thousands of drive-by gawkers and quick selfies over the years. Their purchase of the 9,126-square-foot home signals a new chapter for the property, moving beyond the tenure of the Johnson family who had owned it for over a decade.
3. The Great Interior Restoration: Back to the 90s Aesthetic
Perhaps the most exciting update for die-hard fans is the new owners' reported plan to restore the interior to its original, cozy, and distinctly '90s look from the movie. The previous owners had undertaken an extensive renovation and expansion in 2018, which modernized the interior with a bright, minimalist, and open-plan design.
This minimalist aesthetic, while luxurious, was widely criticized by fans for replacing the classic, warm, and cluttered McCallister house feel. The new owners are reportedly reversing this change, bringing back the distinctive color scheme, classic wallpaper, and overall Norman Rockwell-inspired décor that made the original set so iconic.
4. The House is a Georgian Colonial Built in the 1920s
The house's grandeur is not just due to its movie fame; it is a genuine piece of architectural history. The house is a classic Georgian Colonial-style residence, a popular choice for wealthy Chicago-area suburbs. It was built a century ago, specifically in 1920 or 1921.
The stately red brick facade, symmetrical windows, and grand front entrance are hallmarks of the Georgian style, lending the home the air of old-money affluence that perfectly suited the McCallister family's seemingly endless wealth. The house sits on a half-acre lot in the affluent North Shore suburb of Winnetka.
5. The Movie Was Only Filmed in the Exterior and First Floor
While the house is instantly recognizable, not all of the movie was filmed inside. Director Chris Columbus and screenwriter John Hughes used the home for all exterior shots and most of the first-floor filming, including the iconic foyer, the grand staircase (where Kevin sleds), and the dining room.
However, due to the difficulty of rigging the intricate booby traps and stunts, a massive three-story interior set was built in the gymnasium of the nearby New Trier Township High School. This allowed the crew to film the famous scenes with the Wet Bandits, Harry and Marv, without causing permanent damage to the historic private residence. The iconic basement and the kitchen were part of this soundstage set.
6. The Viral Airbnb Stay Was Hosted by "Buzz McCallister"
In a surprising move that delighted fans, the house was briefly available on Airbnb for a one-night stay in December 2021 (and reportedly again in 2022). The listing was hosted by "Buzz McCallister," Kevin's older brother, played by actor Devin Ratray, who reprised his character's persona for the promotion.
The lucky guests were treated to classic elements from the film, including booby traps, a meet-and-greet with a real tarantula (like Buzz's pet), and a feast of Chicago's finest pizza. This event cemented the house's status as a living piece of pop culture, bridging the gap between movie magic and real-world experience.
7. The House's Value Skyrocketed Due to "Cinematic Cachet"
The dramatic increase in the property's value from $1.585 million in 2012 to $5.5 million in 2025 is largely attributed to its "cinematic cachet." While the 2018 renovations certainly added modern amenities and square footage, the primary driver is the house's global fame.
Real estate experts note that a home with such a distinct and positive association with a beloved film, especially a Christmas classic, commands a significant premium. The "McCallister house" is one of the most famous movie homes in history, making its ownership an investment in a unique piece of cultural Americana, a factor that few other luxury properties can claim.
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