One of the most recognizable homes in movie history is getting a second act that fans have long hoped for.
The house made famous as the McCallister family home in Home Alone was sold in January 2025, and the new owners are reportedly restoring elements of the property to more closely resemble how it appeared in the beloved holiday classic. The residence, located at 671 Lincoln Avenue in Winnetka, has remained a destination for movie fans for more than three decades, particularly during the holiday season.
The brick Georgian style home was used for the exterior shots in the film, instantly cementing its place in pop culture. Its symmetrical facade, tall windows, and welcoming front entrance made it the idealized north suburban home that writer / producer John Hughes envisioned.
Enjoy a few memorable exterior scenes at the Home Alone house!
While the exterior became the iconic McCallister home, director Chris Columbus and cinematographer Julio Macat, determined that the interior of the house would never work for filming. The decision was made for the elaborate interior set of the Home Alone house to be built in the gymnasium at New Trier Township High School West Campus, in Winnetka, Illinois, including the basement portion of the house that was constructed inside the empty swimming pool in the gymnasium.
The unconventional setup gave the production full control over lighting, camera movement, and stunt coordination. The pool-built set has since become one of the most fascinating behind-the-scenes details associated with the film.
Over the years, the real home has undergone updates that moved it away from its movie appearance, including a modernized interior renovation that drew mixed reactions.
The new owner’s plans were well received among Home Alone devotees. They are taking a more preservation minded approach, aiming to restore warmth and character that aligns more closely with the home’s on-screen legacy. While the house remains a private residence and is not open to the public, its exterior continues to attract visitors who see it as a tangible piece of Chicago film history.
35 years after Kevin McCallister defended it from the Wet Bandits, the Home Alone house remains a symbol of Chicago’s enduring role in classic American filmmaking and a reminder that if you live in Chicago, sometimes movie magic happens right in your own neighborhood.
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