The Home Alone house, an enduring symbol of holiday nostalgia and cinematic magic, has officially sold for $5.5 million after going under contract in June 2024. Located on Lincoln Avenue in Winnetka, Illinois, the five-bedroom, six-bathroom home was initially listed in May 2024 for $5.25 million. The sale closed this month, exceeding its asking price and marking another milestone in the property’s storied history.
The famous home was brought to market by Coldwell Banker Realty’s Dawn McKenna Group, which expertly highlighted its historical and cultural significance. Listed in May 2024, the house quickly went under contract in June, generating significant buzz among fans of the film and luxury homebuyers alike.
The Georgian-style residence gained international fame as the setting for the 1990 Christmas classic Home Alone, where Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) famously defended the house from a pair of bumbling burglars. While the home’s iconic red-brick exterior remains instantly recognizable, the interior has undergone significant renovations, making it quite different from its appearance in the film.
This sale marks only the second time the property has been on the market since the late 1980s when Home Alone was filmed. The updates include modern touches while preserving the home’s original charm, making it both a contemporary living space and a cherished piece of cinematic history.
A Modernized Classic
Former owner Cynthia Abendshien once revealed that during the holiday season, the house drew more than 400 cars a day, as fans flocked to catch a glimpse of the property that felt like a character in its own right. The Abendshiens sold the home in 2012 for just under $1.6 million, and it has remained a beloved landmark ever since.
The most recent owners, Timothy and Trisha Johnson, undertook extensive renovations in 2018, nearly doubling the home’s size while preserving its historic charm. Updates included a home theater, an indoor sports court, and a bright, modern family room with coffered ceilings and French doors leading to a beautifully landscaped backyard.
Despite these updates, the house retains many iconic features from the film, including the grand staircase where Kevin famously sledded into the front door. Dawn McKenna remarked, “This home is a legend in so many ways, often referred to as a character in the film, and it still lives up to its hype.”
With its cinematic history comes a hefty price tag. The Johnsons have paid approximately $50,000 annually in property taxes since a reassessment in 2022, adding to the home’s exclusivity.
In 2021, the Johnsons temporarily rented out the home for a promotion with Airbnb. Guests had the opportunity to spend the night and recreate iconic moments from the film, complete with actor Devin Ratray, who played Kevin’s brother Buzz, welcoming them to the property.
A New Chapter
The sale of the Home Alone house marks the beginning of a new chapter for the property, ensuring its legacy as a holiday icon endures. From its classic red-brick facade to the unforgettable memories it holds for fans around the world, the house remains a symbol of family, holiday cheer, and the enduring magic of cinema.
The sale also coincides with actor Macaulay Culkin receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, adding another layer of celebration for fans of the beloved film.
While the identity of the new owners remains private, they inherit not only a beautiful home but also a legacy. The property continues to stand as a beacon of holiday cheer and family memories, ensuring its place in cinematic history for generations to come.
As McKenna aptly put it, “This home is more than just a house—it’s a piece of history.”
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