The famous house from the beloved Christmas film Home Alone is set to be returned to its original 1990s appearance, following a significant backlash from fans over a recent ultra-modern renovation. The iconic property in Winnetka, Illinois, which served as the McCallister family home, was purchased for $5.25 million in January 2025, with the new owners now embarking on a nostalgic restoration project.
A Return to Cinematic Warmth
Project manager Scott Price explained the vision behind the reversion in an interview with NBC5 Chicago. He stated the aim is to recapture the specific warmth and family feeling that the house embodied in the original movie. The 2018 renovation had stripped the interior of its colourful, cosy aesthetic, replacing it with a bright, minimalist design that many fans felt robbed the home of its character and charm.
"Our vision is to bring back the warmth and just the love from the movie," Price said. "There were so many great colours, and it just made you feel like family and like home, and we want to bring that magic back." While the timeline for the interior work remains unclear, Price confirmed that some exterior alterations are also planned to better match the film's familiar facade.
The History of an Iconic Property
The five-bedroom, six-bathroom mansion spans approximately 9,000 square feet and was originally constructed in 1921. Beyond its cinematic fame, the property boasts considerable luxury amenities, including four fireplaces, two hot tubs, a private cinema, a gym, and an indoor sports court.
John Abendshien, who owned the home during the filming of both Home Alone and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, recently recounted his instant connection to the property. He purchased it for $875,000 in 1989 after being captivated from the curb. "I cannot explain it to this day, but when we pulled up and looked at it, something about that place just captured my heart," Abendshien told The Independent.
A Lasting Cultural Legacy
Over three decades since its release, the story of Kevin McCallister's booby-trapped defence of his home remains a perennial holiday favourite. The film's enduring popularity has turned the Winnetka house into a major tourist destination, with hundreds of daily visitors. Traffic congestion around the property becomes so severe during the festive season that local roads often require closure.
Abendshien, who sold the house in 2012 for $1.6 million, described the experience of living in the spotlight as a blessing, despite occasionally feeling like he was in a "fishbowl." The decision by the current owners to restore the house to its cinematic glory is a direct response to the deep affection held by millions of fans worldwide, for whom the McCallister home is as integral to Christmas as their own traditions.
