The “Home Alone” mansion is more than just a house; it’s a symbol of holiday nostalgia and a cornerstone of movie history.
Listed for $5.25 million in May 2024, the five-bedroom Winnetka, Illinois property drew attention from fans worldwide—and even from its former on-screen resident, Macaulay Culkin, according to Realtor.
The property went up on the market 34 years after Culkin, then a towheaded little boy, played Kevin McAllister on the big screen. In the classic Christmas movie, the character, who was 8-year-old, had to defend himself against robbers after his family accidentally left him home while they went on a holiday vacation without him.
During his “A Nostalgic Night With Macaulay Culkin” tour, the actor talked about his life and even revealed that he had considered purchasing the home made famous by the 1990 holiday classic.
“I had half a mind to buy it—just for giggles,” Culkin told the audience at the Rosemont Theater in Illinois, as reported by The New York Times.
However, with two young children and a hectic schedule, Culkin didn’t get a chance to purchase the property. It was sold within a week.
“I got kids. I’m busy, man,” he explained, referencing his family with girlfriend Brenda Song.
A Movie Landmark
The mansion, a 9,126-square-foot property featuring five bedrooms and six bathrooms, is more than just a home, it’s a tourist destination. Thousands of fans visit the residence at 671 Lincoln Ave. every year to take photos and relive scenes from “Home Alone,” a franchise that had six different installments.
Following a significant renovation in 2018, the property now boasts a gourmet kitchen with dual islands, a basketball court, and a home theater, blending modern luxury with cinematic history.
Hollywood Impact on Real Estate
It sold quickly because it was a highly sought-after item. Previously, it was sold in 2012 for $1.58 million, a significantly lower amount than both its recent asking price and the price it ultimately sold for.
Real estate agent Jason Gelios noted the boost in value that comes with a Hollywood connection. “Any time you have a famous name or movie associated with a property, it affects the value in a positive way,” he said.
This is not always the case.
It took NBA legend Michael Jordan nearly 13 years to sell his Highland Park, Illinois, mansion.
The 8.4-acre estate, originally listed in 2012 for $29 million, remained unsold for over a decade before finally closing at $9.5 million—just a fraction of Michael Jordan’s initial asking price.
Built in 1995, the property was a bold reflection of Jordan’s legacy and lifestyle, which may have made it challenging to attract buyers. The gated entrance features his iconic number 23, a striking nod to its famous owner. Inside, the mansion boasts nine bedrooms, 19 bathrooms, a 14-car garage, and a regulation-size basketball court. Lavish additions like a cigar lounge and a circular infinity pool further highlighted Jordan’s signature style.
Like the famous “Home Alone” house, the estate became a tourist attraction, drawing crowds eager to snap photos of the iconic residence.
While Culkin passed on the chance to own the home that helped cement his status as a household name, its new owners have inherited a piece of cinematic magic that continues to enchant fans worldwide.