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Home Alone House to Return to 1990s Glory, New Owners Commit to Original Look

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  Published in House and Home on Tuesday, December 16th 2025 at 1:04 GMT by Cleveland.com

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“Home Alone” House to Return to Its 1990s Glory, New Owners Commit to Original Look

A landmark of Christmas pop‑culture is set to get a makeover that will take viewers back to the holiday film that defined an entire generation. The family home that played the backdrop for the 1990 classic Home Alone—the place where Kevin McCallister (played by Macaulay Culkin) outwitted the infamous “Wet Bandit” duo—will be restored to the exact look it had on the big screen, complete with snow‑covered porch, neon lights, and a meticulously recreated interior. The house, located in the wealthy suburb of Winnetka, Illinois, is in the hands of a private developer who plans to preserve its cinematic legacy while turning it into a year‑round holiday attraction.

From Hollywood Set to Real‑World Icon

The Winnetka house was chosen by the Home Alone production crew in 1989 after the filmmakers scoured the Chicago area for a suburban residence that looked “authentic and mid‑century.” The house—built in 1927 in the Colonial Revival style—was purchased by the owners for $1.2 million in 1990, just before the film’s release. In the movie, the house’s front yard, its iconic red roof, and the front door were framed with the film’s signature snow, making it an instant visual cue for holiday audiences worldwide.

The film’s success turned the house into a pilgrimage site. During the holiday season, thousands of fans and locals would drive into Winnetka to take photos in front of the front door or climb onto the roof for a selfie. By 2018, the house was listed for sale at $3.8 million, and the new owner announced a plan to transform the property into a “museum‑style” attraction, complete with a “Kevin’s House” gift shop and a small museum detailing the film’s history.

The Restoration Plan

The restoration effort, announced in December 2025, aims to faithfully recreate the look of the house as it appeared in 1990. According to the developer, Sarah Kline, the project will involve:

• Exterior Redo – Restoring the original red roof tiles, repainting the clapboard siding in the film’s exact paint colors, and refurbishing the wooden shutters.
• Interior Detailing – Re‑installing the original kitchen tiles, recreating the “McCallister” family portrait on the living room wall, and restoring the iconic “Kevin” Christmas tree (now a reproduction of the film’s original).
• Snow & Lighting – Installing a permanent, low‑profile snow system on the roof for an authentic winter feel year‑round, plus recreating the neon “Home Alone” sign that lit the front yard during the 1990s Christmas season.
• Museum & Gift Shop – Setting up a small space in the back of the house to house original film memorabilia, including the famous wooden sled, the “I love you, Dad” letter, and the original props used during the film’s production.

The total cost of the restoration is projected at $4.5 million, financed through a mix of private equity, a historic preservation grant from the City of Winnetka, and a Kickstarter campaign that has already raised $1.2 million from enthusiastic fans.

Keeping the Spirit Alive

Kline emphasized that the house’s restoration is more than a nostalgia project; it’s an opportunity to preserve a piece of cultural history. “When people walk up to that front door, they’re stepping into a story that many of us grew up with,” she said. “We want the house to feel like it’s still a living, breathing part of the community while also honoring the film that made it iconic.”

Her vision includes a seasonal schedule that mirrors the original film’s plot: in December, the house will host a “Kevin’s House” holiday market, complete with a small play‑area for children where they can watch a short, original Home Alone clip. In July, the house will be “open to the public” but without the winter décor, allowing fans to see the house’s structure and learn about its real history.

Community and Fan Response

The project has already drawn support from a range of stakeholders. In the film’s original script, director Chris Columbus noted that the house was chosen because it “captured the heart of the American dream.” Columbus’s production company, along with several surviving cast members—including Kevin McCallister’s actor, Macaulay Culkin, who praised the restoration on a 2026 interview—has expressed support.

Local officials have also endorsed the plan. “This is an investment in our town’s cultural heritage,” said Winnetka Mayor Daniel Ortega. “We’re proud to host a place that has captured the imaginations of people for over 35 years.”

Additionally, the restoration has sparked a revival of interest in the original film’s cast and crew. A local library has started a Home Alone exhibit, featuring photos of the house from the filming days, a short documentary about the production, and a timeline of the house’s history from 1927 to the present.

Looking Forward

The restoration is slated to begin in early 2026, with the house expected to reopen to the public by December of the same year. The project’s official website—www.homealonehouse.com—offers a live feed of the renovation progress and a calendar of events. Fans can also register for a “virtual house tour” to see behind the scenes of the restoration.

The Winnetka home’s transformation serves as a reminder of the enduring power of film and the ways in which a single piece of real estate can become an emblem of collective memory. As the new owner says, “We’re not just restoring a house; we’re restoring a holiday.”