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Airbnb to Restore Iconic 'Home Alone' House After Fan Backlash

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/0 .. -iconic-home-alone-house-after-fan-backlash.html
  Published in House and Home on Monday, February 2nd 2026 at 0:03 GMT by NME
      Locale: Illinois, UNITED STATES

Winnetka, Illinois - February 2nd, 2026 - In a victory for nostalgia and dedicated fans, Airbnb has announced it will fully restore the iconic house featured in the 1990 Christmas classic, Home Alone, to its original appearance. The decision comes after a significant public outcry following recent renovations that drastically altered the property's beloved aesthetic.

The Winnetka, Illinois home, instantly recognizable as the McCallister family residence, was purchased by Airbnb as part of a promotional campaign offering one lucky fan the chance to spend a night within its walls. While intended as a festive and nostalgic experience, the accompanying renovations sparked immediate and widespread criticism from those who cherished the film and the home's familiar visual identity. Changes included the removal of established landscaping, a repaint of the front door - a crucial visual element in the movie - and other subtle but noticeable alterations.

Social media erupted with disappointment as fans expressed their dismay. Many described the changes as "soulless," "disrespectful," and a betrayal of the film's enduring legacy. Online petitions circulated, demanding Airbnb reconsider the renovations and preserve the house's original charm. The hashtag #RestoreTheHomeAloneHouse quickly became a trending topic, garnering millions of views and highlighting the emotional connection fans had with the property.

"We drastically underestimated the passion fans hold for this house," admitted an Airbnb spokesperson in a press conference earlier today. "The goal was to celebrate the film, not to erase a piece of cinematic history. We listened to the feedback, and it was overwhelmingly clear that restoring the house to its original glory was the right thing to do."

The restoration process is expected to be meticulous, involving extensive research and careful reconstruction. Airbnb has engaged historical preservation experts to ensure the house is returned to its exact appearance as seen in the Home Alone films. This includes sourcing matching paint colours, replanting original landscaping features (or historically accurate replacements), and reversing any other modifications made during the initial renovation phase.

The promotional stay, scheduled for December 4th, will still take place as planned, allowing one contest winner and up to three guests to experience the now-restored home decorated for the holidays. The winner will also receive a $3,000 travel voucher. However, Airbnb has emphasized that the stay will be framed as a celebration of the restoration itself, acknowledging the initial misstep and the power of fan feedback.

This incident serves as a potent reminder of the growing importance of preserving iconic filming locations. In an age of rampant development and renovation, fans are increasingly vocal about protecting the places that hold cultural significance, particularly those associated with cherished films and television shows. The Home Alone house is just one example of a location that evokes strong memories and emotional connections for millions worldwide. Other recent campaigns have focused on preserving locations from films like The Goonies, Back to the Future, and Ferris Bueller's Day Off.

The controversy has also ignited a debate about the balance between commercialization and preservation. While Airbnb sought to leverage the nostalgia associated with Home Alone for marketing purposes, the backlash demonstrates that fans are unwilling to compromise the authenticity of beloved cultural landmarks. Experts predict this will lead to more stringent regulations and greater public involvement in the preservation of film locations in the future.

Furthermore, the situation has prompted discussions about the value of 'film tourism' and the responsibility that comes with owning or managing properties featured in popular movies. Local tourism boards are now exploring ways to better protect and promote these sites, recognizing their potential to attract visitors and boost local economies.

The restored Home Alone house is expected to become a major tourist attraction, drawing fans from around the globe. Airbnb intends to collaborate with the local Winnetka community to manage visitor traffic and ensure the preservation of the property for years to come. This entire incident underscores the fact that some places aren't just houses; they are monuments to our collective memories and deserve our respect.