A spooky, iconic horror movie house

Horror Movie Houses Explore Real-Life Locations

Iconic Horror Movie Houses: Discover the Real-Life Locations

Introduction

Halloween is upon us, and instead of focusing on the best horror movies or costumes, we’ve decided to delve into something closer to our hearts—houses. We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 real-life homes used in some of the most iconic horror films. These houses have been ranked primarily based on their notoriety but also include some fascinating features and the stories behind them. Even if these mansions aren’t haunted, they still retain the eerie vibe shown on screen, whether it was a couple of years ago or half a century ago.

1. The Exorcist (1973)

The House and the Stairs

Regarded as one of the scariest films ever made, The Exorcist has terrified audiences for over four decades with its graphic possession scenes. The real Exorcist house and the infamous Exorcist stairs used in the film are located right in Georgetown, Washington, DC. The stairs have become such a popular tourist attraction that Mayor Muriel Bowser declared them an official Washington DC Tourist Site Landmark, even adorned with a commemorative plaque.

Visiting Tips

  • Location: Corner of Prospect St. NW and 36th St. NW near M Street NW.
  • Activities: Popular among D.C.’s runners and movie enthusiasts reenacting scenes.

2. The Shining (1980)

The Real Overlook Hotel

There is a common misconception about the hotel in The Shining. While the exterior shots in the movie are of The Timberline Lodge in Mount Hood, Oregon, the “real” Overlook Hotel is based on the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, CO. Stephen King wrote much of his book there, and it now hosts the University of Colorado’s horror writing program.

Key Features

  • Events: Annual Halloween party, RedRum Mystery Dinner, Shining Ball, and Masquerade Party.
  • Film Stream: A 24/7 loop of the film on every television in the hotel.

3. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003)

The Hewitt House

The original Kingsland, TX Victorian house used in the 1974 film was disassembled and relocated to Round Rock, TX. The house featured in the 2003 remake, known as “The Hewitt House,” is located in Granger, TX. It quickly became a horror icon but is owned by reclusive and unfriendly owners.

Visitor Information

  • Warning: Property is littered with “No Trespassing” signs.
  • Advice: Take pictures from the road only to avoid becoming a real-life statistic.

4. The Amityville Horror (1979)

The Haunted Farmhouse

This 5 bedroom/4 bath farmhouse in Amityville, NY is infamous for the real-life incidents behind the movie, including several deaths caused by the so-called possessed owner. The house was recently on the market for $850k, but its history makes it a challenging sell.

Notable Features

  • Updates: Home has been updated, but its ‘bones’ are still intact.
  • Sales Difficulty: Real-life murder house isn’t an attractive selling point.

5. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

Freddy Krueger’s House

This nightmare-inducing 4 bedroom/3.25 bath home in Los Angeles, CA, still stands and has been beautifully restored. It sold for \$2.1M in 2013 and is one of the few on this list that is still habitable with no known paranormal activity.

Key Details

  • Iconic Features: Green shingled roof and iconic red door.
  • Curiosity: What does the basement boiler room look like?

6. Phantasm (1979)

Dunsmuir-Hellman Historic Estate

This property is featured in more films than just Phantasm, including Burnt Offerings and A View to a Kill. Known as the Dunsmuir-Hellman Historic Estate, it is a 37-room Neoclassical Revival Mansion set upon 50 acres of landscaped grounds in Oakland, California.

Important Facts

  • National Historic Site: Labeled by the U.S. Department of the Interior.
  • Public Access: Open to the public as it undergoes constant rehabilitation.

7. The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

The Creepy House

This house, used in The Silence of the Lambs, was recently listed for sale in Layton, PA. Despite its creepy on-screen persona, it was difficult to sell due to its small town location and the stigma of being a faux serial killer’s residence.

Recent Developments

  • Sale Price: Finally sold for $200k.
  • Owner Confirmation: No large holes in the basement floor or mannequins.

8. The House on Haunted Hill (1959)

Ennis House

Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, this house in Los Feliz, CA, is also known as the Ennis House. Built in 1924, it’s one of Wright’s interlocking pre-cast concrete textile block design houses, referred to as Mayan Revival style.

Architectural Significance

  • Usage: Featured in films like The Day of the Locust and Bladerunner.
  • Public Access: Open 12 days a year during rehabilitation.

9. Insidious (2010)

The Victoria Park Home

Unlike many recent horror movies that use Hollywood backlots, Insidious was filmed in a real house located in Victoria Park, Los Angeles. This 1909 home features 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and has a current estimated value of $1.2M.

Property Highlights

  • Sale History: Last sold for $275k in 1994.
  • Unique Feature: Likely no possessed children!

10. The Haunting of Hill House (1963)

Ettington Park Hotel

Originally named “The Haunting,” this High Victorian Neo-Gothic mansion is now the Ettington Park Hotel in Warwickshire, England. The 48-bedroom mansion is reportedly haunted by various former residents and has earned the title of the Most Haunted Hotel in the UK.

Ghostly Residents

  • Apparitions: Lady Emma in a white dress, a Victorian woman near the conservatory, a floating candle near the fireplace, a grey lady around the staircase, a monk, an army officer, and children who drowned in the nearby river in the 1800s.

Conclusion

Exploring these real-life horror movie houses brings a unique thrill and eerie fascination. Each house, with its own history and unique features, continues to captivate horror enthusiasts and curious tourists alike. Whether you’re planning a spooky road trip or just indulging in some Halloween fun, these iconic homes offer a glimpse into the world of horror cinema like no other.

FAQs

1. Are these horror movie houses open to the public?

Some of these houses, like the Ennis House and the Dunsmuir-Hellman Historic Estate, are open to the public during certain times. Others, like the Hewitt House, are private properties with restricted access.

2. Are any of these houses actually haunted?

While not all of these houses are haunted, places like the Ettington Park Hotel have numerous reported ghost sightings and paranormal activities.

3. Can I stay overnight at any of these houses?

Yes, you can stay at places like the Stanley Hotel, which inspired The Shining. It even hosts events that embrace its spooky reputation.

4. What is the scariest house on the list?

The Exorcist house and stairs are often regarded as the scariest due to the film’s terrifying legacy and its real-life location in Washington, DC.

5. Are these houses expensive to buy?

The prices vary widely, with some houses like the A Nightmare on Elm Street home selling for millions, while others like The Silence of the Lambs house sold for a modest $200k.

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