Home Alone House Sold for $5+ Million, Fans React to Modern Renovations

The iconic Home Alone house on Lincoln Avenue just changed hands for more than $5 million, reigniting a debate among fans about its recent renovations.

The Sale and Fan Reaction

Images of the home’s interior first appeared when it was sold earlier this year for more than $5 million. The listing attracted a wave of social media posts that compared scenes from the movie to photographs of the house as it appeared on the market in 2024. These comparisons sparked lively debate in the comments section, with many users expressing disappointment over the house’s modern look.

Voices from the Fan Community

One user wrote, “I would have paid 10x more for that house if it was kept original. Just like a classic car it’s worth more. Now this house looks like every other house.” Another commented, “A moment of silence for what once was a house, and is now a sterile doctors office.” A third user said, “I am all for a modern aesthetic, but I can’t imagine changing that home into that sterile looking padded room.”

Other comments described the design changes as having “removed its soul” and called the current appearance “incredibly depressing.” These reactions highlight how deeply the film’s setting has resonated with viewers and how sensitive the fan base is to alterations.

The Home’s Renovation History

The home underwent a major renovation in the past decade, which contributed to many of the changes that sparked criticism. Despite the updates, the house still retains its original exterior, a key element that fans associate with the film’s iconic look.

Behind the Scenes of Home Alone

A 2019 episode of Netflix’s series “The Movies That Made Us” explored the filming of Home Alone and the hurdles encountered during production. The mansion along Lincoln Avenue was too small for all the crew members to fit inside, so director Chris Columbus said the team had to find an alternative solution. They still used the home for exterior shots but actually filmed the indoor scenes at New Trier Township High School after it closed due to declining enrollment in 1981.

The Original Owners’ Experience

The original owners of the home during the film’s production shared their experience with NBC Chicago earlier this year. John Abendshien said, “We lived here during the filming. We were able to create our own apartment within the home, we had the second‑floor master bedroom.” Abendshien sold the iconic property in 2012.

New Owner’s Restoration Plans

With its most recent sale, the new owner has announced plans to restore the home to its “Home Alone” glory, exactly as it appeared in 1990. If you visit the home now, you’ll notice the front door and some windows are boarded up, a clear sign that restoration work is underway.

NBC Chicago learned over the summer that the new owner is committed to bringing back the house’s original charm. This restoration effort is expected to include removing modern additions and reinstating period‑appropriate details.

Key Takeaways

• The Home Alone house on Lincoln Avenue sold for over $5 million in 2024.
• Fans reacted strongly to the house’s modern renovations, citing loss of original character.
• The new owner plans to restore the home to its 1990 appearance, with doors and windows boarded up during the process.

The sale and planned restoration of the Home Alone house underscore how film locations can become treasured cultural landmarks. While some fans lament the loss of the house’s original aesthetic, the new owner’s commitment to a faithful restoration offers a hopeful path for preserving the film’s legacy for future generations.