Real Estate
‘Keep The Change!’: Winnetka's Iconic ‘Home Alone’ House Sells For More Than Asking Price
Snapped up after just a week on the market, the mansion featured in the 1990 holiday film sold for nearly 6 percent over its listed price.

WINNETKA, IL — The Winnetka mansion featured in the holiday classic Home Alone has officially sold for $5.5 million, exceeding its $5.25 million listing price by nearly 6 percent and fetching more than $600 per square foot.
The red-brick Georgian Revival home, located at 671 Lincoln Ave., was listed last May and went under contract within a week. The sale, which closed Wednesday, marks the second time the property has changed hands since the 1990 John Hughes production filmed there.
Built in 1921, the 9,126-square-foot house has been a magnet for visitors for over 30 years, especially during the holidays, as fans from around the globe stop to see the fictional McCallister family’s home.
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Former owner Cynthia Abendshien once said the house attracted more than 400 cars a day during the Christmas season. The Abendshiens sold the property in 2012 for just under $1.6 million.
“This home is a legend in so many ways, often referred to as a character in the film, and it still lives up to its hype,” said listing agent Dawn McKenna of Coldwell Banker Realty.
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The most recent sellers, Timothy and Trisha Johnson, completed an extensive renovation in 2018, expanding the home to include an indoor sports court, a movie theater and a bright, modern family room with coffered ceilings and French doors leading to the backyard.
Despite the updates, the home retains many of its iconic features, including the grand foyer and staircase that appeared in several memorable scenes, such as Kevin McCallister’s sledding adventure.

While the Lincoln Avenue home hosted key scenes, including the staircase, attic, and parts of the landing, most interior shots were recreated on a soundstage.
During filming, actor Macaulay Culkin, who played Kevin, cut down a real tree from the backyard for a scene — a discovery the homeowners made only after watching the movie.
The property’s storied history comes with a hefty tax bill. The Johnsons have paid about $50,000 annually in property taxes since a reassessment in 2022.
In 2021, they briefly rented out the home for a promotion with Airbnb, allowing guests to stay overnight and recreate moments from the movie with actor Devin Ratray, who portrayed Kevin’s brother, Buzz.
The new buyers, represented by Lori Nieman of @properties Christie’s International Real Estate, have chosen to remain private.

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