Home Alone (without Kevin)

What’s up, friends?

Before diving into this week’s catastrophe, Estate has an exciting announcement: 

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On to today’s listing…

Deep in the Northern Suburbs of Chicago, there lives a house with a holiday history… of a boy who was left by his family, all alone.

That’s right! It’s been 34 years since the classic 1990 film Home Alone hit theaters. And, today, we’re going to see how the property has adapted to fit 2024. 

Bought prior to movie fame, the home was bought in 1988 for $875,000. In today’s numbers, that would be about $2.3 million. Currently, its 2024 estimated price is nearly double at $5.2 million.

Once you step through the front door, are you scared of slipping on toy cars? No worries! No need. Now, everything appears cleaner… almost sterile.

As we move through the home, while it has been modernized, it’s also been stripped of its character. Maybe that aesthetic has been lost with time, but it’s a bit sad to see it go to a bland theme. 

There’s also another living room and an office space. Don’t get me wrong, the monochromatic look is sleek… but the space no longer captures the homey feeling of the 80s.

Thinking of saying Grace in solemn, before eating a bowl of Mac & Cheese?

You still can. The ornate China cabinet just isn’t there anymore. 

While redone, the grandiose of the kitchen has stayed the same. Still the perfect size to fit for five kids, two parents, four cousins, three in-laws, and maybe even more.

Imagine you’re Kevin: jumping on your parents’ grand bed frame, surrounded by knickknacks and wallpaper. Well, all of that is gone. It’s now modernized -with the same layout- but featuring a poorly-placed TV.

Furthermore, this wardrobe feels ripped from a cartoon! It gets to sit in a peek of one of the multiple deck spaces around the home… which happens to connect to the en suite bathroom. 

Does this redone en-suite make you want to scream (like you just put on aftershave for the first time)? 

I like the sterile design -in this bathroom. Aids the idea of cleanliness, in a space that should be clean.

Kevin would’ve loved this grand (and matching) staircase to his attic bedroom; This addition makes the third floor feel essential to the home -unlike how Kevin felt in his family.

It’s also a tarantula-free zone. As far as I know.

No longer is attic-living so drab: same views, but new furnishing that make it feel complete. A bit boring, but complete.

Admittedly, I do love the window built-ins. It’s a great way to maximize the space. 

As you descend the basement stairs, you might be filled with fear of the horrifying furnace…

You’re instead greeted with luxury: a private indoor basketball court, home theatre, and poker table.

And the infamous trapped staircase to the basement… never existed. Production dug a hole, made a fake door and staircase, then filled it after filming was completed. 

The backyard is spacious, has a hot tub, and even a sunroom!

From all of us at Estate, Merry Christmas (and Happy Holidays), ya filthy animals!

See you next week,

Sarah @Homes.tastrophes

If you want to learn more about Winnetka, IL, or any other neighborhood, check out the neighborhoods feature on Homes.com.