Get ready to feel like a kid again! A breathtaking replica of the iconic 'Home Alone' house has sprung to life in sunny St. George, Utah, and it's every bit as magical as you'd imagine. This isn't just any house; it's a meticulously crafted, $7 million tribute to the beloved Christmas classic, designed to whisk you straight back to your childhood. But what makes this project so special? Let's dive in!
This incredible feat of nostalgia was brought to life by St. George homebuilder, Nathan Shaffer, and his team at Strata Construction. They've poured their hearts and resources into creating a 14,000-square-foot Georgian-style home that's set to be the star of February's St. George Parade of Homes. Nestled on a sprawling one-acre lot in the Washington Fields area, this house is more than just a home; it's an experience.
Shaffer himself admits that investing such a significant sum into a movie-themed home might seem a bit 'nerdy'. But here's where it gets controversial... Is it a stroke of genius or a niche market gamble?
The exterior is a near-perfect mirror of the original McCallister residence in the Chicago area, right down to the Oh-Kay Plumbing van parked out front, complete with a 'wanted wet bandit' sticker. The attention to detail is truly impressive. Shaffer believes that the 'Home Alone' home is possibly America's favorite home, and it's easy to see why.
This isn't Shaffer's first foray into themed homes; their entry in last year's Parade of Homes showcased a 'Beauty and the Beast' theme.
Architect Josh Warner played a crucial role, using 60 to 70% of the original Illinois home's layout for the interior design. Since the movie's interior scenes were filmed on a soundstage, the team had to rely on meticulous research. They were fortunate enough to study online listings when the original house went up for sale.
The replica boasts all the movie-accurate details, like the front-door mail slot and an attic space. However, it also incorporates modern St. George amenities, including an indoor pickleball court, a swimming pool, a steam shower, and a sauna.
One of the unique features is a veranda with glass walls that open up. "I've always wanted to do a veranda," Warner said. "I'd never done a Georgian home, so it allowed me to do a lot of study as to what makes up a Georgian-style home. So that for me was rewarding."
And this is the part most people miss... There's no basement with the terrifying monster furnace that Kevin McCallister had to deal with in the film.
Shaffer and Strata Construction plan to host community events during the February parade, where visitors can channel their inner Kevin McCallister and hunt for movie references throughout the home. They've already started marketing the project by driving the replica movie van around town and posting 'wanted' posters for the Wet Bandits.
The Parade of Homes typically attracts over 40,000 visitors. Shaffer acknowledges that the unique nature of the project presents both opportunities and challenges. "Our buyer pool definitely shrinks way down for a product like this," Shaffer said. "And I think because of that, it's so important for us to nail all the points and make sure it checks every box. If you're going to spend $7 million, it better sing and dance for you."
The home, dubbed 'McCallister Manor,' is expected to be completed by late January, just in time for the February parade.
What do you think of this ambitious project? Is it a brilliant homage to a classic film, or a risky investment? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Would you live in this house? What other movie-themed homes would you like to see?
