Old houses from movies sometimes get lost in the story, and it isn’t until we rewatch the movie years later that we start to notice more of the architectural details in the background. Despite this, film creators still take great pride in selecting the perfect house to complement their stories. No matter the context, each and every piece of furniture and exterior shot is carefully thought out.
Popular films can forever elevate a home’s history and make it nothing short of a tourist destination. In other instances, movies can increase the resale value because private buyers want to own a small piece of Hollywood. And while I definitely wasn’t admiring the woodwork when I watched 10 Things I Hate About You as a young teen, it’s undoubtedly one of my favorite homes now. Here are some other incredible famous old houses from movies.
1Pride and Prejudice
Location: Bakewell DE45 1PP, UK
Year Built: 1687
Who could forget Mr. Darcy’s majestic Pemberley estate from the Jane Austen-inspired film Pride and Prejudice? Austen used the Chatsworth House as inspiration for her book, and that same estate became a prime filming spot in 2004. Unfortunately, you’ll find mostly exterior shots in the movie since many interior shots were filmed in an alternate location. However, you can visit the grounds (and the grand interior rooms) all year round. Purchase your tour tickets in advance since they tend to sell out.
2Gone With the Wind
Location: 2176 Monticello Street SW, Covington, GA 30014
Year Built: 1836
This stately old house was chosen by author Margaret Mitchell as the model for Ashley Wilkes’s Twelve Oaks plantation in the 1939 movie version of Gone With the Wind. Recently, the property has served as a bed and breakfast, an event venue, a tourist destination, and a backdrop for at least 15 movies.
3Steel Magnolias
Location: 320 Jefferson St, Natchitoches, LA 71457
Year Built: 1840
M’Lynn Eatenton lived in this gorgeous brick home in the 1989 movie Steel Magnolias. The massive house was built during the early Victorian era and served as a hospital during the Civil War. In modern times, the home has primarily operated as a bed and breakfast and can now be booked on sites like Airbnb.
4Christmas on Honeysuckle Lane
Location: 185 Broad St, Wethersfield, CT 06109
Year Built: 1873
You can’t have a rundown of old houses in movies without including at least one Hallmark Christmas film. These movies not only feature iconic architecture in quaint towns, but they also highlight some incredible decorating. In this popular romance, Emma inherits this grand 19th-century Second Empire house. She hires Morgan to appraise all the antiques, and the story unfolds from there (swoon). Want to get a closer look at the set? Recreate all your magical love stories by staying in this actual B&B fully equipped with Victorian furnishings.
5Mrs. Doubtfire
Location: 2640 Steiner St, San Francisco, CA 94115
Year Built: 1893
When you think back on this popular 1993 film, you may not remember all the old house potential. However, Mrs. Doubtfire was mostly filmed in this classic late Victorian home. (Some interior shots were recreated in a very 1990s-inspired sound stage.) In fact, Miranda gave the actual address of this home in the movie, which helped this location become a popular tourist destination. Currently, the home is privately owned and sold for over 4 million dollars in 2016. But that doesn’t mean you can’t walk by and take a picture or two.
6Groundhog Day
Location: 344 Freemont Street, Woodstock, IL 60098
Year Built: 1895
Like many other films, the interior shots in this 1993 comedy were filmed on a sound stage. However, many exterior shots were filmed at this gorgeous Victorian estate. While filming, this home was occupied by private residents. However, in 2008, the large Victorian property was converted into a B&B. While that business eventually closed its doors, it reopened in 2017 as The Cherry Tree Inn.
7Stepmom
Location: 501 N Broadway, Nyack, NY 10960
Year Built: 1897
This late 90s film broke our hearts and became a cult favorite—and most of us remember the fabulous estate with the wrap-around porch and idyllic setting. The exterior shots were filmed in this private home on the Hudson, and several of the interior scenes were filmed on a sound stage. Fortunately, film crews made sure to create rooms that looked a lot like the interior of this late Victorian home.
810 Things I Hate About You
Location: 2715 N Junett St, Tacoma, WA 98407
Year Built: 1907
This memorable family home from this late 90s comedy romance is perfectly Victorian and formal. And the contrast of formal Victorian living and young teenage angst makes for a unique combination. Currently, the home is owned privately and sold in 2018 for just over 1.5 million dollars. If you stream this film for a bit of nostalgia, don’t forget to check out all the elaborate woodwork. Unlike some films on this list, all the interior shots were completed inside this home (and not on a sound stage).
9Home Alone
Location: 671 Lincoln Ave, Winnetka, IL 60093
Year Built: 1920
While some scenes might make you think that Kevin McCallister lived in a modern 1990s home, he actually resided in this massive old Georgian house from the 1920s. In 2012, the brick house sold for $1.5 million and is currently privately owned. Former owners, John and Cynthia Abendshien, recall living in the old house throughout filming. Despite some interior scenes being filmed on location, most were filmed on a soundstage inside a nearby school.
10The Notebook
Location: 1235 Long Point Rd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464
Year Built: 1936
The Notebook film crews used several old house locations to complete their film. The Boone Hall Plantation was used as Hamilton’s summer house, and you’ll notice a beautiful shot of the tree-lined driveway during the playful bike ride moment. Unfortunately, since you aren’t allowed to record inside, film crews used an alternate location for interior scenes. However, you can tour the grounds and properties to admire this 1930s home and learn more about our checkered past.