Macaulay Culkin, the beloved child star known for his role as Kevin McCallister in the classic holiday movie Home Alone, recently entertained the idea of buying the house where the film was shot. Located at 671 Lincoln Ave. in Winnetka, Illinois, the home went on the market earlier this year for $5.25 million and garnered significant attention from fans and potential buyers alike.
During a live event at the Rosemont Theater, Culkin shared with fans his whimsical thoughts about the property. "I had half a mind to buy it – just for giggles," he said, reportedly drawing laughter and cheers from the audience. The screening of Home Alone was part of his multi-city tour titled A Nostalgic Night With Macaulay Culkin, which celebrates the film’s legacy during the festive season.
Culkin’s playful plan for the house was to transform it — or rather, turn it back — to its Home Alone glory by creating what he referred to as a “movie fun house.” He envisioned fans being able to sled down the stairs just like young Kevin did to escape the notorious Wet Bandits, and even mimicking other stunts featured in the movie.
While the idea of owning the house appealed to him, Culkin eventually decided against it. He candidly acknowledged the reality of his current life, saying, "I got kids. I’m busy, man." The actor, now 44, has two young sons with actress Brenda Song. This new chapter of his life has undoubtedly shaped his perspective on his childhood fame and the Home Alone franchise. "I look at the movie differently now because of [fatherhood]," Culkin remarked, adding, "I watch it through a different lens — I watch it with them. And they have no idea who they’re sitting next to."
Despite his heartfelt nostalgia for the iconic movie, the emotional weight of parenting takes precedence. His experience, he reflects, was both "kind of a curse and a blessing." The fame he enjoyed as a child star came with pressures and challenges, which he has openly discussed over the years. This year, as he navigates life with his children, he seems to appreciate Home Alone from new and enriching perspectives.
The house itself, which was renovated recently, looks quite different from the way it appeared during filming. The previous quirky aesthetics, including the eccentric statue and the vibrant red and green wallpaper, have been updated to more neutral tones. Although it has seen various transformations, the home remains steeped in nostalgic values for fans who cherished the film.
It’s worth noting the unique charm of the home, which was not only featured prominently during the 1990 holiday classic but also appeared again in its 1992 sequel, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. Two notable films directed by Chris Columbus, they both served as cultural touchstones for many who grew up during the late 20th century.
Interestingly, the house was listed for sale for the first time in 12 years and was sold within just one week. Built-in 1921, this spacious, 9,126-square-foot residence includes five bedrooms, six bathrooms, and luxurious amenities like a large sports court and even a state-of-the-art movie theater, making it perfect for family living.
Throughout his Nostalgic Night tour, Culkin continues to bridge the gap between his past and present. Before each screening of Home Alone, he engages audiences with live Q&Es, reflecting on how the film and his experiences as Kevin shaped his life. The energetic Q&A sessions provide fans with insights beyond the screen, as he discusses the highs and lows of quickly rising to fame at such a young age.
His comments about his children, particularly when sharing how they perceive him as their father and not just Kevin McCallister, bring warmth and relatability to his narrative. Recently, he humorously mentioned how his three-year-old son Dakota believes Culkin was once Kevin, recounting incidents involving sledding down the stairs and defeating imaginary burglars. The moment was comically precious as he expressed, "You’re a lying liar who lies!" when Dakota's creative storytelling emerged.
With Culkin’s heartfelt reflections on Home Alone now seen through the prism of fatherhood, he continues to share his fondness for his past roles. He realizes the film's impact went beyond simple entertainment. For many, it created lasting memories and traditions during the holiday seasons.
Although he walked away from purchasing the iconic house, his connection to Home Alone remains strong. Sharing those bonds with his children invites new meaning, allowing them to navigate the same nostalgic experiences he once did, albeit from different angles. Streaming options for Home Alone are readily available, with the film being accessible on platforms like Disney+, Apple TV, Prime Video, and YouTube.
