Catherine O'Hara's 'Home Alone' House Still Stands as Local Landmark

The iconic Georgian Colonial home in Winnetka, Illinois remains a beloved tourist destination for fans of the classic holiday film.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 9:55pm

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Actress Catherine O'Hara, best known for her roles in films like Beetlejuice and Schitt's Creek, passed away on January 30, 2026 at the age of 71. While O'Hara had a long and acclaimed career, one of her most beloved roles was as Kate McCallister, the mother in the classic 1990 film Home Alone. The actual home used in the film, located in the Chicago suburb of Winnetka, remains a popular tourist attraction today, drawing around 100 visitors per day during the holidays as fans recreate scenes from the movie. Though the home has undergone a major modern renovation since the film's release, it still holds a special place in the hearts of movie lovers.

Why it matters

The Home Alone house has become an iconic piece of cinematic history, representing the timeless appeal of the beloved holiday film. Even though the actual interior filming took place on a set, the real-life Georgian Colonial home in Winnetka has become a landmark that continues to draw fans from around the world, demonstrating the enduring legacy of the movie and the actress who helped bring it to life.

The details

While the current owners of the Home Alone house have given the 9,126 square-foot, 16-room property a major modern makeover - including adding a private movie theater and sports court - the home's exterior still bears a strong resemblance to the one featured in the film. Production designer John Muto has explained that the interior set was actually built in an old gymnasium, as the real house was too small to accommodate the film crew. The set designers opted for a rich holiday color palette of reds, greens, and golds to capture the spirit of Christmas.

  • Catherine O'Hara passed away on January 30, 2026.
  • The Home Alone house in Winnetka, Illinois continues to draw around 100 visitors per day during the holiday season.

The players

Catherine O'Hara

A renowned actress best known for her roles in films like Beetlejuice and Schitt's Creek, as well as playing the mother Kate McCallister in the classic holiday movie Home Alone.

Home Alone house

The real-life Georgian Colonial residence in Winnetka, Illinois that served as the exterior for the McCallister family home in the 1990 film Home Alone. The house remains a local landmark and popular tourist destination for fans of the movie.

John Muto

The production designer for Home Alone, who explained that the interior set was built in an old gymnasium rather than using the actual Winnetka home, as it was too small to accommodate the film crew.

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What they’re saying

“We couldn't really shoot in their house. It was too small. We could barely get the crew in the door.”

— John Muto, Production Designer

The takeaway

The Home Alone house has become an enduring symbol of the classic holiday film, transcending its on-screen role to become a beloved local landmark that continues to draw fans from around the world. Even as the property has undergone significant renovations over the years, its connection to the timeless movie and the actress who helped bring it to life remains strong, demonstrating the lasting cultural impact of this beloved cinematic gem.