The iconic McCallister family home from the beloved Christmas film Home Alone is on the market – and has been “ruined” in the eyes of some film fans after a modern makeover.

The brick suburban house, which became every child’s dream abode for a solo festive adventure, is up for grabs at a jaw-dropping $5.25million (£4.2million). The property in Chicago, standing since 1921, boasts five bedrooms, six bathrooms and sprawls across 9,126 square feet. It is complete with a cinema room decked out with Home Alone memorabilia, a basketball court and a games room.

However, snaps of the revamped interior shared by Coldwell Banker Realty on the Ancient Homes of America Facebook page have left many feeling it’s lost its nostalgic charm. While the exterior remains unchanged, the same can’t be said for the inside, which looks nothing like the beloved film.

Following a renovation in 2018, it now boasts white walls, monochrome furniture, chic accessories and art  a stark contrast to the vibrant McCallister decor. But some eagle-eyed film buffs were quick to note that only the house’s front was ever seen in the movie, with Kevin’s booby-trapped shenanigans filmed on a studio set.

‘I used an Oodie to cut my heating bills and it’s on sale for Black Friday’

A Zillow listing describes the property as: “A legendary holiday dream home, reimagined for modern-day luxury. The stately brick Georgian residence of ‘Home Alone’ fame brings forward a rare opportunity to own one of the most iconic movie residences in American pop culture.”

The listing adds: “A legendary holiday dream home, reimagined for modern-day luxury. The stately brick Georgian residence of ‘Home Alone’ fame brings forward a rare opportunity to own one of the most iconic movie residences in American pop culture.”

It describes the property as epitomizing classic Chicago suburban architecture, nestled on a picturesque, tree-lined street in east Winnetka and elegantly poised behind a wrought-iron gate. “The residence itself is a masterpiece of traditional style with an effortlessly flowing floorplan brimming with warmth, character, and exquisitely crafted detail,” the listing adds.

As over 85,000 house-hunters have eyed the page, reactions on Ancient Homes of America’s post varied. One user expressed their disappointment bluntly: “I’m just going to say it, I think they ruined the house.”

Another offered a critique, and said: “The inside is elegant and modern but cold and uninviting. I prefer to remember it with the Home Alone motif.” A third commented: “I’d buy this house and turn it right back into the original decor.”

Disappointment was echoed by another fan who said: “They destroyed the house.”, “It’s way too white,” added another.

Another person shared their vision for the house, remarking: “If I had the money I’d do what the guy who bought the Christmas Story house did and make it look just like the movie, run it as a museum/Air BnB. And spend every Christmas there.”

But some fans noted that while the exterior of the property was used for filming, the inside in Home Alone and sequel Lost In New York is actually a set.

Some sharp-eyed fans have revealed the truth and one stated: “The entire inside was a stage in a school which some of the stage is still built in the school everything in the movie looked nothing like it did in the actual home.”

Another explained: “The house was a set, except when they filmed the outside, it was the actual house. All the inside filming was a set. There was a documentary about it on Netflix I believe.”

Joining the trivia party, another fan contributed: “The inside of the house was not used in the movie just the exterior. The inside was built in a high school gymnasium. Watch the Home Alone episode of The Movies that Made Us on Netflix.”

While some fans have praised the property’s appearance, one person remarked: “It’s quite beautiful. Obviously, keeping a home outdated for nostalgia is not wise. They’ve done an amazing job with the updates.”

Another expressed adoration for the iconic house and wrote: “This is my dream house. I love the clean modern look to it and all of the additions too. It’s absolutely perfect. I would buy it if I could. Or even remake a version of it in England where I live. That would be incredible.”

“It’s a chance to own a piece of cinematic history and create lasting memories within its iconic walls,” added the estate agents.

For more information on this property see the listing.

Do you have a story? Get in touch at [email protected].