The red brick Georgian Revival mansion in Winnetka made famous by the 1990 film “Home Alone” sold on Thursday for $5.5 million — slightly above its $5.25 million asking price.
Built in 1921, the three-story, 9,126-square-foot mansion has had its own starring role on its Winnetka street now for more than three decades. A 1992 Tribune headline for a story about the home being placed on a local house walk called the mansion “a “home that’s never left alone.” Then-owner Cynthia Abendshien told the Tribune even back then that “there are a lot of people, especially children, that will knock on the door and ask to see the house.”
It’s not much different today, although the mansion now is set behind a wrought iron fence and gate. On a nice day, a visitor showing up to gawk at the mansion soon will discover that there’s company — other visitors there for the same purpose.
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Now, the five-bedroom mansion has gotten its first new owners in 13 years — and seven years after the current owners renovated and expanded it. The home has six bathrooms, four fireplaces, an entry staircase that famously was showcased in the film, a recently added family room with 10-foot coffered ceilings and walls of French doors and a kitchen with double islands, bespoke white cabinetry, a hidden pantry, an eight-burner Wolf range, a Sub-Zero refrigerator and a built-in banquette. Other features include a second family room, a screened porch, two laundry rooms, a primary bedroom suite with a walk-in closet and a marble bathroom with dual vanities, and a third-floor junior primary suite with built-ins and back yard views.
On the basement level are an indoor sport court, a movie theater and a wet bar. The mansion also has a heated and attached, three-car garage.
In a statement, listing agent Dawn McKenna of Coldwell Banker called it a joy working with the sellers, Timothy and Trisha Johnson. Through a land trust, the couple paid $1.585 million in 2012 for the landmark home.
“I’m delighted they had the opportunity to celebrate one last holiday in this beloved house,” McKenna said. “While it’s the end of an era for the sellers, we know the new owners will create many wonderful memories here.”
Lori Nieman of @properties represented the buyers. In a statement, she said they wished to remain private.
The mansion had a $49,770 property tax bill in the 2023 tax year.
Goldsborough is a freelance reporter.
