Remember how awesome the ’90s were? Don’t even try to deny how much you loved Skip-It, Beanie Babies, the Backstreet Boys, and Furbies, because the bloggers here at Movoto Real Estate loved all of them too. Well, except Furbies–those things were beyond annoying, not to mention creepy.
Thinking back on the good old days of “Hey Arnold” and AOL Instant Messenger, we couldn’t help but recall our favorite ’90s movies. “Forrest Gump” or “Sandlot,” anyone?
It seemed only right that we commemorate the best of our VHS ’90s collection. What better way to pay homage to our favorite films than by recapping the humble abodes of their star tenants?
Beethoven
The first of seven films based on the rather large furry creature, “Beethoven” chronicles the journey of a stolen St. Bernard puppy that sneaks into the home of the Newton family and proceeds to drive Mr. Newton crazy. Cue “awwwww”s from women and children everywhere.
This South Pasadena dwelling was the fictional home to the beloved St. Bernard (named after the famous German composer whose Fifth Symphony he barked along to) and the family who adopted him. Found at 1405 Milan Avenue, the five-bedroom home was used in both “Beethoven” and “Beethoven’s 2nd”; however, additional sequels and spinoffs were filmed elsewhere.
What’s the home been up to since then?
- Our favorite fluffy friend returned to the residence for the making of “Beethoven’s 2nd”
- The pad has not changed ownership since October 1987, when it was purchased for $645,000
Matilda
The 1996 film “Matilda” was based on Roald Dahl’s book of the same name and starred Matilda Wormwood and her not-so-pleasant family. The super smart, adorable girl warmed the hearts of families everywhere while giving her obnoxious family the middle finger (in the most polite way possible, of course–by using her special powers).
Once the home to a young girl with crazy cool telekinetic powers, the Whittier, Calif. private residence generally stays under the radar -- especially compared to residences from other ’90s movies. Not surprisingly the four-bedroom house at 15811 Youngwood Drive looks vastly different from its movie-making days, when retro colors and rock gardens peppered the exterior.
Here’s a rundown of the house since the ’90s:
- In 2001, the house was passed down through a private trust
- It was sold in March of 2005 for $850,000
- The exterior received a facelift at some point after the ’90s, including a remodeled front entrance, new landscaping, and a downsizing of rock decor
Of course we can’t forget evil Miss Trunchbull’s house either, found at 2186 East Crary Street in Altadena, Calif. The classic all-white Victorian residence known as Crank House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and was also used in “Scream 2” and “Catch Me If You Can.”
Jumanji
Animal stampedes and fantastical feats abound in the 1995 classic “Jumanji,” which was originally a popular 1980s picture book (and is apparently getting a makeover). In the film a seemingly harmless board game threatens the livelihood of its players, who encounter unexpected visits from critters wreaking havoc, but of course find themselves in a happy conclusion -- with the return of the dead.
The location where Robin Williams makes an appearance as yet another man-boy is a large white mansion with more than just a mythical game attached to it. The structure itself was merely temporary, although individuals continue to search online for the actual location of the attractive Neoclassical-meets-colonial residence.
How the house is faring in its afterlife:
- Unfortunately for architect enthusiasts, the Parrish house existed only as a set and was taken apart after filming ended
Home Alone
“Home Alone,” the 1990 twist on the classic oops-I-forgot-my-child story (hey, even Prime Ministers occasionally do it), was a widely popular comedy that could spur chuckles from anyone. In it, a chaotic family accidentally leaves their youngest son at home during a holiday vacation–and that son finds his house the target of two grumbly, ludicrous burglars. A comical house chase ensues.
Here’s the focal point of the chase: the McCallister home.
Made famous by the hilarious one-liners of a miniature Macaulay Culkin, this Winnetka, Ill., home is a gorgeous Georgian-style brick structure almost as famous as the film. The 4,250-square-foot house located at 671 Lincoln Avenue features 14 rooms (plus the staircase that Culkin sledded down in the movie) and occupies a half-acre lot.
What’s the house been privy to since its “Home Alone” success?
- Since 1988, the property’s been home to John and Cynthia Abendshien (who bought it for $875,000 back then)
- It became a popular tourist site for fans eager to visit the brick structure in person
- The Abendshiens put it on the market for $2.4 million in early 2011
- It was finally sold in February of this year at quite the bargain: $1.585 million
Since we’re reminiscing, we figured we’d share with you how far past the ’90s we really are and blow your mind.
Mara Wilson, that sweet little girl from Matilda? Yeah, she’s 25 years old now. And Macaulay Culkin? He just turned 32 in August. Feeling old yet? We sure are.
Related:
- Pop Quiz Time: Are You the House From Modern Family or Ferris Bueller?
- Like the Weeds Theme Song? Here Are the Real-Life Little Boxes on the Hillside
Kristin Crosier is a staff writer for Movoto and a recent graduate from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She also enjoys editing (oddly enough), and has a Minor in Professional Editing.
The Movoto blog is a service of Movoto Real Estate.