The Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis) home, used in the original “Halloween,” is on the market for $1.79 million. That’s over six times the 1978 film’s budget! The 5,200 foot square footage home had four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a two-car garage. Interestingly the realty company is not playing up the fact the home was in “Halloween.”
With a modest budget of $325,000, director John Carpenter grossed over $47 million and started one of the most successful horror franchises. While inflation is more than likely part of the increased asking price, it is possible the success of “Halloween” added to the home’s value. Carpenter’s focus on psychological terror, over high-priced costumes and big-name actors is attributed to the original films success.
The focus of the main character’s fear laid down the foundation for other successful horror film franchises. While the franchise sequels may have higher budgets (the last two “Halloween” films each cost about $20 million), lower-budget horror can still be successful. Just look at films like “Terrifier 2” and “Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey” for proof. We’re still in shock the killer Pooh Bear movie is getting a sequel.
The choice to not advertise the home’s film history in the listing is interesting. One would think seeing the home used in a major horror film would drive up offers. Whenever the home is sold, it could be said that the success of “Halloween” helped it turn a successful profit over the years too.