Movie Houses…
MY FAVORITE MOVIE HOUSES
This post is not about old, interesting theaters and cinemas that house movies. This post is about movies that feature cool houses. I’ve been known to see movies just to marvel at the sets, namely the houses. Even if a film stinks I’ll walk out feeling satisfied because I feasted on the scenery or fell in love with the set. I am nothing if not visual.
I like to tell people that magazines like, Veranda and Architectural Digest are my pornography – friends and family don’t like me using that word and usually make a face that suggests a sick stomach. Let’s just say, I can turn to a page and stare at a Dutch Colonial or a shingled Cape Cod for a very long time. Is there something wrong with me? Perhaps.
The Home and Garden channel, Property Brothers, International House Hunters, etc…. It’s like manna from heaven. I guess I first got addicted with, This Old House. Something about that handy man, Norm Abrahms, and his New England accent turned me on inspired me.
Anyway, I thought I’d make a little list of my Hot Movie Houses. Personally, I think some of these houses, properties and sets, end up being actual characters in the film, they push the plot along as much as the actors do. I’ll see a movie several times if I fall in love with the house. So without further ado…
1. Garp – A magnificent beach house.
2. Something’s Gotta Give – Hampton’s shingled beach house. TO DIE FOR.
3. The Big Chill – LOVE! Something about a big plantation house really excites me.
4. The Proposal – I guess I’d move to Alaska if I could live in that house?
5. Baby Boom – Cozy and quaint Vermont home.
6. The Holiday – all 3 houses (Amanda’s L.A. house, Iris’s cottage, and Graham’s house)
7. Atonement – Yeah, I realize this is a no brainer.
8. Stepmom – Love the house and property.
9. Father of the Bride – Perfect in every way.
10. The Notebook – What’s not to like? The house was made even better because Ryan Gosling was it’s inhabitant. : )
There are so many others that I didn’t list. (I realize they’re mostly just “sets”) Do you have a film that you love for it’s visual appeal, the house, the set, the location?
I could recognize that house from Garp anywhere! Love!
My favorite movie house is the one from The Royal Tenenbaums. So warm, cozy, and magical.
I know exactly what you mean. It’s so lived in and cozy. I love that one, too.
For some reason I immediately thought of the house from Home Alone. I don’t know why. I guess because it’s a nice big house in an affluent community and the whole damn thing takes place there.
I think mostly I would want to live in some high-tech futuristic penthouse apartment. Something like the place they stayed at in The Hunger Games. When rooms randomly dip down with a single step. I never lived in a place where a room did that. It’s so high class. So unaccessible to the wheelchair bound.
The Home Alone House is actually not far from where I live. Somebody apparently just purchased it. I agree, it’s very solid and substantial. A beautiful home.
I find that more guys prefer modern or contemporary designs as opposed to women. Just in general. Although I can like clean lines and spaces. It just depends how it’s done. I think I would get a little depressed after awhile if I had to live in an apartment building – I need grass and trees and a lawn of some sort. I can’t feel so removed from nature. My husband on the other hand, prefers that type of thing.
I always think about how when men are at home they do not want to be bothered. When they go out is when they want the affection.
Women go out to not be bothered. At home is where they want the love and affection. Could this be somewhat the same thing? A man is fine making his home into a prison. Women want their homes to be where they feel most free.
Or I’m looking way too into this. I should have just made a quip about The Sticky Bandits and left it at that.
I think you’re right on all counts. Women feel as though their house is their sanctuary, it reflects everything that they are and love. To a man it’s maybe just a place to eat and sleep and bathe. Maybe that’s a bit extreme but I think men see it in more practical terms.
And please, never talk about the Sticky Bandits.
I seem to share your passion for all things HGTV. My kids think I’m weird. When watching TV/movies I always notice the background and comment on the kitchen cabinets, color of walls, overall decor. I love Ina Gartens home in the Hamptons (Barefoot Contessa food network). When we lived in Hindsdale, IL my favorite past time was going to open houses on weekends and admiring the diverse architecture.
Ingrid, you and I have this in common. Thank you for not letting me feel crazy. Ina Garten’s house in the Hamptons is absolutely scrumptious. I love it. I live in North Barrington, Illinois so I’m familiar with Hinsdale. There are so many beautiful houses around here. I grew up in Westchester County, New York, so I have a real East Coast aesthetic. I love those older homes.
Do you sometimes miss being “grounded” now that you and your husband are on the go and seeing the sights? That would be a HUGE change to adapt to. Exciting but difficult.
I grew up in Bartlett and used to go to South Barrington as it was being developed and run around construction sites. Amazing homes.
We try to avoid flying and don’t miss it one bit. Hubby occasionally talks about biplanes and gliders but he loves the freedom the RV gives us. He has seen so much of the world by air, he’s enjoying the up close and personal adventure.
My next couple of posts will have photos of homes in the mountains. Mountain architecture…love it!
I’m looking forward to it. It sounds like a nice change for both of you. I’m sure if it wasn’t a good fit you would have stopped it long ago. Maybe one day I’ll give it a try, who knows?
So Norm, huh?
. That’s what jumped out at me. He is good with wood, that’s for sure. 
. All the houses you mentioned — LOVE THEM. Also the one in It’s Complicated and the apartment in As Good as It Gets (the guy across the hall from Jack Nicholson), the one in Practical Magic — LOVED IT. Oh and Sleepless in Seattle.
Norm!!
hahaha! Hey, I have to throw in a little humor here and there. I’m sure Mrs. Abrahms thinks he’s quite handy. Wink.
Funny, I had the Practical Magic house down and then moved it when I thought of more. It’s one of my favorites, for sure. I loved that little town they were in, too. Maybe I just loved the idea of being a witch? haha!
It’s Complicated is another great one. Did you ask yourself at any point during that film, how the heck did she afford that house on a baker’s salary?! Lol! That’s all I could think of while I was watching it. Haha!
I’ll have to check out the apartment in As Good as it Gets. Wasn’t that Greg Kinnear’s apt? Was it artsy…? The House boat in Sleepless in Seattle – so cozy! I could do a whole post about how Meg Ryan and Diane Keaton always make things seem cozier and more oatmealy. They make me just want to put on some thick woolen socks and get in my pajamas and be all crumpled. Love those women.
Totally agree with your choices of houses….especially The Big Chill. Something about that house I just absolutely love!! I also love the cabin in “On Golden Pond”…..Not that there was anything spectacular about it, but just so comforting about it and its surrounding water. And the other is the house in Steel Magnolias and Terms of Endearment.
Oooh, you came up with some good ones. The cabin in “On Golden Pond” is perfect. I can even smell that lake house smell of old canvas rafts and safety vests. Love it.
I didn’t even think about Steel magnolias but again, it has that southern charm — that warm inviting feel to it. The Terms of Endearment house feels solid and rich, like old money that’s been handed down. I think I know the area of Houston that it was supposed to be filmed in – love the pool in the back yard, too.
It’s the feeling a place gives you more than anything, thus, the cabin in “On Golden Pond.” Perfect.
“Architectural Digest” pornography!? =/
Phwoarr look at the knobs on that door. Heh heh heh.
I prefer sort of beach locations and films that take place in the middle of the ocean, I’d love to just float in the middle of the ocean, just me, the water and the stars. Bliss.
hahaha! Pete! “Look at those knobs on that door.” I can always count on you to improve and raise the level of discussion.
The ocean is my little slice of heaven, too — Probably why I love all those beach houses. When you say middle of the ocean are you talking about being on a boat – like, The Bounty? Or are you talking about being on a home made raft like in Cast Away? OR maybe you’re talking about being Mark Wahlberg at the end of the movie A Perfect Storm and just floating aimlessly in the middle of nowhere? haha! If you haven’t seen that movie go out and rent it. You’ll really like it.
Either a raft or a boat, just imagine how calm it’d be, bobbing up and down with the waves, obviously on a nice day, I don’t want to be swimming after my boat or anything while knocking out sharks.
You know, I haven’t seen Perfect Storm I’ll definitely get that watched
I’ve ran out of things to watch as it happens, just watched Adaptation, strange movie that.
I’ve not long just watched all four Pirates of the Caribbean films, imagine being a pirate on the ocean, just drinking rum and yelling “AAAAARGH!” all day.
Bobbing along on a boat or a raft would be calm and since you’re already calm you would probably go into a coma. haha! Definitely watch A Perfect Storm – it’s a true story. I think you’ll like it.
We agreed in a prior discussion we’d have to share the ‘Something’s Gotta Give’ house–so perfect!!
I’m hooked on HGTV, too, and find myself yelling at people on the House Hunters shows when I think they are making a bad choice, “GO FOR THE INFINITY POOL!”–they never listen. As for Norm–omnomnomnom!
Haha! I pretty sure it’s just the accent.
Thank heaven for HGTV. It’s like my fantasy channel. I also like these dopey realtors on Million dollar properties. I can’t believe these twerps are making that kind of money and they’re so ridiculous – proof that the world is in a free fall. (Naturally, I never miss those shows. Naturally.)
Speaking of realtors—any luck??
I wrote a longer explanation but I think it was too much info even for my ears and eyes! There is some positive movement. I’ll say that. : )
Yay Lisa! Glad to hear about your “positive movement!” (that phrase sounds kind of weird out on it’s own like that). I love the HGTV channel. I especially love House Hunters International! I’m a huge Columbo fan and one of the main reasons aside from the fact that I just love Columbo is that they always feature a beautiful home. Of course, it’s all outdated now. But it’s fun to see how ugly 70′s and 80′s decor was. I swear every rug and chair was orange! And I love Remains of the Day because it’s about the house and taking care of the house. I’m currently reading the book and it’s just great. I also liked Dr. Leo Marvin’s vacation home even if it did get blow to smithereens in the end! HA!
I used to love Colombo, too! Some of those 70′s shows had some really ugly decor even though the actual home exteriors were attractive. I forgot to add Remains of the Day! Such a great movie and beautiful house. I guess the house from Atonement falls into the same category, something you fantasize about. This convo is making me wish there was a good movie out that I could escape to. I need a good house movie. Did you ever see Howard’s End? There’s a little cottagey house in that which is pure English delight. Ahhh… Maybe I’ll watch a DVD! Haha!
My favorite house on Columbo is the one with where Ruth Gordon plays the murderess! She’s outside cutting roses in this yard that goes on forever! I actually watch Howard’s End quite a lot, especially when I get on a British kick which I’m on more often than not. I love the house that they get kicked out of but I’ll take that little cottage too! It’s so beautiful! Haha! And I’m in the mood for a British movie too! Maybe I’ll have to watch Atonement again and pay closer attention to the house, I’ve only seen it once! LOL
I remember the Ruth Gordon episode!!! She was always scary to me. Wasn’t she also in Rosemary’s Baby? haha!
I get on these British kicks, too. Here are a few more that I love, different time periods but all very British. Maybe you’ve already seen them…
Shadowlands – with Anthony Hopkins and Debra Winger
Angels and Insects –
A Hand Full of Dust –
Hope and Glory -
Educating Rita –
Possession -
Positive movement!! Yay!!! THrow in ‘North and South’ in the list of British films that are very good (Netflix).
What a great topic, Grippy!! When I was a kid I desperately wanted to live in the Brady Bunch house. I’m happy to report that as an adult my tastes have become a bit more refined.
I remember how many great houses were in Columbo—there was one episode where the murderer was a man, I just can’t remember who the guest of the week was. Anyway it was a gorgeous house and of course Columbo was wandering around marveling at everything.
For completely over-the-top houses, I’d go with the Marchmain residence on Brideshead Revisited. Castle Howard is pretty nice. Wayne Manor in any of the Christian Bale Batman movies. For more normal nice houses, I’ll second Brigitte’s choice of Greg Kinnear’s apartment in As Good as It Gets.
Another one I really like is from The Uninvited with Ray Milland—it’s a gothic house right on the English coast.
I wanted to live in the Brady Bunch house, too! Or maybe I just wanted to be Marcia? I don’t know…
Yeah, Linda Vernon hit the jack pot with her mention of Colombo. All of those houses were impressive, like over the top museum quality houses. Very cool. After awhile though, it became obvious that the murderer was gonna be the billionaire! haha!
I thought of Brideshead Revisited – but it just seemed too small. Lol!
Wayne Manor would be appropriate for all the times when we’re in a dark Goth mood. Wouldn’t it be great to have a home for each of our moods? I always wanted that bat cave!
I’ll check out the house in The Uninvited. I like anything on the coast – sounds very cool.
Hello Grippy (I hope you don’t mind me using this name.) I’ve nominated you for some awards. See the post here http://ldsconvertblog.com/2012/07/14/awards/. Please take whatever you like. You deserve it.
I’m feeling the love, Bro Jon. Thanks for that nice morning surprise. : )
I always liked the house in The Big Chill, too. Oh, and I have fond memories of The Brady Bunch split level house and even the cool huts on Gilligan’s Island.
Haha! Gilligan’s Island! That’s really all I would need to be happy when I boil it all down. My needs are simple. Well, maybe I would choose the Howell’s hut since theirs was a little more pimped out.
The Brady Bunch house would have been even more appealing without the Bradys. Ha!
Oh I too love houses and anything related to the beach is a big plus.. I loved the house in that Richard Gere movie, “Nights in Rodanthe”.. Plus it’s the same beaches I spent all my childhood vacations at..
I thought that house was amazing, except it would scare me to death. It felt like it was IN the ocean! haha! It’s crazy how vulnerable those houses are and yet they continue to stand. I’ve never been to the Outer Banks in North Carolina but I’m told those beaches are unbelievable. Definitely someplace I need to visit.
Grippy,
Now that’s an original topic, and it got me to think about my favourite movie houses (I even know some of the addresses):
1. 112 Ocean Avenue;
2. 1428 Elm Street;
3. The Overlook Hotel;
4. The 3rd cave on the left in Quest for Fire;
5. The metamorphosing beach house in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.
And no amusement park haunted houses, that would have been too predictable coming from a clown.
Le Clown
Bwahahaha! The Amityville Horror house would actually be a cool house if it had not been the site of a blood bath. I like a nice Dutch Colonial sans murder sprees.
Le Clown, you could never be predictable, never. Maybe dictable but not pre-dictable. I’m not sure what that means, I just wanted to try it.
I was going to comment on Norm Abrahms but then Brigitte made her good with wood comment and I spit my coffee out. laughing so hard.
with the green monster as my deck 
I do not have a favorite house.. but we do watch all those damn shows. it is all very addicting. Renovations Nightmare is hilarious
My favorite house would be Fenway Park
Good ol’ Brigitte got to the wood before any of us. Those “damn” shows are always on in my house. If that’s not bad enough I started watching those idiotic realtors from Millionaire Property Listings, or whatever it’s called. All the realtors look like they just graduated from high school and they’re wheeling and dealing with these enormous sums of money. I can’t figure it out.
Fenway Park, eh? Well at least you’d have a healthy diet of hot dogs and popcorn.
Flipping Out cracks us up too
Me too! I Love Zoila! And who couldn’t love Jeff Lewis? haha!
This was a good topic! I didn’t realize how many of your posts I’ve missed! All I have to say is, You know how I feel about The Big Chill. *shudders*
But I do agree with all of your choices. I love the house in the Proposal. Or maybe it’s just that I love Ry Reynolds?
You’ve missed quite a few. I was starting to feel neglected. Just saying. I’d live in Alaska as long as I could live with Ry Ry, and by Ry Ry I mean Ry Ly. Haha!
How about The Money Pit? A movie about a house that grows into a home
I think I’ve been living in the money pit for the last 15 years!
That’s definitely a memorable movie house.
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