The iconic house that was used to film A Christmas Story in 1983 in Cleveland, Ohio is up for sale, as announced by the current owner on Monday.
The property was placed on the market for sale on Monday, November 14, 2022. It is located at 3159 West 11th Street in Cleveland’s historic Tremont neighborhood.
The fictional boyhood home of Ralphie Parker from the 1983 film served as the backdrop for some of the most memorable scenes.
The famed house, built in 1895, was opened for public tours in November 25, 2006 and attracts some seventy-five thousand visitors annually, as it was transformed into a museum and a bed and breakfast in recent years according to NBC.
Brian Jones officially announced house is for sale
On Monday, film buff Brian Jones, who purchased the house for $150,000 in 2004 on eBay, announced that he is putting the fictional home of Ralphie Parker up for sale.
Another property he announced he’ll be selling along with the iconic house is the Bumpus House next door, a museum/gift shop across the street, and some other nearby lots.
Over the years, Jones has spent tens of thousands of dollars to restore the home and surrounding properties to their 1983 movie appearance.
Current owner puts up a for sale sign outside the house
A sizeable sign labeled ‘For Sale’ is already up outside of the home. It comes complete with a “frageelay” leg lamp in the front window.
Jones, who is still the current owner of the house, told 3News they are “looking for the right buyer” after placing the ‘For Sale’ sign outside of the house. “Wow. Now it’s real,” he commented.
“It’s an interesting property to not only own, but you also have to take care of as a piece of Americana,” he said. “It’s going to be an interesting journey.”
Sequel of the film to stream on HBO Max
The original movie was filmed in and around Cleveland, but Ralphie’s story continues as the new sequel, A Christmas Story Christmas, was filmed in Hungary.
It is coming out on Thursday, November 17th and will be streaming on HBO Max. Original cast members, including Ralphie actor Peter Billingsley, are back for the sequel.
Property up for sale includes museum and gift shop
According to the website, “The entire campus is for sale, which spans a total of 1.3 acres including five buildings on seven parcels.”
The property also comes with two public and one private parking lots as well as with two empty lots, which allow for further expansion. The details are: empty lot / side yard located at 3161 West 11th Street; staff parking at 1110 Buhrer Avenue; and a rental property at 1110/12 Rowley Avenue.
“You’re looking at pretty much the most natural, holiday themed house and museum in the world,” the listing reads. “And now, it can be all yours.”
“Wall-to-wall anecdotes throughout, this lovely classic is both spacious and intimate,” the listing adds, providing more details about the house from A Christmas Story.
“Nostalgically upgraded with somewhat ancient appliances, you’ll be sure to be the talk of town when you own this world-famous house and museum based on a beloved Christmas classic film,” it is added.
Price not yet known but the house remains open
However, the asking price of the house has not yet been revealed at the time of writing, and the house remains open to the public for tours and night stays throughout the year.
With the exception of a few major holidays, such as New Year’s Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day, it is open each day of the week all year round.
Visitors get a sixty-minute guided tour in and around the 1.3-acre property, which also includes a museum and a gift shop consisting of movie memorabilia.
To find out more about what Brian Jones has to say about the iconic house, please view the video below.
More details about the property up for sale
In terms of the museum, the listing states: “Just one hop, one skip and one jump away is The Museum.”
“Like the name implies,” adds the listing, “The Museum features the largest collection of original costumes, props, behind-the scenes photos and other items from the movie.”
“The detached garage is home to a 1939 Ford LaFrance firetruck,” it adds, “just like the one featured in the film!”
The listing also states: “The 4,000 square-foot Gift Shop, located across the street, features whimsical souvenirs that make the most glorious gift for that special someone, or that person you see as ‘just a friend.'”
House to remain open during the holiday season
Despite being put up for sale, the house from A Christmas Story will remain open for visitations, and operations will be running as usual during the holiday season.
“If you have already purchased tickets or an overnight reservation everything will be honored as all of our operations will be running as normal this Holiday season and going forward,” the listing states.
The property is open to the public from 10 am to 5 pm but it opens for reduced hours on certain days depending on the occasion.
Starting next week, there will be extended hours for holiday tours, and both the house and the neighbor’s house are available for overnight rentals.
Iconic house up for sale a tourist destination for film fans
The house is currently ranked by TripAdvisor as one of the top things to do in Cleveland, and it has become a bucket list tourist destination for film fans around the world.
Although Ralphie’s house is the most-celebrated location that appeared in the film, it is not the only Cleveland spot in the movie.
Ralphie first lays eyes on the Red Ryder BB gun in a scene filmed in front of the store windows of the former Higbee building in Public Square.
The Santa slide scene was filmed inside the Higbee building, which is now home to the JACK Cleveland Casino, while the Christmas parade was set at downtown Cleveland’s Public Square.
A Christmas Story, one of the most beloved holiday films
A Christmas Story has become one of the most beloved holiday films of all time although the movie wasn’t a big box office success upon its initial release.
The movie tells of the heartwarming tale of nine-year-old Ralphie Parker and his desire to have Santa Claus bring him a Red Ryder BB gun.
His Christmas wish takes plenty of twists and turns, as the Parker family embarks on a hilarious holiday journey filled with countless lines frequently quoted by fans.
Leg lamps are now often a must-have item in many households, and it became a tradition for TBS and TNT to air 24-hour marathons of the movie every year.
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