A certain house in Cleveland is for sale, and while a “Fra-GEE-leh” lamp shaped like a woman’s leg may or may not be included, the new owners will still consider the house to be a “major award.”
The house, as you have probably guessed, is the house used in the movie A Christmas Story — the 1983 comedy starring Peter Billingsley as Ralphie Parker. The film essentially is a collection of the now-adult Ralph Parker’s recollections of Christmas the year he was 9 years old.
The property listing, which doesn’t include an asking price, features the fictional Ralphie Parker’s house, the house next door owned by the Bumpus family, a museum and gift shop, and other available lots.
“You’re looking at pretty much the most natural, holiday-themed house and museum in the world, and now it can be all yours,” the listing explains. “Wall-to-wall anecdotes throughout, this lovely classic is both spacious and intimate. 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.”
A Christmas Story fan Brian Jones purchased the house for $150,000 in 2004. He then spent tens of thousands of dollars renovating the house and other buildings before beginning to offer public tours of the house on November 25, 2006. Since then, more than a million visitors have toured the house.
Now, Chad Whitmer, a realtor with Hoff & Leigh Commercial Real Estate, says “it’s just the right time” to sell the property, according to Fox 8 news.
“They’ve done a lot of work here. They’ve turned this into something special,” Whitmer said. “It’s a family that owns it, and they’re just looking for new opportunities to move on, and they’re hoping somebody comes along, takes this, creates it, and turns it into something even more special and makes it an even greater destination for people visiting Cleveland.”
What’s For Sale
As the listing explains, the entire 1.3-acre campus is for sale, including five buildings on seven parcels, as well as one private and two public parking lots, and two other empty lots.
In addition to the Parker and Bumpus houses, the listing includes the museum.
“Like the name implies, the Museum features the largest collection of original costumes, props, behind-the-scenes photos, and other items from the movie,” the listing continues. “The detached garage is home to a 1939 Ford LaFrance fire truck (just like the one featured in the film!).”
You’re probably wondering why a price isn’t in the listing. That’s because Jones is particular about the sale.
“I’m looking for the right buyer,” said Jones, according to NBC Cleveland affiliate WKYC. “It’s something you not only own but that you have to take care of.”
You can learn more about buying the house and other properties here.
And for more about other famous movie locations, be sure to also read:
