The iconic Astoria house from The Goonies that sparked countless childhood adventures is getting a treasure-worthy makeover — nearly 40 years after the film first hit theaters, it’s being restored to its full 1985 glory.
“The whole house top-to-bottom, back to the way it was in the movie,” James Pearse Connelly, the Emmy-winning designer leading the restoration, told FOX 12 Oregon.
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When the current homeowner approached Connelly in 2023 about restoring the property in Astoria, Connelly jumped at the opportunity.
“The moment you hear, ‘Hey, I own the Goonies house, I’m trying to restore it back to the way it was in the movie,’ it was like a no-brainer,” Connelly said.
Goonies never say die!
With Steven Spielberg’s legacy looming over the project, the pressure is on. Connelly has been obsessively studying the cult classic, breaking it down scene by scene and drafting blueprints for every inch of the 1896 home.
The project is both a passion and an architectural challenge. Connelly must bring the house up to 2025 code without disrupting the beloved chaos of the Walsh family’s hideout in the Goondocks.
While the interior remains off-limits, the exterior is already getting a facelift with fresh paint and restored wood. After all, this is the home base for the search for One-Eyed Willy’s treasure.
“It’s a group of friends that all gather in the central living room,” Connelly explained to Fox 12 Oregon. “And you get introduced to them in this house that is so relatable.”
He’s been diving deep into the film’s production history, even reaching out to the original designers — including J. Michael Riva, Linda DeScenna and Rick Carter — to ensure every detail is just right.
“I am calling the people who made the movie. I am asking them where they shopped, why they made those decisions,” he said. “There are some super duper fans of this project. Not only that, but Steven Spielberg made this movie. Whenever we show the final inside, to whoever sees this … It’s got to be right.”
Goonies devotees from as far as the U.K. and Brazil have sent in ideas and replica props, but Connelly is trying to keep it local when possible, sourcing period-appropriate details locally, including finds from Astoria Vintage Hardware.
And what would a Goonies house be without some nautical flair?
“So … everywhere in the house is like, nautical stuff. Everywhere,” Connelly said. “Of course, we live in Astoria. But now we have other areas of the house to detail out that’s not in the movie.”
With the 40th anniversary of The Goonies approaching on June 7, Connelly and his team are racing against the clock to finish the project.
“Astoria is a huge character in the movie,” he tells FOX 12 Oregon, standing in front of the iconic home. “They made this space for the Walshes. They told this story about Astoria. And as you dig into the details, it’s not just about Astoria, it’s about being a Goonie and what being a Goonie means.”
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You guys give up? Or are you thirsty for more?
From Cleveland to Winnetka, Illinois famous movie homes are being restored, renovated and re-listed — proving that nostalgia is good business. The Goonies house is part of a growing trend where iconic movie and TV homes are being revived and monetized, blending nostalgia with real estate savvy.
Kevin’s booby-trapped playground from Home Alone hit the market in May 2024, fully renovated and asking a cool $5.25 million.
The owners, who bought the Georgian-style home in 2012 for $1.585 million, gave it a modern luxury facelift — high-end kitchen, home theater and indoor sports court — while keeping the iconic staircase for dramatic Macaulay Culkin entrances.
The house eventually sold for $5.5 million — $250,000 over asking price. While the large size and luxury amenities helped, the nostalgic value was a key driver of the sale.
The home featured in A Christmas Story has been turned into a full-fledged museum. Bought on eBay in 2004 for $150,000, Ralphie’s Ohio house was restored to match the movie — right down to the leg lamp in the front window. (It’s a major award!)
After a $240,000 renovation, it’s now open for tours and even overnight stays. This means that yes, you can sleep where Ralphie dreamed of his Red Ryder BB gun.
Airbnb has also turned the famously spooky Beetlejuice house into an immersive stay. The experience was full-on with fog machines, creepy decor, and even the Winter River model in the attic.
It’s showtime!
Airbnb’s trend of creating pop culture-themed stays shows how fandom can drive profits, with Airbnb guests willing to pay a premium for the chance to stay in a famous place.
Iconic homes tied to movies and TV shows often come with what’s called a “celebrity premium,” meaning they can command prices well above market expectations. For homes like the one featured in Home Alone, this nostalgia factor translates into higher sales prices or rental rates, especially in markets where real estate is a luxury game.
Turning these homes into branded destinations is another way to generate income. Properties like the Beetlejuice house and A Christmas Story house have found new life as tourist attractions, showing how movie homes can be money-making enterprises beyond just real estate without shooting one’s eye out.
Investing in these cult-favorite houses isn’t just for diehard fans — it can also be a savvy business move. Whether buying, renting or creating a unique experience, these homes show that nostalgia can be transformed into real financial returns.
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This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
