You Can Buy Ohio's Beloved A Christmas Story House, Leg Lamp And All
By Sarah McCosham|Published November 30, 2022
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
We often talk about the holidays in terms of shopping and gifts; and certainly, Christmas is a time to go big with your wish lists. If, in lieu of a pony or new car, your most wished-for, big-ticket item for Santa happens to be *the* Christmas Story House, well, you’re in luck! The famed house, located in Cleveland, Ohio, is on the market, and some lucky person is about to become one Christmas Story House — complete with the legendary leg lamp, of course — richer.
Is there a holiday movie that's as beloved as "A Christmas Story?" We sure don't think so. Maybe we're biased, since the Buckeye State *is* home to the iconic house, but really, this film is part of the very fabric of American pop culture.
This house is a bona fide Buckeye State icon, with Nov. 18 officially "Christmas Story Day" in the state of Ohio. In addition, A Christmas Story House & Museum is a designated landmark, and the movie has been called a "national treasure" by the Smithsonian.
The current owner of the Christmas Story House, Brian Jones, recently put it up for sale, explaining his decision on Facebook. "I am selling because it is simply time for me to move on to a new adventure in life after 20 years in this endeavor. It has been an honor to be the steward of such an amazing piece of Americana," he wrote.
The response has been understandably mixed, with many concerned about the future of this Ohio icon. Rest assured, however, that the house and museum are NOT closing. Jones explained, "We are open and will remain so now and into the future. It's business as usual. Come see us. All reservations for overnights and pre-purchased tickets are valid and will be honored!"
Not only is the house itself for sale, but so is the entire Christmas Story campus: five buildings and the titular house's contents, including the infamous leg lamp! The new owner will operate A Christmas Story House & Museum, which is chock full of the movie's most beloved memorabilia.
For those looking to purchase the house, there are a few considerations. The house is a designated Cleveland Landmark, and as such, exterior alterations to the structure and site need to go through Cleveland Landmarks Commission for a Certificate of Appropriateness. Changes can include replacing doors, windows, and roof, as well as painting and porch renovations.
While Jones purchased the house via eBay for $150,000 in 2004, the listing price is currently (ahem) under wraps. But really, can you put a price tag on a pop culture icon? We don't think so, and maybe by some sort of Christmas miracle this iconic house will be yours!
If becoming the new owner of this iconic house sounds like your dream come true, be sure to visit the Christmas Story House website… and add it to your list for St. Nick!
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