Explore The Thrills Of American Horror Stories: The Return Of The Murder House

People won’t be the only familiar sight seen in American Horror Stories—the sets will be back too. In Episode 1, we will return once again to the Murder House, as seen in Season 1 and Season 8 of American Horror Story. This iconic setting is sure to evoke nostalgia and excitement in long-time fans, making it a thrilling return to a beloved location.

Where Is the Murder House Filmed?

The Murder House is not built on a Hollywood set; it is a real home in Los Angeles called Rosenheim Mansion. The six-bedroom, six-bath home was declared a Historic and Cultural Landmark in 1999. It boasts six fireplaces, Italian brickwork, Peruvian Mahogany paneling, a recording studio, and a cathedral ballroom which was once a chapel. This spectacular property is located at 1120 Westchester Place.

According to Captivating Houses, the property was built in 1902 by German-American architect Alfred Rosenheim. It’s near an area in Los Angeles called Billionaire Row, which was home to some of California’s wealthiest families. Over the years, the house changed hands many times, including being home to actor Edward Everett Horton before it became a convent until 1994.

The Impact of the Murder House

The current owners of the house, who purchased it for $3.2 million in 2015, sued the previous owners for not disclosing the house's connection to the AHS series. They claimed their house became a "macabre tourist attraction," with fans often trespassing and attempting to break in. This has brought attention to the property, showcasing its popularity as a filming location and its historical significance.

It's been used in a number of TV shows and films in recent years, including Spider-Man, Seabiscuit, Six Feet Under, Dexter, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The misuse of this iconic house as a filming location has added to its allure, capturing the imaginations of horror enthusiasts everywhere.

Rosenheim Mansion in 'American Horror Story'

While the famous LA home is the inspiration for the Murder House, not every scene is filmed here. The pilot episode of AHS Season 1 was shot on location, but the rest of the season was filmed on sets that were an exact replica of the house. This careful attention to detail ensures a seamless experience for viewers, enhancing the authenticity of the series.

For the exterior shots of the house, CGI was used to remove one of the house's defining characteristics. The chapel, which was an extension built for Catholic nuns in the 1950s, was digitally removed on the show to better fit the eerie aesthetic of the series. This innovative use of technology showcases the lengths to which the creators go to deliver a captivating viewing experience.

Check back in to the Murder House on American Horror Stories, now streaming on FX on Hulu. The first two episodes are available to watch now, and the remaining five episodes air weekly every Thursday. With its unique storytelling, familiar faces, and iconic locations, this spin-off promises to be a thrilling addition to the AHS universe!