The Iconic 'Planes, Trains & Automobiles' House: Sold For $2.42 Million—Inside The Kenilworth Colonial
The ultimate destination for one of cinema's most harrowing and heartwarming holiday journeys—the iconic red-brick Colonial home from the 1987 classic *Planes, Trains & Automobiles*—has a brand new owner. As of the most recent public records, this stately piece of Hollywood history, located in the affluent North Shore suburb of Kenilworth, Illinois, officially sold for $2.42 million, marking a significant and recent transaction for a beloved piece of pop culture real estate.
This news, confirmed in June 2025, solidifies the enduring legacy of the house where Steve Martin’s character, Neal Page, was desperately trying to get home to for Thanksgiving. More than just a backdrop, the home on Oxford Road represents the warm, inviting family life that Neal Page spent nearly three days fighting to return to, making its sale a major point of interest for fans of the John Hughes comedy and classic Chicago-area architecture alike.
Property Profile: The Neal Page Family Residence
The house, which served as the exterior and some interior shots for the film, is a quintessential example of North Shore elegance. Its architectural style is a classic center-entry Colonial, a common and highly sought-after design in the Chicago suburbs.
- Address: 230 Oxford Road, Kenilworth, Illinois 60043
- Architectural Style: Stately, Red Brick Center-Entry Colonial
- Year Built: 1929
- Square Footage: 5,110 sq. ft.
- Bedrooms: 6 Bedrooms
- Bathrooms: 5 Total (3 Full, 2 Half Baths)
- Lot Size: 90 x 160 feet
- Last List Price (2025): Listed at $2,773,000 (initially)
- Final Sale Price (2025): $2,420,000
- Key Features: Classic floor plan, lush lot, extensive renovations to kitchen and baths
- Cinematic Role: The home of Neal Page (Steve Martin) and his family in the 1987 film *Planes, Trains & Automobiles*
The property is situated in Kenilworth, a small, exclusive village just blocks from Lake Michigan and nestled between Wilmette and Winnetka. This location is part of the famed "Hughes-land" of the North Shore, where director John Hughes set many of his most iconic films, including *Ferris Bueller's Day Off* and *Home Alone*.
The Cinematic Legacy: More Than Just a House
The house at 230 Oxford Road holds a special place in cinematic history, particularly within the genre of holiday films and road trip comedies. The entire premise of *Planes, Trains & Automobiles* revolves around Neal Page's frantic, three-day odyssey to reach this very home in time for Thanksgiving dinner. The final, emotional scene where Neal finally arrives, accompanied by the kind-hearted but irritating shower curtain ring salesman Del Griffith (John Candy), is one of the most memorable in the movie.
The warm, inviting exterior of the Colonial contrasts perfectly with the chaos and discomfort of Neal's journey, making the house a symbol of comfort, family, and the American dream. The home is featured prominently in the final moments as Neal and Del walk up the front path, culminating in the heartfelt reveal that Del has no home to go to, leading to the film's touching resolution.
While many of the film’s interiors were shot on a soundstage, the exterior shots and the overall visual of the home are permanently etched into the minds of fans. Real estate agents representing the property often highlighted its cinematic connection, acknowledging its role in the 1987 comedy classic.
A Modern Colonial with Hollywood History
Despite its age—built in 1929—the Kenilworth Colonial has been impeccably maintained and extensively updated. The recent sale price of $2.42 million reflects the high value of properties in this exclusive North Shore area, as well as the quality and size of the home itself. The listing details confirmed that the kitchen, bathrooms, and other key areas of the 5,110 square foot residence have undergone significant renovation, ensuring the home offers modern luxury while retaining its classic architectural charm.
The six-bedroom, five-bathroom layout is typical of large, family-oriented homes in the region, providing ample space for a new family to create their own memories, much like the fictional Page family. The center-entry Colonial design is known for its symmetry, balanced facade, and a central hallway that divides formal living and dining spaces, a layout that has remained popular for nearly a century.
For cinephiles, owning a piece of John Hughes' cinematic landscape is a unique opportunity. While the new owners may or may not be film enthusiasts, they are now custodians of a house that represents one of the most beloved and re-watched holiday films. The sale in June 2025 closed the chapter on its most recent listing, but its status as a pilgrimage site for movie fans remains unchanged.
The Enduring Appeal of John Hughes’ Suburbia
The enduring fascination with the *Planes, Trains & Automobiles* house is part of a larger phenomenon: the cult following of John Hughes’ filming locations. Hughes, who grew up in the area, used the North Shore suburbs of Chicago as the backdrop for nearly all of his most successful films.
This choice was deliberate, grounding his fantastical teen comedies and adult dramas in the very real, aspirational setting of upper-middle-class American life. The Kenilworth Colonial, much like the houses in *Home Alone* (Winnetka) and *Ferris Bueller’s Day Off* (Highland Park), is instantly recognizable and carries a deep emotional resonance for generations of moviegoers.
The recent sale is a reminder that these cinematic landmarks are, first and foremost, private homes. However, their history ensures that they will always be seen through the lens of Hollywood. The new owners of 230 Oxford Road have not just purchased a six-bedroom Colonial; they have acquired a piece of movie magic—the finish line of one of the greatest travel sagas ever put to film, a home that represents the true meaning of Thanksgiving. The next time you watch Neal Page finally open that front door, you'll know the exact value and history of the house waiting on the other side.
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