Real-World Location of the House from The Haunting
The house used for exterior shots in the 1999 film The Haunting is a private residence located at 112 Ocean Avenue in Staten Island, New York City, New York, United States. The property sits on a quiet residential street and is not open to the public for tours or visits. The production team selected the house for its distinctive Victorian architecture and isolated waterfront setting, which matched the story's eerie tone. The home is privately owned and not a museum or dedicated film attraction, so public access is limited to street-level views from the sidewalk. For more details on the property's general location and neighborhood context, you can refer to official New York City geographic resources here.
Staten Island is one of the five boroughs of New York City and is connected to the rest of the city via the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. The neighborhood around 112 Ocean Avenue features a mix of suburban-style homes and waterfront properties. The house's proximity to the water and its isolated position on the block made it a practical choice for the film's secluded, suspenseful atmosphere. Local residents and film enthusiasts often visit the area to see the exterior, but the property itself remains a private residence with no formal public access arrangements.
Production History and Filming Details for The Haunting
Principal Photography and Set Design
The 1999 version of The Haunting was directed by Jan de Bont and produced by DreamWorks Pictures and Amblin Entertainment. Principal photography took place primarily on soundstages and at the Staten Island location, with additional interior scenes built on studio sets to control lighting and camera angles. The production design team renovated the exterior of the house to enhance its gothic appearance, adding architectural details that emphasized the structure's age and decay. The film's visual effects and sound design were handled by multiple specialized vendors, and the project was tracked by industry databases and trade publications during its development and release phases.
Box Office and Critical Reception
The Haunting earned significant box office revenue during its theatrical run and was reviewed by major outlets, with coverage focusing on its use of practical locations and set pieces. The film's marketing materials highlighted the real Staten Island house as a key visual element, and promotional stills featured the property's distinctive facade. Industry tracking sources documented the film's performance metrics and audience reception, providing data on its commercial success relative to other horror films of the same era. The production's use of a real residential property rather than a purpose-built set contributed to the movie's realistic, unsettling atmosphere.
Current Status and Ownership of the Property
Property Records and Recent Condition
Public property records and real estate databases indicate that the house at 112 Ocean Avenue remains a privately owned single-family residence. The current owners have maintained the property, and local real estate listings have tracked its value and status over time. The home's appearance has changed since the film's release, as is typical for residential properties that undergo routine maintenance and updates. Real estate platforms and property data services provide current estimates of the home's market value and general condition based on publicly available information.
Visiting the Location and Respecting Privacy
Visitors interested in seeing the exterior of the house should be aware that it is a private residence and that trespassing is prohibited. The best way to view the property is from the public sidewalk along Ocean Avenue, where the house's distinctive features are still visible. Local regulations and neighborhood guidelines apply to photography and lingering in the area, and visitors are encouraged to respect the privacy of the current residents. For broader context on property rights and public access norms in New York City,