Considering how many questions I’ve gotten from readers about the Tuohy house in The Blind Side, I have a feeling it was the real star of the movie for some of you!
The Blind Side was filmed on location in Atlanta, Georgia, which doubled for Memphis, Tennessee.
They shot the exteriors at one house and the interiors in another, both of which were private residences in the upscale Buckhead neighborhood. Take a look!
Note: There are affiliate links in this post that earn me commission without changing the cost to you.
The Tuohy House in “The Blind Side”
The Blind Side was based on the true story of how the Tuohy family took in a homeless teenager named Michael Oher.
When he showed an interest in football, Leigh Anne did everything she could to help him succeed.
Long-story short: it worked!
He was the first-round pick of the Baltimore Ravens in the 2009 NFL draft, the same year the movie came out.
As I mentioned, only the exterior of this house was used in the movie.
The interiors were filmed inside another house nearby. (See the photos on Realtor.com.)
According to production notes, this house was chosen because it looks like Leigh Anne Tuohy’s own home.
Leigh Anne (Sandra Bullock) laments that Michael ruined this $10,000 couch by sleeping on it:
It looks a bit small for him!
Looking from the living room into the entry hall and up the staircase:
The Master Bedroom:
Production Designer Michael Corenblith says:
“Leigh Anne was phenomenally gracious and opened her home to our set decorator Susan Benjamin. Susan spent two days with the family, which allowed us to emulate Leigh Anne’s decorating style.”
Set decorator Susan Benjamin says:
“I wanted to create a feeling so that when Michael walks in (to the Tuohy home) for the first time, to him it looked like a palace. The fabrics that we chose were bright and warm and welcoming, but also (intended to feel) used to be intimidating to Michael, as well.”
The Kitchen:
Most scenes filmed in it were close ups that made it hard to get a clear view of the kitchen.
The Family Room
The Dining Room:
Production Designer Michael Corenblith says he wanted to emphasize the disparity between East Memphis, where wealthy families like the Tuohys live, and the poverty of Hurt Village, where Michael grew up on the other side of town.
The exclusive Atlanta International School and The Westminster Schools, also located in Buckhead, doubled as the private Wingate Christian School in the movie.
The movie was based on a book about Oher (Amazon affiliate link):
The movie came out in 2009 (affiliate link):
You can see interior photos of the house at Patch.com and in the listing on Realtor.com.
Visit my Houses Onscreen page to see the others I’ve featured, listed A-Z.
JeanetteS says
I loved this movie as well as the set design. Their home gave me a sense of welcoming and was not over the top as far as decor goes.
.-= JeanetteS´s last blog ..Paul Robert chairs… =-.
Pam @ Design Fanatic says
Wow! The exterior house and landscaping are absolutely gorgeous!
.-= Pam @ Design Fanatic´s last blog ..Pretty Planter =-.
Annelise says
Still haven’t seen the movie yet. I do love the landscaping and regalness of the outside of the home. Very much the Buckhead area for sure.
.-= Annelise´s last blog ..Back Porch Inspiration and Story Board =-.
Nancy@marcusdesign says
Your right Julia, I think it is a bit ‘model home’ for me too. Nothing exciting about the decor or the furniture etc. Having said that, it does have a beautiful exterior! I haven’t seen the movie yet so I will definitely pay close attention to the home when I do! Thanks for sharing these pics!
Nancy
.-= Nancy@marcusdesign´s last blog ..{summer 2010 trend report: pure white} =-.
Rita says
Any idea why there’s a crooked door pull in the bathroom shot?
hookedonhouses says
Rita–That’s funny. I hadn’t even noticed that! -Julia
Tricia Rose says
I find the house stuffy and pretentious Julia, a bit of a McMansion really. Was there really not a bedroom available, so he had to sleep on the sofa? All hat and no cattle!
.-= Tricia Rose´s last blog ..Our Portrait! =-.
Nita @ ModVintageLife.com says
I thought this movie was cute. But never would this house be one that I’d oogle over…it screams new money. If I had all the money in the world…I’d never live in a house like that.
Vanessa@decor happy says
Yes, I thought the house was a little too traditional and a bit dated. I did love the premise of the movie and the fact that it is a true story though.
.-= Vanessa@decor happy´s last blog ..Cottage Envy =-.
Kim says
I too thought this movie was going to be about football, and I’m not a sports fan. I ended up watching it anyways because Sandra Bullock is in it and she’s one of my favorite celebrities. After I watched the movie, I loved it. It was a touching heartfelt story and they picked the right actors/actresses to play the parts. I could definately watch this movie again.
I fell in love with this house the first time I saw the movie. I don’t care for decor or furniture, but I love the arches, molding, poles, and staircase. I could definately see myself living in a house like this.
Trish @TheOldPostRoad says
Loved the movie – not a fan of the house. The house has no character. Any house could look the same by walking through a local furniture store and selecting the lamps, art, and furniture (all brand spanking new) from the same dealer.
.-= Trish @TheOldPostRoad´s last blog ..A Little Sunday Scripture =-.
linda@LimeintheCoconut says
It was a sweet movie! Yes, the house felt Mcmansion-y on the inside…particularly the furniture and all.
.-= linda@LimeintheCoconut´s last blog ..Sunday musings… =-.
Becky @ Farmgirl Paints says
A little formal for my taste, but I loved all the moldings and it was definitely beautiful. I had the chance to see the whole family at a charity event recently. Made me love their story all the more. Sandra Bullock definitely deserved an award for her portrayal of Leighe Anne Touhy. She nailed her tough personality and accent perfectly!!
.-= Becky @ Farmgirl Paints´s last blog ..The shift =-.
the 7msn ranch says
Since Leigh Anne is/was an interior decorator by profession, it seemed appropriate for her home to be furnished as it was. I just watched this movie over the weekend and loved every second of it – particularly the little subtleties…like how she lets Michael pick out his shirts when they go shopping and she says not a peep about the horizontal stripes, which get narrower and narrower as the movie progresses.
.-= the 7msn ranch´s last blog ..Wynonna beats the heat at the day spa =-.
Black Eyed Susans Kitchen says
The house was so traditional and had a nice southern air to it…not my style, but perfect for the family and the movie. The movie and the story of the movie were wonderful.
.-= Black Eyed Susans Kitchen´s last blog ..SUMMER LOVIN…HAVING A BLAST =-.
Heather Collins says
I totally agree its too new, too showroom, too match-y, match-y.
My favorite thing about this house is the dining room chairs!
p.s. Thanks Julia for helping to inspire my own blog.
.-= Heather Collins´s last blog ..Free from worry =-.
E. George says
Hi Julia – have not seen this movie yet but will do when its out on DVD over here. I didn’t like the house it looks like one of those rigid cold hotels but I loved the landscaping. Regards Esther from Sydney ps. why do these celebs find it necessary to kiss at these award shows and make a spectacle of themselves (it’s getting silly) I think I’m showing my age……
ladykemma2 says
the interior decorated-ness of it seems false and contrived. but then again – i don’t like “matchy matchy”. my style is more english country manor house, with old classic pieces added through the generations, and well worn, “put up your feet” comfyness.
i wouldn’t dare put up my feet in that house.
reminds me of my buckhead mother, yuck. can’t put your feet on anything in her house either.
Jane says
I’m not a fan of those big grand houses. They seem so impersonal. Good thing too, as I could never afford one anyhow!
Stephanie says
Great movie, but the house is to model for me.
.-= Stephanie´s last blog ..My Favorite Fathers Day gifts from the past! =-.
ladykemma2 says
me again, i actually love the house itself. i like the architectural details, the mouldings, the exterior.
i would love the have a chance to do it my way! like a home that has been lived in for 100 -200 years.
desiree says
Great movie and Sandra deserved every bit of praise. She was amazing in that movie. I love the house. Is it a French Normandy architecture style? Parts of it look like it–but I’m not sure if that’s how you would classify it—Anyone know for sure???
.-= desiree´s last blog ..Hanchett Park Historic Home Tour Roundup 2010 =-.
hookedonhouses says
Desiree–
It does seem like an interpretation of French Normandy. Not sure what you’d call it, though. -Julia
Kathy :) says
I LOVED the movie…So glad Sandra won the Oscar….
Have a great week Julia….
Kathy 🙂
Shannon says
I just watched this on Saturday night! It’s like you read my mind!
I think the house was perfect for the movie, it matched Leigh Anne to a T – clean and put together. But I wouldn’t live there, at least not without some major style changes! And I also love Sandra Bullock – kind of wish I had gotten around to watching it before the you know what hit the fan, I couldn’t help but think about it the whole movie.
.-= Shannon´s last blog ..Kitchen Organization =-.
Pat says
OK, I had to go back and check out the crooked drawer pull!
The house is very pretty outside, the inside is not suited to my taste..what ever my taste is! It’s seems a little stiff…which is odd since the real Mrs. Tuohy seems a bit flamboyant. But, I think her outgoing and confident self is also very together…is that enough of my free analysis? Ya, I think so too.
.-= Pat´s last blog ..Sunday Scripture =-.
Lesley @ TheDesignFile says
I still haven’t seen this movie. (I’m so far behind!) But I was really interested in seeing the house. I have to agree with you that it’s a tad impersonal, which seems unlikely for a woman with so much personality. So it’s interesting to hear that they modeled after the Touhy’s own home. Great post, as always.
.-= Lesley @ TheDesignFile´s last blog ..Design Star: Read a review here each Monday =-.
Amanda @ Serenity Now says
I was also surprised at how enjoyable the film was. As grand as the home is, I think you elaborated on what I felt while watching. As lovely as the home is, it does seem a bit formal for a house with teens. 🙂 I loved Tim McGraw and Sandra Bullock in the film. They made a believable married couple. 🙂
.-= Amanda @ Serenity Now´s last blog ..Hospitality: How We Greet Our Guests =-.
Susan says
My kids all graduated from the actual high school where Michael and the Tuohy kids went to school. My youngest was in school with Michael and Collins. I am working on a little post about the school and the movie. We were so disappointed that it was not filmed here! I am sure tax laws and credits were to blame, but it would have been great! I agree with you about the house! BTW did you catch Leigh Anne on an old HGTV Designers’ Challenge?
.-= Susan´s last blog ..A Flower for Two Seasons =-.
Marie says
I really liked the movie, but the house, not so much. It’s too big for my taste and too generic. I liked the facade though.
-marie
.-= Marie´s last blog ..Daybed Dreamin’ =-.
elz says
I thought the house reflected exactly what it was supposed to- a Southern interior designer’s house. Living in the South, that house was totally believeable. In fact, it looks like a number of others owned by folks I know. Not my style, but a very true reflection of a certain style popular (especially in Dallas, Mississippi, and Arkansas-from what I’ve seen).
.-= elz´s last blog ..Friday Favorite- Modern Bird Studios Art =-.
mishelle says
I loved the movie. I think the houses itself is beautiful. And i like the couch. She deserved to win an academy.
.-= mishelle´s last blog ..I will not be blogging this week! =-.
Jennae @ Green Your Decor says
I actually walked into one of my favorite consignment stores a few weeks ago and found that they had the two copper/red side chairs (the ones used in the living room for the interviews) up for sale. Not my style at all, but it was definitely awesome that someone will be able to own a small piece of movie history in those chairs.
The house as a whole was waaay too stuffy and traditional for me, but then again, that’s true of most of the higher-end homes in the Atlanta area.
.-= Jennae @ Green Your Decor´s last blog ..Friday Room Reveal: Eco Nursery for Three by Marsh & Clark =-.
Billy says
My mother calls this style “earnest”, but with a decorator in residence, it makes sense. It reminds me of the turn of the century, 20th to 21st, spa/resort hotel but done in warm tone chenilles, jacquards, and tapestries, rather than cool tone velvets and satins. Especially in an old Grande Dame of a hotel trying to update its image.
Thanks for the post.
kingking says
I’m surprised no Southerner has pointed out that the two televisions are for watching two SEC football games at once. A real fan would have a radio sitting on top of one to listen to a third.
Our Nifty Notebook says
I’ve never seen the movie, but my first thought when reading this post was why did that boy have to sleep on a couch in a house that big?!
I do like the stairs!
.-= Our Nifty Notebook´s last blog ..Summer Break =-.
Amy says
Didn’t see the movie, but I love the dining room picture shot. Always love visiting here :).
Amy
.-= Amy´s last blog ..How to make your own Niermann Weeks: kinda =-.
Kate at Centsational Girl says
Liked the house, LOVED the movie . . . and I’m so picky. Probably one of the best films I’ve seen in the last year just because of the sentiment, the story, and Sandra’s performance. GREAT post as always !
Kate
.-= Kate at Centsational Girl´s last blog ..Favorite Marinade =-.
Bethany says
I didn’t love the house but I liked it. I couldn’t figure out why such a HUGE home didn’t have more then four bedrooms???? They had two kids (each in their own room) a master bedroom and one guest bedroom? Seems like this size of home would have enough bedrooms to have a dedicated guest bedroom, his and her studies ect. Oh well.
.-= Bethany´s last blog ..Where are you going on vacation this summer? =-.
Things That Inspire says
I would be very interested to find out exactly where this house is located – I always assumed the suburbs, not Buckhead.
.-= Things That Inspire´s last blog ..Beautiful design element: cabochons =-.
Scooter says
Love Sandra and I love the movie. The house on the other hand is far too over done. It looks like somebody walked into a furniture showroom and said “recreate this in my house” No character, No depth.
hip hip gin gin says
I loved this movie so much!! That house is fabulous, and I totally cried when he told her he had never had a bed before. Not as hard as I cried when he is collecting popcorn in the gym though. Wonderful movie but it sort of killed me a little, so many hard parts.
.-= hip hip gin gin´s last blog ..Naga Cuffs =-.
Courtney @ Nesting Instincts says
I LOVED this movie and I’m so glad you featured the house! Totally not my decorating style, of course, but I can appreciate when someone else does a good job at their own favorite style. I like that the movie portrayed this family just as they were – an upper-middle class family that had it all. They weren’t perfect by any means, but had big hearts and did what they thought were right. Loved it! Thanks for featuring it!
.-= Courtney @ Nesting Instincts´s last blog ..paper love for a dancing queen =-.
Tamara says
I just loved this movie and the house! Thanks for posting on it 🙂
.-= Tamara´s last blog ..Grampa is the Greatest! =-.
Makennah says
The home is beautiful. I can’t saw it’s ugly, but I do agree Julia, that it does lack personality. It seems really meant to be looked at, not lived in. I think the home would look 100% better if it had details.
Southern Belle says
The decor in this house is perfect for what the production team was trying to accomplish. As a resident of a small southern city, I have been to many houses that seem to have the same interior decorator as this one. Rich browns, too many pillows on a raised bed, and tassels are a must. It may seem like a “model home” because the same lady down the street decorates the model homes, too. Anyone rich enough to live in this type of southern home, who is also “new money” probably has a similar decorating style.
mercedes says
julia as always thanks for share!!! And I have a idea for you, have you seen the set of a show called Parenthood?
It has great interiors
mercedes
Bridget says
I loved this film! The house is beautiful and seemed to fit the film perfectly, but much too grand for me personally. Sandra Bullock is definitely a favorite in my household.
hookedonhouses says
Thanks, Chris!
Vicki says
I am from the south, having lived there all of my 50 years except for the last one and am now located in West Virginia due to a job change with my husband. In most of the homes that I have seen in nice areas in the south, most DO look like designer homes and women there LOVE to decorate there homes with nice things. And if they cannot afford to do it, they will find a way to make it LOOk like a designer home, and work themselves silly keeping it that way! Even in more rural areas thirty years ago, I learned that women have become more creative in their decorating. At that time, just as “you cannot tell a book by it’s cover”, you could not tell how nice the house was going to look on the inside by how it looked on the outside. I was amazed at their creativity! My husband and I were shocked to see such contrast, however, when we moved to West Virginia. Not the same at all, in fact, the homes I have seen in West Virginia in the past year have been pretty bland compared to the houses in the south. Don’t get me wrong, there are a lot of nice houses in West Virginia, but West Virginia does not have the population that the south has and not as many homes stand out, in comparison. Watching the Touhy home on film was much like walking into a friend’s house in Trussville, Alabama, Gardendale, Alabama, or even Huntsville, Alabama.
Jealouscopycat says
On the set of Cougar Town, I would LOVE to see Jules’ back yard/pool area. Not shown much, but looks amazing!
Tory says
The inside and outside of the house are 2 different houses- and neither family is “new money” they are kind and lovely
theresa says
You should show the “Practical Magic” house. It was built specially for the film, and i think the actual structure of the house itself is amazing. The interiors are great. Love the website by the way. A fan from England.
hookedonhouses says
Theresa–
I love the “Practical Magic” house! I wrote a post about it that you can see here:
https://hookedonhouses.net/2009/10/25/practical-magic-a-victorian-house-fit-for-a-witch/
Thanks! 🙂
lori says
Do you know the paint maker and color that is in the master bath?
Mickinzie says
dont like the interior myself but I felt it help portray what Micheal Oher probably felt when he first started staying there. Everything perfect, afraid to mess up or break something.
TIna says
Does anyone know who makes the couch from the Tuoy family room, the red and gold print one?