For me, the most memorable thing about the 2003 “Cheaper by the Dozen” remake starring Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt was the big old house where the Baker family lived with their 12 kids.
It was supposedly in Evanston, Illinois, but the three-story Victorian mansion is actually in L.A.’s Hancock Park neighborhood, and it’s currently on the market.
According to the listing, the “Cheaper by the Dozen” house has 11 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms.
The third floor has a stage with original footlights and a bar. There’s also a “Magnificent French Ballroom” (because, why not?), a “Hidden Bar with Hand-Carved Walls and Secret Door,” and a Carriage House Apartment above the Garage with an additional 2 bedrooms.
(2022 Update: Kat Von D bought the house in 2016. It’s now back on the market after a major renovation!)
The “Cheaper by the Dozen” House
The house was built on another property in 1890s by Isaac Newton Van Nuys and moved here by his son
J. Benton Van Nuys in 1915. I can’t imagine the job that must have been!
The house was big enough for the kids to get lost in, and into some mischief.
The listing says it’s a whopping 12,565 square feet.
Loved the turret bedroom!
Remember the Entry Hall in the Movie?
They built an enormous, two-story set on a soundstage for Cheaper by the Dozen.
Director Shawn Levy says it probably cost more than building a real house would have been.
The Living Room in “Cheaper by the Dozen”
The “Cheaper by the Dozen” Kitchen That Steve Martin Cooked In:
The Cheaper house has been featured in other movies and TV shows, too, like The Initiation of Sarah and Murder She Wrote.
You can see more photos on Movie Locations and More.
2022 UPDATE: It sold for $6.5 million to Kat Von D, who gave it a “meticulous restoration.”
See how the house looks today (it’s red!).
Visit my Houses Onscreen page to see other movies I’ve featured,
including the Second Empire Victorian from the original “Cheaper by the Dozen” (1950).
Are you hooked on houses? More to tour:
Kat Von D Selling “Cheaper by the Dozen” House and It Has a New Look
The “Full House” Victorian Is on the Market in San FranciscoThe “Mrs. Doubtfire” House Hits the Market in San Francisco
The House from “Father of the Bride” and “Guess Who” For Sale
Rayna’s Country Music Mansion from “Nashville” For Sale
A “hidden bar”??? Genius! Can just see my kids running around the house “Mom! Mom! Moooooooom??? Where is she??” heehee
But, seriously, how in the world did they move that ginormous house!?
I know, and in 1915! Were horses involved? How did they manage that? Amazing.
Yes horses were used..but they did have steam and gasoline powered engines in 1915 to raise the house onto
wheeled blocks and move the house slowly done the road……they probably did not have as many utility poles to avoid or relocate then…large teams of laborers would be used ..To a wealthy family..not a big deal then!!!!
Very interesting — thanks, Chaz!
I can’t say for sure, but given the age of the house, I’m pretty sure the hidden bar with secret door is a Prohibition era add on. If you don’t remember your American history, U. S. prohibition took place from 1920-1933. The 18th amendment was proposed in 1917, ratified by 1919, went into effect January 1920, and defined by the Volstead Act. My guess is that the hidden bar was added on around the time house renovations and repairs from the move took place, given that the state by state debate and ratification process was taking place around that same time. Swanky older houses often have a hidden bar or liquor vault that is not easily detectable.
I wonder if the house was moved in large sections? I think it might have been easier moving it that way.
Wow, what a stunner. I love the “real” house so much more than the screen version. All those fabulous arches and that staircase…to die for. Too fun. Thanks for sharing.
Gorgeous house, the woodwork is stunning. I’m a sucker for impressive entry/stairhalls, and this one is breathtaking, especially the landing overlooking the curved windows. Every home should have it’s own ballroom, ha ha! I could imagine giving a piano recital in this one.
Wow!
Very impressive! I too am amazed by this massive home being moved back in 1915! I wonder if it was moved in several pieces. I just don’t know how else they could have done it, without incurring serious damage. Wouldn’t it have been more practical to sell it in its former location and buy another home, or build a new home on this lot?
I love the woodwork, but mostly I love the kitchen, which is big and beautiful, but also homey. I think I would be a little spooked being in this place alone at night. It’s not the age but the size that I would find intimidating.
Yeah, I imagine even 12 kids could get lots in a place this big! 🙂
I love the house, but I could never buy it. I would be so tempted to lighten it up by painting all that gorgeous woodwork, and that would be a sacrilege! I’ll leave it to someone who loves it just like it is!
I loved the farmhouse that they moved FROM in the remake. Have you been able to feature that one?
Yes! Loved that one, too. Here’s the post I wrote about the farmhouse:
https://hookedonhouses.net/2012/08/27/the-houses-in-steve-martins-cheaper-by-the-dozen/
Thank you! Followed a rabbit trail to the FOTB house – another favorite. 🙂
Love, love, love, love, love it!!
Did you also notice above the kitchen doorway the drawing of the house that is framed just like the old photo? I wonder who drew that… curious things.
Great house… I love the ceiling in the DR, would that be called ‘coffered’ also?
Wow…love that movie and the house!….It is a true beauty…I can see why it is just under 10 Mil !….have a great weekend Julia!
Hancock Park is da’bomb. It’s one place in L.A you can get a little architecture and history. And how’s that for some major square feet?! Whoo Nelly!
Sidenote: I didn’t Google it, but I think Mr. 12 kids Martin does not have any children in real life? No biggy. Just thinking out loud …
He wasn’t a dad when he made the movie, but he actually has one now — a daughter born in 2012 when he was 67! 🙂
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2843071/Steve-Martin-s-cute-daughter-pictured-time-23-months-mother-Anne-takes-party.html
I think that rec room is bigger than my apartment! What a stunner of a house…
Stunning house. As others have said, all that beautiful woodwork is amazing. One thing that turns me off is the marble bathroom. It looks so cold and uninviting. And why a tiny pedestal sink tucked in the corner when there is that expanse of bare wall. That’s one place I’d modernize a little – build a counter with double sinks. It could still have a Victorian look with ornate wooden cabinetry and marble counter, maybe shell shaped Victorian sinks.
You’re welcome! This house is spectacular! I love that woodwork. It’s my dream to live in a house with beautiful archways.
You have a good weekend!
What a beauty! I’m glad that the owners didn’t put in an ultra modern kitchen! The one change I would make, would be to remove the carpeting from the second floor as well as the stairway to the third floor.
Wow! What a wonderful house. I hope whoever is lucky enough to be it’s next custodian doesn’t change anything about the house. Now, what are the chances of that? Loved the kitchen. As a dancer, I would actually be able to use the ballroom. What fun that would be!!!
I could happily live just on the upstairs landing. What beautiful space!
Also, I meant to say that I LOVE the velvet furniture in the living room, the chairs and sofa and “coffee table.” There aren’t many spaces that could take that much and not have it look fussy. In fact, it just looks cozy. I’d take any of those velvet chairs for my living room.