amityville horror house tour

Here's Where You Can Visit The House From Amityville Horror

While most people's natural instincts would tell them to avoid a haunted house at all costs (and while pretty much every horror movie ever made confirms exactly why this is a good idea), the eyes of history buffs and horror buffs alike light up when they learn that one of their favorite horror movies is based on a true story; often leaving them with the desire to learn the truth behind the accounts that inspired the film by experiencing it firsthand.

While most horror fans know that their favorite films are only very loosely based on true events (and we mean very loosely), that doesn't stop the chill of excitement they get that runs down their spines when the theater goes dark, and the movie finally starts, only for a message to appear on the screen telling audiences that the film they are about to watch is based on a true story or inspired by true events, (the latter of which SYFY claims allows studios to get away with taking even more creative liberties). Unfortunately, with decades of countless horror movies claiming to be a reflection of true events, it can often be difficult to discern fact from fiction and history from Hollywood .

While many horror movies fall short of being historically accurate, the real story behind The Amityville Horror might be even more terrifying than the film; because the real Amityville house where the real DeFeo family was murdered still stands today.

The real story behind the Amityville Horror house

On November 13, 1974, the Long Island residence that would later come to be known as The Amityville Horror house was the scene of a real-life terror film. In that house, 23-year-old Ronald J. DeFeo Jr. brutally murdered his parents and four siblings while they were asleep in their beds, with a rifle, according to Biography. DeFeo Jr. was sentenced to six 25-year-life sentences and claimed at the time of the murders that he had been hearing voices urging him to murder his family.

Biography reports that just over a year after the DeFeo family was tragically murdered in the home, the Lutz family purchased it for $80,000 below the asking price since it's no surprise not many buyers wanted anything to do with the property once they heard about the horrors that had taken place inside. However, just 28 days after purchasing the home and moving in, the Lutz family reportedly fled the residence, claiming to have experienced paranormal events in the house.

The events that took place during the Lutz family's short occupancy in the home, as well as the even greater mystery surrounding the tragic murder of the DeFeo family, are shrouded in secrecy and have gone on to inspire countless movies , most notably the 1979 film The Amityville Horror, starring James Brolin and the 2005 remake of the same name starring Ryan Reynolds.

Movie magic and paranormal activity

At the time of the DeFeo family murders and the Lutz's reported paranormal experiences, the real Amityville house was located on 112 Ocean Avenue in Amityville, New York, according to History vs Hollywood. However, the address has since been changed to 108 Ocean Avenue to throw off the constant influx of tourists and horror movie fans hoping to get a glimpse of the famed haunted residence and prevent them from invading the privacy of the current owners.

Moreover, the Amityville Horror films were not actually shot at the real Amityville house where the DeFeo and Lutz families lived. History vs Hollywood reports that the movie was instead filmed in a home located at 18 Brooks Road in Toms River, New Jersey, and the movie team built a structure around that house's exterior to resemble the actual New York-based haunted property.

And while no movie magic actually took place at the house in Amityville, fascination with the idea that paranormal events perhaps did is what makes the real Amityville Horror house one of the most notorious properties on Long Island — and one of the most popular real-life haunted properties among fans of all things horror. The house has been sold four different times since the murders (including to the Lutz family). It was most recently listed for sale in June 2016 before being sold in March 2017 for $605,000, according to property records obtained by The New York Post.

Select Your City

The amityville horror house.

Horror lovers are likely familiar with 112 Ocean Avenue. That’s the address where Ronald DeFeo Jr. killed his parents and siblings in their sleep in November of 1974. Also well known as ‘The Amityville Horror House,’ three years later, George and Kathy Lutz gained national attention for the “horrors” they experienced after buying the home in 1975. These included odd odors, green slime oozing from the walls, levitation, devilish creatures, cold spots, flying objects, and more. The ghostly activity became the subject of a novel and several movies, though the validity of their story has been questioned over the years.

Some people believe the house was haunted prior to the murders and DeFeo was led to madness by an evil presence that still lingers there today. Others believe the house is haunted by the tortured spirits of his victims. Either way, the house has made Amityville famous, drawing visitors from all over the country. At one point in the late 1970s, the “Ocean Avenue” sign was removed in an attempt to keep people away from New York’s most haunted home.

The History of the Amityville Horror House

Located in a quiet, suburban neighborhood, the Amityville Horror House was nothing short of your typical family home. The house was occupied by the DeFeo family, who moved in when they purchased the property in 1965. 

In 1974, almost ten years after their arrival, the family was eerily murdered in what would become a legendary night in New York history. Adding to the fright of the story is the fact that Ronald DeFeo Jr., then only 23 years old, is believed to be the murderer who killed his whole family while they slept. His youngest victim was his brother John Matthew, who was only nine years old.

The reason behind the family’s murder remains unclear. It is well-known that Ronald Jr. had a volatile relationship with his father, Ronald DeFeo Sr., And of course, there is also a money trail: while in police custody, Ronald Jr. repeatedly asked police officers how he could collect his father’s life insurance. At trial, the prosecution argued that said insurance money was the motive for his actions.

Ronald Jr. himself claimed other reasons, however. He alleged that his sister Dawn killed their father and that their mom, in a state of distress, killed all of his siblings with a .38 revolver. Ronald Jr. maintained that he then used the same murder weapon to kill his mother and that he, being a good son, took the blame for her actions because he was trying to protect her reputation. He didn’t explain why he had to kill her though, and he has since then given even more disparate explanations so needless to say take him with a grain of salt. 

Both of the parents and all four of the children were found dead face-down in bed. Ronald Jr. and his wife Louise had been shot twice; the kids only once. There were no signs of struggle or confrontation, and evidence also suggests Ronald Jr. and his daughter Dawn were awake at the time of their deaths. The murders are believed to have happened around 3:15 am, right around witching hour.

While the rest of the family may have been asleep, patrons at Henry’s Bar were rowdy and wide awake when a restless Ronald Jr. rushed in screaming for help. The cops were called and Ronald Jr. was taken under their protection because he convinced them the killer could come after him next — little did they know that the suspected murderer was right under their noses the whole time. 

After being found guilty on six counts of second-degree murder, Ronald Jr. spent the rest of his life at the Sullivan Correctional Facility. He died at the age of 69 at the Albany Medical Center and his cause of death has mysteriously not been disclosed to the public. For all we know, maybe he’s back to living at Amityville Horror House.

Construction Starts

Like all good haunted houses, Amityville is built in the Dutch Colonial style: gambrel roofs, curved eaves, wooden floors that squeak randomly at night. The house has five respectable bedrooms, a swimming pool, and, of course, a boathouse. Why not?

As if any of that weren’t creepy enough, the house also still had all of the DeFeo’s furniture at the time new owners moved in — it was stipulated in the sale for just $400, surely an insult to the dead family. One particular room on the second floor is of importance. 

After the DeFeo’s brutal murder, the house was sold to the Lutz family, their three children, and a wacky Labrador who apparently could not keep them safe. The Lutz decided to have their new home blessed after hearing about the previous owners, so they invited Father Ralph J. Pecoraro to do the deed. 

The story tells that Father Ralph heard a very masculine voice say “get out” as soon as he sprayed the room on the second floor. The room used to belong to Marc, 12, and John Matthew DeFeo, 9. At least the masculine voice didn’t tell Father Ralph to kill anyone as it did with DeFeo Jr. 

Almost immediately after Father Ralph left Amityville, he noticed blisters on his right hand and developed a high fever. He called the Lutzes and tried to warn them not to use the room where he had heard the voice but the call was cut short by static or an angry ghost. The Lutzes went on to enjoy some pretty uneventful and peaceful days until their ghostly days had enough of them…the events the Lutz experienced included a knife falling in the kitchen, the children levitating in their beds, and Mr. Lutz waking up every night at exactly 3:15 am. 

Facts About the House

Surprisingly, Amityville Horror House is not a museum or privately managed property. It remains a single-family home that was recently taken off the market, though tourists and devoted fans still visit the street where one of the most heinous murders in Suffolk County happened. It’s hard to imagine that the new owners like the attention, but maybe they do.   

• While they noticed nothing unusual at first, the Lutzes were chased out of their home after just 28 days.
• What happens at Amityville doesn’t necessarily stay at Amityville. The Lutzes claim that whatever paranormal activity drove them out of the house followed them to Mrs. Lutz’s mother’s house, where they stayed for a few days while sorting out the house issues. 
• The legend of the Amityville Horror House has produced a series of films and books that have captivated audiences for decades.
• The address was changed to 108 Ocean Ave. to deter tourists.
• The house was last sold in 2017 for a reported $605,000, and it is currently undergoing renovations . 3 different owners have occupied the mansion since the Lutzes abandoned it.
• The house was built in 1925 and sits on a cool 10,900 square feet.
• No neighbors reported hearing any gunshots at the time of the murder. If you’re looking for a quiet street, maybe check out Ocean Ave. 
• There are three levels of stairs inside the mansion.
• There are four bathrooms inside, quite the luxury for a single-family abode. 

In Short…

Next time you’re visiting the Big Apple, cross over to Long Island and see this nutty home for yourself. If you start hearing voices, or if you notice some blisters on your hands…well, we don’t know what to tell you. For more of the most haunted locations in America, check out our America’s Most Haunted Part One article!

• https://nypost.com/2021/03/15/inside-the-amityville-horror-house-today-long-islands-most-notorious-mansion/
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Amityville_Horror
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ronald_DeFeo_Jr .
• https://www.the-sun.com/news/3849172/amityville-horror-ronald-defeo-jr-shot-entire-family/
• https://www.biography.com/news/the-real-amityville-horror-facts

• What's Hot:
• Free Beer and Hot Wings
• Closings & Delays
• Million Dollar Bracket Challenge
• Concert Calendar
• Get the Q App
• Listen with Alexa
• Classic Rock News

Tour The Amityville Horror House NY’s Most Infamous Haunted House

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter

One of the most famous and infamous haunted houses is right here in New York. The House, with those evil-looking, eye-like windows has inspired several movies and books all based on the events of gruesome murders in 1974.

In 1974, this home was the place where 23-year-old Ronald DeFeo Jr. shot his parents and four siblings to death as they slept in their beds. A crime that he's still in prison for today. His lawyers argued in court that when DeFeo moved into the home he started hearing voices in his head that prompted him to carry out the crimes. To make matters worse, George and Kathy Lutz, the people who moved into the house about a year after the murders took place, reportedly left after only living there for 28 days. They sold the property at a loss and claimed they were spooked out by paranormal phenomena.

Some of the events that lead them to leave after only 28 days were. George Lutz was said to wake up at 3:15 am every morning, which was around the time Ron carried out his murders. The Lutz family claimed to smell strange odors, see green slime oozing out of the walls and keyholes and experience cold spots in certain areas of the house. When a priest came to bless the house, he allegedly heard a voice scream "Get out!"

He told the Lutzes to never sleep in that particular room in the house. Other paranormal activities included a nearby garage door opening and closing, an invisible spirit knocking a knife down in the kitchen, a pig-like creature with red eyes staring down at George and his son Daniel from a window, and George waking up to wife Kathy levitating off their bed.

Yeah, I wouldn't live there long either. Since the Lutz family sold the Amityville Horror house it's been owned by several different families and none of them have experienced any strange paranormal phenomenon....at least not that they've admitted. Here's a look inside the Amityville Horror House from the last time it was on the market for $850,000.

So would you live in the most infamous house in America?

Look Inside The Most Infamous Haunted House In America - The Amityville Horror House

Are there bodies buried in washington square park, washington park cemetery, albany, more from q 105.7.

• © Roadtrippers
• © Mapbox
• © OpenStreetMap
• Improve this map

Amityville Horror Home

112 Ocean Ave, Amityville , New York 11701 USA

• Independent

“the true story behind the horror”

This famous home is subject to one of the most well-known hauntings and murder stories in American history. In December 1975, George and Kathy Lutz and their three children moved into 112 Ocean Avenue, a large Dutch Colonial house in Amityville, a suburban neighborhood located on the south shore of Long Island, New York. Thirteen months before the Lutzes moved in, Ronald DeFeo, Jr. had shot and killed six members of his family at the house. After 28 days, the Lutzes left the house, claiming to have been terrorized by paranormal phenomena while living there. The house at 112 Ocean Avenue remained empty for 13 months after the DeFeo murders. In December 1975, George and Kathleen Lutz bought the house for what was considered to be a bargain price of $80,000. The six-bedroom house was built in Dutch Colonial style and had a distinctive gambrel roof. It also had a swimming pool and a boathouse, as it was located on a canal. George and Kathy married in July 1975 and each had their own homes, but they wanted to start fresh with a new property. Kathy had three children from a previous marriage: Daniel, 9, Christopher, 7, and Melissa (Missy), 5. They also owned a crossbreed Malamute/Labrador dog named Harry. During their first inspection of the house, the real estate broker told them about the DeFeo murders and asked if this would affect their decision. After discussing the matter, they decided that it was not a problem. The Lutz family moved in December 19, 1975. Much of the DeFeo family's furniture was still in the house, because it was included for $400 as part of the deal. A friend of George Lutz learned about the history of the house, and insisted on having it blessed. At the time, George was a non-practicing Methodist and had no experience of what this would entail. Kathy was a non-practicing Catholic and explained the process. George knew a Catholic priest named Father Ray who agreed to carry out the house blessing (in Anson's book, real-life priest Father Ralph J. Pecoraro was referred to as Father Mancuso for privacy reasons). Father Mancuso was a lawyer, judge of the Catholic Court and psychotherapist who lived at the local Sacred Heart Rectory. He arrived to perform the blessing while George and Kathy were unpacking their belongings on the afternoon of December 18, 1975, and went into the building to carry out the rites. When he flicked the first holy water and began to pray, he heard a masculine voice demand that he "get out." When leaving the house, Father Mancuso did not mention this incident to either George or Kathy. On December 24, 1975, Father Mancuso called George Lutz and advised him to stay out of the second floor room where he had heard the mysterious voice, the former bedroom of Marc and John Matthew DeFeo that Kathy planned to use as a sewing room, but the call was cut short by static. Following his visit to the house, Father Mancuso allegedly developed a high fever and blisters on his hands similar to stigmata. At first George and Kathy experienced nothing unusual in the house. Talking about their experiences subsequently, they reported that it was as if they "were each living in a different house." Strange events would occur in the home from that time on, including (but not limited to), doors and locks flinging open on their own, cloven footprints appearing in the snow, the Lutzes would feel "embraced" by unseen forces, the sounds of demonic marching bands would be heard, the family would have vivid nightmares of the Defeo murders, and a crucifix in the living room would regularly spin upside down and emit a foul odor.  After deciding that something was wrong with their house they could not explain rationally, George and Kathy Lutz carried out a blessing of their own on January 8, 1976. George held a silver crucifix while they both recited the Lord's Prayer and, while in the living room, George allegedly heard a chorus of voices asking them “Will you stop?!” By mid-January 1976, after another attempt at a house blessing by George and Kathy, they experienced what would turn out to be their final night in the house. The Lutzes declined to give a full account of the events that took place on this occasion, describing them as "too frightening." After getting in touch with Father Mancuso, the Lutzes decided to take some belongings and stay at Kathy’s mother’s house in nearby Deer Park, New York until they had sorted out the problems with the house. They claimed that the phenomena followed them there, with the final scene of Anson's book describing "greenish-black slime" coming up the staircase towards them. On January 14, 1976 George and Kathy Lutz, with their three children and their dog Harry, left 112 Ocean Avenue, leaving all of their possessions behind. Shortly thereafter, the home was investigated by ghost hunters Ed and Lorraine Warren, who captured an image of a "demonic ghost boy" that has since become something of a paranormal legend. The home is the original, though it's been heavily remodeled. Keep in mind this is a private residence, so please, only drive bys, and do not bother those who live in the house and surrounding area. Attn: The Amityville Horror Home is on private property. Please do not trespass. For informational purposes only.  UPDATE: As of 2016, the Long Island waterfront colonial home that inspired the "Amityville Horror" book, as well as a successful horror film franchise, is back on the market for a cool $850,000. The house comes with 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a boat house and a two-car garage.

Reviewed by Pemigewasset

I wonder what a demonic marching band sounds like. Funky, but without any soul?

Reviewed by Greg Newkirk

• 314 Reviews
• 374 Helpful

If you're a fan of horror movies, or just ghost stories, a stop to see the infamous Amityville Horror house is definitely in order when you're in New York. Like Dana mentioned in her review, it doesn't look much like it used to in the horror movies that it inspired (they've done a fair bit of remodeling and replaced the iconic windows), but it's still neat to see the house that scared people for generations.

Just a heads up, it's private property and people actually live there, so definitely, definitely don't go waltzing up the driveway and into the yard. Snap your pictures from the sidewalk.

Reviewed by AzmMza

Wish I could buy this house!! #AmityvilleHorrorFan 🏠👻🎬📚

Be the first to add a review to the Amityville Horror Home.

Problem with this listing? Let us know .

Has RV parking changed? Let us know .

• Check Parking
• Unknown Pets Allowed
• Unknown Restrooms
• Unavailable Wifi
• Unknown Wheelchair Accessible
• Unknown Credit Cards Accepted

Nearby Hotels

Click to discover a great deal!

Related Trip Guides

The top things to do on an i-95 road trip, the top things to do on a u.s. route 20 road trip, the top things to do on an east coast road trip, a sleepy hollow road trip filled with headless horsemen, keep exploring with the roadtrippers mobile apps..

Anything you plan or save automagically syncs with the apps, ready for you to hit the road!

Connect with us and hit up #roadtrippers

Tall tales, trip guides, & the world's weird & wonderful.

• Roadpass Digital
• Mobile Apps

Business Tools

• Partnerships

Get Inspired

• Road trip ideas by state
• National parks
• Famous routes
• Voices from the Road

Fresh Guides

• The ultimate guide to Mammoth Cave National Park
• The Ultimate Guide to Badlands National Park
• Route 66 Leg 2: St. Louis to Tulsa
• Route 66 Leg 1: Chicago to St. Louis
• Route 66 Leg 3: Tulsa to Amarillo
• Top 10 things to do in Ohio
• Offbeat Road Trip Guides
• Road Trip USA
• Scenic Routes America
• National Park Road Trips
• Terms and Conditions

Inside The Real ‘Amityville Horror’ House

• 112 ocean avenue
• 23-year-old ronald defeo
• amityville haunting
• amityville horror house
• asking price
• christopher
• colonial homes
• defeo family
• defeo murders
• five-bedroom
• george lutz
• ghost stories
• haunted house
• Haunted Places
• Horror films
• horror movies
• inside the amityville horror
• life sentences
• Long Island
• lutz family
• members of his family
• Paranormal Activity
• real amityville horror house
• ronald defeo
• ronald defeo jr
• the amityville horror
• the amityville horror house
• the amityville murders
• the real amityville horror

The Amityville Horror house is up for grabs! That should be good news for any horror buffs. The “bad news” is that it looks totally different. So much has happened in that place that they needed to give the Long Island property a total makeover to 1) prevent people from coming by like it’s a ‘haunted house’ tour and retelling ghost stories and 2) so it could finally get off the market after constantly changing hands since the murder of the DeFeo family in the 1970s.

Videos by Rare

Ronald defeo and his family.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by ↟ Aтнeɴα ↟ (@morbid_goddess)

Inside the Amityville Horror

If you have seen the Amityville Horror film, you know the house and what happened there in the film. The house at 112 Ocean Avenue in the Amityville suburb of Long Island, New York, became the site for a horror movie after Ronald DeFeo Jr. murdered all of his family members. That night, on November 13, 1974, the 23-year- old Ronald DeFeo shot his parents Ronald DeFeo Sr and Louise Defeo, and siblings Dawn, Allison, Marc, and Matthew with a .35 caliber rifle while they slept at 3:15 am. At his trial, he both admitted to his crimes and then took an insanity plea saying that he was hearing voices that instructed him to kill . This plead is what started the rumor that the house was a haunted place. However, the court recognized the crime for the truth: Ronald DeFeo Jr was a drug addict and alcoholic who murdered his family in cold blood. He was sentenced to six concurrent life sentences, having been charged with 6 counts of second-degree murder.

Living in the Real Amityville Horror House

https://www.instagram.com/p/CHAuoTHgvQ7/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

The house was put up for sale after the Defeo murders. The real-life Amityville haunting at the colonial home seemingly set in right when the Lutz family moved in. The Lutzes consisted of George Lutz and Kathy Lutz and their children Daniel, Christopher, and Missy. They purchased the 4,000 square foot, five-bedroom, and the bathroom house with a boathouse for the asking price of $80,000. They thought they’d hit the lotto. But, they changed their minds 28 days later. After witnessing paranormal activity like seeing slime coming from the walls, Kathy levitating over the bed, and George waking up at 3:15 in the morning consistently, over the course of one month, they called it quits, and ran to live literally anywhere else.

Jay Anson wrote a book in 1977 based on the interviews with the Lutz family. He allegedly went through 45 hours of interviews and extracted info for his book that led to the movie, The Amityville Horror, with the same name. Some believe that the whole thing was a hoax, and others think it’s just to garner more money. Either way, The Amityville murders did happen. Today , the house’s address has been changed to 108 Ocean Ave to get better buys.

Watch: Haunted Salem Home Available on AirBnB This Halloween

What do you think?

Remembering Alex Trebek and Sean Connery in SNL’s Portrayal of Them on Celebrity Jeopardy”

Monstrous Gator Filmed Strolling Across Florida Golf Course During Hurricane Eta

© Copyright 2024 Rare Media LLC

Join Over 10,000 Readers

Get the stories that matter most delivered directly to your inbox without the big tech censorship.

This will close in 0 seconds

Username or Email Address

Remember Me

Forgot password?

Enter your account data and we will send you a link to reset your password.

Your password reset link appears to be invalid or expired.

Privacy policy.

To use social login you have to agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website.

Add to Collection

Public collection title

Private collection title

No Collections

Here you'll find all collections you've created before.

Amityville Horror House: Inside the Haunted Home’s History

• July 25, 2023
• No Comments

Welcome to our article on the infamous Amityville Horror House, a home with a haunted past that has captivated the world for decades. The history of this haunted home dates back to the 1970s, when the Lutz family moved in and experienced a series of terrifying paranormal activities. The events that took place inside the Amityville Horror House have been the subject of numerous books, movies, and documentaries, making it one of the most well-known haunted homes in history. Follow us as we explore the history and paranormal activities that took place inside the Amityville Horror House, debunk some of the claims, and delve into the psychology behind our fascination with haunted houses.

In this first section, we will provide a brief introduction to the Amityville Horror House and its history. We will also touch on some of the infamous paranormal activities that have taken place inside the house. So, buckle up and get ready to explore the dark and haunting past of the Amityville Horror House.

The History of the Amityville Horror House

The Amityville Horror House is a large Dutch Colonial-style home located at 112 Ocean Avenue in Amityville, New York. The house was built in 1927 and was originally owned by John Moynahan and his family. The Moynahan family lived in the house until 1965 when they sold it to the DeFeo family.

The DeFeo family consisted of Ronald DeFeo Sr., his wife Louise, and their five children: Ronald Jr., Dawn, Allison, Marc, and John. On November 13, 1974, Ronald DeFeo Jr. shot and killed his entire family while they were sleeping in the house. He claimed to have heard voices that told him to do it.

Following the murders, the house remained vacant for over a year until it was purchased by George and Kathleen Lutz in December 1975. The Lutz family knew about the murders before purchasing the house but were able to negotiate a lower price due to the property’s history.

The Lutz family only lived in the house for 28 days before leaving due to alleged paranormal activity. They claimed to have experienced supernatural phenomena such as strange noises, foul odors, and ghostly apparitions.

The events that took place in the Amityville Horror House have been the subject of much debate, with some believing it to be haunted and others alleging that the Lutz family fabricated the story as a publicity stunt. Despite the controversy, the Amityville Horror House remains a popular topic of discussion among paranormal enthusiasts and horror fans alike.

The DeFeo Family Murders

The tragic murders of the DeFeo family that took place inside the Amityville Horror House continue to haunt the property to this day. On November 13, 1974, Ronald DeFeo Jr. murdered his parents and four siblings with a rifle while they slept in their beds.

Investigators later found that all six victims had been shot with a .35 lever-action Marlin rifle. Despite initial claims that the murders were carried out by a group of hitmen, it was eventually revealed that Ronald DeFeo Jr. acted alone.

The murders were a shock to the small town of Amityville, and the tragedy has become a part of the infamous history of the Amityville Horror House.

The Lutz Family Moves In

In 1975, George and Kathy Lutz, along with their three children, moved into the Amityville Horror House. They were aware of the murders that took place in the home just a year before, but decided to move in anyway. The Lutz family claimed that they got a good deal on the house and believed that they could handle any negative energy that may be in the house.

However, it wasn’t long before strange occurrences began happening in the home. The Lutz family reported seeing green slime oozing from the walls, hearing strange voices and sounds, and experiencing cold spots throughout the house. George Lutz also claimed that he would wake up every night at exactly 3:15 AM – the same time that Ronald DeFeo Jr. murdered his family.

The Hauntings Begin

Shortly after moving into the Amityville Horror House, the Lutz family began experiencing strange and terrifying occurrences. As they settled in, they started noticing odors that seemed to come from nowhere and the presence of unseen entities lurking around the house. Soon, the activity escalated into full-blown hauntings.

One evening, George Lutz heard a loud chorus of voices calling his name coming from inside the house. When he went to investigate, he found no one there. Another time, the family’s daughter reported being held in her bedroom by an invisible force. The Lutzes also claimed to see strange red eyes glowing in the darkness at night.

The hauntings took a toll on the family, causing them to feel constantly on edge and unable to sleep. They reported being physically assaulted by the spirits as well, with George Lutz claiming to have been levitated off his bed by an unseen force.

The Entities

The Lutz family encountered several different entities during their stay in the Amityville Horror House. One of the most prominent was a demonic pig-like creature with glowing red eyes that appeared to George Lutz in his nightmares and physically attacked him.

Another entity seemed to be the ghost of a small child, who appeared to the family in various forms and seemed to be trapped inside the house. The Lutzes also claimed to have seen the ghost of John Matthew DeFeo, the youngest victim of the DeFeo family murders.

The Lutz Family Tries to Escape the Amityville Horror House

As the hauntings in the Amityville Horror House grew increasingly severe, the Lutz family knew they had to get out. They attempted to leave the home on several occasions, but each time they were met with seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

On one occasion, the Lutz family tried to leave but found that the front door had become inexplicably jammed shut. They were forced to exit through a window instead. Another time, they attempted to flee in their car but found that the engine wouldn’t start, despite having worked perfectly fine earlier in the day.

As the days went on, the Lutz family became increasingly convinced that they were in grave danger and that their attempts to leave the Amityville Horror House were being actively thwarted by the malevolent force that resided within its walls.

Ultimately, the Lutz family was able to escape the Amityville Horror House, but their experiences in the home would haunt them for the rest of their lives.

The Media Frenzy

After the Lutz family went public with their experiences, the Amityville Horror House gained nationwide attention, leading to a media frenzy. The story was covered extensively in newspapers, magazines, and on television, captivating audiences with its sensational claims of paranormal activity.

The book “The Amityville Horror” by Jay Anson, which chronicled the experiences of the Lutz family, was a bestseller and later adapted into a popular film series.

The Amityville Horror Movie Adaptations

The authenticity of the Lutz family’s claims has been a topic of debate, with some claiming the story was a hoax or exaggeration. Despite this, interest in the Amityville Horror House remains high, and the house itself has become a tourist attraction for those interested in the paranormal.

The Warrens Get Involved

Paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren were called in to investigate the Amityville Horror House in 1976, just a year after the Lutz family moved out. During their investigation, they claimed to have experienced supernatural phenomena, including feeling a sense of paralysis and seeing green slime oozing from the walls.

The Warrens concluded that the Amityville Horror House was possessed by a demonic presence, and that the DeFeo family murders were a result of this possession. They believed that the Lutz family’s experiences were a continuation of this possession.

Despite the Warrens’ claims, their involvement in the case has been met with skepticism. Critics have accused them of exaggerating or fabricating their findings, and of exploiting the Lutz family’s experiences for their own gain.

Whether or not the Warrens’ investigation provides evidence of paranormal activity in the Amityville Horror House remains a subject of debate.

The Amityville Horror House Today

After the Lutz family fled the Amityville Horror House, several families have lived in the home without reporting any paranormal activity. The house has since been renovated, and the iconic quarter-moon windows have been removed to discourage visitors from trespassing.

As of now, the Amityville Horror House is privately owned and is not open to the public for tours or visits.

Debunking the Amityville Horror House

While the Lutz family’s experiences in the Amityville Horror House gained widespread media attention and sparked numerous books and movies, there are those who question the validity of their claims of paranormal activity.

One explanation for the experiences of the Lutz family is carbon monoxide poisoning. In 1976, a reporter for Newsday investigated the Amityville Horror House and found high levels of carbon monoxide in the home. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include hallucinations, dizziness, and nausea, which could explain some of the experiences reported by the Lutz family.

Additionally, some critics have pointed out inconsistencies and inaccuracies in the accounts of the Lutz family’s experiences. For example, the layout of the house described in their accounts differed from the actual layout, leading some to question the accuracy of their claims.

Despite these criticisms, believers in the paranormal continue to point to the Amityville Horror House as evidence of the existence of spirits and ghosts. The debate over the reality of the haunting in the Amityville Horror House continues to this day, and likely will for years to come.

Similar Haunted Homes

The Amityville Horror House is not the only home with a haunted history. Here are some other notable haunted homes from around the world:

Each of these homes has its own unique history and set of ghostly legends. For those brave enough to explore, they offer a glimpse into the eerie world of the paranormal.

The Psychology of Haunted Houses

Haunted houses have long been a subject of fascination for people around the world. From ghostly apparitions to unexplained noises, the idea of a house being haunted is both thrilling and terrifying at the same time. But what is it about these homes that draws people in?

One theory is that people are attracted to the unknown. The uncertainty of what might happen in a haunted house is exciting and creates a feeling of anticipation. Additionally, some people may be drawn to the history of the home and the events that make it haunted.

However, living in a haunted house can also have negative effects on a person’s mental health. The constant fear and anxiety can lead to sleep deprivation, depression, and even PTSD. It’s important for individuals to consider the potential risks before deciding to live in a haunted home.

Despite the potential risks, some people still choose to investigate paranormal activity in haunted homes. The use of scientific methods, such as electromagnetic field detectors and temperature sensors, can help provide evidence of the existence of ghosts and other entities. However, skeptics argue that these methods are not foolproof and that there could be other explanations for the phenomena.

Ultimately, the psychology of haunted houses is complex and varies from person to person. Some may find the fear and thrill of living in a haunted home exhilarating, while others may find it too overwhelming. Whatever the case may be, it’s important to approach the subject with an open mind and consider both the potential risks and rewards.

Paranormal Investigations and Research

Paranormal investigations and research have gained significant popularity in recent years, as more people are becoming intrigued by the possibility of life after death and the existence of spirits and ghosts. There are various methods used in paranormal investigations, including scientific equipment, mediumship, and psychic abilities.

One of the most common tools used in paranormal investigations is the EMF meter. This device measures fluctuations in electromagnetic fields, which are believed to be caused by the presence of spirits. Another popular tool is the EVP recorder, which records electronic voice phenomena, or sounds that are thought to be voices from the spirit world.

However, some skeptics argue that these tools do not provide concrete evidence of paranormal activity, as there could be other explanations for the fluctuations and sounds recorded.

Despite the controversy surrounding the methods used in paranormal investigations, there are ongoing efforts to provide evidence of the existence of ghosts and other entities. Organizations such as the Society for Psychical Research and the Rhine Research Center are dedicated to researching paranormal phenomena and providing a scientific understanding of the spiritual world.

Ghostly Encounters: Real or Fake?

For decades, people have been fascinated by stories of ghostly encounters and haunted houses. While many believe in the existence of ghosts and other supernatural entities, others remain skeptical and question the validity of these claims. So, are ghostly encounters real or fake?

The answer to this question is not so straightforward. While there is no concrete scientific evidence to prove the existence of ghosts, there are countless stories and experiences from people who claim to have had encounters with them. On the other hand, many of these experiences can be explained by natural phenomena or psychological factors.

One theory is that some of these experiences may be caused by carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that can cause a range of symptoms, including hallucinations and confusion. In some cases, people have reported seeing ghostly apparitions in homes with high levels of carbon monoxide.

Another explanation for ghostly encounters is the power of suggestion. If someone believes that a house or location is haunted, they may start to interpret normal sounds as paranormal activity. This can lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy, where the person becomes convinced that they are experiencing something supernatural.

However, there are also cases where ghostly encounters cannot be easily explained. Paranormal investigators use a range of techniques to capture evidence of supernatural activity, such as recording electronic voice phenomena (EVP) or taking photographs of apparitions. While skeptics argue that these methods can be easily faked, paranormal investigators maintain that they provide strong evidence of ghostly encounters.

Ultimately, whether or not ghostly encounters are real or fake is a matter of personal belief. While skeptics may argue that these experiences can be explained through natural or psychological factors, believers maintain that they provide evidence of the existence of ghosts and other entities.

The Amityville Horror House: Fact or Fiction?

The events that took place inside the Amityville Horror House have been the subject of debate for decades. While the Lutz family’s claims of paranormal activity have been widely reported, skeptics question the validity of their experiences.

Despite multiple investigations and studies, there is no concrete evidence to prove or disprove the existence of ghosts or other entities in the Amityville Horror House. Some attribute the reported hauntings to natural phenomena, such as creaking floorboards and drafts, while others argue that there may be a psychological explanation for the Lutz family’s experiences.

Regardless of the truth behind the Amityville Horror House, its legacy has endured. It has inspired numerous books, movies, and television shows, cementing its place in popular culture. Whether fact or fiction, the story of the Amityville Horror House continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

The Amityville Horror House: FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Amityville Horror House:

Is the Amityville Horror House still haunted?

There have been no reported paranormal activities at the Amityville Horror House in recent years. However, the current owners have reported strange occurrences, such as unexplained footsteps and doors slamming on their own.

Is the Amityville Horror House open to the public for tours?

No, the Amityville Horror House is not open to the public for tours. The current owners are very private and do not allow visitors to the property.

How much does the Amityville Horror House cost?

The Amityville Horror House was sold for $605,000 in 2010. However, it is not currently for sale.

What happened to the Lutz family?

The Lutz family left the Amityville Horror House after just 28 days due to the hauntings they experienced. They eventually moved to California and changed their names.

What did the Warrens find in their investigation of the Amityville Horror House?

The Warrens conducted a seance in the Amityville Horror House and claimed to have made contact with the spirits of the DeFeo family. They also claimed that the house was built on a Native American burial ground, which could be the cause of the hauntings.

Has the story of the Amityville Horror House been proven to be true?

There is no concrete evidence to support the claims of paranormal activity in the Amityville Horror House. Some have claimed that the Lutz family made up the story to profit from a book and movie deal. Others believe that the hauntings were real and that the house remains haunted to this day.

Popular Posts

Your friendly commercial roof repair guide: all you need to know.

Commercial roof repair may not be the most exciting topic for business owners, but it is an essential aspect of running a successful enterprise. A well-functioning roof is critical for

Understanding Mold Allergies vs Mold Toxicity: Your Guide

If you’ve ever suffered from mold-related symptoms, you may be wondering if you have mold allergies or mold toxicity and what the difference is between the two. It’s important to

Gas Leak Excavation Safety: Essential Tips & Precautions

When it comes to excavation projects, safety should always be the top priority, especially when it comes to gas leak excavation safety. Gas leaks can be incredibly dangerous, and they

Your Guide on How to Prevent Mold in Dishwasher – Convenient Tips

In order to keep your dishwasher clean and functional, it is important to understand the common causes of mold growth and how to prevent it. This article will provide you

Excavation Hazards: Essential Information & Safety Tips

Excavation work is an essential part of construction, but it can also be incredibly dangerous. Many hazards can arise during excavation, including trench collapses, falling objects, confined spaces, and hazardous

Roof Ready Hail Storm: Essential Tips for Home Protection

As a homeowner, one of your biggest concerns should be protecting your home from damage caused by hail storms. Hail can cause significant damage to your roof, leading to leaks

+1 720 309 5679

The Dark History Behind the Amityville Horror House's Rise to Infamy

There's more to the story than you might think.

Situated sideways on a narrow plot in Amityville, New York, is a 1925 Dutch Colonial that’s arguably Long Island’s most notorious residence . The house at 112 Ocean Avenue owes its reputation to The Amityville Horror, the 1977 book and its 1979 movie adaption , which tell the “true” story of George and Kathy Lutz, a young newlywed couple who fled the home just 28 days after moving in, claiming “a very strong force” drove them to leave. While the movie remains a horror classic, it hardly depicts the real history of the house, which most likely was never haunted at all.

The three-story home was originally built for John and Catherine Moynahan, who purchased the property from the Ireland family in the early 1920s. The Moynahans removed a small, existing cottage from the lot and commissioned local builder Jessy Purdy to construct the five-bedroom, four-bathroom house complete with a gambrel roof and two quarter circle windows overlooking Ocean Avenue. In October of 1960, the Moynahans’s daughter sold the home to John and Mary Riley, who lived there for five years before they sold the house to Ron and Louise DeFeo in June of 1965.

When they purchased the house, the DeFeos had four children, Ronald Jr., Dawn, Allison, and Marc, and one on the way—their son John was born later that year. Being able to move his family from their small apartment in Brooklyn to the spacious home on Ocean Avenue was a dream come true for Ron Sr., who dubbed the house “High Hopes” and hung a sign bearing the name off a post in the front lawn. Inside, however, “Big Ron’s” pattern of abusive and controlling behavior towards his wife and children caused tension to build until it came to a tragic head nine years later.

In the early morning hours of November 13, 1974, six members of the DeFeo family were found murdered inside their home. Ron Sr. and Louise had each been shot twice, while four of their children—Dawn, Allison, Marc, and John—had each been shot once. Their bodies were discovered the following evening by the only surviving family member, Ronald Jr., who was eventually found guilty on six counts of second-degree murder. In December of 1975, he was sentenced with six consecutive terms of 25 years to life.

Around the same time, the former DeFeo home was sold to George and Kathy Lutz, who moved in with their three young children on December 18, 1975. According to their story, the family began experiencing paranormal activity on their first day in the house. The Amityville Horror by Jay Anson provides a chilling account of the horrors they faced, from a mysterious green slime oozing down the walls and toilet bowls turned completely black inside, to the appearance of a pig with beady red eyes and a faceless figure with demon horns and a white peaked hood. The family reached their breaking point on January 14, 1976, less than a month after moving in, and fled the home leaving all their belongings behind. Following a paranormal investigation conducted that March, the Lutzes returned the house to the bank and moved to California. Despite a Newsday report debunking a majority of their story, The Amityville Horror sparked a public fascination with the home that persists to this day.

When Jim and Barbara Cromarty bought the house for $55,000 in April of 1977, they were unaware that a book would soon be published about it. By November, the Cromartys had been bombarded by so many unwanted visitors, they decided to change the address of the house. This, however, did nothing to stop curious onlookers from coming by at all hours of the day.

In an interview with Newsday the following year, the Cromartys revealed just how bad the situation had gotten, saying that because so many “visitors” came late at night, they were barely sleeping. Once, a man stood on the front lawn playing a bugle at 3 a.m. On another occasion, someone left human excrement on the porch. Around the holidays, the family’s decorations were stolen. The home’s horror house reputation even followed 14-year-old Joyce Cromarty to school, where classmates harassed her and asked repeatedly if she’d seen any ghosts since moving in. But the Cromartys said they hadn’t experienced anything paranormal there.

By December of 1978, the constant barrage of visitors proved to be too much for the family, who decided to move out and put the house on the market for $100,000. By the time The Amityville Horror starring James Brolin and Margot Kidder hit theaters in July of 1979, the Cromartys had yet to find any serious buyers. Meanwhile, the new wave of curiosity sparked by the movie was affecting the entire community.

Ocean Avenue was littered with empty beer bottles, popcorn boxes, and other trash left behind by looky-loos whose disrespect applied to every house and homeowner on the street. As the crowds grew larger, extra police details were hired and paid them overtime, a costly expense for a small village like Amityville. Though public officials had considered ways to monetize the crowds, like running bus tours or charging admission to see the house, none of these ideas were approved, out of respect for the DeFeo family.

Having given up on the idea of selling the house, the Cromartys eventually moved back in. Fighting to defend the home's reputation, they accepted speaking engagements throughout the New York area where they could share the real history of the house. In February of 1982, they reached a settlement with the publishing company to have the subtitle “a true story” removed from all future printings of the book. When the Cromartys did finally sell the house in August of 1987, things had quieted down significantly. But new interest spiked every time the movie played on TV. According to Jim, it was on the night they the house sold to longtime Amityville residents Peter and Jeanne O’Neill.

The O’Neills purchased the home for $325,000 and swapped out the now-infamous eye windows for square ones. They also filled in the in-ground pool. In June of 1997, after living there for 10 years, the O’Neills sold the house to Brian Wilson for $310,000. In the 13 years he owned the home, Wilson fixed up the boathouse and added a second sunroom to the back side of the house. He sold it in September of 2010 to Caroline and David D'Antonio for $950,000. The D’Antonios lived there for 6 years before they put the home on the market with an asking price of $850,000. When it sold in March of 2017, it went for $605,000. Not a single owner since the Lutzes has reported experiencing paranormal activity in the home.

Curious to hear more about the Amityville Horror House? Listen to this week's episode of our haunted house podcast, Dark House , for exclusive ghost stories and insights into the home's twisted history.

29 Scary Real-Life Haunted House Stories

The Deep, Dark History of Halloween

Inside a Historic Home Where Old Hollywood Partied

Is the Biltmore Hotel Haunted by the Black Dahlia?

Chilling Ghost Stories From 'Dark House' Fans

30 Halloween Books That'll Keep You Up at Night

13 Historic Home Features That Don't Exist Today

S.F.'s Creepiest House Is Fodder for a Hit Series

Sally Quinn's Wild Haunted House Stories

The True Story Behind The Watcher House

This College Town Rental Has a Horrifying History

Advertisement

Amityville Horror House - Amityville NY Real Haunted Place

• 112 Ocean Avenue
• Amityville, NY

• Old Bethpage Village Restoration 7.7 miles away
• Fire Island Lighthouse 7.8 miles away
• Edgewood State Hospital 9.5 miles away
• Jayne's Hill 9.5 miles away
• Mount Misery 9.5 miles away
• Sweet Hollow Road 10.3 miles away

Recently Shared Experiences & Comments

haunted house

4 out of 9 found this review helpful

Amityvillle horror house

I wanted to go to the amityville horror house with my mother and brother. When i got to the road that it was on, I felt a strange feeling I couldn't explain. We couldn't find it thinking it could have been bulldozed. We went back exactly a year later. This time we found it I took a picture and I had a strange feeling after taking it, so I deleted it. After that I had nothing strange over taking me, I felt free.

11 out of 25 found this review helpful

• Headline: Do not use all capital letters. No profanity.
• Details: Tell Us About Your Experience(s) at Amityville Horror House. Be specific.
• Email Address: Administrative use only. Will NOT be displayed
• Did You Have a Paranormal Experience? Yes No Not Sure
• Have You Been To This Haunt? Yes No Not Sure
• Would you recommended to a friend? Yes No Not Sure

Visitors to this page: 31,259 Clicks to Website: 4,820 Last edit to this listing: 4/13/2017 (2551 days ago)

The Infamous Amityville Horror House

The amityville horror: haunting or hollywood.

A tale of murderous thoughts gone absolutely haywire, a family betrayed in the most inhuman way possible… it makes you wonder what resides in the gorgeous, Dutch Colonial style home in Long Island that so easily warped a brother’s mind into committing murder. In this article, we’ll separate Haunting from Hollywood, giving you an accurate picture of what happened in the home and what paranormal activity occurs to this day in the Amityville Horror House.

112 Ocean Avenue. Amityville, New York. Situated on the south shore of the island, the grand home sits on a pasture-like lawn. Curved eaves lead your eyes across the façade, and its beauty is as grand as the horrors that occurred here. Mid-November, 1974, Ronald DeFeo Jr. shot and killed six members of his family in the home. He was later convicted of six counts of second-degree murder in 1975. Around 6:30 in the evening, a 23-year-old Robert DeFeo ran into Henry’s Bar, screaming for help, stating, “you’ve got to help me, I think my mother and father are shot!” After a short pilgrimage to the DeFeo home, it was realized that his mother and father were in fact shot and killed, as well as four of his siblings. Later, during his trial, he and his lawyer mounted an affirmative defense of insanity due to DeFeo Jr.’s claims of hearing voices of his family plotting against him. Found competent to stand trial and aware of his actions, a 23-year-old Ronald was convicted of all counts and was sentenced to six 25-year charges. As of November 2020, Ronald remains at the Sullivan Correctional Facility in Fallsburg, New York. There have been controversies and changing stories throughout the years, all of which can be read about here . For this article, we want to cover what Ronald left behind… a home with a dark past.

The Horrors Continue On

On December 18 th , 1975, the Lutz family purchased the home on 112 Ocean Avenue… and as they moved boxes from their moving trucks, a Catholic priest stopped by to bless the home, supposedly at the request of Kathy Lutz, the family matriarch. The priest, later revealed to be Father Ralph Pecoraro, said this about the Amityville home, “ I was blessing the sewing room,” says the priest. “It was cold. It was really cold in there. I’m like, ‘Well, gee, this is peculiar,’ because it was a lovely day out, and it was winter, yes, but it didn’t account for that kind of coldness. I was also sprinkling holy water, and I heard a rather deep voice behind me saying, ‘Get out!’ It seemed so directed toward me that I was really quite startled. I felt a slap at one point on the face. I felt somebody slap me, and there was nobody there .”

George and Kathy Lutz were newlyweds, coming together into a beautiful blended family when they purchased the Amityville home for $80,000. Kathy had three children from her previous marriage, Missy, Daniel, and Christopher. They later went on to have two children together, Noel and Gabrielle. With the money they received from selling George’s mother’s home, they put down a healthy down payment on what they thought would be their dream home… the sanctuary that they could raise their family in. Their stay would only last 28 days, however, as the dark entities that reside inside made quick work of the Lutz family.

Paranormal Happenings

The home entities were not shy to show themselves, making themselves known through sound, touch, and appearing to the family and investigators. Even in 2005, when Inside Edition was conducting an interview, a swarm of flies appeared in the home, tormenting the camera operators and interviewer. Any seasoned paranormal investigator will attest that swarms of flies have historically been linked to demonic entities and possessions. Are there demons living in this Ocean Avenue home? Could they have been the voices inside of DeFeo’s head?

Despite the home having been blessed by a priest before their move-in, the Lutz family was on the receiving end of some pretty horrific paranormal occurrences. George, the family patriarch, claimed to wake up daily at 3:15 each morning, the precise time when the DeFeo murders occurred in the home. Missy, the Lutz daughter, began to communicate with an imaginary, or perhaps demonic entity is known only as ‘Jodie.’ Kathy even claimed to have levitated above her bed, waking from the disturbance with painful welts all over her chest. The children also reported levitations during their slumber. George and son Daniel reported an apparition of a pig-like creature staring at them from a window, its red eyes piercing through the dark.

On January 14 th , 1976, the Lutz family had enough and had reached their breaking point. They left the house and every single one of their possessions behind, following a night of terror that they refused to describe in detail. They fled the home, leaving the evil entities behind, watching from the windows as they drove their family to safety.

Further Investigations

Explorations from Ed and Lorraine Warren would corroborate the Lutz’s stories. They stayed at the house for a night, investigating the claims and seeing if they would be able to make contact with any entities. Ed Warren even stated in the 2000 documentary ‘Amityville: Horror or Hoax’ that it was “This was no ordinary haunted house. On a scale of 1-10, this was a 10.”

Today, people remain skeptical about the home. Some say it was a publicity stunt on the Lutz family’s part, to rake in money from book deals and interviews. But George Lutz says otherwise. In a snippet from the documentary ‘Amityville: Horror or Hoax, George states that “I believe this has stayed alive for 25 years because it’s a true story. It doesn’t mean that everything that has ever been said about it is true. It’s certainly not a hoax. It’s real easy to call something a hoax. I wish it was. It’s not,” Lutz said. Even in 2013, a documentary called ‘My Amityville Horror’ interviews Daniel Lutz, Kathy’s child who survived the horrifying paranormal attacks. He appears obviously disturbed by the past he lived in the home. “This is not something I asked for,” Daniel says in the film . “I’ve been running away from it, and it finally caught up with me.” He tells of abuse suffered at the hands of his stepfather and even of satanic dabbling occurring within the walls of the home. Daniel now lives in Queens and remains steadfast in saying that the house ruined his life, and he continues to have nightmares regarding the home to this day.

Still Skeptical? Both Kathy and George took a polygraph test to prove they were truthful about the happenings in the home. They passed.

The Amityville home officially sold in February of 2017 to an undisclosed buyer for just over $600,000… $200,000 below the asking price. The address has since been changed for privacy reasons, and we do advise online research only as this is a private residence. Current owners report no paranormal happenings, it seems as if the house lies dormant, for now.

So what do you think? Was the entire story a scam? Or are there demonic entities residing deep within the walls waiting to strike again when the time is right? Regardless, six horrific murders occurred here not long ago, leaving behind a deep, dark stain that permeates the walls of the Amityville House.

For more haunted readings in New York, visit our Top 10 Most Haunted Locations in NY blog page here !

Sources Cited:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ronald_DeFeo_Jr .

https://www.historyvshollywood.com/reelfaces/amityvillehorror1979.php

https://www.newsday.com/entertainment/movies/daniel-lutz-real-amityville-horror-victim-tells-his-story-in-new-documentary-1.4806550

https://www.oxygen.com/martinis-murder/amityville-horror-hoax-the-true-crime-story-behind-lutz-family-famous-haunted-house

Getty Images

Amityville House: A Look at This Real Life House of Horrors in New York

• The real Amityville house was the site of 6 murders on the night of November 13, 1974.
• After moving into the Amityville house less than a year after the murders, the Lutz family reportedly experienced terrifying paranormal events at the home.
• Jay Anson’s book, The Amityville Horror, was created using around 45 hours of audio recordings from George and Kathy Lutz.
• The real Amityville house was last purchased in 2017 for $605k and has continued to act as a private residence.

Thirty miles outside New York City, in the town of Amityville, resides a Dutch Colonial-style home with a dark history. Dubbed the Amityville house, this residence was the site of a mass murder in 1974. Given its past and the rumored dark energy that some believe inhabit it, the real Amityville house has fascinated skeptics and paranormal enthusiasts alike for years.

In fact, the story of the Amityville horror has inspired countless films and series over the past 4 decades. Keep reading for more on the real Amityville house, the Amityville horror house featured on screen and a closer look at the DeFeo murders.

Where Is the Amityville Horror House?

The real Amityville house is located in a small town in Amityville, Long Island. The house used in the 1979 movie, however, is located in Toms River, New Jersey. More details on both houses are below!

Amityville Horror House Address

The production for the 1979 movie The Amityville Horror wasn’t actually filmed at the real life Amityville house. The scenes of the home were actually shot at another residence located at 18 Brooks Rd, Toms River, NJ 08753.

So, where is the real Amityville house? It’s located at 112 Ocean Avenue, Amityville, Long Island, NY 11701. However, the street number has been changed to 108 Ocean Avenue, Amityville in order to reduce interest in the home.

The Real Amityville House – “Is the Amityville house still standing?”

Many interested in the story of the Amityville horror often ask, “Is the Amityville house still standing?”

Yes, the real life Amityville house is a 5-bedroom, 3 bathroom home in Amityville, Long Island. If it weren’t for its gruesome past, the 3,600 square foot property could easily be considered prime real estate. Much like its movie counterpart, the Amityville house is located along the waterfront and features its own boat dock.

The 1922 Dutch colonial also features a basement, fireplace, boathouse, and 2 decks (one of which has a view of the water). Older photos indicate that the home also featured a wet bar, but there’s no way of knowing if this is still the case now.

Amityville Horror House Today

The home on Ocean Ave that was the site of so much death looks quite different than it did years ago. In an attempt to distance it from the DeFeo murders, the home was given a different house number and extensive renovations.

The darker shingle siding was swapped for lighter colors, while the creepy little top windows were removed.

While there has been a lot of work done on the home, there are still areas of the residence that haven’t changed much since the 1970s. The living room, for example, still looks creepily similar to what it looked like when the DeFeo’s lived there.

The dining room has a new chandelier, but still features a red wallpaper very similar to the original. There aren’t any modern images of the upper levels in the home – likely because this was where the murders were committed.  

Does Anyone Live in the Amityville house?

Yes! The home was purchased in 2017 for $605,000 and it appears to have remained off the market since. The Amityville house has actually had many residents since the Lutz family left the home.

Amityville Horror Real House – Where The Movie Was Filmed

The Amityville horror house today (aka where the movie was filmed) is actually a beautiful 4-bedroom, 4 bathroom home in Toms River, NJ. Built in 1920, the colonial-style home sits on nearly half an acre and boasts a gorgeous view of the neighboring river.

Much of the riverfront home’s interior is Victorian-inspired – with lots of posh chandeliers, crown molding, and gold accents throughout. Modern amenities to the 3,370 square foot home include a 7-seat theater, swimming pool, outdoor kitchen, and boat dock.

Despite being the face of a terrifyingly haunted house of horrors on film, the place is actually pretty amazing in reality. According to property records, the home was last sold in 2013 for $350,000. Presently, it’s estimated to be worth $1.15 million.

Amityville House History

Long before it became the site of a mass murder, the Amityville house was actually the dream home of John and Catherine Moynahan. The couple had the home built in 1924 and resided in the Dutch colonial for many years.

In 1965, the descendants of Catherine and John finally sold the home. The buyers? A relatively normal-looking family that recently relocated from Brooklyn to Long Island – the DeFeo’s.

The Amityville Horror True Story

While there’s no definitive way to determine if the Lutz’s ghost story that inspired the films is true, the mass murders that prefaced the alleged Amityville hauntings were very real. On the night of November 13, 1974, Ronald DeFeo Jr killed his mother, father, 2 sisters, and 2 brothers in their family home.

His weapon of choice? A .35 caliber lever action Marlin 336C. After committing the murders at around 3am, Ronald returned to the bar he had been earlier that evening in a frantic state. “You got to help me! I think my mother and father are shot!” he screamed.

Some patrons followed him back to the home and found the bodies of DeFeo’s family, all shot and lying face-down in their beds.

It was fairly clear to investigators early on that there were some facts about the case that didn’t add up. For starters, there were zero signs of a struggle taking place with the victims. It was also found that Ronald’s alibi of being at the bar around the time of the DeFeo murders fell through.

Ronald went on to change his telling of events several times and even tried to claim his family had been murdered by a mob hitman. Finally, out of stories to tell, Ronald DeFeo confessed to murdering his entire family. He was convicted on 6 counts of second-degree murder and sentenced to 6 back-to-back sentences of 25 years to life.

Did Ronald DeFeo Have an Accomplice?

Up until his death on March 12, 2021, Ronald DeFeo continued to tell different versions of what happened on that night in 1974. In one version of events, DeFeo said that it was in fact himself, his sister Dawn, and a friend that committed the murders.

He claimed that Dawn had talked him into just murdering their parents. After doing so, however, Ronald says that he left the home to pursue their friend who had fled the scene. While he was gone, Dawn also murdered the children as a means to silence them. Upon returning, Ronald fought with Dawn and then ended up shooting her as well.

Later on, Ronald would change his story again and say he didn’t kill his family, but that Dawn had actually committed all the murders. At one point, DeFeo even stated that a demon had made him do it. While there were reports that Dawn did have unburned gunpowder on her nightgown, there’s no solid evidence to suggest she had a part in the murders.

To this day, there is still much debate as to whether or not Ronald had an accomplice that helped him commit the murders.

How Many People Died in the Amityville House?

Six of the DeFeo family members were murdered in the Amityville house. Ronald DeFeo Jr shot his parents: Ronald DeFeo Sr. (43) and Louise DeFeo (43) as well as his siblings Dawn (18), Allison (13), Marc (12), and John Matthew (9).

At one time, there were rumors of a 7 th victim due to a strange crime scene photo found in the case files. This photo depicted a woman with similar fatal injuries sustained by the DeFeo family members. One issue, however, was that the bedroom where this victim was located didn’t match any room in the Amityville house.

Upon further investigation, it was discovered that the photo had been from a separate crime scene. It had accidentally been misplaced in DeFeo’s file.

Amityville Haunted House

Much of the paranormal happenings that allegedly took place in the real life Amityville house were reported by the Lutz family. George and Kathy Lutz purchased the home, dirt cheap, less than a year after the horrific murders took place.

Only days after they moved into the house, the Lutz family reportedly began experiencing strange occurrences. Phantom smells, unusual noises, and slamming doors kept the family in a constant state of unease. The paranormal activity escalated and seemed to become threatening fast. Some additional claims from the family included:

• Slimy green substance oozing from the keyholes and walls of the home.
• Cold spots throughout various parts of the house.
• A disembodied voice screaming “Get Out!” to a priest who came to bless the home.
• The sound of a knife being tapped on surfaces in the kitchen.
• George and son Daniel witnessing a pig-like entity with red eyes in one of the windows.
• George witnessing his wife Kathy and 2 sons levitating from their beds.

The Lutz family only lived in the Dutch Colonial for 28 days before fleeing the home, leaving all their belongings behind. Following the alleged events that the Lutz endured in the Amityville house, they went on to collaborate with author Jay Anson to develop the book The Amityville Horror .

The work was created using roughly 45 hours of audio recorded from George and Kathy Lutz. It was published in 1977 and went on to inspire a plethora of films. It’s first, and most memorable, film adaptation being the 1979 horror flick The Amityville Horror starring James Brolin and Margot Kidder as the Lutz.

Amityville House Controversy

After the story of the Amityville horror house went public, many questioned the validity of the Lutz’s claims. Given their financial struggles, there were those that believed the couple crafted the story as a means to make money.

In 1979, William Weber, Ronald DeFeo’s former attorney, claimed he and the couple concocted the story during an evening of drinking. At the time, however, Weber had had a falling out with George and Kathy over money. Additionally, the priest – who appeared in the book – reportedly denied the activity he was said to have experienced in the story.

Though the couple did admit that parts of the book were embellished (like the green slime) they stood by their story. As a means to add validity to their word, the Lutz’s even underwent a lie detector test – and passed. George and Kathy separated in 1989 and are both now deceased.

George passed away from heart disease in 2006 and Kathy died of emphysema in 2004. The Lutz’s children have mostly avoided the limelight throughout the years, especially daughter Missy. Their sons, Christopher and Daniel, have both stated that the events at the Amityville house did happen.

Christopher, however, did admit that the hauntings depicted in the book were greatly embellished. 

Ed and Lorraine Warren

Famed paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren were one of the first to actually investigate the Amityville hauntings. In a 2013 interview with Yahoo Movies, Lorraine found it difficult to speak on the events that took place there.

Additionally, she also admitted she would never enter the Amityville house again. Following their extensive investigation of the home, both Ed and Lorraine agreed the hauntings were not a hoax.

If you’ve ever watched The Conjuring 2 (2016), the events at the start of the film were allegedly inspired by their experiences at the Amityville house.

https://www.biography.com/news/ the-real-amityville-horror-facts

https://nypost.com/2021/03/15/inside-the-amityville-horror-house-today-long-islands-most-notorious-mansion/

https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2021/03/16/george-and-kathy-lutz/

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/18-Brooks-Rd-Toms-River-NJ-08753/39591175_zpid/

http://www.thennowmovielocations.com/2019/06/the-amityville-horror-1979.html

https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/108-Ocean-Ave_Amityville_NY_11701_M30114-03781#photo0

https://www.historyvshollywood.com/reelfaces/real-amityville-horror-house.php

https://amityvillemurders.com/the-defeos/crime-scene.html/nggallery/page/3

https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/blogs/movie-talk/ghost-hunter-lorraine-warren-tells-us-one-haunted-050927065.html

.css-16urd06{margin:0;font-family:Roboto,sans-serif;font-weight:400;font-size:1rem;line-height:1.5;} .css-1eo6nkc{color:rgb(0, 0, 238);font-size:24px;-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;cursor:pointer;} Sarah Paschall

Sarah has written and edited for numerous media outlets in a variety of different niches – though entertainment is her all-time favorite topic to cover. When she is not hard at work researching and writing about Hollywood’s top talents for Velvet Ropes, Sarah enjoys working on her fiction novels, developing her blog, and gaming. You can follow Sarah on Twitter at: Twitter.com/tuspock91

Recommended

The real story behind the infamous amityville horror house.

• View Author Archive
• Get author RSS feed

Thanks for contacting us. We've received your submission.

It’s been more than 45 years since George and Kathy Lutz fled their house in Amityville, Long Island, claiming it was haunted by evil spirits.

The couple’s terrifying tale of demonic possession inspired the 1977 book “ The Amityville Horror ,” a hit 1979 movie of the same name and several sequels, including a 2005 remake.

Though their story is now widely thought of as a hoax, the Lutz’s so-called horror house continues to fascinate the public.

The three-story colonial  — its original address was 112 Ocean Ave. but was changed to 108 to deter tourists — was the site of a brutal slaughter.

Ronald DeFeo Jr. then 23, gunned down his parents and four siblings there on November 13, 1974. The notorious killer died behind bars on March 12 at 69.

In December 1975, a month after DeFeo was convicted of the murders, the Lutz couple and their three young kids moved into the house, which they had reportedly snatched for $80,000.

The day they moved, the couple had a priest bless the house. But George claimed the holy man felt an unseen hand slap him in the sewing room and heard a voice say “Get out.”

Soon after, the couple said they began noticing odd things around the house, such as doors being ripped from hinges, cabinets slamming shut and slime oozing from the ceilings.

“There were … odors in the house that came and went,” George told ABC News in 2006 . “There were sounds. The front door would slam shut in the middle of the night…. I couldn’t get warm in the house for many days.”

He claimed that he would mysteriously wake up at 3:15 a.m. nearly every day — around the same time the DeFeo murders were believed to have happened.

At times, his wife was physically transformed into an old woman and once levitated, George said. One night, he heard his children’s beds “slamming up and down on the floor” but claimed he couldn’t do anything because an invisible force was paralyzing him.

The family moved out after 28 days, reportedly leaving their possessions behind, including clothes in their closets and food in the fridge.

Two months later, a local TV crew did a segment on the house, bringing in so-called “ghost hunters” and paranormal experts to evaluate the couple’s claims.

“It was like a psychic slumber party,” reporter Laura Didio recalled to ABC.

The team took several photos inside, including a now-infamous image apparently showing a “ghost boy” peering out from one of the bedrooms. The psychics agreed that there was some kind of demonic force present in the house.

The Lutzes later collaborated with author Jay Anson for his best-selling book. The family has said they never signed a contract with Anson, and that the tome and successful film spin-off netted them $300,000.

Many people expressed doubts about their horror story, which fell under even more scrutiny after DeFeo’s defense attorney, William Weber, admitted he and the couple came up with the tale over several bottles of wine.

“We took real-life incidents and transposed them,” Weber reportedly said on the TV program “A Current Affair” in May 1988. “In other words, it was a hoax.”

Still, George, who died in 2006, maintained that the story was the real deal, telling ABC, “I can just say what I experienced.”

His son Daniel Lutz, who was 10 at the time, has said that George invited mysterious and dangerous forces into their lives due to his interest in the occult.

The Queens resident recounted his side of the story in the 2013 documentary “My Amityville Horror.”

George’s stepson, Christopher Quaratino, who was 7 when he lived in the house, came forward in 2005 to say that events in “The Amityville Horror” books and movies had been stretched to the point of fiction.

Quaratino also said that George was obsessed with the occult and had exaggerated some paranormal incidents he believes did occur when he was a child.

“He’s a professional showman, in my opinion,” Quaratino said. “I just feel as though we’re being exploited.”

The notorious house has passed through the hands of several owners since the Lutzes lived there — and no one else has reported any spooky happenings.

Share this article:

Advertisement

Tour 10 Spooky Haunted Houses, Including Amityville, the Black Dahlia Murder House and More

With spooky season in full swing as Halloween draws closer, fans of the macabre might be wondering [...]

By Anna Rumer - October 21, 2022 11:11 am EDT

It's officially spooky season, and as Halloween draws closer every day, fans of the darker side of life might be thinking about what life would be like in a real-life haunted house. In fact, 33% of people surveyed by Realtor.com responded that they would buy a house that had a reputation for haunting. Luckily for them, there are plenty of homes with dark pasts either recently or currently up for grabs on the market.  TopTenRealEstateDeals.com put together a list of 10 of the most terrifying homes with horrifying histories for the bravest buyers — keep scrolling to see photos and read more about these properties' pasts.

'The Silence of the Lambs' Home

The Silence of the Lambs fans will definitely recognize this Princess Anne home, located in Perryopolis, Pennsylvania. The stunning Victorian was home to serial killer Buffalo Bill in the Oscar-winning 1991 film, but in real life sits on almost two acres of land and features an in-ground pool and vintage caboose used as a pool house. Jodie Foster fans can pick up the home for the $298,500 asking price. Sister agents Eileen Allan and Shannon Assad of Berkshire Hathaway, The Preferred Realty in Wexford, Pennsylvania hold the listing.

Lizzie Borden's House

While it might not be the house in which Lizzie Borden is believed to have given her father and stepmother "40 whacks" with an ax in 1892, this Fall River, Massachusetts, house was home to the infamous woman following her acquittal in the murder case until her death in 1927. Measuring 3,935 square feet, the seven-bedroom, four-bath home is being sold fully furnished in period-appropriate furniture for the time in which Borden called the Queen Ann Victorian home for $890,000. It is listed by Suzanne St. John of Century 21 The Seyboth Team, Glocester, Rhode Island.

The Black Dahlia Murder House

The murder and dismemberment of Elizabeth Short remains one of Hollywood's most disturbing unsolved mysteries of the last century. There's been no closure in the brutal Black Dahlia murder, but there has long been speculation that Los Angeles doctor George Hodel was the person who killed Short, with her unusual mutilation pointing to someone with surgical skill. Hodel's home, which was recently on the market for $4.7 million, was crafted by Lloyd Wright and renovated previously for $2 million to bring it back to its original glamour. You might be able to catch a peek of the home in episodes of Ghost Hunters and Paranormal America , as well as in the background for a number of movies.

The Gardette-LePretre Haunted Mansion

The Gardette-LePretre Mansion, known to New Orleans locals as the Sultan's House, has been the talk of the town since it was built in the 1830s. As the story goes, as neighbors were walking by the home one morning, they saw blood trickling from under the door. When police eventually broke into the home, they found everyone within had been murdered with swords or axes, while the Sultan had been mutilated and buried alive in the backyard. While his brother, the real Sultan, was suspected as the murderer, seeking revenge for the theft of his fortune and wives, the story has taken on a life of its own over the years. Today, the French Quarter-style home — complete with nine bedrooms and 10 baths — sits just a block from Bourbon Street, and was most recently on the market for $2.65 million.

Colorado Ghost Town

A haunted house is one thing, but an entire ghost town? That's the case when it comes to Uptop, Colorado, once a tourist destination for its railway, advertised as the "Railroad Above the Clouds." Lumber companies moved into the town soon after, and the Chapel-by-the-Wayside was constructed in 1930 to serve the burgeoning community. While the town was a major destination for miners, railroad workers and lumberjacks over the years, when the new highway system was built bypassing the town in the 1960s, the town was completely abandoned. In 2014, the whole town was put on the market for $2 million, including the train depot, dance hall, saloon and chapel, and has been restored by two sisters out of Boston.

Arizona Boulder People

A dream home for mystery lovers sits in the Arizona desert, where an ancient pile of rocks has UFO enthusiasts convinced it is sending a message to another world. When a young couple moved into their home next to the pile of rocks, which experts have dated back as far as 1,000 years, they were shocked to see what happened to their home during the spring and fall equinoxes. A 6-in. wide beam of light that starts in the glass places between two boulders and works its way across the floor and up the wall to a 36-in. spiral petroglyph, which lights up when the sun hits its mark. While some people think the rock pile is sending a signal to outer space to guide alien ships, it's clear that the people who first lived in the area put special significance on the spot. The Boulder House, which was most recently listed for sale at $4.2 million, sits on nine acres and has three bedrooms and two baths.

Haunted Magnolia Mansion

Looking for a ghoulish encounter with a friendly spirit? The Magnolia Mansion in New Orleans is a perfect place to meet a ghost with a sense of humor, where there are reports of ghostly children who tease guests by moving around thing during the night. There are also reports of a ghostly maid who will tuck you in at night, a child who walks the halls and a bearded man who spends his afterlife downstairs. At 13,300 square feet, the 13-bedroom Greek Revival mansion was most recently for sale at $3.2 million.

Thousand Islands Haunted Mansion

This haunted house needs a little TLC! The Thousand Islands Haunted Mansion was once one of the most stunning structures in all of New York when it was built in 1895 for the president of Remington Arms and Typewriter Company. Known also as the Carleton Manor, the dilapidated mansion now sits on almost seven acres surrounded by close to 1,000 ft. of waterfront. For just $495,000, any buyer looking for a few ghost housemates could restore a piece of history.

Amityville Horror House

The real Amityville Horror house has historically not been a happy home for its owners. In 1974, Ronald DeFeo got up in the middle of the night to murder his parents and four siblings with a rifle in their sleep, and just a year later, the Lutz family was forced to leave their new home due to horrifying paranormal activity in the New York house. The 5,000-square-foot house that has sparked a number of horror films has been extensively remodeled since then, and most recently sold in 2017 for just $605,000.

World's Biggest Ghost House

The massive 110-room Lynnewood Hall in Pennsylvania is still home to the tragedies that struck the A.B. Widener family that built the manor. The beginning of the end of the largest remaining example of Neoclassical Revival architecture from the Gilded Age came with the sinking of the Titanic in 1912. Widener had invested in the White Star Line alongside J.P. Morgan, but was consumed with grief when his son and grandson were killed in the sinking of its flagship on its maiden voyage. Three years after the tragedy, Widener died in his grand mansion, where he is said to remain as a ghost alongside his late son and grandson. Lynnewood Hall was listed at $20 million in 2014 and dropped to $16.5 million in 2015, but remains on the market to this day.

Get Set for a Spooky Summer as Halloween Horror Nights Starts Earlier Than Ever

The annual genre event will feature ten scream-worthy haunted houses.

The Big Picture

• Horror fans rejoice! Halloween Horror Nights is back early in 2024 at Universal Orlando with 48 nights of terror and ten haunted houses.
• From classic Universal Monsters to modern hits like Blumhouse films, this year's haunted houses will cater to every horror movie lover's taste.
• Mark your calendars for select nights from August 30- November 3, get your tickets early, and prepare for a spooky good time filled with scares, merchandise, and food.

For horror fans, Halloween is a year-long event and there’s never a bad time to watch our favorite blood-soaked genre films. It’s never too early to celebrate the scare-tastic holiday. In years past, the mecca of Halloween parties was Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights . Now It’s just been announced that the horror-centric theme park is coming back to Universal Orlando sooner than expected to kick off Halloween 2024 in grand spooky fashion.

This year’s Halloween Horror Nights will be terrifying Universal on select nights from August 30- November 3 . Those nights are August 30-September 1, September 4-8, September 11-15, September 18-22, September 25-29, October 2-6, October 9-13, October 16-20, October 23-27, and October 30-November 3. That’s 48 total nights of dread . The park will feature ten movie-like haunted houses with a mix of horror’s most popular brands and characters alongside original nightmares that are bound to keep attendees shivering for weeks. Scare Zones will also be returning, which fill the attraction's haunting streets with hundreds of frightening monsters. There’s never a dull moment at Horror Nights, but at least the various franchise-themed merchandise and scary-good food and drinks will once again give people some much-needed comfort.

You’re in for a Scare From Horror's Past and Present

While horror fans don’t know what haunted houses will feature this year yet, in the past, Universal has done a great job with their haunting variety. Whether it be something classic like the Universal Monsters or something more modern like Blumhouse’s extensive catalog of titles, there is something scream-worthy for every type of horror movie lover. Last year , some of the best houses celebrated The Last of Us , Chucky , and Stranger Things Season 4. 2024 has already been filled with a ton of wonderful horror movies. Universal released Night Swim earlier this year, and they have Abigail , a new take on Dracula’s Daughter , biting its way to theaters later this month. Either one of those would be a fine choice for a haunted house, but this would also be a great time to highlight smaller films like Lisa Frankenstein , Immaculate , and Late Night With the Devil that have become instant cult classics for those who bravely watched them. There’s still a lot of compelling horror to come, like A Quiet Place: Day One , MaXXXine , and Longlegs . So it’ll be interesting to see what new films this year will be highlighted and what icons will be creeping out of the vault.

Single day tickets are on sale now on Universal Orlando’s website and Halloween Horror Nights will be included in a seven-day vacation package. Upgrades, featuring late night RIP Tours and behind-the-scenes tours are also advisable for purchase. Horror Nights will be coming to Universal Hollywood as well . There will be more information in the coming months as we get closer to the spooky season.