Hi, I’m Nathan Derry with JohnHart Real Estate, and if you’ve ever seen Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, you know there’s a lot to love about that movie. But let’s be honest—the real showstopper wasn’t just Ferris skipping school or Cameron’s existential crisis. No, it was that incredible house with the suspended glass garage holding the pièce de résistance: a candy-red 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California.

As a kid, I was torn. Watching that Ferrari crash through the glass garage wall was gut-wrenching. But part of me was equally horrified that such a stunning piece of architecture was used as a backdrop for destruction. What a house! Let’s take a moment to appreciate this cinematic icon that perfectly married mid-century design with heart-pounding drama.

The Cameron Frye House: A Modernist Marvel

The house, which doubled as Cameron Frye’s family home in the movie, is a real architectural gem. Located in Highland Park, Illinois, it consists of two structures: the main house and the iconic glass-enclosed garage where the infamous Ferrari scene took place.

Architectural Details:

• Designed by: A. James Speyer (a protégé of modernist icon Mies van der Rohe).
• Built: 1953.
• Glass Pavilion (Garage): Added in 1974 by architect David Haid.
• Style: International/Modernist architecture, characterized by clean lines, open spaces, and the seamless integration of indoor and outdoor elements.

Fun Trivia About the House

1. It’s Real! While Hollywood is known for constructing sets, the Ferris Bueller house is an actual residence. It’s a prime example of mid-century modern architecture.
2. The Garage Stole the Show: The glass-enclosed pavilion (aka “the garage”) was specifically designed to showcase cars as if they were works of art.
3. The Ferrari Wasn’t Real: That jaw-dropping crash didn’t destroy a genuine Ferrari. The filmmakers used a replica—a fiberglass shell on a Mustang chassis—to pull off the stunt. Phew!
4. On the Market: In 2009, the house went up for sale with an asking price of $2.3 million but didn’t sell until 2014 for $1.06 million.
5. The View: The home’s strategic positioning in a wooded area gives it breathtaking views of the surrounding forest—an integral part of its design.

Why This Home Matters

The Ferris Bueller house is more than just a movie set—it’s an architectural icon that exemplifies how modernist homes can feel both minimal and inviting. Its design wasn’t just functional; it was aspirational, capturing the essence of a lifestyle where art, design, and nature harmoniously coexist.

Homes Tell Stories

Whether it’s a mid-century masterpiece like the Ferris Bueller house or a cozy suburban gem, every home has a story. As a Realtor, I love helping people find homes that match their own unique narratives.

What about you? If you could live in an iconic movie home, which one would it be? Let me know in the comments. And if you’re looking for your own slice of iconic architecture in Los Angeles, give me a call—I’d love to help!

🎥 Cheers to living cinematically,
Nathan Derry
JohnHart Real Estate

📍JohnHart Real Estate

📞(424) 303-0440

📧 nathan@jhagents.com

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