The house central to The Conjuring is a preserved farmhouse in Harrisville, New Hampshire, used as the primary on-location set to depict the Perron family home. Built in the early 19th century, the property is maintained as a historic house museum and is not an active private residence. This guide explains the house’s role in the film, its real history, visitor information, and answers common questions about ownership, access, and preservation.
What Is the Conjuring House
The Conjuring house is the farmhouse in Harrisville, New Hampshire, chosen to represent the haunted home of the Perron family in the 2013 horror film. Production designers and location managers selected the property for its period-appropriate architecture and rural setting, which helped ground the supernatural story in a tangible, real-world environment. The house functions as a carefully preserved building that reflects early 1800s rural New England construction, rather than a purpose-built movie set. Understanding it as both a historic structure and a cinematic symbol is essential for separating fact from fiction in enduring audience questions.
Role in The Conjuring films
In The Conjuring, the house serves as the primary location where the Perron family experiences escalating paranormal events. Its rooms, staircases, and exterior grounds were used extensively for key scenes, including investigations by paranormal researchers and moments of intense supernatural confrontation. While the film dramatizes events for storytelling purposes, the physical space remains a farmhouse with a documented 19th century provenance. The contrast between its ordinary rural appearance and the extraordinary events depicted on screen contributes to the story’s lasting impact.
Location and Background
The house is located in Harrisville, New Hampshire, a rural town in the southwestern part of the state. It was constructed in the early 19th century as a farmhouse, reflecting the vernacular architecture and modest living conditions of the period. The property remained in private hands for generations before being acquired for preservation. Its selection for the film balanced historical authenticity with visual suitability, allowing production teams to stage complex scenes within real, period-appropriate interiors.
History and construction era
The farmhouse was built in the early 1800s, during a time when small New England farms relied on timber framing, local materials, and practical floor plans. Construction methods included hand-hewn beams and locally milled wood, techniques common to the region. The house remained in use as a residence and working farm for much of its history, undergoing gradual updates while retaining much of its original fabric. These layers of change are visible in its architecture and are an important part of its historic value.
Property History and Timeline
The house’s documented history spans more than a century, with records tracing ownership, structural modifications, and community use. Its transition from private farmstead to publicly accessible historic site involved careful stewardship and community support. The timeline below summarizes key milestones that shaped the property’s present condition and its later use in cinema.
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Early 1800s | Construction of the farmhouse | Establishes period-accurate architecture and original use |
| Mid-20th century | Transition from active farm to preserved property | Signals shift from private residence to historic stewardship |
| 2008 | sceneries were documented and stabilized, sceneries repurposed as a museumFormal preservation ensures public access and historical interpretation | |
| 2012–2013 | Filming of The Conjuring on location | Brings wider recognition while maintaining the building’s historic integrity |
| 2010s–present | Ongoing maintenance and public programming as a historic house museum | Sustains community engagement and long-term preservation |
Visiting and Public Access
Today, the house operates as a historic house museum, with access determined by the managing institution. Visits are typically available through guided tours that highlight the building’s history, architectural features, and period furnishings. Because the site is a preserved historic structure rather than a private home, tours focus on its material history and role in local heritage. Seasonal hours, event programming, and any temporary access restrictions are published by the site’s official channels.
Practical visitor information
- Check the official museum or historic site website for current hours, ticket pricing, and tour schedules.
- Photography policies vary; some interior areas may have restrictions to protect finishes and artifacts.
- Accessibility features should be confirmed in advance, as historic properties may have limited mobility access.
- Special events, such as historical tours or themed programs, may be offered seasonally.
Common Questions and Answers
Many questions about the Conjuring house arise from its prominent role in the film and public interest in haunted locations. Addressing these points with verifiable context helps clarify what is known and what remains part of popular speculation. The answers below focus on factual details and documented status rather than unverified claims.
Is the house open to the public
Yes, when it is operated as a historic house museum, the property is open to the public on a scheduled basis. Hours and availability depend on the managing institution and season. Visitors should check the official website or contact local tourism offices for the most current information.
Who owns the property today
Ownership is held by a preservation-minded institution or local entity responsible for maintaining the site as a historic resource. Private ownership has transitioned to public stewardship to ensure ongoing conservation and appropriate interpretation. Specific ownership details are confirmed through local land records and the site’s official information.
Can you film movies there now
Film and photography permissions are managed by the site administration and may require special approval. While the house’s association with The Conjuring makes it a recognizable location, ongoing use prioritizes preservation and public access. Any proposed production must comply with local regulations and conservation standards.
Are there tours focused on the movie
Some tours address the house’s connection to The Conjuring within the context of its historic narrative. These tours typically balance film-related details with the building’s authentic history and material fabric. Visitors seeking movie-focused content should look for programs that explicitly reference the production while honoring the site’s primary preservation mission.
Preservation and Interpretation
Preserving the house involves ongoing maintenance, structural monitoring, and careful management of materials vulnerable to environmental wear. Interpretive programming helps visitors understand both the historic reality of the site and its later cultural resonance through film. This dual focus supports long-term stewardship while allowing the property to serve educational and public engagement goals.
How the site balances film legacy and history
Interpretation frames The Conjuring within the broader story of the building’s use, craftsmanship, and community significance. Exhibits and tours acknowledge the film while emphasizing verified historical details, architectural features, and period context. This approach respects both popular interest and the responsibilities of historic preservation.
Status and Credibility
The house’s status as a preserved historic property is documented through local records, conservation agreements, and ongoing site management. Its use in The Conjuring is a well-established production fact, and the building continues to be maintained as a place of public historical engagement. Claims about its condition, ownership, and access should be checked against authoritative sources such as the managing institution or municipal land records.
Separating verified facts from speculation
While the house is popularly associated with haunted narratives, credible information focuses on its material history, architectural significance, and role in the film. Unverified claims should be evaluated against official documentation and expert interpretation. Prioritizing factual sources ensures a reliable understanding of what the site is and what it represents.