I clearly recall seeing the movie, Stepmom, when it was first released in 1998. I saw it with a close friend and bawled my eyes out during one of the final scenes because it touched me on such a personal level. I too lost my mother at a very young age and wish I had had the opportunity to say goodbye to her, like the kids in the film. Yes, "Stepmom" is a tearjerker. However, it also contains a great deal of cleverly written, snarky humor, which I found very funny. The whole film is so perfectly balanced as a drama/comedy/romance.
Another thing I recall about the film was how I fell in love with the house that the character Susan Sarandon portrayed, lived in.
Now, I'm not normally a house-person because I've lived in studio apartments most of my life. I actually prefer smaller spaces and have never wanted to own a home. And yet, every so often I will spot a house and think, "Oh my god, I could soooo live there!" For as large as the house was in "Stepmom," it had such a warm, cozy energy that looked as though it could spoon cuddle you. I instantly felt the desire to walk inside the house; grab myself a cup of herbal tea or a glass of red wine; and sit by the fireplace wrapped in a blanket. It's exactly the kind of house that I would love to fall asleep in on a cold autumn or winter night because I sense that I'd sleep deeply and peacefully.
The exterior of the house in the film was a real house, so all the scenes shot outside were on-location. However, all the interior scenes were shot on a soundstage and made to duplicate the interior of the actual house. Films will often do that because they have more control over the lighting and spacing.
The Victorian-style house (measuring 5,239 square feet) is named Glenholme, and is located in the quaint village of Nyack, New York.
And get this, the house went on the market in 2019 for $3.75 million and sold this year for $3.2 million.
Shit, I missed my chance. I was hoping to use my income tax refund from this year to buy the house. LOL!
If you've never seen the film, I highly recommend it. Especially at this time of year because much of the story takes place during the holidays. In addition, it has three of my favorite actresses/actors: Susan Sarandon, Julia Roberts, and Ed Harris. Last weekend I watched it again and realized how timeless it was.
Today I would like to share photographs of the house. Some of these photos are from the film, others are simply the house as it stands today. I also tried to give you a sense of what it looks like at different times of the day, and year.
Please enjoy, my dream house...
What did I tell you, isn't it a dream house?...
Wishing you a dreamy, cozy rest of your week, y'all 💗
*If you have one, please free to share your dream house!
I will look for this movie!! I can see why you'd fall in love with the charm of this house. It's warm, friendly, and perfection. For the exterior I really like the 2nd image from the top. For interior, gimme a room like where Susan is sitting in a chair and the window is behind her.
ReplyDeleteI know you didn't ask, but my dream home is on the west coast on a cliff with the blue Pacific coast as my view from all glass walls each evening! Oh, and no other houses around for miles!!
http://hootin--anni.blogspot.com
Gorgeous home! I bet it’s magnificent and different looking in every season. Those old homes are timeless, aren’t they? The woodwork is beautiful inside and the kitchen still looks up to date, even 23 years after filming. I could get lost in all the nooks and crannies.
ReplyDeleteThere’s a house I walk by in a nearby metropark that sits back in the woods that I adore. Modern with floor to ceiling windows. It’s part ski lodge, part winery in its style. I love it! The downside is people walking by, like me…….lol!
Have a great rest of your week! XO
Good morning, Anni!
ReplyDeleteYES!!! Isn't that room where Susan is sitting in a chair with the window behind her faaaaabulous? That's why I love this house so much, it has all these cozy little nooks and crannies that make you want to cuddle up with a cup of tea/glass of wine and just relax.
"I know you didn't ask, but my dream home is on the west coast on a cliff with the blue Pacific coast as my view from all glass walls each evening! Oh, and no other houses around for miles!!"
Oooooooooooooo....that sounds AWESOME! I spent some time ( a summer) on the west coast years ago and really loved the whole look of Pacific coastline. Gorgeous!
And thank you for mentioning asking about other people's dream homes because I will add that to the bottom of this post. Great suggestion!
Thanks so much for stopping by, Anni! Have a great rest of your week!
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" I bet it’s magnificent and different looking in every season."
ReplyDeleteYes, and that's why I tried to find images from slightly different times of the year because the house looks gorgeous in all settings.
"The woodwork is beautiful inside and the kitchen still looks up to date, even 23 years after filming. I could get lost in all the nooks and crannies."
Isn't the woodwork stunning? And I thought the EXACT same thing -- I could get completely lost in all the nooks and crannies!
"There’s a house I walk by in a nearby metropark that sits back in the woods that I adore. Modern with floor to ceiling windows. It’s part ski lodge, part winery in its style. I love it! The downside is people walking by, like me……"
Oooooooooo....that sounds incredible! Especially the winery part! It's funny because when I was a kid, my favorite thing about going trick or treating at Halloween was looking inside people's homes and seeing they layout. I was such a little snoop! LOL!
Have a great rest of your week too, my friend. And thanks for stopping by!
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I'm with you Ron, this house is so dreamy! And I love everything about it. The photos you shared a just beautiful. Being a fan of fall/autumn, I really like the ones with the fallen leaves. Cozy is right, I'd just want to cuddle up in a chair by the fire with a good book and relax. I saw this movie many years ago and remember the ending and how touching it was. I cried too. And what a cast! I wish Ed Harris did more films. You don't see much of him anymore.
ReplyDelete"Shit, I missed my chance. I was hoping to use my income tax refund from this year to buy the house." LOL!!!!!
My favorite dream homes have always been older homes. I like older architecture and houses that look as though they've been lived in with a long history.
Hey there, Candice!
ReplyDeleteMe too, my faves are the fall/autumn ones. They look so dang COZY!
I agree, what ever happened to Ed Harris? I can't even remember the last movie I saw him in. He's such a great actor, and very diverse. I loved him with Jessica Lange in "Sweet Dreams."
I know, isn't the ending of "Stepmom" such a tearjerker? And it hit me very hard because I could so identify with it. My friend and I sat in the movie theater until the movie credits were over because I had to calm down, I cried so hard.
I feel the same about homes, I love older ones. Here in Philadelphia we have a lot of older homes with some of the most stunning architecture. That's one of the things I enjoy about living in the northeast, the history.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Candice! Have an awesome rest of your week!
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Oh, wow, what a gorgeous house! No wonder you fell in love with it, Ron. I love its architecture; what I'd hate is the expense ... and having to have servants because I could never keep a place that big as clean as I'd like.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it funny how we've grown up with the idea of having a HUGE home some day, when really, most of us probably never will be able to afford something like that. I suppose what's really important is having a SPACE where we feel safe and comforted, no matter whether that space is large or small. Any place where we feel love is ideal.
I love the wrap-around porch, the wooden footbridge, and the views. All that water! My notion of a dream home changes, but I still want a place near water. Not in a hurricane zone, but maybe a lake or river. Lovely post, my friend. xx
Wow, Ron, I've never seen Stepmom, but I can certainly see why you love that house! It's beautiful! And it's on the water to boot!
ReplyDeleteIt seems like the kind of place that would be great for all the holidays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and especially Halloween. (Although I'm sure all the ghosts would be very friendly.)
I don't watch the show Blue Bloods, but the family's home that appears in the opening credits is in my neighborhood and it's a beauty.
I live about 90 minutes from Nyack so the next time I'm there I'll have to look for Ronnie's Dream House.
And don't give up on your dream. All you have to do is write the screenplay for Stepmom 2 and rake in the money!
Take care, buddy!
Hey there, Debbie!
ReplyDeleteIsn't GORGEOUS?? And like I said, I don't normally find myself thinking about owning home, but this one is the exception.
" I love its architecture; what I'd hate is the expense ... and having to have servants because I could never keep a place that big as clean as I'd like."
HA! Meeeeee too! Can you imagine the upkeep on that house, keeping it clean? And can you imagine mowing that huge lawn?!? That's why I love living in studio apartments, they are quick and easy to take care of.
I LOVE what you said here, because it's sooooooooooo true!
" I suppose what's really important is having a SPACE where we feel safe and comforted, no matter whether that space is large or small. Any place where we feel love is ideal."
You got it! And my sentiments exactly. My father was in the real estate business and sold homes for much of his life, and even he preferred living in a home that was manageable and not too big. He liked simple. I do too.
Isn't the wrap-around porch divine? And the views as well. And I love that it's on the water. I'm like you, I don't ever want to live in a hurricane zone again, but a lake or a river is perfect.
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have an awesome rest of your week!
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Hi there, Rob!
ReplyDeleteYes, don't you LOVE that it's on the water?!?! I love the whole property.
"It seems like the kind of place that would be great for all the holidays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and especially Halloween. (Although I'm sure all the ghosts would be very friendly.)"
HAHAHAHAHA! And I agree...it's kind of place that would be great for all the holidays. And I even think it would be great during the summer months too.
I don't know the show, Blue Bloods, however, I googled it and found an image of the home you mentioned and I can see why you like it. It's beautiful!
I was wondering if you had ever been to Nyack. I had heard of it in the past, but have never been there. The town looks so quaint and cozy. Who knows, maybe one day I'll make it there. Like PA, I love the look of NY rural areas.
Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Have an AWESOME rest of your week!
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Ron, I've not seen this film but plan on looking for it on Netflix. Not only from seeing the photos, but how you described it made me fall in love with the house. It's beautiful! As one of your other readers expressed, I could get lost in all the nooks and crannies. And I just about keeled over when I saw the selling price. YIKES!
ReplyDeleteIsn't Susan Sarandon wonderful? If she is in a film, I will watch it. Have you ever seen her (and Sean Penn) in "Dead Man Walking?" Riveting performances.
My dream house would be somewhere along the New England coastline. I love those big, old historical looking homes.
Thanks for sharing your dream house, Ron. And I can certainly see why!
Hey there, Daniel!
ReplyDelete"Isn't Susan Sarandon wonderful? If she is in a film, I will watch it. Have you ever seen her (and Sean Penn) in "Dead Man Walking?" Riveting performances."
YES to all of that! Will watch any film that Susan Sarandon is in, I don't care what it is. And "Dead Man Walking" was as you said...."riveting performances!" Many years ago, I went to an award ceremony here in Philadelphia at one of our movie theaters and actually MET Susan Sarandon! At the start of the ceremony, they played film clips from all of her most popular films and then after the lights came back up in the theater, she walked onstage and did a Q & A with the audience. I was so in awe of just seeing her in person, that I couldn't muster the courage to ask her a question, I was TOO nervous and star-struck. LOL!
"My dream house would be somewhere along the New England coastline. I love those big, old historical looking homes."
Meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee too! Although I've never been there, the New England coastline beacons me. It's simply gorgeous!
Thanks so much for stopping by, Daniel. Have a most excellent weekend!
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Ron, thank you for sharing that Susan Sarandon story. What a cool experience! I also would have been too nervous and star struck to ask her a question. LOL!
ReplyDeleteI forgot to mention in my previous comment, thanks for sharing the trailer for "Stepmom." I'm going to watch it this weekend if I can find it on Netflix.
Daniel, glad to hear I'm not the only one. If I really admire someone for their talent, I get very nervous if I have to speak. I get all tongue tied. HA!
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed the trailer. Hope you find the film, I think you'll really enjoy it.
First of all, I can't believe that I never saw this film since it has a holiday theme in it and such great actresses too! And you are so right about that house, Ron, It's so amazing and what's a mere $3.2 million price tag., great deal for someone, but way above my means as well, but dreams are free!
ReplyDeleteThis weekend, I am going to see if I can find this movie to view, so BIG thanks for the heads up, my friend!
Hi there, D!
ReplyDeleteI know, whenever I mentioned this film most of people say, "I've never heard of the film?!?!" But I'll tell you, it's one of those films that's a GEM, and one that you can watch over and over. It's a very funny film, but at the same time, very touching and emotional. And it's one that could really relate to on a person level.
Yup, can you BELIEVE the price tag??!? Waaaaaaaaaaay above my means as well. But I would love to rent it for a week during the autumn or winter months.
I watched it on my desktop computer and found it here for FREE: https://www.divicast.com/movie/watch-stepmom-1998-online-free-12182
But I also think you can watch it on Hulu.
I know you'll enjoy it.
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a fantastic rest of your weekend!
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Ron, before I left my comment, I found the film on Hulu and am planning on watching it tonight. Oh my God...that house is amazing! I cannot believe the size of it. And you're right, for as big as it is, it's so cozy and comfy. I love the pictures of the house that look autumny. And the one of the snow fall is beautiful too! I can so see what it's your dream house. It's one that I would find dreamy too. I love Victorian-style homes. And that's one of the things majorly miss about living in Florida, no longer in the northeast, those gorgeous old homes. There is nothing like them.
ReplyDeleteI heard it's getting colder there and I bet you're enjoying the crap out of it, hu? LOL! I would love to have cold snap here, but I don't think it's gonna happen. I miss the colder weather during the holidays.
Have a wonderful weekend, Ron. And thank your for the recommendation. xo
Being from NY, I know where Nyack is located and it's such a gorgeous part New York. Ron, that house is so lovely. You're right, it just begs for you to walk in, grab a glass of wine, and curl up by the fireplace. I would LOVE a kitchen that looked like that. Mine is so small. I've not seen this film, which is mindboggling because I've pretty much seen all Julia Robert's films, or so I thought. I will look for this film on Netflix because it's something both my husband and I would enjoy. Thank you for the recommendation, Ron!
ReplyDeleteOh, and my dream home would be in a small village, somewhere in France. OR, somewhere in Tuscany, Italy. DREAM ON!
Enjoy your weekend, Ron! ox
Hola, Denise!
ReplyDeleteOh, GOOD!!!! I am so glad you found it on Hulu!!! I did some research and found it there too. I actually found it on a free movie site that I use. That's where I found "Halston" as well. I think you will REALLY enjoy the film. Pour yourself a nice glass of wine and enjoy. It's a tearjerker, but it also has a lot of humor in it as well.
" It's one that I would find dreamy too. I love Victorian-style homes. And that's one of the things majorly miss about living in Florida, no longer in the northeast, those gorgeous old homes. There is nothing like them."
I agree! And that's one of the things I love about live back here in the northeast again.
"I heard it's getting colder there and I bet you're enjoying the crap out of it, hu? LOL! I would love to have cold snap here, but I don't think it's gonna happen. I miss the colder weather during the holidays."
Yessssss! It most definitely is getting colder *doing the happy dance*. I had off today and spent most of the day walking around the city, sitting in parks, and taking photographs. The trees are just starting to turn color. I LOVE this time of year, especially after the hideously hot summer we had.
Thanks so much for stopping by, girl. Enjoy your weekend AND the movie!
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Hellooooooooo there, Elaine!
ReplyDeleteYou've been to Nyack? OMG...I am so envious! And it LOOKS gorgeous too! I can't believe that in all the years I lived in the city, I never traveled to that part of NY.
I think you will LOVE this film! I'm a big fan of both Roberts and Sarandon, so it was great seeing them together in a film. They have some hysterical scenes and some heartbreaking scenes together. And the ending is so beautiful. Ed Harris is great too! And so are both the kids.
"Oh, and my dream home would be in a small village, somewhere in France. OR, somewhere in Tuscany, Italy. DREAM ON!"
Oooooooooooooooooooo....they both sound like places that would have some DREAMY houses! GOOD choices!! I would love to go to Tuscany one day and drink wine and eat food until I pass out. LOL!
Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend! Enjoy your weekend too. Loving this weather!!!!
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I haven't seen that movies for years, but remember liking it. And yes, a tear-jerker!
ReplyDeleteThat is a gorgeous house. But I don't think I could deal with that much space to take care of. Maybe a cute scaled-down version of it? It sure is in a beautiful location.
Wasn't it a tear-jerker? There were so many touching moments in the film, particularly towards the end. Cried my eyes out.
ReplyDeleteTrue, the surrounding space is HUGE. Can you imagine taking care of that lawn?!? Oh, but the home is so dang CUTE! It looks like a dolls house. LOL!
Have a fabulous week, my friend. And thanks so much for stopping by!
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"..it had such a warm, cozy energy that looked as though it could spoon cuddle you." Ron, I love how you said that! You're right, it does. Both my girlfriend and I wanted to say that we agree with you, that would be a "dream house" for us as well. I love all the photos, and especially the 3rd one down that looks misty. Goth, right?
ReplyDeleteWe plan on looking for this film. Sounds like the perfect holiday movie.Thanks, dude!
Hiya Matt!
ReplyDelete" Goth, right?" You said it, man! That's probably when people like you and (Goth lovers) love that image!
Hope you find the film because I'm pretty sure you would enjoy it. It's both touching and very humorous.
Thanks so much for stopping by, Matt! Have a most excellent week!
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Wow, what a house!! I can see why you love it. It was nice to see the various rooms/views, but that last one is my favorite. Gorgeous! Eh, I think we'd come up a bit short on the 3.2 mil, too. LOL While studio apartment living would be too small even for just Ron and I even now that the kids are grown... I do love looking at tiny houses just to see how they utilize less space... and I watch YouTube vids of small units in places like Japan and NYC anywhere space is limited. It's neat to see how people live! Bigger houses like this one sure do have the family, and extended family, home for the holidays together type vibe. You can totally picture Christmas there, or a relaxing summer reading on that wonderful porch!
ReplyDeleteI only remember part of the movie. I'm sure I did like it for all the reasons you did, but ..as you mentioned, it's a tearjerker, and I do still have trouble watching certain movies with that terminal illness theme. There's another one around the holidays that I'll catch a little bit of, but ultimately switch channels... The Family Stone. It's quirky, Diane Keaton is the mom, and other well-known cast, but I don't think it needed her to be dying in it, ya know!
That is most definitely a "dreamy" house! I'm not so sure about three floors........but I could totally get into that front porch regardless of the season. The price tag is a bit steep since we're now on a fixed income! X
ReplyDeleteHey there, Lisa!
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty sure that third floor is the attic, rather than another floor of rooms. And I soooooooo agree, the price tag is way out of my league as well.
Isn't the front porch heavenly? And yes, regardless of the season.
Great seeing you, my friend. Thanks so much for stopping by. Hope all is well and that you're enjoying AUTUMN!
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Helloooooooooooo there, Mary!
ReplyDeleteIsn't that last shot GORGEOUS?!?!?! I read online that the house went through a renovation (inside and out) many years after they shot the movie. And you can tell because in the movie, the exterior landscape looked so different. It looks more open now.
"While studio apartment living would be too small even for just Ron and I even now that the kids are grown... I do love looking at tiny houses just to see how they utilize less space... and I watch YouTube vids of small units in places like Japan and NYC anywhere space is limited. It's neat to see how people live!"
Yes, I totally agree with you. Outside of living with my first partner in NYC in a studio apartment, I've lived alone most of my life. He and I were much younger back then, so the studio didn't both us because we had been used to living in a college dorm room together. However now, there is no way I could live in a studio with a partner. The way people live in small spaces in Japan is mind-blowing because they have it down to an art! I think everyone should visit Japan at least once, just to see how they live so minimally, yet have everything they need. And that's how I like to live -- minimal.
Isn't the porch on that house INCREDIBLE? I could sit out there for hours and love it - summer, spring, autumn, and winter.
" The Family Stone. It's quirky, Diane Keaton is the mom, and other well-known cast, but I don't think it needed her to be dying in it, ya know!
YES! I've seen that movie...TWICE, and loved it! Her dying in it was such a shock, wasn't it? I didn't expect it. It's ironic because there are many movies that Diane Keaton (who I ADORE, btw) dies.
Thanks so much for stopping by, neighbor! Hope you're enjoying autumn!
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