The house featured in The Conjuring (2013) and The Haunting of Hill House (2018) is the historic Turner House, located at 1 Turner Lane in Harrisville, New Hampshire, United States. This Colonial farmhouse was built in 1772 and gained widespread attention after its use in the films, which dramatized reported paranormal events tied to the property and surrounding area. The site is privately owned and functions as a residence, with limited public access. Below are key verified details about the property, its history, and how the location is presented in the films.
Film vs. Real Location: What the Movies Show
The Conjuring presents the house as a rural farmhouse surrounded by woods, reflecting its real appearance and remote hilltop setting in New Hampshire. The TV series The Haunting of Hill House reinterprets the location as a more modern, isolated family home, using interior sets and soundstage work to create its atmospheric interiors. While the on-screen stories treat the house as a site of supernatural occurrences, the real property is a preserved historic farmhouse valued for its period architecture and documented history rather than cinematic horror. Understanding this distinction helps viewers separate dramatization from the actual historic site.
Property History and Architecture
Built in 1772, the farmhouse represents late-18th-century rural construction in New England, with timber framing, a central chimney, and modest interior finishes consistent with tenant farming operations of the era. Later owners expanded the structure in the 19th century, adding lean-to kitchens and additional bedrooms typical of working farmstead adaptations over time. The home was purchased in the early 2000s by the family featured in documentary coverage of the property, who undertook stabilization and maintenance while maintaining its use as a private residence. Ownership transitions and preservation efforts are documented in local records, forming the basis of its historical profile apart from film narratives.
Reported Paranormal Claims and Investigations
Paranormal accounts associated with the property describe phenomena such as unexplained sounds, temperature shifts, and apparitions, often linked to stories from the 1970s and popularized by the films. Investigations by paranormal researchers and media crews have produced anecdotal reports, though no independently verified evidence confirms supernatural activity. Skeptical analyses suggest many experiences can be attributed to suggestion, environmental factors, or the power of narrative in shaping perception. These investigations highlight the intersection of folklore, documentary style presentation, and entertainment shaping modern legends around the house.
Location Details and Access Information
The property is situated in Harrisville, a rural village in Cheshire County, New Hampshire, near Route 101A and adjacent to the village common. GPS coordinates place the house at approximately 42.9676° N, 72.0941° W, placing it within a small cluster of historic residences in the area. Because the house remains a private residence, public entry is not permitted, and the site is not maintained as a museum or commercial attraction. Nearby points of interest include local historic sites in Harrisville, though visitors are asked to respect property boundaries and neighborhood privacy.
Visiting the Site and Practical Considerations
Those interested in seeing the house from the outside should drive or walk past the property along public roads and paths without attempting to enter the yard or structure. Photography of the exterior is generally permissible from public viewpoints, while any approach that interferes with residents’ privacy may be challenged. Local guides and walking tours sometimes include mentions of the property within broader historic overviews of Harrisville, but scheduled interior access is not available. Travelers should note that New Hampshire weather can make rural roads difficult in winter, and cell coverage may be limited in the immediate area.
Exterior Visit Guidelines
- View the house only from public rights-of-way to avoid trespassing.
- Do not attempt to enter the property or contact residents without permission.
- Photography is allowed from outside; avoid flash and intrusive behavior.
- Check local road conditions, especially in colder months.
- Respect nearby signage, fences, and private boundaries at all times.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
The Conjuring’s use of the Turner House helped establish a visual template for haunted house cinema, emphasizing period authenticity and claustrophobic interior staging. The property’s association with the films has increased local awareness and tourism interest, though the site itself remains a working household rather than a themed attraction. Documentary features and news coverage have provided historical context that complements the fictionalized accounts, offering viewers a clearer picture of the real building and community. Its ongoing preservation ensures continued access to an important example of New England vernacular architecture, independent of its cinematic reputation.
Verified Property Overview
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Address | 1 Turner Lane, Harrisville, NH 03450 | Public records and property listing |
| Year Built | 1772 | Historic building documentation |
| Current Use | Private residence | Owner statement and municipal records |
| Public Access | Exterior viewing from public roads only; no interior tours | Local ordinances and owner policy |
| Architectural Style | Colonial farmhouse, timber-frame construction | Historic inventory and architectural survey |
Summary and Viewer Guidance
The house from The Conjuring is the historic Turner House at 1 Turner Lane in Harrisville, New Hampshire, used as the inspiration for the fictional Hill House in the series. Its real significance lies in period architecture and local history rather than supernatural events, and visits are limited to exterior observation out of respect for private ownership. Understanding where the Conjuring house is located and how the property is used today helps audiences contextualize the films while appreciating the actual historic resources of rural New England.