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| House of horror |
It used to be 112 Ocean Avenue but such was its notoriety that even its address has now been changed, to 108. Nevertheless, despite significant modifications by its current owners, the famous Amityville house is unmistakable. Now fans have the opportunity to own a slice of horror history - if they happen to have $850,000 to spare.
The handsome Dutch Colonial property first came to public attention in November 1974, when 23 year old Ronald DeFeo Jr killed hi parents and four younger siblings there, claiming the house told him to do it. The Lutz family, who moved in subsequently, sparked a sensation when they claimed that the house was haunted by the ghosts of the murder victims, inspiring horror film his The Amityville Horror (which spawned a remake in 2005). It wasn't until 2012 that Daniel Lutz, a child at the time, revealed that his parents had invented their story for profit, and talked about the impact that had on his life in documentary My Amityville Horror.
With five bedrooms, wide balconies, attractive gardens and its own boathouse and pier, the Amityville house is definitely not being pitched to the horror market and there have been no unsavoury events reported there in the intervening years, but the small print revels a substantial attic and basement which may better suit its reputation. Whoever buys it will have to deal with regular visits from fans of the films who still turn up in the hope of getting their pictures taken beside it.
