5 Shocking Transformations Of The Original Texas Chainsaw Massacre House (It's A Restaurant Now!)

For decades, the image of the dilapidated Victorian farmhouse from Tobe Hooper’s 1974 horror masterpiece, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, has been synonymous with primal terror and cinematic gore. As of December 10, 2025, the infamous property has undergone a transformation so radical it’s almost unbelievable, evolving from a macabre film set to a charming, fully-restored, and publicly accessible destination.

The house where the cannibalistic Sawyer family, including the iconic Leatherface, terrorized Sally Hardesty and her friends is no longer a crumbling monument to low-budget horror. It is now a fully functional, Southern-style restaurant in Kingsland, Texas, offering a unique—and surprisingly delicious—dining experience to horror fans and curious travelers alike. This is the definitive, up-to-date story of the most famous horror movie house in history.

The Complete Biography of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre House

The house itself is a late 19th-century Edwardian farmhouse, a stunning piece of Victorian architecture that pre-dates its sinister on-screen debut by decades. Its long, complex life is a fascinating journey across Texas, involving multiple owners, a dramatic relocation, and a complete architectural overhaul.

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• Original Location: Quick Hill, Round Rock, Texas
• Original Purpose: Private residence, Edwardian farmhouse
• Filming Date: 1974 (for the original The Texas Chain Saw Massacre)
• Relocation Date: 1998
• Relocation Destination: 1010 King Ct, Kingsland, Texas 78639
• First Restaurant Name (Post-Relocation): The Grand Central Cafe
• Current Restaurant Name: Hooper's
• Current Status: Fully restored, operating as a casual Southern restaurant and bar
• Architectural Style: Victorian/Edwardian Farmhouse
• Notable Features: Two stories, a wide front porch, and a distinctive, slightly unsettling charm

From Quick Hill to Kingsland: The House's Epic Journey

The true history of the house is far more dramatic than any horror movie script. Its life can be broken down into five distinct, shocking transformations that secured its place in pop culture history.

1. The Humble Texas Farmhouse (Pre-1974)

Before director Tobe Hooper and his low-budget film crew arrived, the house was just another aging farmhouse on Quick Hill Road in Round Rock, Texas. It was built in the late 1900s, featuring the classic high-ceiling, wrap-around porch, and decorative trim typical of the Edwardian style. It stood in a desolate area, which made it the perfect, unsettling backdrop for a disturbing tale.

The original property was eventually slated for demolition to make way for a highway expansion and commercial development near what is now the La Frontera complex. This impending destruction is what ultimately saved the house, leading to its most dramatic transformation.

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2. The Iconic Horror Film Set (1974)

The film crew used the house extensively for the most terrifying scenes in the movie. The upstairs rooms were famously dressed with gruesome props—including furniture made of human and animal bones—to create the chilling home of Leatherface and his cannibalistic family. The house provided the claustrophobic, oppressive atmosphere that defined the film's gritty, documentary-like style.

It is crucial to remember that the film, while fictional, drew inspiration from the real-life crimes of Wisconsin serial killer Ed Gein. Gein was known for exhuming corpses and creating furniture and clothing from human remains, a detail that heavily influenced the character of Leatherface and the interior design of the movie house.

3. The Great Relocation and Restoration (1998)

In a monumental effort to save the historic structure from being torn down, the house was meticulously dismantled, cut into several pieces, and painstakingly moved over 60 miles from Round Rock to its current home in Kingsland, Texas. The house was reassembled on the banks of the Colorado River, where it was fully restored to its original, beautiful Victorian glory, erasing the cinematic grime and decay for which it was famous. This restoration was a massive undertaking, transforming the structure from a cinematic ruin into a pristine architectural landmark.

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4. The Grand Central Cafe Era (2000s)

For years, the house operated as the Grand Central Cafe, a charming, non-horror-themed restaurant and a popular stop for tourists. It was a surreal experience for fans to dine in the very rooms where the on-screen horror unfolded, now decorated with antique furnishings and a bright, welcoming atmosphere. The house’s new life as a family-friendly establishment was a stark contrast to its dark past, yet it remained a pilgrimage site for horror enthusiasts.

5. The Modern Rebrand: Hooper's (Current Status)

The most recent and definitive transformation is the rebranding of the restaurant to Hooper's, a direct and respectful nod to the film’s legendary director, Tobe Hooper. Located at 1010 King Ct, Kingsland, TX, Hooper's is a casual Southern restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The new owners have fully embraced the house's history, offering a fun, themed experience that blends good food with cult movie nostalgia. The menu features Southern-based cuisine, but the bar is where the true horror fandom shines. Patrons can enjoy creatively named cocktails, such as the "Chainsaw," while sitting on the beautiful porch that Leatherface once stalked. The interior is reportedly peppered with subtle "nods to the cult" film, making it a must-visit for any Texas Chainsaw Massacre fan looking for a killer meal without the actual threat of a chainsaw.

How to Visit the Texas Chainsaw Massacre House Today

If you're planning a trip to Central Texas, visiting the house—now Hooper's—is a unique experience that blends cinematic history with a genuine Texas dining experience. It's a key piece of film history that has been preserved and repurposed, allowing fans to step inside the world of the film without the fear of meeting the Sawyer family.

Practical Information for Your Visit:

• Name: Hooper's
• Address: 1010 King Ct, Kingsland, TX 78639
• Cuisine: Casual Southern/Home Cooking
• Atmosphere: Charming, restored Victorian house with subtle horror-themed décor
• Experience: You can dine in the very rooms used for filming, including the infamous living room and entryways.

The house's journey from a derelict farmhouse to a horror movie icon, and finally to a preserved architectural gem and thriving restaurant, is a testament to the enduring legacy of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. It’s a rare instance where a place of cinematic terror has been transformed into a place of culinary delight, proving that even the most sinister settings can find a peaceful, and profitable, second life.