7 Shocking Secrets And 2025 Updates On The Iconic Hocus Pocus House (Max & Dani's Real Home)

Few movie homes capture the magic and nostalgia of the Halloween season quite like the iconic house where Max and Dani Dennison lived in the 1993 cult classic, Hocus Pocus. For over three decades, this fictional beachfront home in Salem, Massachusetts, has drawn countless fans hoping to catch a glimpse of the place where the Black Flame Candle was lit, the Sanderson Sisters were resurrected, and the entire adventure began. As of December 2025, the house remains one of the most popular—and most elusive—filming locations in cinematic history, but there are new details about its value and the surrounding area that every superfan needs to know.

The enduring popularity of the film, especially following the release of Hocus Pocus 2, ensures that the original filming locations in Salem are a major tourism draw. While the exterior of the Dennison home is instantly recognizable, most fans are unaware of its surprisingly modest history, its current property status, and the crucial architectural details that make it so unique. It’s a private residence, and though you can't step inside, the pilgrimage to 4 Ocean Avenue is a must-do for any true devotee of the mischievous trio—Winifred, Mary, and Sarah Sanderson.

The Real-Life Profile: Max and Dani Dennison's House (4 Ocean Avenue)

The Dennison house is perhaps the most famous filming location in Salem, MA, a town already steeped in the history of the 17th-century Salem Witch Trials. Here is the essential profile of the beachfront property that served as the home for Max, Dani, and their parents, Jenny and Dave Dennison.

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• Official Address: 4 Ocean Avenue, Salem, Massachusetts, 01970.
• Filming Role: The primary residence of the Dennison family, where Max (Omri Katz) and Allison (Vinessa Shaw) accidentally summon the Sanderson Sisters.
• Architectural Style: The house is a classic New England-style single-family home, instantly recognizable by its distinctive turret and the exterior deck overlooking the water.
• Year Built: 1870. The house is a historic structure, predating the film by over a century.
• Property Details: It is a relatively modest home by modern standards, featuring 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, with a total living area of 1,305 square feet.
• Current Status: The house is a private residence and is not for sale as of late 2025.
• 2025 Estimated Value: Recent property estimates from November 2025 place the home’s value in the range of $582,221 to $811,000, reflecting its prime location and cinematic fame.

The house’s location on Ocean Avenue is key to its cinematic charm. It’s a true beachfront property, lending credence to the scene where Max rides his bike home after school. Fans should remember that while the exterior is famous, all interior shots, including Max’s bedroom where the Black Flame Candle was lit, were filmed on sound stages in Hollywood, California.

The Seven Secrets You Didn't Know About the Dennison Home

Beyond the basic facts, the Dennison house holds several secrets that even longtime fans of the movie, the soundtrack, and the actors (Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy) often miss. Knowing these details adds a layer of depth to your next rewatch.

1. It's Not a Spooky House—It’s a Beach House

The biggest misconception is that the Dennison residence is a foreboding, witch-adjacent home. In reality, the house is a cozy, light-filled New England beach house. The film cleverly uses the contrast between the sunny, modern feel of the Dennison home and the dark, 17th-century aesthetic of the Sanderson Sisters’ cottage to highlight the clash between the past and the present in Salem. The house is situated on a quiet, residential street, which is why visitors are strongly urged to be respectful of the current owners’ privacy.

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2. The House Was Never for Sale in 2025

Despite numerous online rumors that the iconic house was listed for sale in 2024 or 2025, property records consistently show that 4 Ocean Avenue has remained off the market. The estimated property values from October and November 2025 are for informational tracking only, not an indication of an impending sale.

3. The Iconic Porch is the Star

The most photographed part of the house is the wraparound porch and the front door, which is where Max, Dani, and Allison first encounter the resurrected witches. The unique turret design is what sets the house apart. It’s the visual anchor for the Dennison family’s new life in Salem and the gateway to their terrifying Halloween night.

4. The Ropes Mansion is Allison's House, Not Max's

Many fans confuse the Dennison house with Allison’s elegant, grand home, where the infamous Halloween party took place. Allison’s house is the Ropes Mansion, located at 318 Essex Street in Salem. This Federal-style mansion is a stunning historical landmark and is often decorated for the Halloween season, making it a must-visit location that is more accessible to the public than the Dennison's private residence.

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5. The Witches’ Cottage Was a Set

The Sanderson Sisters’ cottage, where Thackery Binx was cursed and the Black Flame Candle was lit, was not a real house in Salem. The exterior shots of the village were filmed at the Salem Pioneer Village, a living history museum that recreates a 17th-century Puritan settlement. The cottage itself was a massive set built for the movie. In 2022, a recreation of the cottage was briefly available for a one-night-only stay via Airbnb, but this was a promotional event and not the original set.

6. The School Was a Real High School

The exterior of Jacob Bailey High School, where Max attends classes and the witches try to steal the children’s souls, was filmed at the actual Phillips Elementary School on Salem Common. This location is easily accessible and a key stop on any Hocus Pocus tour.

7. The House is the Center of a 2025 Fan Pilgrimage

The area around 4 Ocean Avenue and the other filming locations is the epicenter of Salem's massive Halloween tourism industry. The enduring legacy of the film means that even in October 2025, fans will be flocking to the area for special events. These events include "Hocus Pocus Experience" retreats, themed cocktail dinners, and guided trolley tours that feature the Dennison house, the Old Town Hall (where the Halloween party took place), and the Old Burial Cemetery.

Planning Your 2025 Pilgrimage to Salem's Filming Locations

If you plan to visit Salem, MA, especially during the peak Halloween season of 2025, proper planning is essential. The town embraces its "Witch City" moniker and the cult status of Hocus Pocus, but remember that the Dennison house is still a home.

Respecting the Private Residence

The number one rule for visiting 4 Ocean Avenue is respect. The house is a private residence, and the owners have a right to their privacy. Fans are encouraged to view the house from the street or the public beach area, take photos quickly, and refrain from trespassing, lingering, or disturbing the residents. The continued ability for fans to view the exterior depends entirely on the respectful behavior of the thousands of visitors who come each year.

Must-See Hocus Pocus Locations for Topical Authority

To truly immerse yourself in the world of the film, make sure your tour includes these other essential locations:

• Old Town Hall: Located at 32 Derby Square, this is where the famous adult Halloween party was held, culminating in Winifred Sanderson’s show-stopping rendition of "I Put a Spell on You."
• Salem Common: This beautiful public park was used for numerous daytime exterior scenes, including the moments where Max, Dani, and Allison stroll through town.
• Old Burial Hill Cemetery: Although the burial ground scenes were a mix of locations, the Old Burial Hill Cemetery in nearby Marblehead, MA, is often cited as the inspiration and was used for some exterior shots.
• Pioneer Village: Visit the 17th-century village (310 West Ave) to get a true feel for the setting of the opening sequence involving Thackery Binx and the original Sanderson Sisters.

Visiting the "house from Hocus Pocus" is a magical experience that connects fans directly to the movie's enduring charm and the spooky spirit of Salem. By knowing the real story behind 4 Ocean Avenue and respecting the private nature of the property, you can ensure the Dennison house remains a treasured, accessible landmark for generations of fans to come.