Buffalo Bill’s House from “The Silence of the Lambs” is for Sale

The lambs may have stopped screaming, but the listing is making plenty of noise. The five-bed, one-bath home that rose to movie royalty as serial killer Buffalo Bill’s house in the 1991 thriller “The Silence of the Lambs” has officially hit the market. But in the grand tradition of real estate listings, and just like young FBI trainee Clarice Starling learned while trading info with Hannibal Lecter, you’ll have to go quid pro quo to score this deed, to the tune of $298,500.

 While the property served as the terrifying home of a serial killer in the film, it’s actually an incredibly charming three-story Princess Anne Victorian in real life. Located in Perryopolis, Pennsylvania, about thirty miles southeast of Pittsburgh, the home is set on 1.76 acres of rolling land along the Youghiogheny River. Before it ever ascended into movie royalty, the property was actually known as the Layton Station General Store. You’ll see plenty of trademark finishes dating back to the home’s construction in 1910, like original hardwood floors, woodwork and lighting fixtures. Stunning pocket doors, fireplaces and wallpaper are also in perfect condition, drawing greatly from the property’s diverse history. 

Step inside to the foyer, which you may remember from some iconic scenes in the film. (Don’t miss the copy of the classic novel that inspired the film sitting on the front entry table.) Follow the beautiful wooden staircase up to the second level, or continue into the dining room, which served a pivotal role in the film as Clarice questioned Buffalo Bill. In reality, it’s much more beautiful than in the film, thanks to the pristine period fireplace and built-in pantry. The period bathroom is also stunning, complete with stained glass windows and a claw foot tub. And of course, plenty of space to store the lotion in the basket. 

Outside, the 1880s era detached three-car garage serves up plenty of unique historic details,  as it previously served as both a post office and a train station. Now, it provides plenty of storage, as well as a workshop space. An-in ground pool and ceramic tile pool deck provides plenty of space for entertaining guests. There’s even a beautiful vintage train caboose drawing from the property’s history, which could be converted into a pool house. There’s also a recently re-floored wrap-around porch and gazebo, as well as a stunning rose bed garden and fountain by the front.

But let’s get to the question everyone’s wondering about. Is there a giant hole in the basement, just like where Buffalo Bill kept his victims in the film? 

“Everyone always asks ‘is there really the hole in the basement?’” the realtors tell the camera in the virtual tour. “That part of the film was actually filmed on a soundstage.” However, the cold cellar, which did appear in the movie as Clarice Starling attempts to capture Buffalo Bill in the dark, is still intact. “It’s actually kind of creepy in here,” the realtor adds. (No kidding!)

Clearly, the realtors know how to play into the film’s solid place in the pop culture lexicon. You’ll spot everything from the movie’s classic poster hanging on the wall to a FBI hat sitting on a desk.