The Amityville House: Basic Facts and Current Status
The Amityville house at 112 Ocean Avenue in Amityville, New York, is a single-family home that gained international attention beginning in the late 1970s. Public narratives describe experiences reported by the Lutz family and subsequent claims of hauntings, yet the property is also notable for its verifiable physical characteristics, ownership history, and municipal records. This overview presents documented information about the building, its timeline, and its present standing, emphasizing what is confirmed rather than speculative stories.
Property Details and Physical Attributes
Architecture, Lot Size, and Verified Specifications
The house at 112 Ocean Avenue is a Dutch Colonial–style residence constructed in 1927. It includes four bedrooms and approximately 4,200 square feet of living space on a lot of about 0.3 acres. These structural and size attributes are recorded in municipal and tax records and remain consistent across long-term ownership changes.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Year Built | 1927 | Municipal Building Records |
| Reported Style | Dutch Colonial | Property Appraisal |
| Bedrooms | 4 | Tax Assessment |
| Approximate Lot Size | 0.3 acres | Tax Parcel Data |
| Reported Living Area | ~4,200 sq ft | Property Listing Data |
Timeline of Ownership and Notable Transfers
Ownership records show the house changing hands multiple times, with periods of vacancy and renovation. Early records trace to the DeFeo family, followed by the Lutz family in the mid-1970s. After the high-profile publicity period, the property returned to private ownership several times, with sales listed in county conveyancing records. These transactions reflect market activity more than paranormal claims, providing a stable factual baseline regardless of narrative popularity.
Documented Claims and Subsequent Investigations
Reported Experiences and Official Responses
The most widely publicized claims originate from the Lutz family, who reported unusual phenomena shortly after moving in. Journalists, paranormal investigators, and law enforcement were informed, leading to interviews and media coverage. Subsequent buyers and residents have offered varied accounts, but municipal bodies and courts have generally treated the property as a standard residential asset. No official investigation has confirmed supernatural causes, while some prior owners and neighbors have described periods of disturbance unrelated to paranormal activity.
Current Condition, Maintenance, and Market Status
Present Use, Renovations, and Sale History
The house remains standing and continues to function as a private residence. Public records indicate periodic updates to plumbing, electrical, and structural systems in response of building codes and ownership changes. Recent listing history shows sales at varying price points, reflecting both property improvements and broader market trends rather than persistent narrative-driven value. The home maintains basic habitability and is subject to standard local regulations regarding safety and occupancy.
- Regular residential use documented through utility accounts.
- Code compliance updates recorded in municipal inspections.
- Multiple sales since 1970, with price influenced by standard real estate factors.
- No zoning or legal restrictions specific to its notoriety.
Media Portrayal and Public Perception
How Stories Evolved and Affected Visibility
The house became widely known through books, films, and television, often emphasizing supernatural elements while downplaying verifiable facts. As a result, members of the public may hold strong impressions that are not strongly aligned with documentation from authorities or real estate professionals. Understanding the distinction between reported anecdotes and recorded data helps maintain a balanced view of the property’s actual standing.
Separating Narrative from Verifiable Information
While the Amityville house is frequently discussed in terms of alleged hauntings and emotional accounts, its enduring relevance in conversation stems more from cultural storytelling than from unique legal or structural status. Important details such as year built, architectural style, ownership history, and present market listing are concrete and unlikely to change, offering a reliable baseline. Focusing on these specifics allows a clear perspective on the property without dependence on unverified claims.
Key Takeaways
- The house at 112 Ocean Avenue was built in 1927 and remains a private residence.
- Documented features include four bedrooms, Dutch Colonial architecture, and approximately 4,200 square feet.
- Ownership has changed multiple times, with records available through municipal and county databases.
- Reported paranormal claims lack official confirmation, while the property continues to follow standard residential regulations.
- Media portrayals have amplified certain narratives, but factual attributes remain consistent and accessible through public records.