T
he iconic Astoria house from The Goonies is getting a treasure-worthy makeover nearly 40 years after the film's release. James Pearse Connelly, an Emmy-winning designer, is leading the restoration to its full 1985 glory. "The whole house top-to-bottom, back to the way it was in the movie," he said.

    Connelly jumped at the opportunity when approached by the current homeowner in 2023. He's been obsessively studying the cult classic, breaking down scenes and drafting blueprints for every inch of the 1896 home. The project is both a passion and an architectural challenge, requiring Connelly to bring the house up to 2025 code without disrupting its beloved chaos.

    The exterior is already getting a facelift with fresh paint and restored wood. Connelly has been diving deep into the film's production history, even reaching out to original designers to ensure every detail is just right. "I am calling the people who made the movie," he said. "I am asking them where they shopped, why they made those decisions."

    Goonies devotees from around the world have sent in ideas and replica props, but Connelly is trying to keep it local when possible. With the 40th anniversary of The Goonies approaching on June 7, Connelly and his team are racing against the clock to finish the project.

    The restoration is part of a growing trend where iconic movie and TV homes are being revived and monetized, blending nostalgia with real estate savvy. Other famous movie homes, like Kevin's booby-trapped playground from Home Alone and Ralphie's Ohio house from A Christmas Story, have been restored and turned into tourist attractions or luxury rentals, proving that nostalgia can be a lucrative business venture.