The house, in Rye, NY, used in the movie was the boyhood home of John Jay, the first Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court and a writer of the Federalist Papers. The movie makers got permission from the owners, who had inherited the home after the owner died, to use the house inside and out including the grounds. They hoped they would abuse the house in making a horror movie. They wanted the house, which was in poor shape, to be condemned so they could tear it down because it was so expensive to maintain. The production company restored the plumbing, the electric and other repairs so the crew could stay in it while the movie was being made. The repairs help save the house from the wrecking ball. The heirs ended up selling the property to the Westchester County Historical Society for $15 million dollars, the home was restored over the years and it is now part of the New York Historical Parks and Sites. It is also a National Historical Site.