Last updated on October 14, 2022 by Jeremy
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We love to check out movie locations in Pittsburgh, and one of the most famous movies filmed here is none other than the 1991 thriller Thesilenceofthelambs.
You may know that some of the movie’s most iconic scenes were shot on a set built inside the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall in Oakland (where they usually recreate the set for screening most Halloweens). But did you know that the house used as Buffalo Bill’s residence is located about an hour south of town just outside of Perryopolis?
Until 2021 this house was maintained as a private residence, but when it came up for sale, a horror movie fan (and movie industry worker in general) bought it to turn it into a a private rental and a museum for visits.
Naturally, as a fan of the film myself, I had to visit this one as soon as possible once it opened to the public and had my chance on a media tour through our friends at Laurel Highlands tourism.
You’ll want to check this one out ASAP!
Buffalo Bill’s House is a tribute to the silence of the lambs
Sometimes when movies use a house as a filming location, they take several creative liberties to get a scene. Maybe only exterior is used with another house used for interior shots. Or maybe a single piece is used for a very specific purpose. The magic of cinema is indeed very real.
At the Buffalo Bill house, most of the scenes were filmed on the property with little editing, which makes for a rather enjoyable experience on the tour as you get a step-by-step explanation of how the elements of the house work. were featured in the film.
As many surprises await visitors at these points, we are not going to spoil the pleasure on this side. But instead, it’s worth discussing how this house leans into the movie with lots of amazing movie memorabilia, artifacts left over from filming, branded decor (like a well-placed bottle of Chianti or bean wall art) and countless Buffalo Bill fan art that has been sent to the homeowner since buying the house. You won’t go a few yards without seeing something new about the movie or Buffalo Bill, and it’s exceptionally well done all around.
But perhaps my favorite part of the Buffalo Bill House was the last place I visited on the tour – a recreation of the property’s basement well designed by the legendary Tom Savini and his students.
As you might have guessed, the well scene in Thesilenceofthelambs was shot on a soundstage because digging a deep well in the basement of a residence was not only impractical but structurally risky. That being said, Savini and his students created a replica of the well in an old coal storage room in the house’s existing basement. But instead of being deep like in the movie, this one is about four feet tall to allow guests to participate in photo ops with Precious, a bucket of lotions on a working pulley and, yes, a hose prop. too.
He rubs the lotion…
Beyond touring the house for its movie-related connections, the second and third floors have been transformed into a beautiful living space for those who rent the house for overnight stays, with character-themed bedrooms, a game and TV space in the attic, and an expansive lot with several wonderful amenities. Even without the cinema connection, as far as rentals go, this one has plenty (but alas our overnight stay will have to be on a future visit)!
Visit for tours, stay overnight, or find out about special events
Now, before you get in your car and drive to Perryopolis, know that there are three ways to visit this one and each one requires advance planning and reservations.
First, Buffalo Bill’s house is open for tours on a limited basis only. As the attraction element of this home is still somewhat new when I visit in 2022, tours have been conducted seasonally (approximately April through October), one weekend per month, and via pre-registration only – so don’t walk down hoping for a site visit. We expect this one to increase its visit frequency as word gets out, but just note that visit dates are generally limited in nature and require advance booking.
SecondOne of the reasons tours are limited is that Buffalo Bill’s is primarily operated as a private rental with direct bookings and Airbnb. Yes, you can book the whole house for one night and enjoy the rather magnificent property for yourself! So while you only have a few days a year to visit the site, the rest of the year you can make an overnight reservation.
Third, if you can’t make it to scheduled tours, look for one-time events held in the house. When I visited in October 2022, they did a rather impressive paranormal investigation with an optional overnight package done the night before Halloween (until midnight on Halloween day). We’re told that other unique events like these will also be scheduled throughout the year for those looking for something a little different.
All in all, if you’re a fan of Thesilenceofthelambs, visiting Buffalo Bill’s house is most definitely a place of pilgrimage worth visiting Perryopolis. As far as house tours go, this one knocked it out of the park and we hope to visit many more times over the years!
Now is the time to watch the film again with a good bottle of Chianti!
Buffalo Bill’s House is located at 8 Circle St in Perryopolis, PA. I was a guest on a media tour, but as always, all opinions are my own.
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