112 Ocean Avenue is the historic address of a Dutch Colonial home in Amityville, New York, infamous for being the site of the 1974 DeFeo murders and the subsequent alleged hauntings of the Lutz family. Today, the private residence remains one of the most recognized and controversial properties in American real estate history.
Built in 1927, the large, gambrel-roofed house at 112 Ocean Avenue has become synonymous with the "Amityville Horror" legend. While the address was changed decades ago to deter curiosity seekers, the structure continues to fascinate the public, historians, and paranormal enthusiasts alike. Understanding the reality of this property requires a balanced look at its architectural specifications, its tragic criminal history, and the legal complexities of owning a "stigmatized" property in the 21st century.
The Architectural Profile of 112 Ocean Avenue
Originally constructed in a classic Dutch Colonial style, the house at 112 Ocean Avenue was designed to be a prominent suburban estate. In the early 20th century, Amityville was an upscale retreat for those looking to escape the density of New York City, and this home was a prime example of the era’s craftsmanship.
Structural Specifications and Layout
The house spans approximately 5,000 square feet, sitting on a quarter-acre lot that borders a canal leading into the Great South Bay. Its most defining characteristic was the gambrel roof, which originally featured two quarter-circle windows on the third floor. These windows, often compared to "eyes," became the visual centerpiece of the horror movie franchise, though they were later replaced with more traditional square windows by subsequent owners to reduce the home's recognizable profile.
The interior layout traditionally included:
- Five Bedrooms: Spacious rooms located primarily on the second and third floors.
- Three and a Half Bathrooms: Updated through various renovations over the decades.
- The Boathouse: A significant feature of the property, providing direct water access and storage for maritime equipment.
- The Basement: A full-size basement that played a central role in the Lutz family’s claims of paranormal activity.
- Formal Living Areas: A large living room, a formal dining room, and an enclosed sunporch that overlooks the water.
Modern Renovations and Identity Changes
As of 2026, the house has undergone several major renovations intended to modernize the living space and distance the property from its cinematic counterpart. One of the most significant changes occurred in the late 1970s when the address was officially changed from 112 Ocean Avenue to 108 Ocean Avenue. This was a strategic move by the local municipality and the homeowners to prevent tourists from easily locating the house via traditional mail or directories.
The Tragic History: The DeFeo Murders
Before the house became a staple of pop culture, it was the scene of a genuine tragedy. On November 13, 1974, 23-year-old Ronald DeFeo Jr. used a .35-caliber Marlin lever-action rifle to murder six members of his family as they slept. The victims included his parents, Ronald DeFeo Sr. and Louise DeFeo, and his four siblings: Dawn, Allison, Marc, and John Matthew.
The Trial and Legal Aftermath
The DeFeo case was sensationalized due to the sheer brutality of the crime and the lack of a clear motive. During the trial, DeFeo’s defense attorney, William Weber, attempted to mount an insanity defense, claiming that DeFeo heard voices telling him his family was plotting against him. DeFeo was ultimately convicted on six counts of second-degree murder and sentenced to six consecutive sentences of 25 years to life.
Ronald DeFeo Jr. died in custody in March 2021. His crimes left a permanent mark on the property, creating what real estate professionals call a "highly stigmatized" asset. This stigma influenced the sale price of the home for years and paved the way for the paranormal claims that would follow.
The Lutz Era and the Birth of a Legend
Thirteen months after the DeFeo murders, George and Kathy Lutz purchased the home for $80,000—a significantly discounted price for the time. On December 18, 1975, they moved in with their three children. Their residency lasted only 28 days.
Alleged Paranormal Occurrences
The Lutzes claimed they fled the house in terror after experiencing a series of unexplained events. According to their accounts, which were later popularized by author Jay Anson in his 1977 book The Amityville Horror, the family witnessed:
- Physical Manifestations: Green slime oozing from walls and toilets.
- Psychological Distress: Drastic personality changes in George Lutz and the appearance of "Jodie," a demonic pig-like entity seen by their daughter.
- Sensory Anomalies: Extreme cold spots in certain rooms and the smell of rotting meat.
- Structural Disturbances: Doors being ripped off hinges and a secret "Red Room" discovered behind the basement walls.
Skepticism and Hoax Allegations
While the Lutzes' story became a global phenomenon, it has been met with significant skepticism. Investigative journalists and paranormal researchers, such as Joe Nickell and Rick Moran, pointed out numerous inconsistencies in the Lutz family’s timeline. Furthermore, William Weber, DeFeo’s lawyer, later claimed that he and the Lutzes "created this horror story over many bottles of wine" to help with their respective financial and legal burdens.
Despite the controversy, the story birthed a massive media franchise, including more than 20 films, dozens of books, and countless documentaries, cementing 112 Ocean Avenue’s place in American folklore.
Ownership Timeline and Property Status
Since the Lutz family departed in early 1976, several families have owned and lived in the house. Remarkably, none of the subsequent owners have reported any paranormal activity, further fueling the theory that the "haunting" was a fabricated event.
| Owner Name | Period of Ownership | Reported Paranormal Activity | Key Changes Made |
|---|---|---|---|
| The DeFeo Family | 1965–1974 | No (Prior to murders) | Original "High Hopes" sign. |
| The Lutz Family | 1975–1976 | Yes (Claimed) | None. |
| James & Barbara Cromarty | 1977–1987 | No | Changed address to 108 Ocean Ave. |
| Peter & Edith O'Neill | 1987–1997 | No | Interior renovations. |
| Brian Wilson | 1997–2010 | No | Replaced iconic "eye" windows. |
| David D'Antonio | 2010–2016 | No | Extensive exterior landscaping. |
| Caroline & Odalys Perdomo | 2017–Present (2026) | No | Modernized kitchen and deck. |
The Cromarty Era: Setting the Record Straight
James and Barbara Cromarty were the first to move in after the media circus began. They lived in the house for a decade and were vocal about the fact that no supernatural events occurred. Their primary struggle was not with ghosts, but with the thousands of tourists who would trespass on the property, take shingles as souvenirs, and disrupt the quiet neighborhood of Amityville.
Legal and Real Estate Implications of Stigmatized Properties
The case of 112 Ocean Avenue is frequently cited in real estate law regarding the disclosure of "stigmatized properties." A stigmatized property is a home where a non-physical factor—such as a murder, suicide, or alleged haunting—may affect its value or desirability.
New York State Disclosure Laws
In New York, the legal principle of caveat emptor (let the buyer beware) generally applies. However, the landmark case Stambovsky v. Ackley (1991) established that if a seller has promoted a house as "haunted" to the public, they may be legally required to disclose that reputation to a buyer, as it could materially affect the property’s value.
For 112 Ocean Avenue, the "stigma" is so well-documented that it is effectively a matter of public record. Current real estate practices in 2026 ensure that any prospective buyer is fully aware of the home’s history, though the property's value has remained resilient due to its prime waterfront location and architectural prestige.
Tourism and the Amityville Community
The residents of Ocean Avenue and the broader Amityville community have long maintained a complicated relationship with the house. For decades, the local police department has had to manage traffic and trespassing issues related to the property.
Guidelines for the Public
The house is a private residence. It is not a museum, and it is not open for tours. Visitors should be aware of the following:
- Trespassing is Illegal: The property is monitored by security cameras and local law enforcement. Entering the lawn, porch, or boathouse is a criminal offense.
- Privacy Rights: The current owners have the same rights to privacy and quiet enjoyment as any other homeowner.
- Neighborhood Impact: Ocean Avenue is a narrow street. Large groups of tourists cause significant disruptions for the families living nearby.
The Media Influence: Movies vs. Reality
The "Amityville Horror" movies often take significant creative liberties that distort the public’s perception of the actual house. In the 1979 film and its various sequels, the house is often depicted as isolated and surrounded by dark woods. In reality, 112 Ocean Avenue is situated in a densely populated, upscale suburban neighborhood, with houses located only a few dozen feet away on either side.
Furthermore, the "eye" windows that glowed red in the movies were a specific architectural choice of the DeFeo family. The house today looks significantly different, with a more muted color palette and updated window shapes designed specifically to break the visual connection to the horror films.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you tour the house at 112 Ocean Avenue?
No. The house is a privately owned residence. There are no public tours, and the owners do not allow visitors inside. The village of Amityville does not encourage tourism related to the house and prefers to maintain the area’s reputation as a quiet, maritime community.
Is the house still haunted?
There is no verifiable evidence that the house was ever haunted. Every owner since 1977 has stated that they experienced no paranormal activity. Most researchers conclude that the events described by the Lutz family were either exaggerated or fabricated for financial gain and to assist Ronald DeFeo Jr.’s legal appeal.
Why was the address changed to 108 Ocean Avenue?
The address was changed in the late 1970s to discourage tourists and curiosity seekers. By changing the number, the owners hoped to make the house harder to find for those using old maps or directories, though the advent of the internet has largely neutralized this tactic.
Who currently lives in the house?
As of 2026, the house remains in private hands. The most recent recorded sale was in 2017 to Caroline and Odalys Perdomo. The owners have remained private and have not sought media attention, consistent with the behavior of most post-Lutz owners.
What happened to the "eye" windows?
The iconic quarter-circle windows on the third floor were removed and replaced with standard square windows during a renovation in the late 1990s and early 2000s. This was done to modernize the home's look and to make it less recognizable to fans of the film franchise.
Final Recommendations for Enthusiasts
If you are interested in the history of 112 Ocean Avenue, the best way to explore the topic is through historical archives and documentaries rather than physical visitation. The Amityville Historical Society offers a wealth of information regarding the village’s history, which provides a much broader and more accurate context than the horror legends.
For those interested in the criminal justice aspect, the court records of the Ronald DeFeo Jr. trial provide a chilling and factual account of the events that actually took place within those walls. Respecting the privacy of the current residents is paramount; the "horror" of the house today is largely the burden of unwanted fame, not supernatural entities.
