The property historically known as 112 Ocean Avenue in Amityville, New York, is a private residential estate currently identified as 108 Ocean Avenue. This high-profile Dutch Colonial home remains a private residence in 2026, featuring five bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms, and a boathouse on a 0.27-acre waterfront lot.
The Evolution of an Address: 112 vs. 108 Ocean Avenue
For researchers and real estate historians, the first point of verification for this property is its numerical identity. While globally famous as 112 Ocean Avenue, the address was officially changed to 108 Ocean Avenue several decades ago. This modification was a deliberate attempt by the Village of Amityville and previous owners to discourage "dark tourism" and protect the privacy of the inhabitants.
In the 2026 real estate landscape, the property is categorized under the 11701 ZIP code within the Town of Babylon, Suffolk County. The address change is reflected in all modern municipal tax maps and emergency response systems. When looking up the verified profile of this location, it is essential to recognize that 112 and 108 refer to the exact same physical structure and land parcel.
The property is situated on the west side of Ocean Avenue, backing onto Amityville Creek, which provides direct boat access to the Great South Bay. This waterfront positioning is a significant factor in its valuation, independent of its historical notoriety. The neighborhood remains an upscale, quiet residential corridor where the residents and local law enforcement maintain a strict zero-tolerance policy regarding trespassing or loitering by curiosity seekers.
Architectural Specifications and Property Features
The house at 108 Ocean Avenue is a classic example of Dutch Colonial Revival architecture. Originally constructed in 1927, the home has undergone significant structural and aesthetic renovations to modernize its interior and distance its exterior appearance from the imagery popularized in 1970s media.
Structural Details
The main house spans approximately 3,600 to 5,000 square feet, depending on whether finished attic and basement spaces are included in the specific appraisal. The gambrel roof—a hallmark of the Dutch Colonial style—was originally flanked by two quarter-circle "eye" windows on the top floor. These windows became the most recognizable feature of the house due to their resemblance to eyes in promotional materials for the 1979 film.
However, during renovations in the late 20th century, these windows were replaced with standard square windows to alter the house's silhouette. In 2026, the exterior is characterized by dark siding (traditionally cedar shingles or high-end vinyl) and white trim, maintaining a sophisticated curb appeal that blends into the affluent Amityville neighborhood.
Interior Layout
Verified property records indicate a multi-level layout:
- The First Floor: Includes a formal entry hall, a large living room with a fireplace, a formal dining room, a sunroom (solarium) overlooking the water, and an updated kitchen.
- The Second Floor: Contains the primary suite and several additional bedrooms.
- The Third Floor: Originally used for storage and later converted into finished living space, this level houses the remaining bedrooms.
- The Basement: A full basement that has been partially finished by various owners over the last fifty years.
- Outdoor Amenities: The property includes a detached garage and a large boathouse situated at the edge of the canal, which is a rare and highly valued feature in Long Island real estate.
Ownership History and Transfer Timeline
The ownership record of 112/108 Ocean Avenue is one of the most documented in New York state history due to the intersection of criminal history, alleged paranormal events, and high-value real estate transactions.
| Period | Primary Owners | Notable Events |
|---|---|---|
| 1965–1974 | Ronald and Louise DeFeo | Purchase of "High Hopes" estate; 1974 homicide event. |
| 1975–1976 | George and Kathy Lutz | 28-day residency; publicized paranormal claims. |
| 1977–1987 | James and Barbara Cromarty | Purchased from the bank; address changed to 108 Ocean Ave. |
| 1987–2010 | Peter and Barbara O’Neil | Longest period of continuous ownership; significant renovations. |
| 2010–2017 | David D’Antonio | Purchased for approx. $950,000; focused on historical preservation. |
| 2017–2026 | Private Owners | Continued privacy-focused residency; interior modernization. |
Following the high-profile events of the 1970s, the Cromarty family was instrumental in stabilizing the property’s reputation. They lived there for a decade and consistently maintained that no unusual or supernatural activities occurred during their tenure. This sentiment has been echoed by every owner since 1977.
The 2010 sale to David D'Antonio and the subsequent 2017 sale were handled with significant discretion. In the current 2026 market, the property's value is driven primarily by its waterfront location, the size of the lot, and the general appreciation of Long Island’s South Shore real estate rather than its historical background.
The 1974 Historical Event: Verified Criminal Facts
The "Amityville Horror" legend is built upon a foundation of a verified and tragic criminal event. On November 13, 1974, Ronald DeFeo Jr. murdered six members of his family inside the home. This event is the only verified "dark" history associated with the address.
DeFeo was subsequently convicted on six counts of second-degree murder and sentenced to 25 years to life. He died in custody in 2021. From a legal and real estate perspective, this qualifies the house as a stigmatized property. In New York real estate law, sellers and brokers are not technically required to disclose a death on the property unless asked directly, though the global fame of this specific address makes such non-disclosure virtually impossible.
The subsequent claims made by the Lutz family in 1975 regarding paranormal activity have never been verified by law enforcement, scientific investigators, or subsequent owners. Most historians and legal experts view the "haunting" as a calculated narrative designed for commercial gain, which successfully launched a massive media franchise but has no basis in the physical or historical reality of the house itself.
Real Estate Valuation and Market Context
In 2026, 108 Ocean Avenue is valued as a premier South Shore residence. The Amityville real estate market has seen steady growth over the last decade, with waterfront properties commanding a significant premium.
Factors Influencing Value
- Waterfront Access: The property’s bulkhead and boathouse are critical assets. Amityville Creek offers protected mooring and easy access to the bay, making it highly desirable for boaters.
- Lot Size: At approximately 0.27 acres, the lot is substantial for a suburban New York village, providing ample privacy and outdoor entertaining space.
- School District: The property is served by the Amityville Union Free School District, which influences local property taxes and desirability for families.
- The "Stigma" Discount: While historically the house sold for slightly below market value due to its notoriety, that gap has narrowed significantly in the 2020s. Modern buyers often view the history as a curious footnote rather than a deterrent.
Tax assessments for the property in 2026 reflect its status as a luxury home. Prospective buyers or researchers should consult the Suffolk County Comptroller’s office for specific tax lien history and current assessment figures, as these are public records.
Privacy, Security, and Local Ordinances
Living at 108 Ocean Avenue comes with unique challenges regarding privacy. The Village of Amityville has enacted several measures to protect the residents of the neighborhood.
- Parking Restrictions: Much of Ocean Avenue has strict "No Parking" zones to prevent tourists from stopping to take photos.
- Trespassing Enforcement: The Amityville Police Department is highly responsive to calls regarding the property. Unauthorized entry onto the lawn, dock, or porch is prosecuted.
- Privacy Fencing: Successive owners have utilized high-end landscaping and fencing to shield the home from the street, making it difficult for passersby to see the ground-floor windows or the backyard.
In 2026, the village emphasizes that the house is a private home, not a museum or a tourist attraction. There are no tours, and the interior is not open to the public. The community's stance is one of protection for the current homeowners, who are entitled to the "quiet enjoyment" of their property under New York law.
Comparative Property Analysis: 108 Ocean Avenue
| Feature | Specification | Verified Status (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Year Built | 1927 | Verified via tax records. |
| Architecture | Dutch Colonial Revival | Heavily modified; square windows on 3rd floor. |
| Bedrooms | 5 | Standard count; varies by usage of attic. |
| Bathrooms | 3.5 | Modernized and updated. |
| Lot Size | ~0.27 Acres | Waterfront parcel with bulkhead. |
| Current Address | 108 Ocean Avenue | Officially changed from 112 Ocean Avenue. |
| Legal Classification | Single Family Residential | Not a landmark; private property. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you visit the Amityville Horror house in 2026?
No. The house is a private residence located at 108 Ocean Avenue. There are no public tours, and the owners do not allow visitors. The Village of Amityville strictly enforces privacy laws, and loitering or trespassing can lead to legal consequences. The best way to view the area is from the water if you are on a boat, but even then, the privacy of the residents must be respected.
Was the house ever torn down and rebuilt?
No, the original 1927 structure still stands. While it has undergone extensive renovations—including the changing of the famous "eye" windows and the moving of the front door—the core foundation and framing of the 1920s Dutch Colonial remain intact. It is a common misconception that the house was demolished; in reality, it was simply "disguised" through architectural updates.
Does the house still have the "High Hopes" sign?
No. The "High Hopes" sign was a feature during the DeFeo family's ownership in the early 1970s. It was removed shortly after the events of 1974. Subsequent owners have avoided naming the estate to maintain a lower profile and reduce public interest.
Is the basement of 112 Ocean Avenue actually built on an Indian burial ground?
There is no historical or archaeological evidence to support this claim. This was a narrative element introduced in the 1970s book and film to explain the alleged hauntings. Local historical records and geological surveys do not indicate any such site on or near the property at 108 Ocean Avenue.
What is the current market value of the property?
As of 2026, the property is estimated to be worth between $1.2 million and $1.6 million, depending on the current state of the interior and recent comparable sales in the Amityville waterfront area. Valuation is based on its status as a luxury waterfront home in Suffolk County rather than its historical infamy.
Final Recommendation for Researchers
When investigating the verified profile of 112/108 Ocean Avenue, always prioritize municipal records over entertainment media. The Suffolk County Clerk and the Town of Babylon Tax Assessor are the definitive sources for property lines, ownership transfers, and structural permits. For those interested in the criminal history, the New York State Department of Corrections and official court transcripts from the 1975 DeFeo trial provide the only verified factual account of the events that occurred within the home. Respect for the current residents’ privacy is the standard expectation for all visitors to the Amityville area.
![Amityville Horror: 112 Ocean Avenue Key Tag [ Fright Tags ] - Etsy](https://i.etsystatic.com/13965951/r/il/d6e88f/1658584463/il_1080xN.1658584463_6ekx.jpg)
