The Stranger Things Creel house: From set piece to iconic landmark

Unveiling the Claremont House: A Historic Gem with a Stranger Things Connection

The Claremont House in Rome, Georgia, stands as a testament to the rich history and architectural grandeur of the region. Originally known as the Claremont House, this Gothic Revival-style structure was constructed in 1882 for Colonel Hamilton Yancey, a prominent local lawyer, and deputy state insurance commissioner. Colonel Yancey, described in his 1931 obituary as "one of north Georgia's most prominent citizens," commissioned the house to be built as a symbol of his success and standing within the community.

The house owes its name to Colonel Yancey's wife, Florence, who chose to honor her favorite cousin, Clare De Graffenried when naming the property. Claremont House, often referred to as the Yancey House, quickly became recognized as one of Rome's most distinguished historic homes, captivating visitors and locals alike with its grandeur and charm.

The construction of the Claremont House was a labor of love that spanned three years. The two-story dwelling, encompassing an impressive 7,122 square feet, showcases meticulous attention to detail and architectural finesse. Set far back from the road, the house boasts a commanding presence, with a sprawling lawn leading up to its magnificent façade. The exterior features a dramatic peaked portico, a sweeping porch, glorious arched windows and doors, ornate wood framing, and a striking central mansard tower, all contributing to its Gothic Revival allure.

Over the years, the Claremont House has witnessed various chapters of history unfold within its walls. It served as a cherished residence for the Yancey family, who enjoyed the comforts and elegance of the six spacious bedrooms and seven baths that graced the interior. The house became a hub of social gatherings and hosted many esteemed guests, reflecting the Yanceys' position as prominent figures in the community.

In more recent times, the Claremont House took on a new role as a bed and breakfast, welcoming guests from near and far. Its interiors, a harmonious blend of historical authenticity and modern comfort, showcased original features that have stood the test of time. Visitors were greeted by chestnut and walnut parquet flooring, exquisite pine and walnut moldings, floor-to-ceiling built-ins, and lofty 14-foot ceilings, creating an ambiance of refined elegance.

The living spaces within the Claremont House were designed to accommodate a range of needs. A formal dining room, capable of seating twelve guests, played host to memorable meals and celebrations. A sun porch provided a tranquil retreat, while a family room and breakfast room served as inviting spaces for relaxation and leisure. The well-appointed kitchen, complete with a walk-in pantry, double oven, and oversized fridge, catered to the culinary desires of both hosts and guests.

Noteworthy features of the Claremont House include its impressive eight fireplaces, adding warmth and character to the various rooms. The house also housed an unfinished attic, which held an air of mystery and excitement for those seeking an extra thrill. Additionally, a built-in wall safe, ingeniously repurposed by the bed and breakfast owners as board game storage, added a touch of intrigue to the house's history.

Surrounded by the natural beauty of a one-acre parcel, adorned with mature oak trees, the Claremont House exuded a sense of tranquility and grace. Its grounds also featured a separate guest residence, boasting two bedrooms and one bath, offering additional comfort and privacy.

Unfortunately, in March 2019, the Claremont House Bed and Breakfast faced financial challenges that made its continued operation unsustainable. After providing 16 years of exceptional service, the doors of the bed and breakfast closed, leaving a sense of sadness among locals and longtime patrons who had formed lasting memories within its walls. The Claremont House was subsequently put up for sale, with the hope that a new chapter would unfold for this historic gem.

In July of that same year, the Claremont House found new owners who recognized its value and potential. The house transitioned into a private home, ensuring its preservation and the continuation of its legacy.

The story of the Claremont House took an unexpected turn when the production crew of the renowned Netflix series "Stranger Things" discovered its allure. Just a few months after the property changed hands, the crew descended upon the Claremont House, utilizing its captivating atmosphere as a backdrop for the show. Filming commenced in early 2020, with production temporarily halted by the pandemic. However, the crew returned to resume filming when circumstances allowed, intertwining the house's history with the fictional tales of the Stranger Things universe.

The "Creel House" is a pivot character in the Stranger Things Universe

The Creel House in Stranger Things is a significant location within the popular Netflix series that has captured the imagination of viewers worldwide. Nestled within the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, the Creel House plays a pivotal role in the supernatural occurrences and eerie events that unfold throughout the show.

The house itself is a character, its haunting presence mirroring the dark mysteries and otherworldly elements of the Stranger Things narrative. Although the Creel House is a creation of the series, it is based on the rich tradition of Gothic Revival architecture, evoking a sense of foreboding and mystery.

Within the Stranger Things storyline, the Creel House has a dark history that ties into the Upside Down, an alternate dimension filled with strange creatures and supernatural phenomena. It is revealed that the house was once home to a troubled individual named James Creel.

James Creel's time within the house took a toll on his sanity, and the darkness within him eventually consumed him. As a result, the Creel House became a focal point for paranormal activity and a gateway to the Upside Down. Its walls became a conduit for supernatural forces, attracting the attention of various characters in their quest to unravel the mysteries of Hawkins.

Throughout the series, the Creel House becomes a haunting backdrop for pivotal scenes. Its dilapidated appearance, overgrown surroundings, and creaking floors heighten the sense of unease and provide an atmospheric setting for key plot developments. The house becomes a place of fear and fascination, drawing both the characters and the audience deeper into the unknown.

From Stranger Things Fandom Wiki, here is what we know about the Creel House History:

1959:

In March of 1959, the Creel family became the new owners of the house. Victor Creel, his wife Virginia, and their children, Alice and Henry, moved into what appeared to be an ordinary residence. However, the house took a sinister turn when Henry discovered a nest of black spiders residing in the vents. Fascinated by their presence, Henry grew to despise human society, finding solace in the creatures. Unbeknownst to his family, Henry possessed telekinetic abilities and began experimenting with his newfound powers. He could manipulate objects, including a grandfather clock within the house, and even peer into the pasts of others, creating unsettling illusions for his family.

As the visions and strange events escalated, Virginia suspected her son's abilities and the connection to their unsettling experiences. Victor, on the other hand, believed that a demonic entity haunted their home, going as far as having the house blessed. In an attempt to seek help for Henry's psychic powers, Virginia planned to take him to Dr. Martin Brenner. However, tragedy struck one night during dinner when Henry, unable to control his powers, unleashed a deadly assault on his family. His mother and sister fell victim to his telekinetic rampage, while Henry collapsed before he could harm his father. With the rest of the family gone, Victor was the sole survivor.

Henry, still in a coma, was taken into custody by Martin Brenner, who became fascinated with the young boy's abilities. Under the label of "001," Henry became Brenner's first human test subject, a dark path that awaited him.

1979:

Years later, on September 7th, 1979, Eleven banished Henry into the Upside Down, a parallel dimension. There, he suffered horrific burns and mutilation, adapting to the hostile environment. Using a version of the Creel House within the Upside Down as his headquarters, Henry plotted and schemed.

1986:

In the spring of 1986, a group consisting of Robin Buckley, Steve Harrington, Dustin Henderson, Max Mayfield, Lucas Sinclair, and Nancy Wheeler broke into the abandoned Creel House. During their exploration, they stumbled upon Henry's preserved black widow spiders hidden beneath the bathroom floorboards. As they delved deeper, they noticed electrical fluctuations, indicating a presence from the Upside Down.

Driven by their mission to confront Vecna, the group returned to the house in both the regular world and the Upside Down. They planned to use Max as bait for Vecna in the real house, while Steve, Nancy, and Robin aimed to attack Vecna's physical form in the Upside Down. Their objective was to distract Vecna, giving the trio an opportunity to eliminate him.

Their plan seemed to progress smoothly as Max willingly made herself vulnerable in the Creel House attic. However, their efforts were interrupted by Jason Carver and his friends, who arrived at the house out of suspicion. Mistaking Lucas's actions as a Satanic ritual, Jason confronted and attacked him, disrupting their strategy. With Max rendered unconscious, the fourth curse gate opened, resulting in chaos. In a desperate move, Eleven used her psychic powers to revive Max, but she remained comatose, left in a vulnerable state.

The story of the Creel House in Stranger Things is one intertwined with dark powers, supernatural dimensions, and the relentless pursuit of overcoming evil.

As the protagonists of Stranger Things delve into the secrets of the Creel House, they uncover clues and confront unimaginable dangers. Its rooms and corridors become stages for supernatural encounters, as the characters grapple with malevolent forces and fight for their lives. The Creel House becomes a symbol of the darkness that lurks beneath the surface of their seemingly ordinary world.

With its ominous presence and ties to the Upside Down, the Creel House in Stranger Things embodies the show's blend of 1980s nostalgia, supernatural suspense, and compelling storytelling. It serves as a physical manifestation of the show's themes, leaving an indelible mark on both the characters and the audience as they navigate the complex web of mysteries and emotions that define the Stranger Things universe.

Today, the Claremont House stands as a captivating symbol of the past, a glimpse into the grandeur of a bygone era. Its history is etched into its walls, and its beauty continues to captivate those who encounter its remarkable presence. As visitors explore the Claremont House in Rome, Georgia, they embark on a journey through time, connecting with the heritage and stories that have shaped this architectural masterpiece.

See its full HouseNovel profile here: The Claremont House