'The Martian' author Andy Weir lists 'Home Alone' lookalike house

New York Times bestselling author Andy Weir is looking for a buyer for his lovely Chicago-area family home.

The former computer programmer, who left a promising tech career after working at companies like AOL, Palm, MobileIron, and video game giant Blizzard, turned to his passion for science fiction writing in the early 2000s. After a few years of writing popular webcomics, Weir self-published his first novel, The Martian, in 2011.

^{The Martian author Andy Weir at a Comic Con panel at the Jacob Javits Center in New York. Photo credit: lev radin / Shutterstock}

While the first version of the book was published (for free) on Weir’s blog, in a serialized format, The Martian drew the attention of the Crown Publishing Group — a Penguin Random House subsidiary — which purchased the exclusive publishing rights and later re-released the science fiction novel, to great critical acclaim.

The novel was later adapted into a blockbuster movie directed by Ridley Scott. Starring Hollywood heavyweight Matt Damon, The Martian was released in 2015 and became the 10th-highest-grossing film of the year, making Andy Weir a rising star of the sci-fi genre.

Following The Martian‘s success, Weir released another sci-fi novel, Artemis, followed by a graphic novel, Cheshire Crossing. In 2021, Weir released his third novel, Project Hail Mary, which earned him a nomination for the coveted Hugo Awards for Best Novel — and will follow in the footsteps of his first book, as it’s slated to be adapted into a film starring Ryan Gosling.

Andy Weir’s quick rise to fame didn’t fail to attract solid earnings for the sci-fi writer.

And if you’re wondering where the author invested part of his hard-earned money, look no further than his Chicago-area home, a beautiful 6-bedroom abode that recently hit the market for $4,999,000 (Update: the price has later been dropped to $4,750,000).

Aerial view of author Andy Weir's house in Winnetka, IL, on the market for $4,999,000. — ^{Aerial view of author Andy Weir’s house in Winnetka, IL, on the market for $4,750,000. Photo credit: Larry Malvin courtesy of Linda Martin | Coldwell Banker}

Set in Winnetka, Illinois — a family-friendly suburb located 16 miles north of downtown Chicago — Andy Weir’s house bears a striking similarity to the area’s most famous home: the McCallister house from Home Alone.

The two Georgian-style homes share both a location (they’re set within a 6-minute driving distance of each other) and a Neoclassical, all-brick design. But The Martian author’s house is located in a much more private and quiet area of Winnetka, the upscale community of Indian Hill.

front view of author Andy Weir's house in Winnetka, IL, a Georgian-style brick house — ^{Photo credit: Photo credit: Larry Malvin courtesy of Linda Martin | Coldwell Banker}

Built in 2005, Andy Weir’s elegant home was custom-designed by sought-after local builder Charles Page.

Set on 1.6 serene acres and tucked away on a secluded road overlooking a spring-fed lake, this distinctive property is located within the grounds of Indian Hill Country Club.

With 8,800 square feet of luxuriously appointed living space, the house comes with 6 bedrooms, 6 full baths, and 2 half baths.

It welcomes visitors with a gracious two-story light-filled foyer and grand curved staircase, which leads into an inviting living room that boasts panoramic views of the lush rear yard.

two-story entrance with curved staircase — ^{Photo credit: Laura Bennett | VHT Studios courtesy of Linda Martin | Coldwell Banker.}

bright, large living room with fireplace — ^{Photo credit: Laura Bennett | VHT Studios courtesy of Linda Martin | Coldwell Banker.}

The transitional style kitchen, fully renovated and completed in December 2022, features Cambria quartz countertops, Ann Sacks tiles, new cabinets, a new bar with sink, new chandeliers, porcelain tile floors, high-end appliances, butler’s pantry, island, and breakfast area, the listing says.

remodeled kitchen with breakfast nook — ^{Photo credit: Laura Bennett |VHT Studios courtesy of Linda Martin | Coldwell Banker.}

remodeled black and white kitchen with counter seating — ^{Photo credit: Laura Bennett | VHT Studios courtesy of Linda Martin | Coldwell Banker.}

A light-filled formal dining room ideal for entertaining features Zuber wallpaper depicting 1830s French life in the United States.

luxury dining room with intricate wallpaper — ^{Photo credit: Laura Bennett | VHT Studios courtesy of Linda Martin | Coldwell Banker.}

As is to be expected, the novelist’s home features a showstopping paneled library designed with the avid collector in mind.

The library features gorgeous herringbone flooring and a fireplace for settling in with a favorite bestseller.

wood paneled library with fireplace — ^{Photo credit: Laura Bennett | VHT Studios courtesy of Linda Martin | Coldwell Banker.}

wood paneled library with large windows — ^{Photo credit: Laura Bennett |} ^{VHT Studios courtesy of Linda Martin | Coldwell Banker.}

The refined primary suite leaves no detail unturned and includes two separate baths and two fully-outfitted generous walk-in closets. Not to mention that there’s an additional primary suite on the 1st floor of the 8,800-square-foot house, for added convenience.