At first glance, the old Victorian in Perryopolis looks like plenty of historic homes in southwestern Pennsylvania. It has a front porch, a quiet street, and little to suggest that one of Hollywood’s most unsettling scenes was filmed here.
Horror fans tend to recognize it right away. This is Buffalo Bill’s House, the real filming location from The Silence of the Lambs, and these days you can spend the night. The 1910 Queen Anne still has its original curio cabinet. Downstairs, the basement is staged as a tribute to the movie’s most infamous scene, with a recreated well designed by special effects artist Tom Savini and his students.
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What Happened Here on Screen
The production spent three days at the house, filming its foyer, dining room, and exterior for the movie’s final showdown, when Clarice Starling comes face to face with the killer. Much of the 1991 film was shot around Pittsburgh and in northern West Virginia. It went on to win five Academy Awards.
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One thing: the house never had a pit. The scene was filmed on a soundstage, which is why the staged basement exists: it gives fans the photo they came for.
A Night Inside
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The house comfortably accommodates up to eight guests across four uniquely decorated bedrooms, immersing visitors fully in the cinematic atmosphere. Original architectural details like the 1910 Queen Anne curio cabinet remain intact throughout the historic space, blending seamlessly with thoughtful nods to the film.
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Downstairs, the lower level features a meticulously recreated basement well designed by special effects artist Tom Savini and his students, offering fans the ultimate photo opportunity since the original pit was shot on a Hollywood soundstage.
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Between exploring the memorabilia-filled rooms and reviewing classic movie quotes, guests can unwind with vintage arcade games like Pac-Man and Mortal Kombat. Because owner Chris Rowan operates the property primarily as a private rental rather than a daily museum, overnight stays offer an intimate, uninterrupted experience for dedicated film enthusiasts and groups of friends looking for a uniquely themed getaway.
Perryopolis Beyond the Movie
Perryopolis is a small Fayette County borough about 30 miles south of Pittsburgh, named for Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry. Its streets follow an unusual wheel-like pattern around a central diamond.
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George Washington once owned land here, and the restored Washington’s Grist Mill is one of the town’s quieter historic stops.
The Laurel Highlands are a short drive southeast, so it’s easy to pair a night here with a drive to see Ohiopyle Falls in autumn. If you’re planning a whole spooky weekend, these Halloween towns make good detours.
Before You Book
Buffalo Bill’s House is at 8 Circle St. in Perryopolis. You can book through Airbnb and directly at buffalobillshouse.com, or by calling 833-283-3245. Airbnb put the house in its 2026 roundup of Halloween stays, so expect demand around the holiday. Check the listing for current rates and house rules.