Explore the real-life Texas Chainsaw Massacre House

Horror buffs and road trip adventurers can enter the chilling world of The Texas Chainsaw House by visiting the iconic spot from the 1974 film. 

Tucked in the small town of Kingsland, Texas, this infamous setting hosted one of the most terrifying on-screen families, the Sawyer clan. 

Nowadays, the house is the spot to discover where the grizzly scenes were filmed. It’s also home to Hoopers. Named after the film’s director, Hooper’s is a fun Southern restaurant that pays homage to its cinematic roots with wholesome eats and cocktails like the Chainsaw Margarita or Hitchiker’s Highball.

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From Horror to Hospitality

Initially located in Round Rock, the Texas Chainsaw House fell into disrepair before being rescued by a group of passionate preservationists. 

In 1998, the structure was taken apart into about 7 pieces and moved over 60 miles to its current location in Kingsland. It now sits beside the cozy Antlers Inn, a historic hotel providing a comfy respite from the house’s creepy cinematic past. 

The Texas Chainsaw House is now a fun spot where visitors can retrace moments from the movie while enjoying delicious Southern cuisine and drinks at Hoopers. 

Brief History of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre

Spoiler alert: Despite the movie’s intro, the film is not really based on a true story. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre was an independent film shot on a shoestring budget with unknown actors from central Texas. 

The movie is built on sheer terror and grizzly violence that The Sawyer Clan wreaks upon any who come near their ranch. 

Filming occurred in sweltering Texas heat and was completed in just 32 days. During that time, actors were subjected to grueling 12+ hour days in scorching temps. The film’s low budget necessitated speed, leaving little room for reshoots. As a result, many of the movie’s most iconic scenes of violence had to be shot quickly and with significant risk to the actors. 

The producers initially had difficulty getting the film into theatres due to its shocking content. Eventually, they found small locations and lesser-known distributors to show the film. These initial showings took off fast, turning the film into an international phenomenon.

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre would ultimately become a legend. It initiated the ‘slasher’ genre and would go on to inspire countless other scary movies. 

Dining With Dark History

The Texas Chainsaw House’s transformation into Hoopers hasn’t erased its macabre past. Film fans flock here not just to dine but for the eerie thrill of sitting in the same rooms where Leatherface and his family wreaked havoc. 

The restaurant’s layout stays true to the movie’s depiction of the home. You’ll instantly recognize key elements from the film’s setting: the eerie doorway, the layout of the rooms, and of course, the infamous kitchen where one of the movie’s most notorious scenes takes place. 

From Horror Films to Real-Life Road Trips

The Texas Chainsaw House is a worthy stop for road trippers, whether you’re a hardcore horror fan or simply intrigued by the idea of eating in a former house of terror. 

Just as with Camp Crystal Lake from the Friday the 13th saga, the connection between the movie and the real-world location adds a layer of suspense to the trip. 

The house is also an easy day trip from San Antonio or Austin. Take a trek through Texas Hill Country as you go for a peaceful contrast to the house’s dark cinematic history.

Tours of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre House

Guided tours aren’t offered at the Texas Chainsaw House, but you can take a self-guided tour. Here are the important stops to retrace the movie’s gruesome unfolding:

Front Porch

This is the first glimpse horror fans get in the movie. It’s where the nightmare begins, and it offers a perfect photo op.

Living Room

As you enter, the eerie familiarity of the living room might send chills down your spine. This is where Leatherface’s victims first encountered the family and where you’ll sit down to enjoy your meal.

Kitchen

This is one of the most notorious rooms in the movie. It’s here that some of the film’s most gruesome scenes unfolded. While now it’s filled with the sights and smells of non-cannibal comfort food, fans will instantly recognize the setup from the movie’s terrifying climax.

Infamous Hallway

As you move around the house, walk through the narrow hallway leading to the kitchen. In the film, this passage is where the terror escalated, with doors slamming shut and Leatherface making his unforgettably terrifying entrance.

Dining Room

Another pivotal location in the film, the dining room retains its scary atmosphere. As you sit down for your meal, remember it as the place where one of the most infamous horror families gathered, ficitonally of course!

Detour to the Infamous Gas Station

Located in Bastrop, TX (two hours from The Texas Chainsaw House), this gas station is where the film’s unfortunate victims first stopped for gas. It’s also where things start to go terribly wrong for the group of friends when they run out of gas and find the pumps dry. This forces them to stay in the area, thereby falling prey to The Sawyer Clan. 

If You Go

Located just an hour and a half northwest of Austin, Kingsland makes for a perfect day trip. Hoopers serves brunch, lunch, and dinner, with a menu full of comfort food classics. 

But for fans of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, the real attraction is the chance to immerse yourself in one of horror’s most iconic settings. While guided tours aren’t available, you can take a self-guided walk through the house to reimagine the horrors that were filmed there. 

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