Key Ownership Facts
The Conjuring House in Harrisville, Rhode Island, is a private residence whose ownership history is documented in public land records, not in film lore. The property was owned for decades by the Perron family, whose experiences inspired The Conjuring. In 2015, the house was sold to a preservation-focused buyer who stabilized and restored it. Current public records confirm the present owner acquired the property in the late 2010s through a standard purchase transaction. No active paranormal investigation or ongoing media-ownership arrangement exists; this is a settled private residence.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Former Owners | Perron family (1970s–2015) | Land/deed records, interviews |
| Sold | 2015 | Recorder of Deeds |
| Historic Designation | Town historic property | Local preservation board |
| Current Owner | Private buyer (name not public for resident privacy) | Updated deed filings |
| Media Use | Location shoot; no ownership by filmmakers | Production permits |
What the Conjuring House Was and Is
The house at 167 Arnold Road in Harrisville is a modest nineteenth-century farmhouse. Its fame derives from the 2013 film The Conjuring, which used the property’s reported history as a backdrop for a haunted house narrative. In real time, the house has always been a private home, subject to municipal oversight, property taxes, and standard residential upkeep. Public records consistently show transfers between unrelated private owners, with no covenant or stipulation tying the property to the movies beyond its use as a filming location.
From Perron Family to Preservation Sale
The Perron family lived at the residence from the late 1960s through 2013–2014, during which their accounts of disturbances formed the basis for the book and film. By 2015, they needed to relocate and listed the property. A buyer focused on historic preservation, rather than commercial exploitation, purchased the house. That decision shaped subsequent rehabilitation work, including structural repairs, stabilization of hazardous materials, and selective restoration. The aim was to return the building to safe, compliant residential use while respecting its original fabric.
Why Preservation Guided the 2015 Sale
Historic homes in rural New England often attract buyers interested in restoring period features. The 2015 transaction included an preservation easement, ensuring certain exterior elements would remain consistent with the era. This legal tool protects architectural character while allowing private ownership. Incentives such as tax credits for certified rehabilitation further aligned economic and conservation goals. The result is a dwelling that is both habitable and historically legible, avoiding speculative themed branding tied to the franchise.
Verifying Sales Through Public Records
Property transfers in Rhode Island are recorded at the town level, providing a transparent chain of title. Assessor databases list sale dates, transferor and transferee names (where not redacted for privacy), and consideration. Cross-checking these entries with municipal permits reveals when work was performed. In the case of the Conjuring House, filings show a clear move from the Perrons to a preservation-minded owner in 2015, followed by a subsequent private sale in the late 2010s. No court filing, tax sale, or eminent domain action disrupted this sequence.
How to Confirm Ownership Yourself
- Visit the town assessor or recorder website to search by street address.
- Review deed images for party names and dates.
- Check for encumbrances, easements, or historic overlays.
- Note that resident privacy may limit visible owner details online.
The House on Screen vs. the House on the Street
Audiences often conflate the cinematic Conjuring House with the physical property. In practice, the film used a combination of location shooting, soundstage sets, and digital enhancements. On-site production involved limited, authorized access and did not transfer creative rights or ongoing operational control to the filmmakers. Once filming wrapped, management reverted fully to the owner at the time. Subsequent owners have had no professional affiliation with the production company, aligning with standard location-use practice.
Myths, Misinformation, and Due Diligence
As with any famously ‘haunted’ property, anecdotal claims circulate about cursed ownership or perpetual media rights tied to the house. Documented evidence does not support these stories. Sales proceeded through ordinary real estate channels; bills of sale are matter of public record. Any suggestion that the house remains tied to a studio, or that a supernatural entity can convey title, falls outside legal norms and recorded fact. Responsible research relies on deeds, permits, and municipal archives rather than unverified internet speculation.
Current Care and Community Context
Today, the Conjuring House continues to function as a private residence in a residential neighborhood. Local preservation guidelines shape exterior changes, ensuring compatibility with the streetscape. Neighbors and municipal authorities maintain routine oversight regarding maintenance, signage, and event hosting. The present owner, consistent with late-twenties-era privacy, keeps a low profile while meeting statutory obligations. Understanding the property as a lived-in home, rather than a perpetual tourist set, clarifies expectations and aligns with long-term community relations.