The Enchanted Seaside Victorian Home from Practical Magic

With Halloween a mere day away, what better time than now to explore the magical estate featured in the 1998 film Practical Magic. This cute and campy movie is a lighthearted watch. And if that doesn’t strike your fancy the meticulously crafted sets and enchanted seaside Victorian home will make it worth watching.

In the movie, the Owens family have lived on Maria’s Island for generations. The quaint town off of the Massachusetts coast was presumably named after their ancestor Maria who was banished to the island for being a witch. Even after many years had passed, the stigma surrounding the Owens women, not to mention the family curse, remained. The family estate, an enchanted seaside Victorian, is the primary setting throughout the film.

Now without further ado, let’s take a look..


I’d be lying if I didn’t admit my disappointment in discovering the featured home was a architectural shell constructed just for filming. According to IMDb, the exterior scenes were shot on San Juan Island in Washington state and all scenes of the interior of the home were filmed in studio.

The home has elaborate ornamentation and is visually quite intriguing. Decorative trusses in the “king’s post” style are shown along the dormer windows and gabled roof lines. Atop the central tower is a polygonal cupola, which gives a beautiful coastal lighthouse effect.

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From the front facade you see the mansard roof with bracketed cornices, dormer windows, and horizontal wood siding.

This sunset view of the home highlights the asymmetrical porch wrapping around the front and side walls. The feature is highly characteristic of Queen Anne Victorians.

The mansard roof is elaborated with iron cresting.

The home’s interior exudes warmth and historical charm.

The black wood paneling and luxurious textiles create a dramatic backdrop, aptly suited for a house of witches.

If you look closely in the living room, you’ll notice the dark wainscoting, nature inspired wallpaper, and heavy draperies. A nod to the Victorian influence is seen in the scalloped lamp shades and unique bow-shaped mirror.

The apothecary style potions room is beautifully designed with glass front cabinets displaying vintage glass jars of ingredients, mixing tools, and any other supplies a witch might need.

The square staircase highlights the contrast between the dark plank flooring and the off- white beadboard and handrail design.

Nicole Kidman’s character appears to stay in one of the home’s middle levels judging by the roof line and stair placement.

Similar to the rest of the house, the room has lots of wood furniture and antique pieces.

The room for Sandra Bullock’s character feels a bit cozier with soft dusty pink hues and a fireplace.

The kitchen is absolutely gorgeous!

Glazed tiles surround the kitchen. On either side of the stove are casement windows allowing for airflow and light.

The kitchen has a farmhouse style sink with a plate rack above.

The dining area, a perfect set up for “midnight margaritas”.

I love how symmetrical the kitchen layout is. It looks so inviting and balanced.

Set designers used a dutch door leading down the steps to the back garden.

Immediately off the kitchen is the greenhouse.

This aerial view shows the step down into the space and the stone flooring.

The space feels whimsical with the array of plants, glass vessels on the workbench, and vines growing up the walls.

In the back garden we see more of the exterior details including the stone path and layered floral landscape.

The wrap around porch is supported by columns. In the image below you can see the bracket detailing near the top of the column. What a view!

In addition to the greenhouse the estate has a vegetable garden surrounded by a white picket fence.

What better place to take in the coastal view than the vine covered pergola? Truly picturesque.

What’s your favorite part of this magical Victorian estate? Let me know in the comments below!


All images from this post, unless otherwise noted, are from the movie. All images from the movie are credited to Warner Bros. Pictures.