The world of Harry Potter has captured the hearts of millions of fans, but for one homeowner, residing in the house that served as the iconic setting for 4 Privet Drive has become quite a headache. While the identity of the resident remains anonymous, the house located in Bracknell, Berkshire, gained fame as the home of the Dursleys and their nephew, Harry Potter, in the blockbuster film franchise.
Given its status as a symbol of the series, it’s no surprise that the real-life house has attracted a considerable amount of attention from devoted Potterheads. However, the homeowner is less than thrilled about the constant fanfare. Speaking to The Sun, they expressed their exasperation, saying, “We’ve had people in floods of tears. It’s bizarre. The kids, you get it. But obviously the adults. They dress up sometimes in full gear and recreate scenes.”
The homeowner recounted an incident where someone attempted to climb the fence, prompting concern and a stern warning. Despite the challenges, they remain accommodating, even moving their cars to facilitate fans’ desire for a good photo. However, the constant presence of fans on their property, upon returning from work, has left them feeling bewildered. They shared, “We knew what house we were buying except they didn’t really tell us. They didn’t tell us they are here all day, every day. It’s constant.”
In 2016, the house was previously put on the market but later withdrawn. A neighboring property reportedly sold for £650,000, nearly £200,000 more than the asking price. Reflecting on the daily routine of dealing with fans, the homeowner revealed, “You open the curtains in the morning. You don’t get used to it. It’s really weird. Ten is the maximum we’ve had but people come in groups. People come in cars, and it’s all day and sometimes at night. The school holidays are the worst. Last week we had loads of people knocking on the door. It’s more of the fact that it’s a constant stream. It’s one of those franchises after all these years that is still just as crazy. Sometimes I just don’t get it.”
While most visitors knock on the door and politely request to take a photo, some individuals bypass this courtesy. The homeowner expressed empathy for their neighbors, who find themselves caught up in the commotion while trying to park their cars. Fans have traveled great distances from all over the world, with varying degrees of awkwardness. The homeowner commented, “We are used to it, but not used to it in a way.”
In a nod to the fictional world of Harry Potter, it was revealed that the cupboard under the stairs, where Harry initially resided with the Dursleys, remains untouched in the real house. The homeowner stated, “The cupboard is still here. It hasn’t been touched. Harry Potter might as well still live here. We just keep junk in it. Coats. Ironing board. Hoover.” Recreating the iconic space has even crossed their minds.
While the real house itself only appeared in one film, the street was reproduced on a set for subsequent movies. Fans eager to immerse themselves in the world of Harry Potter can visit the Warner Bros Studio Tour in Leavesden, Hertfordshire, where the set is open for exploration.
