Image: Winsold 3D imaging (right)
Did you know that the 2,840-square-foot home located in the historic neighborhood of Unionville, within the city of Markham, Ontario, played a special role in television history? It was the original house used as Lorelai and Rory Gilmore’s home in the pilot episode of Gilmore Girls.
After that first episode, the production moved to the Warner Bros. Theater. The soundtrack is set in Burbank, California, but loyal fans will recognize the interiors from countless rewatches of the show’s debut.Now, for the first time in 24 years, the property is on the market for $3.88 million Canadian dollars (about $2.7 million US dollars), according to reports.
A piece of Stars Hollow, Ontario
When Gilmore Girls premiered in 2000, the production team didn’t yet have the fully built Stars Hollow background set that we now associate with the series.
Instead, they head to Unionville, a picturesque Canadian community, to replace the fictional Connecticut town.This house served as Lorelai and Rory’s home in that pilot, but the surrounding neighborhood also doubled as several other major locations. For example, a nearby storefront was used as the exterior of Luke’s Diner, the heart of Stars Hollow’s coffee culture. Markham Train Station is featured as the exterior of Miss Patty’s dance studio.
A red brick church in the area was featured in the opening shots of Stars Hollow, helping to define the quaint small-town feel that fans fell in love with.For anyone who dreams of “living in Stars Hollow,” this neighborhood offers the closest equivalent to the real world, weaving the history of photography through its streets.
Inside the original Gilmore Girls house
Image: Winsold 3D Photography
Built around 1875, the home blends Victorian charm with updated amenities, making it feel both historic and inviting, very much in the spirit of Lorelai’s relaxed, liveable style.Key features of the main house include two staircases, adding character and an interesting flow through the home. It also has three fireplaces, including an antique fireplace in the master bedroom, perfect for curling up with a book (or a big cup of coffee). Exposed wooden beams add warmth and texture to the interior spaces. A wet bar, perfect for entertaining or hosting gatherings that feel like just a get-together at Gilmore.Meanwhile, the kitchen is designed for everyday use and social moments, and includes a central island with barstools that encourage casual meals and conversations. Direct access to the outdoor deck connects indoor cooking, dining and outdoor relaxation.In the master bedroom you’ll find a fireplace that adds a vintage focal point and a cozy feel. A private corridor provides direct access to the outdoors and gives the room a spacious and airy feel.Outside, the property backs onto a valley and river, creating a stunning natural backdrop that feels worlds away from the noise of the city, just like the hidden charm of Stars Hollow. Reports indicate that there are several seating areas that work beautifully for al fresco dining, hosting friends, or just enjoying a quiet time.
Heritage building
One of the most unique aspects of the property is the detached 550-square-foot “heritage building” on the lot.Until 1984, this building served as the town’s bakery, making it a real part of local history. Today, it has been completely renovated, with heating, air conditioning, electricity and internet. It can function as a studio, office, guest house or creative workspace, ideal for remote work, art projects or hosting visitors.For fans of the show, it’s easy to imagine this space as a writing studio for someone working on their small-town stories, or as a cozy guest house for family and friends.The home was last sold in 2002 and has not been on the market since, making this listing a rare opportunity to own a true piece of television history.The home is represented by Sylvia Morris of Century 21 Leading Edge Realty Inc.For loyal fans, a home is more than just a property; It’s a tangible link to the show’s early days, blending historic architecture, filming history, and everyday charm that made Stars Hollow feel like a place you could move to.If you imagine yourself walking into “Luke’s” house nearby, or sipping coffee next to the fireplace that once framed Lorelai and Rory’s world, does the idea of living in the original Gilmore Girls house sound more like owning a home or owning a little piece of your favorite story?
