The iconic psychological horror movie The Silence of the Lambs (1991) was based on Thomas Harris’s eponymous 1988 novel, and is best remembered for its villain, Dr. Hannibal Lecter. Likewise, one of the movie's most memorable settings was the home of Lecter, beautifully renovated with a deco design. Like many of the antimodernistic designs, the house’s structure and decor reveal Lecter’s classicist and art deco taste. Although the house is not a real one, actors made it come alive in the film and used it to show the villain’s traits. The house has several entryways, balconies, and windows. It was made to look like an old-fashioned manor house, featuring a Tudor-style at its front. Rather than using modernistic elements, the house was made to survive any period of time with art deco designs and furnishings.House Designs and Floor Plans from 'The Silence of the Lambs'
Another unforgettable character in the film was the house’s owner, Dr. Hannibal Lecter, brilliantly portrayed by actor Anthony Hopkins. In the movie, many of his famous lines reveal deeper insights, which can be summarized by one of them: “First principles, Clarice. Simplicity. Read Marcus Aurelius. Of each particular thing, ask what is it in itself, what is its nature? What does he do, this man you seek?” Ideea, an interior design company based in Milan, developed the art deco floor plan of Hannibal Lecter’s home. The castle-like home with its tall windows and towers was structured to fit the mansion's exterior. In addition, Jonathan Demme worked with the filmmakers to use his editing skills and provide the comfortable interior details. The interior layout consists of a spacious lobby, library with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, a bedroom, and several other living spaces. The architecture provided a perfect depiction of the house and the personality of its owner.Hannibal Lecter's House Plan - Made By Ideea
The floor plan created by Ideea was intended to portray the home as an escape destination but a place to which Lecter could return to get in touch with his darker side. Even though the movie was shot on sound stages and did not reveal much of the house’s interior, the floor plan successfully immerses viewers in the everyday life of the good doctor. Not only is the house more of aJekyll and Hyde but also a representation of his mind, a way to protect the doctor from society and to maintain his solitary world. The warp in time that the art deco house creates helped to bring out the darkness everybody wants to feel in the darkest places.Hannibal Lecter House Plans | Homes of Horror
The house is located on the secluded shoulder of a mountain where Hannibal re-traumatized the world with his brutality. Its interior is equipped with a wide room, a beautiful library, a service kitchen, a breakfast area, a living room, and a dining room. The exterior walls are made of drywall and plaster, and the roof is a sheet metal finish which captures the sharp lines of the art deco style. The bathroom is modern and warm, with a green tiled bathroom that falls into separate blocks. The floor plan emphasizes a factory-like concept, creating a sense of sterility and organization, which is similar to a lab. It is interesting to note that usually a character like Hannibal Lecter would live in a house full of disorder and madness, but this house implies that he is comfortable within the chaos of his own mind.Hannibal Lecter's House Floor Plans
The house that Hannibal Lecter lived in was a magnificent blend of architecture and a deco design that created the perfect seclusion for the doctor's secrets and obsessions. Though a bit dated, as Hannibal Lecter himself was partial to the old school of murdering people, his home was decidedly romantic in its choice of furniture and decorations. A big wooden bench from the libary became one of the highlights of the house. The interior design of Hannibal Lecter's home is simply breathtaking. From the spending wooden chairs to the shaded oriental carpets, it paints the perfect atmosphere of a gentleman's home.Hannibal Lecter Home Plan from the Movie 'Silence of the Lambs'
One of the most impressive details of the house plans for Hannibal Lecter's house is the marvelous setup of Chestnut Lodge. It is a three-story mansion that is surrounded by tall trees and lush vegetation. The main entrance of the house is designed with art deco elements, with columns and arched entryways. The exterior walls of the house are made of steel and a special material that reflects the natural light during the day and makes the house look like an old castle. Inside the house, the rooms feature expensive details such as Persian rugs, furniture in brown leather, and an amazing grand piano.Hannibal Lecter's Dream Home - Chestnut Lodge
Hannibal Lecter's house plan also featured immense outdoor spaces such as terraces and balconies, well-manicured gardens, tennis court, patios, and a garage to store his famous car. The interior of the house is mostly organized in an open plan layout, with large windows and glass doors providing views of the gardens surrounding the property. The main living room also features a grand piano and massive stone fireplace. It is a perfect example of deco design. Not only are the doors, windows, floors, and walls made of wood but also the furniture and decorations tend to be antique artifacts in accordance with the character.Hannibal - House Plan
The floor plan of the house showed Hannibal Lecter's perspective, creating the perfect environment to express his evil though smart personality. The ground floor is where the main entrance is located, with two breathtaking salons with a fireplace, and an incredible library. On the second floor, we can find a modern kitchen with eat-in dining, a balcony, and access to an outdoor patio. And, finally, the topmost floor has the master suite bedroom, an office, and a magnificent bathroom with a hot tub. The house also had a basement, which was used as a prison in the movie.Hannibal Lecter's Place - Floor Plan
When it comes to the library, Hannibal Lecter has brought his classic style to life by recreating his own dream house. All the walls are packed head-to-toe with books, DVDs, magazine, and other materials of a fantastic library. It feels like a refuge for the mind. Just in front of the wall of books, there is a pair of ancient leather armchairs, a few shelves full of trophies, and an imposing writing desk. The library would be the envy of many a book lover with its geometric panels, terracotta tiles, and ornate lamps. All in all, the library was the perfect way to show how intellectual Hannibal Lecter was and how deep his intrigue was.Hannibal Lecter Library Floor Plans
The production team of The Silence of the Lambs put a lot of effort into recreating Hannibal Lecter's house on a sound stage in California. Not only did they put in the authentic art deco furnishings but they also included some of the infamous scenes from the movie. It's no surprise that the house has become one of the most iconic sets in all of cinema. The interior of the house was a mix of modern housewares from the '90s and period-authentic furniture. The colors used were warm and inviting and the detailing gave a lived-in feel. Films fans all around the world love to imagine themselves in Hannibal Lecter's luxurious house with its deco design, sweater-clad Hannibal and his gunman, Jack Crawford.Hannibal Lecter's House Rebuilt From the Movie