Haunted House - $$3.00
Who sez everything has to be serious in the paper model business? This is one of the FG models that was made just for fun and sells very well indeed especially, of course, around Halloween.The design was inspired by the tower in the movie 'Psycho'.
Haunted House
Who sez everything has to be serious in the paper model business?
This is one of the FG models that was made just for fun and sells
very well indeed especially, of course, around Halloween.The design
was inspired by the tower in the movie 'Psycho'.
More scary models from Fiddlersgreen:
Rydale Museum's Witches Hovel
Witch on Broom Flying Model
Additional Historical Insights
The tower design drawing from Alfred Hitchcock's 1960 horror classic Psycho—inspired by Edward Hopper's 1925 painting "House by the Railroad"—has become an iconic symbol of haunted architecture. The original Psycho House, also known as the Bates Mansion, was constructed on the Universal Studios backlot in Hollywood for just $12,000 using stock set pieces. It featured a Gothic Revival style with a mansard roof, emphasizing isolation and dread. Initially built near Singapore Lake (now Jaws Lake), the set has been relocated multiple times but remains a staple of the studio tour, where visitors can see it up close.
The house's design influenced countless horror films and TV shows, from The Texas Chain Saw Massacre to Stranger Things, symbolizing repressed secrets and psychological terror. In reality, the Psycho story drew loose inspiration from serial killer Ed Gein, but the house itself is fictional—though a replica exists at Universal Studios Florida.
Fun Trivia
- The Psycho House was filmed from specific angles to appear taller and more imposing; reverse shots reveal it was only partially built, with just a 90-degree facade.
- During production, Hitchcock used chocolate syrup for the famous shower scene's "blood" because it showed up better in black-and-white film.
- The Bates Motel set has been rebuilt several times, including for the 1998 remake, and now includes modern updates like LED lighting for tours.
Model Building Tips
Enhance the spooky vibe by adding LED tea lights inside for a glowing window effect—perfect for Halloween displays. Use textured paper or foam board for the siding to mimic aged wood, and incorporate miniature cobwebs from craft stores for added atmosphere. Group it with related models like the Witch on Broom for a themed haunted village.