I’ll never forget the first time I saw the Cullen House in Twilight. That glass-walled mansion nestled in the forest felt like something straight out of a dream.
If you’re like me, you’ve probably wondered where this place actually exists. Can you visit it? Is it even real? Here’s the thing that surprised me most.
The movies used different houses throughout the series, which explains why so many fans get confused about the location.
I’ve done the research for you, and I’m sharing exact addresses, filming details, and tips for visiting these iconic spots.
Where Is the Cullen House in Real Life?
The actual Cullen House from Twilight sits in Portland, Oregon. It’s a private home you can view from the street.
Primary Cullen House Used in Twilight (2008)
Address: 3333 NW Quimby St, Portland, Oregon
The first Twilight movie used a real home in Portland for the Cullen House scenes. You’ll find it at 3333 NW Quimby Street.
The filmmakers picked this house because of its modern design and glass walls. The surrounding forest made it feel isolated and private, perfect for a vampire family.
This is someone’s actual home. You can see it from the driveway, but that’s as close as you should get.
What the House Looks Like Today
The house still looks similar to the movie version. The owners have maintained it well over the years.
You’ll recognize the glass panels and modern architecture from the road. The forest has grown a bit, but the overall look remains the same.
Please be respectful when visiting. Stay on the public street and don’t walk onto the property. Take quick photos from the road and move on.
Don’t ring the doorbell or peek in the windows. Real families live here, and they deserve their privacy.
Why the Twilight Cullen House Isn’t Actually in Forks?
The Cullen House was filmed in Portland, Oregon, not Forks, Washington. Production choices led filmmakers away from the story’s actual setting.
Filming Reality vs. Story Setting
In the Twilight story, the Cullens live in Forks, Washington. But the actual filming happened in Portland, Oregon.
The production team picked Portland for practical reasons. The city had better architecture options and offered tax incentives for film productions.
Portland homes had the sleek, modern look they needed. Forks didn’t have houses that matched their vision for the Cullen family.
The Neighborhood Vibe
The Cullen House sits in a hillside Portland neighborhood. You’ll see lots of Craftsman-style homes around the area.
Getting there is straightforward. You’ll drive through Portland’s Northwest District, which is known for its charm and tree-lined streets.
Other Cullen Houses Used Throughout the Saga
The Twilight saga used multiple houses for the Cullen home. Different locations were chosen as production moved between states and countries.
New Moon and Eclipse Cullen House (Vancouver, BC)
Production moved to Canada for New Moon and Eclipse. They used a different house in Vancouver, British Columbia for these films.
This second property looked different from the Portland house. The architecture had its own style and layout.
The change happened because of production logistics. Filming in Canada offered better tax incentives and easier access to crew and resources.
Breaking Dawn Cullen House (Custom-Built Set)
For Breaking Dawn, the team built a replica house in Vancouver. This gave them more control over filming angles and scenes.
They constructed it specifically for the movie. It wasn’t a real home that people lived in.
Later, they moved the interior sets to a soundstage in Louisiana. This allowed them to film indoor scenes more efficiently.
The custom build meant they could design exactly what they needed for the story.
Visiting the Cullen House: What to Expect
Visiting the Cullen House requires respect for private property. Fans can view it from the street following specific guidelines and timing.
Accessibility & Viewing Guidelines
Fans can visit the Cullen House, but stay at the end of the driveway. Don’t go onto the property itself.
This is a private home with real residents. Keep your visit short and respectful.
Use a zoom lens for photos if you have one. Snap a few pictures and move along quickly.
Be quiet and respectful of neighbors. Don’t block the driveway or linger too long.
Best Time to Visit
Morning or late afternoon works best for lighting. You’ll get better photos with softer light.
Avoid rush hours. Early morning on weekdays is usually quietest.
Park on the street away from the house and walk over. Don’t block driveways or mailboxes.
Weekdays are better than weekends. You’ll find fewer tourists and a calmer setting.
Nearby Twilight Filming Locations to Add to Your Trip
Portland and nearby Oregon towns host multiple Twilight filming locations. Fans can visit several iconic spots from the movie within short drives.
Portland & Surrounding Areas
- Oxbow Park: This is where Edward tells Bella “Say it out loud” in the famous meadow scene. The park sits about 30 minutes from Portland.
- View Point Inn: The prom scene was filmed here. The building is now in ruins, but fans still visit for photos and the view.
- Madison High School: They used this school for Forks High School exterior shots. It’s a real working school, so be respectful during school hours.
Twilight Road Trip Extensions
- Cannon Beach: This coastal spot appears during the road trip scenes. The beach is open to visitors and offers great photo opportunities.
- St. Helens: Bella’s house is located here. You’ll also find several Port Angeles scenes filmed in this small town.
- Vernonia: The bridge scenes were shot here. The town also served as the Forks police station in the movie.
All these locations are within a few hours of Portland. You can easily make a weekend trip out of visiting multiple spots.
Conclusion
So there you have it. The iconic Cullen House sits at 3333 NW Quimby Street in Portland, Oregon.
It’s a real home that you can view from the street, though remember to be respectful of the people who live there. The best part?
Portland and the surrounding areas are filled with other Twilight filming spots you can visit too.
From Bella’s house in St. Helens to the meadow scene at Oxbow Park, you can create your own Twilight road trip. Trust me, seeing these places in person makes rewatching the movies even more special.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you go inside the Cullen House in Portland?
No, you cannot go inside the house. It’s a private residence where real people live, so interior access is not allowed to visitors.
Is the Cullen House the same in all Twilight movies?
No, different houses were used throughout the series. The first movie used the Portland house, while later films used locations in Vancouver, Canada.
How far is the Cullen House from Forks, Washington?
The actual filming location is about 170 miles from Forks. The house is in Portland, Oregon, not in the town where the story takes place.
Do you need permission to photograph the Cullen House?
You don’t need permission to take photos from the public street. Just stay off the private property and be respectful of the residents and neighbors.
Are there other Twilight filming locations near the Cullen House?
Yes, several other filming spots are nearby in Portland and surrounding areas. You can visit Bella’s house in St. Helens, Madison High School, and Oxbow Park within a short drive.
