Unique Homes: Haines Shoe House Featured on HGTV

Have you ever driven past a five-story-tall shoe on the side of the road in York County? For those who haven’t seen it in person, HGTV featured the Haines Shoe House on their show “Zillow Gone Wild” in July. 

According to its website, the work boot-shaped home – located (of course) at 197 Shoe House Road – measures 25 feet high, 17 feet wide and 48 feet long, making it visible from Route 30 east of York. It was built in 1948 by Mahlon Haines to promote his shoe stores, and it was offered as a vacation spot for newlyweds and senior couples. 

Haines held several vacation contests affiliated with his stores. In 1950, a winner won an all-expenses-paid, week-long Shoe House vacation, including the service of a maid and a butler … and a free pair of shoes! 

After Haines passed in 1962, the Shoe House passed through various owners. For a while, his granddaughter ran it as an ice cream parlor and gave tours. After that, the house was renovated and toured by a handful of other owners before being purchased in 2022 and turned into an Airbnb. 

The Shoe House has made a name for itself. It was also featured on season 8 of “The Amazing Race” and HGTV’s series “What’s with That House?” 

Picture credit: York Daily Record