While much of the mansion's interiors were created on soundstages, exterior shots of the mansion feature the stunning Garden District home known as The Buckner Mansion, which is located at 1410 Jackson Avenue.

The answer varies by production, but for the 2023 Disney film, much of the "Gracey Manor" exterior was inspired by the real Buckner Mansion in the Garden District of New Orleans. While the production filmed exterior plates and atmospheric shots in New Orleans to capture the authentic Southern Gothic vibe, the majority of the house—especially the intricate, moving interiors—was a massive practical set built at Trilith Studios in Atlanta. For the original 2003 movie starring Eddie Murphy, the production built a physical, multi-story manor front in a brick quarry in California, which was then enhanced with digital effects. None of the films were shot entirely inside a single functioning "haunted" house, as the logistical requirements of a Disney blockbuster require specialized sets that can accommodate large camera rigs and special effects equipment.