Last year, Belgium-based LEGO builder Amber Veyt submitted her concept for a LEGO set inspired by the Sanderson Sisters’ house from the 1993 Disney film Hocus Pocus to LEGO Ideas. The set netted the 10,000 supporters needed to be reviewed by LEGO and considered for the possibility of being released as an actual LEGO product but was ultimately rejected. But even as her previous submission racked up the needed support to possibly become a reality, Veyt continued to modify her design, which is why when it didn’t make the cut, she quickly submitted an updated design of the Sanderson Sisters’ cottage for 2021.
“Even when the first design was still getting supports, I was constantly adjusting things to my built (sic) in my free time,” says Veyt. “At one point, I literally started from scratch because I wanted the cottage to be openable. After a few months, I had a completely new version just waiting on my computer. When I heard the news of the Hocus Pocus design not getting made into a real LEGO set, I immediately rendered my images, prepared my presentation, and uploaded it ASAP.”
Veyt’s latest attempt builds on her previous idea but has been updated for 2021. “The biggest change is the cottage itself,” says Veyt. “The size is now more movie-accurate, and it’s openable with hinges. The old version only had an open back.” Other notable changes include an updated color palette, which brightens the set’s overall look, and a newly designed water wheel, made to look more realistic and features a hidden crank located inside the cottage allowing the wheel to turn.
But not every change is as noticeable. Veyt also focused on the smaller details as part of the update, including the set’s Minifigures’ looks. “I learned how to make custom hair pieces for my minifigs in 3D,” says Veyt, which is how she gave Sanderson Sisters Winifred and Mary and scorned undead lover Billy Butcherson more movie-accurate hair. Attention was also given to each minifigure’s outfit and face to make them more movie accurate. Billy’s grave went through a make-over, too; this time, the tombstone has a print (with text and little details), just like in the movie!
Veyt’s design is a labor of love that has taken countless hours and several months to complete. When I asked her how long she spent on the design, she replied, “Let’s just say a really long time, but I enjoyed every moment of it!”
The updated Sanderson Sisters Cottage features 2,992 pieces. It includes the openable Sanderson Sisters’ Cottage, Billy’s grave, and 12 Minifigures: Winifred Sanderson, Sarah Sanderson, Mary Sanderson, Max Dennison, Dani Dennison, Allison, Emily Binx, Thackery Binx, Binx (as a cat), Billy Butcherson, Ernie AKA Ice and Jay. Notable elements from the original design are also included in the set, such as the black flame candle and the Sanderson Sisters’ spellbook, complete with a spell to turn Thackery Binx into a cat.
The updated LEGO Ideas submission has already racked up 886 supporters as of the time of this writing. The design has 423 days left to reach the 10,000 supporter goal to be eligible for the consideration of being turned into an actual LEGO product. The original design reached its goal in only a few months, so here’s hoping the updated design sees a similar success! For more photos, information, and to show your support visit the project’s LEGO Ideas page.
