5 "Haunted" Homes for Sale Right Now
The moon is looking a little bigger, the wind seems to be whispering something with every gust, and shadows have grown slightly more ominous than usual. It could just be that our minds are playing tricks on us, but whether you like it or not, “spooky season” is upon us all, and Halloween is just around the corner.
Often a fun time of year to dress up as something out of the ordinary, attend wicked costume parties, and absolutely gorge yourself on a variety of sweets, the Fall season, October in particular, is first and foremost the time of ghouls, ghosts, goblins, monsters, and paranormal activity. At least if you’re into that kind of stuff.
It's the time of year when Halloween candy, costumes, and decorations are all out in full swing at many stores, and most major TV channels are hosting horror movie marathons to get you into the (frightened) mood. You can’t even turn on the radio without hearing Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” every 15.6 minutes. That’s right, there is no running from the Halloween season, so you might as well embrace it.
At least, that's what we’re doing. This time of year is just right for a few great scares and, who knew, possibly buying a new home. But ‘tis the season to be scary, so allow us to show you 5 “haunted” houses currently on the market.
Buyers beware, these homes are said to still be occupied - and not by the living. If you’re interested in snagging some prime (and terrifying) real estate, this is the article for you.
Read on, if you dare…
1. Share a Civil War Era Estate with the Woman in White
13800 W County House Rd, Albion, NY 14411: Listed for $499,000
Built in 1878, this civil war era estate captures the period perfectly. A true steal, the mansion boasts 6 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, and 3 half bathrooms within its 7,228 sq/ft of floor space. Recent renovations started in 2006 have only improved the value of the lot, adding a ballroom and partially enclosed patio, along with updates to the electric, heating and plumbing systems.
The kicker? As it turns out, since renovation began in 2006, there have been reports of some disturbing activity in the estate of the paranormal kind. It is said that an apparition of a woman in white can be seen roaming the property.
The apparition is believed to be the ghost of a former owner of the estate, namely one Myrtle Carr. There seems to be no bad blood between the ghost and those among the living who enter the house, but that doesn’t make the claims any less spooky. While her unfinished business is still up for debate, one thing is certain: The estate must be an awesome place to live in if even death couldn’t separate a former owner from it!
2. Villa Paula
5811 N Miami Ave #5837, Miami, FL 33127: Listed for $4,500,000
The first Cuban Consulate building built in 1925 in Miami, Florida, named after consulate Senior Don Domingo Milord’s wife, Paula, is without a doubt, haunted. Originally a 10 bedroom and two bath mansion built with yellow bricks exported from Cuba, Villa Paula has seen a variety of owners after Paula passed due to complications following an amputation and reached levels of disrepair. Fortunately, the amazing villa was brought back to its former glory by its current owner, who invested thousands into restoring the mansion.
The owner quickly discovered for himself that he had quite a few roommates. On various occasions he had heard knocking without explanation, doors slamming on its own, the sounds of high heels on the stone path in the backyard, the smell of coffee in the kitchen and roses in the dining room and cats were targeted if on the property. The owner recounted seeing an apparition of a Cuban woman, hair in a neat bun, contently floating throughout the home in a lengthy gown... with only one leg.
In the late 80’s Miami Herald coined Villa Paula the most haunted house in Miami, Florida.
3. Magnificent Palace with Dark Past
405 N Mayflower Rd, Lake Forest, IL 60045: Listed 8,950,000
A real-life castle set on five acres of private land with more or less 500 feet of beach lives the couple who were gifted the opulent property as their wedding gift in 1917. Laura and her husband Charles Schweppe lived a relatively content life until 1941 when Charles Schweppe committed suicide.
Schweppe left behind a cryptic suicide note that read “I’ve been awake all night. It’s terrible.’ The reasons behind his suicide remain as cryptic as the note he left behind, although it is said that Mr. Schweppe wished to be reunited with the love of his life, his first wife, who had passed on to the other side.
After Laura’s death in 1937, the mansion remained unoccupied by the tangible for 46 years. Rumor has it, the spirits of the Schweppe’s and their help still roam the halls of the castle.
4. Mississippi Grandeur and Ghostly Hosts
138 E. Fulton St, Canton, MC 39046: Listed $938,000,000
This grandiose home of 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms was built in 1852 by the original owners Dr. James Priestley and his wife, with who died in the property in the early 1900’s. All owners following the Priestley’s claim to have experienced hearing musical instruments playing by themselves and candles falling out from their holders.
Despite the reports made of a shadowy figure that seems to be targeting all of those who previously resided on the property, perhaps the Priestley’s do not wish to host but to protect their lively land.
5. Charming and Headless?
274 Charming Forge Rd, Womelsdorf, PA 19567: Listed $825,000
The antique country home was built in 1784 by Henry William ‘Baron’ Stiegel, an original ironmaster in the colonial days, has 7 bedrooms, 4 and a half baths and cover approximately 8,000 square footage of land with the Tulpehocken Creek that is protected by local land trusts. It is said that Mr. Stiegel somehow managed to incur a debt while alive and can still be heard slamming doors - his way of relieving himself from his stress of the debt.
Per legend, Mr. Stiegel’s nephew George Ege’s adopted daughter was visited by her fiance, to tell her of good news. While on the steps he managed to accidentally hang himself in front of his fiance with the reins of his scared horse.
Rumors say his spirit floats around the property, headless, and his fiance wails can still be heard throughout the home.
Whether these beautiful homes are hoarding the spirits of their former content, grieving and even headless occupants, one thing may be certain, we will not be attending any house warming parties for the homes listed here!