Empty houses can be eerie, with their quiet and lifeless interiors. But appearances can be deceiving, and some of these homes might not be as empty as they seem. With Halloween approaching, it's the perfect time to explore the haunted house market.
Intriguingly, haunted houses are not a deterrent for buyers. In fact, 24% of American homeowners revealed they already live in one. As the Amityville House, considered the most haunted house in America, remains off the market, other haunted homes are currently up for sale or have recently found new owners. Some of these homes have a long history dating back to the 19th century, which often means they come with a dark past.
Enslin Mansion, 562 5th Avenue, Troy, New York ($444,444)
Built by a German immigrant in 1925, this house has remained in the same family for generations. Now, it's up for sale, and it comes with a unique feature – about nine resident ghosts, according to current owner Michelle Bell. The house's reputation as a hub for paranormal enthusiasts has earned it a place in local publications. It combines Colonial architecture with modern amenities, offering a one-of-a-kind experience for its future owner.
56 Main St, Millbury, Massachusetts (Recently sold, listed for $769,000)
This home didn't sport a traditional "For Sale" sign on the front lawn. Instead, it proudly displayed a "Probably Haunted" sign. While past residents' encounters with ghosts aren't explicitly mentioned, the property served as a funeral home from 1948 until recently. The unique selling point of this house is the belief that some of the ghosts who passed through during its time as a funeral home have decided to stick around.
The Taylor-Trask Museum, 35 North Street, Plymouth, Massachusetts ($1.4 million)
Plymouth, Massachusetts, is famous for its haunted history. The historic Taylor-Trask Museum is now for sale, with the opportunity to transform it into a single-family home – as long as the ghosts don't mind. Built in 1829, its long history makes it worthy of its museum status. The house gained extra publicity when it was featured on the ghost-hunting show "Portals to Hell," possibly contributing to its million-plus dollar asking price.
The Priestley House, 138 E Fulton Street, Canton, Mississippi ($999,999)
The Priestly House, a Mississippi landmark, was first built in 1852 by Dr. James Priestly and has seen several additions over the years. Despite the changes, some believe that the original inhabitants, Dr. Priestly and Susan, never truly left the house, even after their passing. Tales of pianos playing on their own and sightings of ghostly figures, including Susan Priestly, continue to capture the imagination.
The Dakota, W 72nd St, New York City, New York ($4,950,000)
The Dakota, a luxurious apartment complex in Manhattan's Upper West Side, boasts a celebrity neighbor – not a living one, but the spirit of John Lennon, who resided there during his lifetime. His assassination took place outside the building, and some claim to have seen his ghost within the Dakota's halls, sometimes playing a piano in his old apartment. For those with deep pockets, there's a three-bedroom apartment on the market for $4,950,000, and if you can afford that, you can probably afford any apartment in a not-so-haunted building too.
Haunted houses come in various shapes and sizes, each offering a unique opportunity to embrace the mysterious side of homeownership. If you're in the market for a property with a touch of the supernatural, now might be the perfect time to start your search. Happy house haunting!
