For sale: 8 homes that may be haunted
Halloween is a time for touring haunted attractions, but the spooky events and bumps in the night could continue long after Oct. 31 in these eight homes. All are reputed to be haunted -- and some even own up to it in their real estate listings.
The ghosts range from well-known figures like John Lennon and Elizabeth Short (also known as "The Black Dahlia") to ghosts with only a first name or no name at all. Some are reported to simply wander their one-time homes, while others interact with their living residents and visitors.
While several of these homes are private residences, others are used as bed-and-breakfasts or tourist destinations for people seeking a paranormal encounter.
Click ahead to see eight homes for sale that might come with ghostly roommates.
Panola Hall in Eatonton, Georgia
This six-bedroom, five-bathroom Greek Revival house was built in 1830 and is said to be haunted by the ghost of a young woman named Sylvia. She wears a "round bottom dress" and a rose in her hair, and her appearance is associated with the smell of roses, according to the listing. One previous owner of the home said Sylvia would only show herself to "the finest of people," so you should consider it a compliment if you see her.
Panola Hall in Eatonton, Georgia
The home is listed for sale for $649,000 and has a finished basement, front porch, back deck, stained glass windows, hardwood floors and several fireplaces.
The Schweppe Estate in Lake Forest, Illinois
This 12-bedroom, 12.5-bathroom mansion on the shores of Lake Michigan north of Chicago was built in 1917 for Laura and Charles H. Schweppe, of the Schweppes soda company. Charles committed suicide in the home in 1941 and, according to the Chicago Tribune, people have reported seeing Charles looking out from a window known as "Schweppe's window," which overlooks the front driveway.
The Schweppe Estate in Lake Forest, Illinois
The palatial estate is listed for $9.45 million and has intricately carved wood trim, marble and hardwood floors, a grand ballroom, a library, nine fireplaces, an elevator, a sauna, a recreation room and an exercise room.
The Priestly House in Canton, Mississippi
This four-bedroom, four-bathroom house was built in 1852 by Dr. James Priestley. Priestley and his wife Susan died in the home and, in 2002, the owner claimed something in the home was haunting his family. Reported paranormal activities include the appearance of a ghostly woman, a piano playing on its own, candles falling out of their holders and "hot spots" in the room where Mrs. Priestley died, according to Realtor.com.
The Priestly House in Canton, Mississippi
The home is for sale for $699,000 and has music room, study, butler's pantry, screened-in porch, swimming pool, hardwood floors and several fireplaces.
The Charming Forge Mansion in Womelsdorf, Pennsylvania
The seven-bedroom, four-bathroom Charming Forge Mansion was built in two phases -- in 1749 and 1784 -- and was restored in 1994. According to the Reading, Pennsylvania "Eagle," the home has been the subject of ghost stories for decades.
The resident phantoms include a heartbroken young woman waiting for her sweetheart to return from seeking his fortune. Her sweetheart haunts the road leading up to the mansion, where he died when he was thrown from his horse as he tried to return to her. The home is also rumored to have been built on a Native American burial ground, upping the property's fear factor.
The Charming Forge Mansion in Womelsdorf, Pennsylvania
The home is for sale for $850,000 and has hardwood floors, several fireplaces, a library, a summer kitchen building and a carriage barn with parking for four cars.
The Dakota in New York, New York
This famous apartment building, completed in 1884 at the corner of 72nd Street and Central Park West, is said to be home to at least two ghostly residents. Yoko Ono claims to have seen the ghost of her husband John Lennon, who was fatally shot outside the building, sitting at a piano. And before he passed away, Lennon is said to have seen a ghostly figure he identified as "The Crying Lady" wandering the halls.
The Dakota in New York, New York
There are several condos in the building currently for sale, including this four-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom unit listed for $14.5 million. It has 10 rooms, six fireplaces and a bar. Building amenities include a doorman and elevators.
The Ann Starrett Mansion in Port Townsend, Washington
This mansion was built in 1889 by contractor George Starrett as a gift for his wife, Ann. It has been a bed-and-breakfast and a boutique hotel, but is now being sold as a home. Guest reviews mention wardrobes opening on their own and the sound of footsteps on the floorboards. Other rumored paranormal activity includes the appearance of a welcoming red-headed woman who may be Ann Starrett herself and an apparition called "The Nanny" who appears in a mirror in a second-floor room, glides up the stairs and occasionally interacts with guests.
The Ann Starrett Mansion in Port Townsend, Washington
The house is listed for $850,000 and has 11 bedrooms and six bathrooms, several fireplaces, hardwood floors, a tower with a spiral staircase and frescoes on some walls and ceilings
The John Sowden House in Los Angeles, California
This four-bedroom, six-bathroom Frank Lloyd Wright home was once owned by Dr. George Hodel, one of the prime suspects in the 1947 Black Dahlia murder. According to former Los Angeles police officer Steve Hodel (the doctor's son), George Hodel killed actress Elizabeth Short in the home. It has been featured on "Paranormal America" and "Ghost Hunters."
The John Sowden House in Los Angeles, California
The Mayan-style home, named for original owner John Sowden, is built around a central courtyard and has hardwood floors, fireplaces, an indoor fish pond, maids' quarters, a detached office and garage. It's listed for $4,795,000.
The Sallie House in Atchison, Kansas
This three-bedroom, two-bathroom house was built in 1890 and is home to Sallie the Heartland Ghost, according to the listing. The house is said to be haunted by the apparition of a 7-year-old girl named Sally, according to a website run by a former owner of the home. However, others who have owned or visited the home claim there's a demonic presence as well, in addition to a long list of other ghostly residents.
The Sallie House in Atchison, Kansas
The 1,200-square-foot home is listed for $499,900.