The haunting of old manors

Besides their architectural value and historical relevance, these houses around the world have become quite famous for their mysterious, chilling past or scary ghost stories.

Chillingham Castle in England

The 12th century stronghold became a fully fortified castle in 1344. The fortress is the family home of Sir Humphry Wakefield Bt. and Hon. Lady Wakefield, and has been owned by a single continuous bloodline.

Chillingham endured attacks and battles with its strategic position in bloody border feuds. Its architectural detail and massive walls, which show its medieval strength and character, have remained unchanged through the years. Considered as one of the most haunted castles in England, Chillingham has a history of prisoner-ridden dungeons and well-used torture chambers. The castle’s fine rooms, gardens, lakes, fountains and tea rooms are open to visitors who can also stay overnight and book a ghost tour.

Borgvattnet Vicarage in Sweden

The gray wooden structure in the small village of Borgvattnet in northern Sweden was originally built in 1876. The humble house for holy men is said to be one of Sweden’s most haunted locations. The first reported hauntings in the house was in 1927, when the resident vicar at that time experienced strange happenings including his laundry being torn from the line. Its reputation has also attracted a priest devoted to clearing out the famed spirits.

Today, the vicarage is a bed and breakfast in a rural area with snowmobiling and fishing. Guests have claimed to hear footsteps, music and the sound of three crying ladies coming from the inn.

Villisca Ax Murder House in Iowa

The old white frame house on Lot 310 in the small town of Villisca is the site of one of the grisliest murders in the history of Iowa. The house was originally built in 1868 by George Loomis and became the property of Josiah B. Moore in 1903. But on June 10, 1912, a stranger carrying an ax slipped into the two-story timber house and murdered Moore’s family as they slept.

Day and overnight tours are available for those who want to visit the house. According to the house’s website, paranormal activity was captured in audio, video and photographs during visits of paranormal investigators.

Morgan House in Kalimpong, India

Located in the scenic hill station in Bengal, the British colonial mansion was built in the 1930s reportedly to celebrate the wedding of George Morgan, a jute baron, and a lady, who was a plantation owner.

The couple lived on the property shortly after their marriage and the mansion became their summer home for quite a while until Mrs. Morgan had an untimely death. Her husband, who allegedly tortured her, left soon after she died. It is believed that her unhappy soul still haunts the house, which now serves as a boutique hotel.

Sources: Inquirer Archives, Chillingham-castle.com, Borgvattnet.eu, Smithsonianmag.com. Villiscaiowa.com, Timesofindia.indiatimes.com, Cntraveler.com