Let’s just get this out there:  I love Halloween!  I’m crazy about scary movies (even when I know I won’t sleep for a week!), and I love hearing all of the ghost stories and scary tales that always seem to pick up around this time of year.

Haunted houses always remind me of the time I visited the Winchester Mansion in San Jose, California.  I spent hours in there, and was so intrigued by the story behind this haunted mansion.  Long story short, the house belonged to the Winchester family, who owned the Winchester rifle manufacturing company.  Sarah Winchester lost her husband and child, and went a little mad.  It is said that the mansion is haunted by all those killed by the Winchester rifle, and Sarah consulted with the spirits nightly to help her decide on building plans.  This may explain the miles (yes, miles!) of twisting hallways and stairs that lead nowhere, and the complete lack of mirrors in the house.  If you ever make it to San Jose, I would definitely recommend visiting!

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Halloween is just around the corner, so in that spirit (pardon the pun), I thought I would share some interesting haunted historical homes.

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This Old House found 10 beautiful historic homes across the country that offer mystery and ghost tours this time of year.  You can see them all here.

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Franklin Castle in Cleveland, OH is said to be one of the most haunted houses in the country.  From the deaths of many infants to the mass murder of a group of Nazis, this house has a colorful history that can still be felt in the house.

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The LaLaurie Mansion in New Orleans is acclaimed as the most haunted house in the city.  The story goes that in the early 1800s, Madame LaLaurie would torture her slaves in the attic of the mansion.  Since Madame LaLaurie was chased out of town, no one has been able to occupy the house for any length of time.  Today, it is said that the screams of her victims can be heard throughout the house, and many have seen both Madame LaLaurie and her victims throughout the years.

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Luckily, we have never felt an uneasiness, or any energy at all, in our Park Avenue house.  But, if we did, chances are we would be related to the spirit!  Charles and I do plan to have the house blessed before we move in, just to bring positive and loving energy into our forever home.  (If anyone has ever had their house blessed, I’d love to hear about!)

Which house/story is your favorite?  Would you ever visit a haunted house?  Would you ever LIVE in a haunted house?