You can already see witches broomsticks circling the skies, ghostly shadows in the window and sharpened knives in search of necks… Halloween is here! The most terrifying night of the year offers you the chance to enjoy being afraid.
Would you dare to spend the night in a haunted house? If so, take note of these options and choose one of the houses offered by HomeAway.
Holidays in the woods with the ghost of Nancy, The Shamrock House
Built in 1925, this cabin in South Carolina was once a hostel for hikers. After being recently renovated, the property now has 8 bedrooms, a kitchen and a fireplace. However, this is where the creepy details start – after the sun goes down this little house will make the hairs of even diehard sceptics stand on end. During the night you can often hear the cries of Nancy, a woman who used to rent the property and died at the beginning of the 20th century. Her tragic death has marked the history of the cabin and imbues the wood it was built with. Residents say that they sometimes feel her presence in their rooms, like a cold aura surrounding them.
Spend the night in the Court House Manor (Cotswolds), home to a real ghost
The Court House Manor is a beautiful stately home in the English countryside, located in Painswick (Gloucestershire, England). The manor has 13 rooms, a huge pool table and a large hot tub, among other facilities.
The region has been popular with the aristocracy for centuries, and history shows that King Charles I stayed in the mansion in 1643, during the siege of Gloucester. That’s why legend has it that his ghost still roams the halls. Some even say that the royal spectre has been seen roaming the gardens at night. Would you dare to have an audience with him?
Discover the Creole House (New Orleans) from American Horror Story
La Maison Creole (or Creole House) was built during the Golden Age of New Orleans. The house is one of the city’s architectural gems and stands as a witness to its past. La Maison Creole has rooms with high ceilings more than 4 metres tall, original plaster mouldings, frescoes on the walls, and an ancient but sturdy solid mahogany staircase. It has 3 bedrooms, which means the property is suitable for small groups.
And speaking of spirits, the Maison was one of the scenes for the popular TV series American Horror Story during its Coven season. Perhaps some of the black magic from the series has rubbed off on the property. Because they say that since filming the series, all kinds of ghosts haunt the house!
Discover the headless horseman of Scotland this Halloween
Located in the Scottish mountains of Glen Mhor, near the city of Dallavich, this wooden chalet is the ideal base for anyone who wants to explore the Highlands or the west coast of Scotland.
The house comes fully equipped with everything you might need. It has a living room with direct access outside and 3 bedrooms, making it the ideal location for a small group. Thanks to its wide windows, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views over the neighbouring fields near Loch Awe.
But don’t let the peaceful surroundings fool you. According to local tradition, the spirit of Ewan Maclaine, the “headless horseman”, roams the surrounding fields and his soul hunts the living on Halloween night. Take care when leaving the house after sunset; you might lose your head!
