Lunan Lodge proudly claims to be Scotland's most haunted B&B.
The lodge offers "Ghost Safaris" on its website, stating that these are only offered during the winter, as the summer is too busy. These safaris are available to the public as well as the guests, so being a guest at the B&B is not a prerequisite. The safaris are all-night affairs, ending at approximately 4 a.m.
The ghosts (more than one) sometimes wake the guests with their noise, not infrequently appearing to them, the owners, and the lodge's two (black) cats. The lodge's website mentions other haunted areas outside the grounds, such as a tombstone with an odd reputation.
The website claims that the house was originally the dwelling-place of the local minister, despite the fact that the church was a mile away; evidently, the building is located atop an intersection of many energy lines.
This is one of the few haunted lodging places with mention of ghosts on its site, and (so far) the only one on this blog with two pages of its website dedicated to advertising its otherwordly inhabitants.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Grand Hotel Villa di Corliano, San Guiliano Terme, Tuscany, Italy
This impressive Tuscan hotel is said to be haunted by Teresa della Seta Bocca Gaetani, who married Count Cosimo Baldassarre Agostini in 1755. Teresa was a member of an important Pisa family; upon her marriage, she resided in the villa belonging to her husband. She remains in the hotel, moving objects and occasionally making an appearance.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
The Cashtown Inn, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, USA
The Cashtown Inn was built in 1797, so even had it not been for the Civil War, it has every right to be haunted.
During the Civil War, however, the inn was a Confederate Army base, then as a hospital for the wounded. In those days of surgery without anesthetics, surgeons who didn't wash their hands, dirt everywhere, and no disinfectants save a bottle of alcohol (of the drinking type), the mortality rate was high. The hospital/inn was no exception to the rule, and today, the Cashtown Inn - Room 4, in particular - still hosts the spirits of those dead soldiers.
Room 4 experiences frequent knocking on the door; when the guest opens the door, no one is to be seen. Outside the inn, the blurred form of a Confederate soldier was captured on film in the year 1900. Furthermore, a guest heard the distinctive sound of horses outside his window late one night, only to see an empty area when he looked out the window.
The Battle of Gettysburg was fought almost one hundred and fifty years ago, but some things (and people) don't fade that easily.
During the Civil War, however, the inn was a Confederate Army base, then as a hospital for the wounded. In those days of surgery without anesthetics, surgeons who didn't wash their hands, dirt everywhere, and no disinfectants save a bottle of alcohol (of the drinking type), the mortality rate was high. The hospital/inn was no exception to the rule, and today, the Cashtown Inn - Room 4, in particular - still hosts the spirits of those dead soldiers.
Room 4 experiences frequent knocking on the door; when the guest opens the door, no one is to be seen. Outside the inn, the blurred form of a Confederate soldier was captured on film in the year 1900. Furthermore, a guest heard the distinctive sound of horses outside his window late one night, only to see an empty area when he looked out the window.
The Battle of Gettysburg was fought almost one hundred and fifty years ago, but some things (and people) don't fade that easily.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Bourbon Orleans Hotel, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
NOTE: As of the date of writing this post, the hotel is undergoing extensive renovations; the hotel website states that the work will continue through the month of January.
New Orleans, "the birthplace of jazz", also claims to be the most haunted city in the United States. It's certainly the best city for food lovers, with its mix of different cultures. This is an excellent city for those who mix music and fine dining with a slightly different activity.
The hotel building has played many roles in its history. At one point, it was the Orleans Ballroom and Orleans Theatre, where a lone dancer brings to mind the days of yore. The dancer is seen (appropriately enough) in the ballroom, under the chandelier.
Later, it was a convent and orphanage run by the Sisters of the Holy Family. (A hotel guest who uttered an expletive felt a sharp slap on his face. Maybe one of the nuns objected to that sort of language.) Several children, as well as nuns, still linger in the hotel.
One ghost is that of a Confederate soldier, who occupies the sixth and seventh floors.
If the jazz and food aren't enough, try a little haunting on the side!
New Orleans, "the birthplace of jazz", also claims to be the most haunted city in the United States. It's certainly the best city for food lovers, with its mix of different cultures. This is an excellent city for those who mix music and fine dining with a slightly different activity.
The hotel building has played many roles in its history. At one point, it was the Orleans Ballroom and Orleans Theatre, where a lone dancer brings to mind the days of yore. The dancer is seen (appropriately enough) in the ballroom, under the chandelier.
Later, it was a convent and orphanage run by the Sisters of the Holy Family. (A hotel guest who uttered an expletive felt a sharp slap on his face. Maybe one of the nuns objected to that sort of language.) Several children, as well as nuns, still linger in the hotel.
One ghost is that of a Confederate soldier, who occupies the sixth and seventh floors.
If the jazz and food aren't enough, try a little haunting on the side!
Nob Hill Inn, San Francisco, California, USA
The Nob Hill Inn (now a timeshare as well as a lodging place) was built as a private residence in 1907. Rather than containing a single family now, the inn is home to more ghosts than it has rooms!
The ghosts are of the friendly, mischievous sort; not dangerous or threatening. Their activity consists of turning lights on and off, and moving items on tables. It is said that the ghosts "moved in" some time after the house was converted into an inn.
Some people just leave their heartsin San Francisco.
The ghosts are of the friendly, mischievous sort; not dangerous or threatening. Their activity consists of turning lights on and off, and moving items on tables. It is said that the ghosts "moved in" some time after the house was converted into an inn.
Some people just leave their heartsin San Francisco.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Hotel Val Sinestra, Switzerland
This hotel was once a sanatorium - and what better location for a haunting than that?
It seems that the original treatment rooms have been left as they were; a startling reminder of the hotel's past. The resident ghost is a Belgian man, who opens windows and causes keys to swing. During an investigation of the hotel's paranormal activities, the ghost sent a fork and other objects flying across the room.
If you want a minimum of ghostly activity, don't ask for Room 5.
It seems that the original treatment rooms have been left as they were; a startling reminder of the hotel's past. The resident ghost is a Belgian man, who opens windows and causes keys to swing. During an investigation of the hotel's paranormal activities, the ghost sent a fork and other objects flying across the room.
If you want a minimum of ghostly activity, don't ask for Room 5.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
The Buxton Inn, Granville, Ohio, United States
This bed-and-breakfast was built in 1812 as a stagecoach stop/post office, and some of the former owners remain.
The oldest ghost is the most troublesome, it would seem; Orin Granger, who built the inn, steals pies from the pantry. Another warms his transparent hands at a fire; rooms seven and nine are haunted by the "blue lady".
Even the basement is a site of ghostly activity - but with so much going on in the rest of the inn, there should be more than enough to occupy the guests.
The oldest ghost is the most troublesome, it would seem; Orin Granger, who built the inn, steals pies from the pantry. Another warms his transparent hands at a fire; rooms seven and nine are haunted by the "blue lady".
Even the basement is a site of ghostly activity - but with so much going on in the rest of the inn, there should be more than enough to occupy the guests.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Palacio Blanco Hotel, Velez-Malaga, Spain
How often does a hotel receive a visit by members of the Catholic Church - not to visit, but to lay spirits to rest?
Not often, one would hope. Yet such was the case with the Palacio Blanco, a former palace converted into a hotel by its British owners. As for the success of the service held, there is no word.
Not often, one would hope. Yet such was the case with the Palacio Blanco, a former palace converted into a hotel by its British owners. As for the success of the service held, there is no word.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Myrtles Plantation, St. Francisville, Louisiana, United States
An eighteenth-century house; an unsolved murder; deaths by yellow fever; a war raging through the countryside. These are all prime ingredients for a haunted house, as indeed The Myrtles is.
Ghostly children have been seen playing throughout the house, and another young girl floats outside one window. A piano plays by itself. One employee quit when he saw a woman in a white dress of old-fashioned style walk through the front door of the house.
So many stories have been, and continue to be, told about The Myrtles, that perhaps it is best to judge for yourself. It's still open - and still haunted.
Ghostly children have been seen playing throughout the house, and another young girl floats outside one window. A piano plays by itself. One employee quit when he saw a woman in a white dress of old-fashioned style walk through the front door of the house.
So many stories have been, and continue to be, told about The Myrtles, that perhaps it is best to judge for yourself. It's still open - and still haunted.
Monday, January 9, 2012
The Langham, London, England
The Langham stands on the site of a former manor house, Foley Mansion, and one of the ghosts is a reminder of that time; it is a footman dressed in 17th-century blue livery.
For some time in the 20th century, the building was used by the BBC, and the third floor was a dormitory for its employees. One employee, radio announcer Alexander Gordon, had a memorable experience in Room 333 (still regarded as the most haunted room). One night in 1973, Gordon awoke to see a sphere in his room; it turned into the form of a man wearing evening wear. When Gordon asked who it was and what it wanted, the specter drifted towards him.
As if this weren't enough, the apparitions arms were extended, its eyes staring at him, and its lower legs invisible. As it came closer, Gordon fled. He was unable to get any staff members to take him back to his room, so he was forced to return alone. The figure was still there, but it vanished gradually. On another occasion, a man threw a boot at the ghost; the boot flew right through it. An American journalist saw it in 1992.
These are not the only ghosts who have taken up permanent residence in the hotel. And Room 333 is not the only haunted area.
For some time in the 20th century, the building was used by the BBC, and the third floor was a dormitory for its employees. One employee, radio announcer Alexander Gordon, had a memorable experience in Room 333 (still regarded as the most haunted room). One night in 1973, Gordon awoke to see a sphere in his room; it turned into the form of a man wearing evening wear. When Gordon asked who it was and what it wanted, the specter drifted towards him.
As if this weren't enough, the apparitions arms were extended, its eyes staring at him, and its lower legs invisible. As it came closer, Gordon fled. He was unable to get any staff members to take him back to his room, so he was forced to return alone. The figure was still there, but it vanished gradually. On another occasion, a man threw a boot at the ghost; the boot flew right through it. An American journalist saw it in 1992.
These are not the only ghosts who have taken up permanent residence in the hotel. And Room 333 is not the only haunted area.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Fairmont Chateau Laurier, Ottawa, Canada
The Chateau Laurier had a tragedy associated with it before its doors opened in 1912.
Charles Melville Hays was an American who became president of the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway of Canada. He was an enterprising soul who set his sights on having luxury hotels and classy train stations in all the large cities along the rail route.
Hays succeeded grandly with the Chateau Laurier; it boasted, among other niceties, Bohemian crystal and Italian marble. The year the hotel was to open, Hays traveled to Europe to buy more furniture for the hotel. As befitted his status, he booked return passage on a new, luxury ocean liner - the Titanic.
Hays never saw his hotel again; he and the men traveling with him (except sculptor Paul Chevre) died the night of April 14 - 15, 1912, when the Titanic sank. Hays's wife Clara survived, as did the other women traveling with the Hays party. On June 1, 1912, Sir Wilfred Laurier, Prime Minister of Canada, opened the hotel (had Hays been there, he would have had that honor).
Not surprisingly, Hays is the main ghost haunting the hotel. Objects move without anyone standing near them. A woman ran from her room when items began to change position. The ghost of a little girl has been sighted; rattling and shaking occur. The tower is also haunted, and people entering the hotel often have the feeling that they are being watched.
Charles Melville Hays was an American who became president of the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway of Canada. He was an enterprising soul who set his sights on having luxury hotels and classy train stations in all the large cities along the rail route.
Hays succeeded grandly with the Chateau Laurier; it boasted, among other niceties, Bohemian crystal and Italian marble. The year the hotel was to open, Hays traveled to Europe to buy more furniture for the hotel. As befitted his status, he booked return passage on a new, luxury ocean liner - the Titanic.
Hays never saw his hotel again; he and the men traveling with him (except sculptor Paul Chevre) died the night of April 14 - 15, 1912, when the Titanic sank. Hays's wife Clara survived, as did the other women traveling with the Hays party. On June 1, 1912, Sir Wilfred Laurier, Prime Minister of Canada, opened the hotel (had Hays been there, he would have had that honor).
Not surprisingly, Hays is the main ghost haunting the hotel. Objects move without anyone standing near them. A woman ran from her room when items began to change position. The ghost of a little girl has been sighted; rattling and shaking occur. The tower is also haunted, and people entering the hotel often have the feeling that they are being watched.
Grand Hyatt Hotel, Taipei, Taiwan
The Grand Hyatt Hotel is rumored to have been built over a cemetery containing the remains of many political prisoners who were executed. Be that as it may, it's been listed as one of the top ten haunted hotels worldwide.
The hotel's lobby has Chinese characters written on one wall; they are supposed to ward off ghosts. They may not be too effective, as supernatural occurrences have been reported on the premises.
The hotel's lobby has Chinese characters written on one wall; they are supposed to ward off ghosts. They may not be too effective, as supernatural occurrences have been reported on the premises.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Dragsholm Slot Castle Hotel, Dragsholm, Denmark
This centuries-old hotel, once a castle, is home to three ghosts:
The Grey Lady. She was a noblewoman who suffered agonies from a toothache. When a doctor in the castle eased her pain, her gratitude was such that she now keeps an eye on everyone in the building, making sure that all is well.
The White Lady. She was the daughter of a former owner of the castle. When her father discovered that his daughter had fallen in love with a commoner, he had her immured in one of the castle walls. Centuries later, workmen found her skeleton, still dressed in a white gown. She walks the corridors by night.
The Earl of Bothwell. He was imprisoned in the castle before his death, and still haunts the courtyard. He rides a horse through the area.
The Grey Lady. She was a noblewoman who suffered agonies from a toothache. When a doctor in the castle eased her pain, her gratitude was such that she now keeps an eye on everyone in the building, making sure that all is well.
The White Lady. She was the daughter of a former owner of the castle. When her father discovered that his daughter had fallen in love with a commoner, he had her immured in one of the castle walls. Centuries later, workmen found her skeleton, still dressed in a white gown. She walks the corridors by night.
The Earl of Bothwell. He was imprisoned in the castle before his death, and still haunts the courtyard. He rides a horse through the area.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
The Marshall House Hotel, Savannah, Georgia, USA
The Marshall House, in one of the most haunted cities in the United States, was built in 1851. Ten years later, the American Civil War erupted, and the hotel was used as a hospital. It would be used as a hospital twice more, during epidemics of yellow fever. It is, perhaps, the former patients and nurses who form the hotel's ghostly crew.
Ghosts have been sighted by staff and guests alike - in the foyer, in the hallways. One guest heard the doorknob on the door to his room rattling, only to find no one there. Sounds of children romping through the halls early in the morning are heard, when there are no children in the hotel. A bathtub faucet has been turned on when nobody was in the bathroom.
One of the most intriguing reports is that some guests have felt someone holding their wrist, as if a nurse were taking their pulse.
Ghosts have been sighted by staff and guests alike - in the foyer, in the hallways. One guest heard the doorknob on the door to his room rattling, only to find no one there. Sounds of children romping through the halls early in the morning are heard, when there are no children in the hotel. A bathtub faucet has been turned on when nobody was in the bathroom.
One of the most intriguing reports is that some guests have felt someone holding their wrist, as if a nurse were taking their pulse.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Toftaholm Herrgard, Smaland, Sweden
This hotel was once a manor house, owned by a wealthy baron. The baron had an attractive young daughter, and a young man fell in love with her. Unfortunately for the young man, he was a commoner, and the baron refused to allow a marriage. Instead, he found a suitable husband for his daughter (suitable for the baron, anyway).
On the morning of the wedding, the young man hanged himself from a beam in the manor house.
The room where he committed suicide is now Room 324; it is said to be haunted by his unhappy ghost.
On the morning of the wedding, the young man hanged himself from a beam in the manor house.
The room where he committed suicide is now Room 324; it is said to be haunted by his unhappy ghost.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
The Winnock Hotel, Drymen, Scotland
Ghost hunters have "discovered" the Winnock Hotel, and they have begun holding ghost hunts in an attempt to make contact with its paranormal denizens.
Rooms 38 and 39 have been reported, by the staff, to be haunted. Investigators sat in Room 39 and asked questions of the spirit, taping themselves as they did so. When the tape was played, answers to the questions were heard clearly.
The ghost of Room 39 was far from the only one found in the hotel. One, by the name of James Walker, was recorded on tape; Walker was speaking of another ghost, by the name of Buchanan, with whom Walker had an age-old feud.
The ghosts of people hanged on the nearby village green for witchcraft; a 16th-century man named Edward McGregor; a woman in a lilac gown - all these are said to be present, in addition to the hotel's earthly guests.
Rooms 38 and 39 have been reported, by the staff, to be haunted. Investigators sat in Room 39 and asked questions of the spirit, taping themselves as they did so. When the tape was played, answers to the questions were heard clearly.
The ghost of Room 39 was far from the only one found in the hotel. One, by the name of James Walker, was recorded on tape; Walker was speaking of another ghost, by the name of Buchanan, with whom Walker had an age-old feud.
The ghosts of people hanged on the nearby village green for witchcraft; a 16th-century man named Edward McGregor; a woman in a lilac gown - all these are said to be present, in addition to the hotel's earthly guests.
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