With Halloween just around the corner, I thought it would be fun to take a break from the usual home buying and selling advice and explore something a bit different. Every property has its quirks, but some homes have truly eerie stories or strange features that make them unforgettable.

One of the most famous examples of a “haunted” home is the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, California. Built by Sarah Winchester, widow of the heir to the Winchester rifle fortune, the mansion is a sprawling maze of staircases that lead to ceilings, doors that open into walls, and secret passageways. Construction began in 1886 and continued nonstop for nearly 40 years until Sarah’s death in 1922.

Legend says Sarah believed she was haunted by the spirits of those killed by Winchester rifles, and that she kept building the home to confuse them. Whether or not that’s true, the result is one of the most fascinating homes in the country — a mansion filled with mystery, architectural oddities, and beautiful craftsmanship. Today, it’s a popular tourist attraction where visitors can explore its 160 rooms and decide for themselves whether it’s truly haunted or just wonderfully strange.

Another famous case is the Whaley House in San Diego, often called one of the most haunted homes in America. Built in 1857 by Thomas Whaley, the home has seen more than its fair share of history — serving as a family residence, a general store, a courthouse, and even a theater. It’s also built on the site of San Diego’s first public gallows, which may explain some of its ghostly lore.

Visitors have reported footsteps, flickering lights, and the faint sound of laughter or perfume lingering in empty rooms. Some even claim to have seen members of the Whaley family still moving through the halls. Haunted or not, the Whaley House is now a cherished historic landmark, admired as much for its Greek Revival architecture and preservation as for its spooky reputation.

Why Do Homes Like These Get So Much Attention?

In many cases, these so-called haunted homes or homes with bizarre features gain their reputation because of unusual architecture, odd layouts, or the stories behind them. In the case of the Winchester house, some believe Sarah Winchester kept building the home continuously because she feared a curse from the many lives lost by Winchester rifles. Others say she simply needed a project to work through her grief. Regardless of the reason, the result is a home with features you won’t find in most listings.

What Makes a Home Stand Out (In the Best Possible Way)

• Unusual layout or hidden rooms
Homes with hidden spaces, unique nooks, or nontraditional designs automatically capture attention and tell a story.

• Bizarre or distinctive architecture
Whether it’s stairs to nowhere, windows in floors, or doors that open into nothing, these details create intrigue.

• A story or legend behind the home
Homes that carry a story, haunted or mysterious, become more than just bricks and mortar. They become part of the narrative of a neighborhood or a community.

• Character that appeals to buyers or visitors
If you’re selling or staging a home, unique features can pay off as long as they are shown off in a thoughtful way and tied into a cohesive design.

Finding Character Closer to Home

You don’t need a haunted mansion to have a home with character. Even in Northern Nevada, where our homes often reflect the landscape and local charm, you can embrace features that make your property memorable. Maybe you have an old barn turned workshop, a built-in reading nook with a view of the mountains, or a quirky mid-century detail in the living room. These small, unique touches set homes apart and make them special.

If you’re looking to buy or sell a home and want to highlight what makes your property stand out, I’d love to help you showcase those features and find a space that truly fits you.