Many of us probably know what a house with just a touch of the paranormal feels like. But what makes a haunted house look haunted?
We went down to the architectural crypt to find out what design features make a building go bump in the night.
Haunted house checklist:
- Mansard roof + widow’s walk — as seen on the “Beetlejuice” house
- Rustic vibes, like heavy timber, natural stone, and large fireplaces — like the Overlook Hotel in “The Shining”
- Ornate gables, asymmetry, and pitched roofs — like The Haunted Mansion ride at Disney
- Prominent towers and turrets — as seen on the The Pink Palace from “Coraline”
- Located on a hill and/or with a wraparound porch
- Features that mimic human faces — like “Monster House” + “The Amityville Horror” house
- Pointed arches, spires, and flying buttresses — see Hogwarts castle
- Large and/or stained glass windows — like Whipstaff Manor in “Casper”
With this list in mind, let’s step through the creaky front doors and clear away the cobwebs of a few buildings in Indy.
The Calvin I. Fletcher House, 1031 N. Pennsylvania St.
This majestic manor was built in 1895 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places almost a century later in 1994. Its elaborate hipped roof with gabled dormers + eight-sided corner tower with Gothic-style windows are sure to send chills down your spine.
The Johnson House, 5631 University Ave.
Right in the heart of Irvington sits this Gothic Revival Victorian home that’s worthy of its Halloween-happy neighborhood. Built in 1876, it features a looming turret, six ornate fireplaces, and massive windows that allow passersby a peek into the black wallpapered library.
The original owner of this house, Frederick Ruskaup, owned a grocery store, a commercial building on Dorman St., and five duplexes.
Photo courtesy of IU Indianapolis
The Ruskaup House, 711 Dorman St.
This Queen Anne-style brick mansion in Cottage Home was designed by Vonnegut and Bohn in 1892. It features a massive wraparound porch and a turret that we could swear we’ve seen ghostly figures gliding around in.
Black Victorian, 1233 State St.
Haunted houses don’t have to be huge. Frequent patrons of Kan-Kan and Amelia’s will recognize this little Victorian house in the Cottage Home neighborhood with an all-black exterior, large porch, and beautiful original woodworking from 1916. But what do you think of the interior?
Know of another house that has a certain spooky vibe? Share your scare.
