If betrayal, unfinished business and lost love keeps souls tethered to this world, there may be no place better to find ghosts than in Charleston’s historic homes. Residences dating back to the late 1600s that withstood war and other disasters are sure to have been the site of a death or two. Kitchens were used for emergency medical treatment, birthing took place in bedrooms and the elderly died at home. Add in 300 years of murders, suicides and tragic accidents and the probability of ghosts goes up even higher.
The oldest house in Charleston, built in 1688, is on the market. The property disclosure for 17 Chalmers Street, otherwise known as The Pink House, doesn’t mention any ghosts. According to South Carolina law, real estate brokers and sellers aren’t required to disclose a home’s psychological defects (death, murder, cult activity and other not-so-fun stuff) unless specifically asked by a potential buyer or their agent. If making an offer, you may want to inquire about hauntings in addition to the HVAC system. I even had buyer clients who routinely checked the cheerful website DiedInHouse.com.
The Pink House at 17 Chalmers St.
According to a recent survey done by Realtor.com, 33% of people would live in a haunted house, 25% said maybe and 42% said absolutely not. Even proximity to the possibility of ghosts can impact a sale. Last year, I showed a couple a pretty new home that neighbored a community area called Cemetery Park (named for three hidden gravestones within the trees). No go. The wife was creeped out.
Would you live in a haunted house?
