Have a spooktacular Halloween in some of the world’s scariest houses

Halloween night is the time when ghosts and ghouls come out to play. 

If you want to put yourself in the midst of the action, why not book one of the spookiest rental properties on the market?

These houses and castles come with creepy decor and resident phantoms for a truly spine-chilling stay this Halloween, 

Here’s our list of scare-inducing rental properties from around the world.

The Haunted Bedroom at Talliston, Great Dunmow, UK

Once an ordinary enough house in the ancient market town of Great Dunmow, the owners of Talliston House and Gardens have transformed the property into a magical labyrinth of rooms. Each is set in a different time and place.

The Haunted Bedroom, recreates in nightmarish detail the bedchamber of a seven-year-old Edwardian child complete with books and toys.

Take a look inside here.

Laura’s Cottage, Savannah Georgia, US

Conveniently located in one of the US’ most haunted cities, Laura’s Cottage was built in 1799. While the current owners have totally modernised the space – most importantly adding WiFi – its decor remains full of historic character.

Rumour has it, Laura herself is still very much present at the cottage too. According to accounts from travellers who have rested their weary heads at the house, she has been known to open windows and turn lights on and off every now and again.

Check it out here.

Castello Dal Pozzo, Piedmont, Italy

Now functioning as a hotel, this Italian estate has a chilling backstory.

Back in 1467, a young woman named Barbara fell in love with an army captain, Matteo. They planned to elope but when her father caught wind of the affair, he locked her in the tower and exiled Matteo to France. Barbara was unaware of the exile and died in the tower, waiting for him to return.

Some guests have said they can still see her peering out from the tower window to this day.

Book it here.

Castle Chateau Pitau, Moscow, Russia

This small-scale castle just 10km from Moscow is said to house a ghost who appears once a week at midnight. But don’t worry, this impressive rental sleeps nine people, so you can take backup.

As well as a phantom with fantastic timing, it’s also home to several swimming pools, a billiards room, a sauna and acres of gardens. There are plenty of places to escape the scary stories that haunt this chateau.

Find out more.

The Haunted Chamber Apartment, York, UK

This more than 600 year old, time capsule of a property captures the history behind the city of York in the UK’s north.

The apartment looks out over the iconic York Minster and is clad in characterful wooden panelling. Nearby attractions such as the York Dungeons and Hallowscream, hosted at York Maze, make this the perfect place for some festive frights.

More details here.

Bran Castle, Transylvania

A few years back, what has become known as Dracula’s own castle was listed on Airbnb as part of a competition which meant winners could stay there on Halloween night.

Surely the ultimate scary stay, guests slept in velvet-lined coffins and took a guided tour of the castle with Dacre Stoker – Bram Stoker’s great nephew.

While you can’t stay there right now, we’re staking our hopes on this becoming an annual tradition.