The Whaley House Museum | San Diego, California

It was in 1852 when James Robinson, aka Yankee Jim, was executed on the spot where the house now stands. Whether Thomas and Anna Whaley knew of the location’s history isn’t known, but the events that followed were well-documented. According to reports, the ghost of Yankee Jim haunted both the house and the family.

He isn’t the only ghost there, however. The Whaley couple has been sighted, along with a young girl, and even the specter of a dog! In the 1960s, the Whaley House was classified by the U.S. Commerce Department as haunted due to the degree of paranormal activity it has exhibited.

The Myrtles Plantation | St. Francisville, Louisiana

Plantations are a symbol of slavery for many and are also the site of many tragic events across the history of America. The Myrtles Plantation is among the most recognizable, due to the paranormal activity that has been recorded within it. Built back in the 1700s, the plantation is said to be home to no less than 12 ghosts. Among them is a young girl people have named Chloe, who often shows up in photos taken on the property.

Currently, the plantation has been converted into a picturesque bed and breakfast. The ghosts have become part of the attraction, much to their credit.

The White House | Washington, D.C.

Given its colorful history and the illustrious personalities that have resided within its walls, it’s not too surprising that it also comes with its own set of ghosts. One of the most popular stories comes from President Ronald Reagan’s time. Legend says that he used to entertain guests, while his dog continued to bark at invisible specters. His daughter Maureen also once woke to find a figure looking out of the Lincoln Bedroom.

This wouldn’t be the first time President Abe Lincoln was spotted in the building either. There have been reports of séances throughout the years, which might have increased the degree of hauntings.

Franklin Castle | Cleveland, Ohio

Known as the most haunted house in Ohio, Franklin Castle’s reputation is certainly grim. It was built back in the 1800s by Hannes Tiedemann, known in the city for his cruel ways. The house’s history is marked by a number of mysterious deaths, including that of Tiedemann’s daughter Emma. She would be followed by Tiedemann’s mother, his three other children, and his wife. Many believe that he was responsible for their demise.

The property has changed owners many times and was rumored to have been used as a headquarters for Nazi spies. Perhaps not the best investment if you’re looking for lucrative real estate.

Biltmore | Asheville, North Carolina

It’s hard to tell at first glance, but this palatial residence is home to a number of specters—including the former owners who have yet to part with their beloved estate. The mansion was built in the 1800s by George Washington Vanderbilt II, who passed away in 1914. He left the property to his children, but they decided to open it to the public.

This event triggered the hauntings, which include disembodied voice and apparitions. It doesn’t help that the mansion has numerous hidden passageways, adding to its overall creepiness. With such protective ghosts around, who needs a home security system?

Amityville Horror House | Amityville, New York

The Amityville Horror House is, arguably, the most famous haunted house in the United States. Its notoriety only grew after its namesake book and film were released. As the story goes, Ronald DeFeo murdered his family as they slept—there was no clear motive. However, DeFeo would confess in court that voices from the home told him to do it.

Ownership of the house went to the Lutz family and they experienced countless terrors while living in it. The Lutz’s ended up moving just 28 days after. We hope they managed to sort out any home loans they took out for the property, at least!

Chateau de Trecesson | Brittany, France

From a distance, this imposing structure gives off a sense of foreboding. Surrounded by dark water, it certainly looks every bit the quintessential haunted manor. The legend goes that a thief had been circling the chateau, trying to break in, when he spotted two men digging a hole. He stuck around, unwittingly becoming a witness to a young woman dressed in bridal garb being buried alive.

Whether the legend is true or not, the chateau has since been deemed haunted by many locals. It remains privately owned and was listed in 2012 and is given credit as a historical monument by the French Ministry of Culture.

Chaonei No. 81 or Chaonei Church | Beijing, China

From the get-go, the property gives visitors a disclaimer: “there are no ghosts on the property” but ask any local and they are likely to tell you otherwise. The ghost haunting Chaonei No. 81 is said to be that of a government official’s mistress who took her own life after the official left her during the Communist war. Another legend suggests it was originally meant to be a church. But the British priest who commissioned it disappeared and construction was halted.

A very real story concerning three drunk construction workers who went missing in the property only served to boost the degree of its notoriety.

Morgan House | Kalimpong, India

This beautiful estate was the former home of a couple who are only known as Mr. and Mrs. Morgan. They began living in the property shortly after they were wed, but the marital bliss didn’t last for very long. According to the legend, Mr. Morgan was an abusive man, which led to Mrs. Morgan falling into unhappiness and depression. When she passed away, the husband abandoned their home.

It had previously been in a decrepit state but the Indian government put in investments to fix it up. It now operates as a boutique hotel and Mrs. Morgan’s ghost is often head walking in the hallways.

Casa Loma | Ontario, Canada

Castles seem to be a favorite haunt for ghosts of yore and the Casa Loma in Ontario, Canada is no exception. It was built in 1914 by Sir Henry Pellat for his wife, Lady Mary Pellat. The Pellats are said to be among the ghosts still walking the grounds to this day.

There have been sightings of Sir Henry looking out of the windows and Lady Mary was said to have a habit of turning off cameras whenever anyone attempts to take a snapshot of her. The castle is open to visitors, just make sure you approach it with a degree of caution.