Southern Mansion

This 1860 Italianate mansion was the Allen family's seaside getaway for 83 years. The TAPS crew from Ghost Hunters spent a night here in 2010 and left with some interesting recordings.

Esther Allen still throws parties at the Southern Mansion. That's the simplest way to explain what happens here.

Philadelphia industrialist George Allen built the place in 1863, hiring architect Samuel Sloan -- who had just fled Mississippi when war descended on his unfinished masterpiece Longwood -- to design an Italianate villa for seaside entertaining. Allen had made his fortune selling uniforms to both Union and Confederate armies during the Civil War, and he spent it lavishly. Guest lists included the Prince of Wales, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, boxer Gene Tunney, and Will Rogers. During Prohibition, alcohol was smuggled from Cape May Point beaches to keep the gatherings going.

After George Allen's death, his great-niece Esther Mercur inherited the property and carried on the tradition of grand entertaining until she died in 1946. Her husband Ulysses then sold the mansion -- furnishings and all -- for just $8,000 to a couple named Curly, who chopped it into a boarding house. For nearly 50 years, the once-magnificent estate deteriorated, its exterior painted white, its grand rooms partitioned into cramped units.

The haunting began, or at least intensified, after Barbara Bray Wilde purchased and meticulously restored the property between 1994 and 1997. Paranormal investigators note that renovation of old buildings often stirs dormant spirits. The most active ghost is Esther herself. Tour guide Terrie Rosania describes her as "a joyful spirit who dances around the home." Staff and guests have seen her gliding through rooms, smelled her distinctive perfume wafting through the halls, and heard the rustle of her Victorian petticoats. She's been spotted in the kitchen, as if checking on party preparations that ended decades ago. Wine and champagne glasses have shattered for no reason. Others have been found with red lipstick on their rims -- Esther reportedly loved to drink.

Mary Curly, who ran the boarding house for years, also reportedly lingers. The temperature in certain rooms drops sharply and without warning. Guests have reported playful encounters: sheets moving beside them and toes being tickled under blankets. Investigators have photographed orbs and captured EVPs throughout the property.

In March 2010, The Atlantic Paranormal Society (TAPS) from SyFy's Ghost Hunters investigated the mansion in an episode titled "Touched by Evil." Bruce Tango, father of investigator Dave Tango, joined after experiencing firsthand activity at the location. The team heard footsteps walking around empty rooms. Dave Tango later declared the Southern Mansion "the most active location he ever set foot in," and TAPS members continue hosting paranormal events there.

The mansion now operates as Cape May's premier luxury bed-and-breakfast, ranking at the top of Haunted Rooms' list of most haunted hotels by state. Guests can still encounter its friendly spirits -- and perhaps join one of Esther's eternal parties.