The Harry Packer Mansion
image from: http://www.murdermansion.com/index.html
Does the Harry Packer Mansion look familiar to you?
If you’ve ever been to Walt Disney World, then it might ring a bell. The facade of the Harry Packer Mansion was reportedly the inspiration and model for the Disney World ”Haunted Mansion”.
The Harry Packer Mansion is located in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania and is now used as an Inn.
image from: www.duke.edu/
A man named Asa Packer built this stately Italianate style home in 1874 as a wedding gift for his son Harry. Asa Packer was a wealthy railroad baron who also founded Lehigh University. The red brick 2.5 story home was designed by Philadelphia architect Addison Hutton.
imag from: www.carboncourts.com
In 1880, after his father’s death, Harry added the front veranda and the study wing. These additions were designed by renowned Quaker architect Addison Hutton. The veranda is constructed of New York Blue stone and still boasts its original Mahogany ceiling and tile floor. Herter Brothers of New York City were commissioned to finish the interior following the renovations.
- from: http://www.murdermansion.com
Have a look inside…
image from: http://www.murdermansion.com/
The interior features 15 foot ceilings, marble fireplaces, gilded mirrors, period antiques, artwork, and luxurious fabrics.
image from: http://www.murdermansion.com/
Below is the magnificent study…
image from: http://www.murdermansion.com/
The mansion wasn’t always this grand, however.
image from: http://www.murdermansion.com/
During the twentieth century the estate became rundown and neglected. It was apparently even abandoned for a period of time. By the 1980′s the plumbing and heating systems were shot and the roof was falling in. The forlorn mansion was purchased by brave new owners in 1983. They spent many years restoring the home to its former glory.
image from: http://www.murdermansion.com/
The work and money they must have poured into this place is truly jaw-dropping. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: there’s a special place in heaven for people who undertake these restorations!
image from: http://www.murdermansion.com/
In addition to being a full service inn, the Mansion also hosts “Murder Mystery Weekends, First Friday Wine Tastings, Private Functions and Self-Guided Tours.”
image from: http://www.murdermansion.com/
This is the famous veranda:
image from: http://www.murdermansion.com/
Breakfast anyone?
And have a look at some of the elegant guest rooms….
image from: http://www.murdermansion.com/
image from: http://www.murdermansion.com/
image from: http://www.murdermansion.com/
image from: http://www.murdermansion.com/
image from: http://www.murdermansion.com/
The original carriage house has also been restored and can accommodate guests as well.
image from: http://www.murdermansion.com/
image from: http://www.murdermansion.com/
The entire property really does have a haunting quality about it. However, the mansion doesn’t actually have any tawdry true-life tales of murders or mysterious deaths. Yes, the staff do conduct a fun ’murder mystery’ dinner for guests at the Inn, and it is rumoured to be haunted, but I could find no actual accounts of hauntings or ghosts (or murders) at the mansion.
image from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:HarryPackerMansion.jpg (by: KForce)
It simply has gained its reputation from looking spooky - and having been abandoned for years.
The house’s website assures potential guests that it is no longer a spooky place.
For more information please see the official Harry Packer Mansion website.
2 Responses to The Harry Packer Mansion
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I am speechless on the veranda, just a wonderful!! Walt Disney’s Haunted house is a personal favorite of mine too. You have found a golden nugget in a crowd of historic places!
Such a grand and “spooky” place – would love to spend a weekend there!