The home buying frenzy that started in 2020 is certainly cooling down, as interest rates on mortgages climb over 7% for a 30-year fixed rate and 6.5% for a 15-year fixed rate. Current market conditions seem to be shifting in favor of the buyer, as far as actual home prices are concerned. Clearly, rising interest rates are another story. But regardless of whether you're buying or selling or just curious, this home listing I recently stumbled upon should at least provide some intrigue.

If you've ever wanted to live the high life in over 8,000 square feet with grand Gothic features including a widow's peek, then look no further. The Hagerstown, MD property once dubbed "Oak Hill," is actually two separate units on adjacent properties. From the street, however, it's clear why all this can be yours for only $200k. What was once an elaborate garden-style front entry stairs is now overgrown and literally in a shadow of its former glory:

If it looks a bit rough around the edges from the curb, a quick peruse of the listing photos paint a similar picture:

So that's what's being offered. But just how did the house get to the condition it sits in today? Interestingly enough, the house has long documented history. The paper trail begins in 1817, when the land was purchased by Elie Beatty for $6000, consisting of 78.75 acres, houses, buildings, orchards, water, and water courses. Sophia B. Merrick then acquired the property in 1846 and later described a "manor house" which matches the description of the original house: "a two-story block with a basement kitchen." Sometime between 1846 and 1866, a two-story wing was added. In 1868, William T. Hamilton, who had just been elected to the Maryland General Assembly in 1846, purchased the home. Hamilton would go on to be elected Governor of Maryland in 1879 and served in such capacity from 1880 to 1884. It was he who had additions built around 1875, giving the mansion its now distinct neo-Gothic features: the third story and gated tower lookout. He also added the three bedroom guest house and carriage house. The following image is from the 1877 Atlas of Washington County:

The house remained with Hamilton's eldest daughter Julia Hamilton Briscoe until 1922, when John Stonebraker and his wife purchased the house. In 1941, Mr. and Mrs. Philo A. Statton acquired it. The following is home footage of the Statton family in and around the house:

Here is a photo, from the Maryland Historical Trust, of "Oak Hill" as it looked in April 1976:

The home remained with the Stattons for over 40 years until Lyle Brennen purchased the property in 1986. Twenty-three carpenters were enlisted to renovate and restore the historic house, all putting in a full year's of work on the house to update it and restore it to its former glory. Finally, the house again changed hands in October 1994 for the sum of $400,000. The latest owners, now presumed sellers, Bruce and Kathleen Hynes revealed that they shared the house with an active ghost. They believe this ghost to be the spirit of Clare Hamilton, daughter of William T. Hamilton, who died at an early age. Supposedly, she is a happy spirit who jumps on beds and runs up and down the second floor hall. It is unclear if Clare was living in the house at the time of her death, but the evidence suggests it is likely that she did.

And so, there you have it: a house, history, and now apparently a real-life haunted mansion. There's no denying the history, architectural beauty, and finely-detailed interior. The ghost may be up for debate, but just how much of a money pit does this rough diamond end up becoming is my question.