Van Horn Mansion — Attraction in Town of Newfane

I'm surprised at the interest in this place. Evening tours through a building with pathetic lighting. You can't see any of the details of this mansion in the dark unless you bring a flashlight. That being said, if everybody had flashlights it would be like attempting a second life as a firefly in a tin can. The place smells very musty, and the decor has been thrown together, with odd items donated or retrieved from the period stacked against walls in various rooms. The stories of untimely deaths in the "mansion" are entirely speculated as the young woman who allegedly haunts the place died in childbirth; not uncommon for the time. Many of the visitors are attempting to catch orbs in their cameras or carrying instruments designed to find ghosts. Nothing seen on this trip. However, if you really want to hear about history and experience a mini-trip back to another era, then visit Dundurn Castle in Hamilton, Ontario. This Irish mansion/castle is a true replica to the period, with a lengthy tour provided by "maids" and other house servants, dressed in period attire, who lead you through the house from the bottom up, showing you what life was like for servants of the period, and the vast differences in economic wealth between servants and their "masters". For me, this was a fascinating journey, showing how hard early immigrants worked to build a life in "servitude", indentured to their jobs, much like slavery in our country. The Van Horn Mansion could be, and should be, similarly run as a business, as its potential link to the underground railroad, IMO is far more stimulating than ghosts, and far more worthy of protection. The Underground Railroad represents a fascinating time in our history as a country, where people defied the government in the interest of humanity. It is chilling to note how this activity mimics critics of today, who are criticized for failing to stand behind a president who chooses to exclude humanity from his decision making, in the furtherance of world power and domination. Fortunately, like the Underground Railroad, cooler heads prevail, and compassion for those in need survives...

Love this place. I am a 13 year old medium and this was the best ghost place I’ve ever really been to. I’ve been here 3 times in the past years and I have never been failed with the activity not to mention how gorgeous the mansion is. First time (candle light tour) I saw the dolls eyes in the kids room glow second time I saw a blonde woman in a long Victorian nightgown in the mirror in the attic and a little girl in the vanity mirror. I will never forget them. The third time was near Christmas. It felt normal as usual felt energies looking at us by the piano near the fire place. I had a dress on and I felt the end of it being played with. I felt someone standing behind me. A really tall person so that was scary. 😭 it was a male energy. then at the end my sister and my mother starting feeling so much pain on there backs. I felt immense pressure on my shoulders and I wanted to scream but I didn’t want to tell the tour lady that (they are all so kind oh my gosh their energy’s are great) something was trying to make an attachment. When we got home my mothers back was red and had a scratch on it. This was the most activity we’ve ever gotten for we were the only ones on the tour at the time. When I was in the attic I saw a panting of a woman both me and my mom thought she looked familiar? But just a few days ago I went to an old vintage antique store that was also haunted and we saw the same painting there. Then my mother starting feeling the same pain she did when she went to van horn. I later felt pain on my back. I honestly absolutely love this place and I hope to...

My girlfriend and I went to the Candlelight Tour that they're putting on this month, and honestly, it was pretty cool. There is a lot more history within the property and the mansion itself than I thought. The Newfane Historical Society does a great job at maintaining the grounds and building, and they obviously love doing it because the entire place is beautiful. There are so many stories that I would have to recommend doing your own research on top of everything the mansion gives you. The building has been restored to the Victorian Era, and it's mind boggling how much it takes you back when you enter the building. I could write on and on, but I have to get back to work! I highly recommend taking a trip out and visiting the Van Horn Mansion, whether it be this month for the Candlelight Tours or on their open days for the museum....