The McInteer Villa is indeed a historic house located in Atchison, Kansas. Built in 1889 by John McInteer, an Irish immigrant and successful businessman, the villa is known for its Victorian Gothic architecture. The house features unique design elements such as stained glass windows, intricate woodwork, and ornate fireplaces. Over the years, it has become a popular site for ghost tours and paranormal investigations due to numerous reports of unexplained activities and sightings.
Architecture
The McInteer Villa is a prime example of Victorian Gothic architecture, characterized by its elaborate and ornate design. Key features include:
Stained Glass Windows: The villa boasts beautiful stained glass windows that add color and elegance to the interior.
Intricate Woodwork: The woodwork inside the house is detailed and handcrafted, showcasing the craftsmanship of the period.
Ornate Fireplaces: Multiple fireplaces throughout the villa are adorned with intricate designs and carvings.
Turrets and Spires: The exterior features distinctive turrets and spires, contributing to its Gothic appearance.
History
John McInteer: John McInteer was an immigrant from Ireland who made his fortune in the harness and saddle business. He built the villa in 1889 as a testament to his success.
Ownership: After McInteer’s death in 1902, the villa changed hands several times. It has been used as a private residence, a boarding house, and even a funeral parlor at one point.
Historic Preservation: The villa has been preserved over the years, maintaining much of its original charm and architectural integrity.
Ghost Stories and Paranormal Activity
The McInteer Villa is famous for its ghost stories and paranormal activities. Some of the commonly reported phenomena include:
Apparitions: Sightings of ghostly figures, believed to be former residents or visitors.
Unexplained Sounds: Visitors often report hearing footsteps, whispers, and other unexplained noises.
Cold Spots: Sudden drops in temperature in certain areas of the house.
Moving Objects: Reports of objects moving on their own, such as doors opening and closing.
The villa has been the subject of numerous paranormal investigations, and many visitors claim to have experienced something unusual during their stay.
Detailed History
John McInteer and the Construction
John McInteer immigrated to the United States from Ireland in the mid-19th century. He established himself as a successful businessman in the harness and saddle trade. In 1889, he commissioned the construction of the McInteer Villa, a symbol of his prosperity. The villa was designed with the finest materials and craftsmanship of the era, reflecting McInteer’s wealth and status.
Subsequent Owners and Uses
After McInteer’s death in 1902, the villa was sold to various owners. Each brought their own changes and uses to the property:
Boarding House: For a time, the villa served as a boarding house, hosting a variety of tenants.
Funeral Parlor: At one point, the villa was used as a funeral parlor, which has added to its haunted reputation.
Private Residence: Over the years, it has also been a private residence for various families.
Architectural Details
Exterior
Brick Construction: The villa is primarily constructed from red brick, giving it a sturdy and timeless appearance.
Gothic Elements: Features such as pointed arches, steep gables, and decorative trim are characteristic of the Gothic Revival style.
Porches and Balconies: The house includes several porches and balconies, enhancing its grandeur and offering views of the surrounding area.
Interior
Grand Staircase: The entrance hall features a grand staircase with finely crafted woodwork, making a striking first impression.
Parlor Rooms: The villa has multiple parlor rooms, each with its own fireplace and unique decorative elements.
Original Fixtures: Many of the original light fixtures and hardware remain intact, offering a glimpse into the design aesthetics of the late 19th century.
Ghost Stories and Paranormal Investigations
Common Reports
Ghostly Figures: Visitors and paranormal investigators have reported seeing apparitions, often described as figures in period clothing.
Phantom Sounds: Sounds such as disembodied voices, footsteps, and even music have been reported, particularly in the evening and at night.
Cold Spots: Sudden and unexplained drops in temperature are frequently noted, especially in certain rooms and hallways.
Object Movement: Witnesses have claimed to see objects move on their own, such as doors opening and closing and furniture shifting position.
Notable Investigations
Paranormal TV Shows: The villa has been featured on several paranormal investigation TV shows, where crews have documented their findings using various equipment such as EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomenon) recorders and thermal cameras.
Local Paranormal Groups: Local ghost hunting groups regularly visit the villa, often reporting consistent findings of paranormal activity.
Public Tours: The villa offers ghost tours to the public, where guides share stories of the villa’s haunted history and visitors can experience the eerie atmosphere for themselves.