The Mount – Haunted Estate in Lenox, Massachusetts

The Mount, located in the picturesque town of Lenox, Massachusetts, is best known as the former home of famed author Edith Wharton. Built in the early 20th century, this grand estate reflects Wharton’s taste for design, literature, and European elegance.

But beneath its beauty lies a darker reputation — whispers of eerie apparitions, unexplained noises, and chilling encounters have earned The Mount a spot on lists of the most haunted places in New England.

Whether tied to Edith herself, her troubled marriage, or the countless staff and visitors who passed through, the hauntings at The Mount have made it a magnet for ghost hunters and thrill-seekers alike.

Historical Background

• Year Built: 1902
• Original Purpose: Private residence for Edith Wharton
• Significant Events:
  • Edith Wharton designed The Mount herself, drawing inspiration from European estates.
  • Wharton’s troubled marriage led to her husband, Edward, suffering severe depression, casting a shadow over their time there.
  • After the Whartons left in 1911, the estate changed hands multiple times, serving as a private residence, dormitory, and even an art center.
  • The estate’s long history saw stories of illness, heartache, and unexplained deaths among staff and residents.

Paranormal Activity Summary

The Mount’s reputation for paranormal activity has grown over the decades.

• Common occurrences:
  • Footsteps echoing through empty hallways.
  • Doors creaking open and slamming shut on their own.
  • Phantom laughter and whispers, often near the grand staircase.
  • Unexplained cold spots, even in summer months.
• Patterns:
  • Many visitors report sudden feelings of dread or unease in specific rooms.
  • Apparitions often appear in period clothing, hinting at connections to Edith Wharton’s era.
• Notable ghostly figures:
  • A shadowy woman believed to be Edith herself, seen walking the halls.
  • A male figure, possibly Edward Wharton, lingering near the master bedroom.
  • Unidentified spectral servants, still tending to their duties in the kitchen and stables.

Ghost Stories & Reports

The Mount is awash in ghost stories, with some visitors leaving shaken by their encounters.

• Who are the ghosts?
  • Edith Wharton’s spirit is said to walk the halls, protective of her beloved creation.
  • Edward Wharton’s forlorn presence lingers near their former bedroom, tied to the emotional anguish he endured.
  • Several spectral house staff are said to be seen, particularly near the old servant quarters and kitchen areas.
• What do visitors report?
  • Guests often feel invisible hands brushing against them.
  • Disembodied voices are heard calling names, often just beyond earshot.
  • Paranormal teams have recorded distinct EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomenon) of whispers saying “leave” or “help me.”
• Local folklore:
  • Some believe Edith’s spirit remains at The Mount because it was her true refuge, a rare place where she found creative freedom despite her personal struggles.
  • A local tale suggests a servant, dismissed under mysterious circumstances, cursed the property before her death — though no historical record confirms this.

Most Haunted Spot Inside

• The Second Floor Gallery: This long hallway connecting bedrooms is notorious for phantom footsteps, flickering lights, and the unsettling sensation of being followed.
• The Library: Guests have reported seeing Edith’s spectral figure seated at her writing desk, sometimes turning to look at visitors before vanishing.

Can You Visit?

• Open to the Public? Yes
• Entry Fee: Varies by season, typically around $20 for general admission
• Tour Availability: Guided daytime tours and seasonal ghost tours offered
• Photography Allowed? Yes (restrictions apply during certain tours)
• Visiting Hours: Generally 10 AM to 5 PM, with special hours for ghost tours

Best Time to Visit

• September to October: The fall season is especially active, with numerous reports of ghostly encounters during the estate’s popular Halloween ghost tours.

First-Hand Accounts & Eyewitness Reports

• In 2009, a paranormal investigation team captured audio of a woman humming near the grand staircase, though no one was present at the time.
• A guest attending a wedding reported seeing a ghostly woman in 1900s attire watching from an upstairs window — long after the building had been locked for the night.
• Several overnight staff have quit after experiencing inexplicable cold blasts, objects moving on their own, and a constant feeling of being watched.

Paranormal Investigations & Findings

• Featured on Paranormal State: The popular ghost hunting show conducted an extensive investigation at The Mount, capturing EVPs and documenting shadow figures on thermal cameras.
• TAPS (The Atlantic Paranormal Society) also investigated the site, confirming elevated electromagnetic readings and capturing disembodied footsteps on audio.
• Local paranormal groups frequently hold events at The Mount, often reporting EVP responses to direct questions and occasional apparitions.

Safety Warnings & Legal Restrictions

• Visitors are warned to stay with their group during ghost tours — the estate’s vast size and maze-like corridors make it easy to become disoriented after dark.
• Certain upper-floor rooms are off-limits due to delicate preservation work.